Exploring the utility of measures of critical thinking dispositions and professional behavior development in an audiology education program.

BACKGROUND: Discussions about professional behaviors are growing increasingly prevalent across health professions, especially as a central component to education programs. A strong critical thinking disposition, paired with critical consciousness, may provide future health professionals with a foundation for solving challenging practice problems through the application of sound technical skill and scientific knowledge without sacrificing sensitive, empathic, client-centered practice. In this article, we describe an approach to monitoring student development of critical thinking dispositions and key professional behaviors as a way to inform faculty members' and clinical supervisors' support of students and ongoing curriculum development. PURPOSE: We designed this exploratory study to describe the trajectory of change for a cohort of audiology students' critical thinking dispositions (measured by the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory: [CCTDI]) and professional behaviors (using the Comprehensive Professional Behaviors Development Log-Audiology [CPBDL-A]) in an audiology program. Implications for the CCTDI and CPBDL-A in audiology entry-to-practice curricula and professional development will be discussed. RESEARCH DESIGN: This exploratory study involved a cohort of audiology students, studied over a two-year period, using a one-group repeated measures design. STUDY SAMPLE: Eighteen audiology students (two male and 16 female), began the study. At the third and final data collection point, 15 students completed the CCTDI, and nine students completed the CPBDL-A. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The CCTDI and CPBDL-A were each completed at three time points: at the beginning, at the middle, and near the end of the audiology education program. Data are presented descriptively in box plots to examine the trends of development for each critical thinking disposition dimension and each key professional behavior as well as for an overall critical thinking disposition score. RESULTS: For the CCTDI, there was a general downward trend from time point 1 to time point 2 and a general upward trend from time point 2 to time point 3. Students demonstrated upward trends from the initial to final time point for their self-assessed development of professional behaviors as indicated on the CPBDL-A. CONCLUSIONS: The CCTDI and CPBDL-A can be used by audiology education programs as mechanisms for inspiring, fostering, and monitoring the development of critical thinking dispositions and key professional behaviors in students. Feedback and mentoring about dispositions and behaviors in conjunction with completion of these measures is recommended for inspiring and fostering these key professional attributes.

Situating primary health care within the international classification of functioning, disability and health: enabling the Canadian Family Health Team Initiative.

Primary health care (PHC) mandates the provision of services delivered by a collaborative team of providers, ultimately to improve quality of care and health status. Considering the challenges related to interprofessional collaboration within novel PHC models, we explored how the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) could facilitate the enactment of PHC teams. The Canadian Family Health Team (FHT) initiative is used as an example. This paper will explore how the ICF could inform the development of a practice model to enable PHC. Three potential barriers to the envisioned enactment of PHC within the espoused Canadian FHT initiative are identified through a critical gaps analysis; lack of (i) philosophical grounding, (ii) developmental and operational directives, and (iii) evaluation methods. An ICF-informed practice model is proposed to overcome these potential barriers. It is argued that the proposed ICF-informed practice model has international implications as a unifying conceptual framework ideally situated to facilitate the provision of comprehensive evidence-based person-centered care by interprofessional collaborative teams within diverse PHC models.

Updating the Comprehensive Professional Behaviours Development Log.

PURPOSE: The Comprehensive Professional Behaviours Development Log (CPBDL) was designed as an explicit self-assessment tool to explore developing professional behaviours in entry-level master's of physical therapy students. The purpose of this project was to update the CPBDL to reflect current terminology and practice, using similar stakeholder involvement and consensus processes to those used in its initial development. METHODS: Nine individuals representing a range of stakeholder groups participated in two separate face-to-face meetings. The meetings followed the nominal group technique (NGT). The ideas derived from the NGT meetings were refined via the Delphi process until 80% consensus was reached. RESULTS: Eight of the original nine key professional behaviours were updated; one was deleted (Lifelong Learning). Many items within individual behaviours were merged or re-ordered. Items deemed to be obsolete were removed and new ideas were either added separately or incorporated into previously-written items. Some items were thought to belong better to different behaviours, so these were moved accordingly. Terminology was updated for items and for behaviour titles. DISCUSSION: The nine stakeholders involved in the updating process were satisfied with the new version of the CPBDL. The update better reflects current practices and can be adapted to settings outside physical therapy.

Effect of Early Mobility as a Physiotherapy Treatment for Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review of the effect of early mobility on length of stay (LOS), mortality, and clinical outcomes as a treatment for adults hospitalized with pneumonia. Method: An electronic search of four databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were (1) acute medical condition of pneumonia in adults and (2) early mobility intervention. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Four studies (three randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that early mobility did not reduce the risk of mortality compared with usual care (risk ratio 0.9 [95% CI: 0.27, 2.97]; p = 0.86) but did reduce the mean LOS (-1.1 days [95% CI: 2.21, -0.04]; p = 0.04). Early mobility also did not affect the rate of hospital readmissions or emergency department visits. One study demonstrated an improvement in functional exercise capacity and quality of life related to physical function and faster completion of a measure of activities of daily living. Conclusions: Early mobility reduced LOS in adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, although there was no effect on mortality or rate of hospital readmissions. Further research is needed to determine the effect of early mobility in this population and establish guidelines.

Objectif : analyse systématique de l'effet de la mobilité précoce sur la durée d'hospitalisation (DH), la mortalité et les résultats cliniques dans le traitement des adultes hospitalisés à cause d'une pneumonie. Méthodologie : recherche dans quatre bases de données. Les critères d'inclusion étaient 1) une pneumonie aiguë chez l'adulte et 2) une intervention de mobilité précoce. Les chercheurs ont procédé à l'évaluation de la qualité au moyen de l'échelle de la base de données de la physiothérapie fondée sur les preuves et de l'échelle de Newcastle-Ottawa. Résultats : quatre études (trois essais cliniques aléatoires et une étude de cohorte rétrospective) respectaient les critères d'inclusion. La méta-analyse a démontré que la mobilité précoce ne réduisait pas le risque de mortalité par rapport aux soins habituels (risque relatif de 0,9 [IC 95 % : 0,27, 2,97]; p = 0,86), mais réduisait la DH moyenne (−1,1 jour [IC à 95 % : 2,21, −0,04]; p = 0,040). Par ailleurs, la mobilité précoce n'avait pas d'incidence sur le taux de réhospitalisations ou de consultations à l'urgence. Une étude a démontré une amélioration de la capacité fonctionnelle à l'exercice et à la qualité de vie liée à la fonction physique ainsi qu'une exécution plus rapide des mesures d'activités de la vie quotidienne. Conclusion : la mobilité précoce réduisait la DH chez les adultes hospitalisés à cause d'une pneumonie extra-hospitalière, mais n'avait pas d'effet sur la mortalité ni sur le taux de réhospitalisations. Avant d'établir des lignes directrices, il faudra réaliser d'autres recherches pour déterminer l'effet de la mobilité précoce auprès de cette population.

Item generation and pilot testing of the Comprehensive Professional Behaviours Development Log.

The purpose of this project was to generate and refine criteria for professional behaviors previously identified to be important for physical therapy practice and to develop and pilot test a new instrument, which we have called the Comprehensive Professional Behaviours Development Log (CPBDL). Items were generated from our previous work, the work of Warren May and his colleagues, a competency profile for entry-level physical therapists, our regulatory code of ethics, and an evaluation of clinical performance. A group of eight people, including recent graduates, clinical instructors and professional practice leaders, and faculty members, refined the items in two iterations using the Delphi process. The CPBDL contains nine key professional behaviors with a range of nine to 23 specific behavioral criteria for individuals to reflect on and to indicate the consistency of performance from a selection of "not at all," "sometimes," and "always" response options. Pilot testing with a group of 42 students in the final year of our entry-to-practice curriculum indicated that the criteria were clear, the measure was feasible to complete in a reasonable time frame, and there were no ceiling or floor effects. We believe that others, including health care educators and practicing professionals, might be interested in adapting the CPBDL in their own settings to enhance the professional behaviors of either students in preparation for entry to practice or clinicians wishing to demonstrate continuing competency to professional regulatory bodies.

Understanding physiotherapists' roles in ontario primary health care teams.

PURPOSE: To understand physiotherapists' roles and how they are enacted within Ontario primary health care (PHC) teams. METHODS: Following a pragmatic grounded theory approach, 12 physiotherapists practising within Ontario PHC teams participated in 18 semi-structured in-depth in-person interviews. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, then entered into NVIVO-8. Coding followed three progressive analytic stages and was iterative in nature, guided by grounded theory. An explanatory scheme was developed. RESULTS: Physiotherapists negotiate their place within the PHC teams through five interrelated roles: (1) manager; (2) evaluator; (3) collaborator; (4) educator; and (5) advocate. These five roles are influenced by three contextual layers: (1) inter-professional team; (2) community and population served; and (3) organizational structure and funding. Canada's PHC mandate (access, teams, information, and healthy living) frame the contexts that influence role enactment. CONCLUSIONS: To fulfill the PHC mandate, physiotherapists carry out multiple roles that are based on a broad holistic perspective of health, within the context of a collaborative inter-professional team and the community, through an evidenced-informed approach to care. There appear to be multiple ways of successfully integrating physiotherapists within PHC teams, provided that role enactment is context sensitive and congruent with the mandate of PHC.

Objectif : Comprendre les rôles des physiothérapeutes et comment ils sont appliqués au sein des équipes de fournisseurs de soins de santé primaires en Ontario. Méthodes : Suivant une méthode théorique à base empirique pratique, 12 physiothérapeutes pratiquant dans des équipes de soins de santé primaires de l'Ontario ont participé à 18 entrevues personnelles détaillées semi-structurées. Toutes les entrevues ont été enregistrées, transcrites verbatim et entrées ensuite dans NVIVO-8. Le codage a suivi trois stades analytiques progressifs et était de nature répétitive, guidé par une théorie à base empirique. On a créé un système explicatif. Résultats : Les physiothérapeutes négocient leur place au sein des équipes de soins de santé primaires en jouant cinq rôles interdépendants : (1) gestionnaire; (2) évaluateur; (3) collaborateur; (4) éducateur; (5) représentant. Ces cinq rôles subissent l'influence de trois strates contextuelles : (1) équipe interprofessionnelle; (2) communauté et population desservies; (3) structure organisationnelle et financement. Le mandat du Canada au niveau des soins de santé primaires (accès, équipe, information et vie saine) circonscrit les contextes qui agissent sur les rôles joués. Conclusions : Pour s'acquitter du mandat relatif aux soins de santé primaires, les physiothérapeutes jouent de multiples rôles qui reposent sur une perspective holistique générale de la santé dans le contexte d'une équipe interprofessionnelle basée sur la collaboration et de la communauté, en suivant une approche des soins éclairée par des éléments probants. Il semble y avoir de multiples façons d'intégrer avec succès les physiothérapeutes dans les équipes de soins de santé primaires, à condition que les rôles joués soient contextualisés et conformes au mandat relatif aux soins de santé primaires.

The effect of abdominal support on functional outcomes in patients following major abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Immobility and pain are modifiable risk factors for development of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary morbidity after major abdominal surgery (MAS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal incision support with an elasticized abdominal binder on postoperative walk performance (mobility), perceived distress, pain, and pulmonary function in patients following MAS. METHODS: Seventy-five patients scheduled to undergo MAS via laparotomy were randomized to experimental (binder) or control (no binder) groups. Sixty (33 male, 27 female; mean age 58±14.9 years) completed the study. Preoperative measurements of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, perceived distress, pain, and pulmonary function were repeated 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. RESULTS: Surgery was associated with marked postoperative reductions (p<0.001) in walk distance (∼75-78%, day 3) and forced vital capacity (35%, all days) for both groups. Improved 6MWT distance by day 5 was greater (p<0.05) for patients wearing a binder (80%) than for the control group (48%). Pain and symptom-associated distress remained unchanged following surgery with binder usage, increasing significantly (p<0.05) only in the no binder group. CONCLUSION: Elasticized abdominal binders provide a non-invasive intervention for enhancing recovery of walk performance, controlling pain and distress, and improving patients' experience following MAS.

Physical therapy management for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a canadian practice survey.

PURPOSE: To determine current Canadian physical therapy practice for adult patients requiring routine care following cardiac surgery. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted of a selected sample (n=18) of Canadian hospitals performing cardiac surgery to determine cardiorespiratory care, mobility, exercises, and education provided to patients undergoing cardiac surgery. RESULTS: An average of 21 cardiac surgeries per week (range: 6-42) were performed, with an average length of stay of 6.4 days (range: 4.0-10.6). Patients were seen preoperatively at 7 of 18 sites and on postoperative day 1 (POD-1) at 16 of 18 sites. On POD-1, 16 sites performed deep breathing and coughing, 7 used incentive spirometers, 13 did upper-extremity exercises, and 12 did lower-extremity exercises. Nine sites provided cardiorespiratory treatment on POD-3. On POD-1, patients were dangled at 17 sites and mobilized out of bed at 13. By POD-3, patients ambulated 50-120 m per session 2-5 times per day. Sternal precautions were variable, but the lifting limit was reported as ranging between 5 lb and 10 lb. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian physical therapists reported the provision of cardiorespiratory treatment after POD-1. According to current available evidence, this level of care may be unnecessary for uncomplicated patients following cardiac surgery. In addition, some sites provide cardiorespiratory treatment techniques that are not supported by evidence in the literature. Further research is required.

Blunted cardiac autonomic responsiveness to hypoxemic stress in healthy older adults.

Supine resting cardiac dynamics and responses to steady-state hypoxemia were investigated in six healthy older (59-72 yrs) adults using coarse-graining spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and were compared to six young (22-29 yrs) adults studied previously (Lucy et al., 2000). End-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2) was clamped at 1-2 mmHg above the usual resting value for 11 min of euoxia (PETO2 100 mmHg), followed by 22 min of hypoxia (PETO2 55 mmHg). During euoxia, vagally mediated harmonic and fractal power of HRV of older adults was minimal. Hypoxia induced an increase in ventilation, p < 0.01, and heart rate, p < 0.05. The heart rate increase (mean +/- SE) of 0.23 +/- 0.08 beats.min-1 per 1% decrease in arterial O2 saturation was 25% of that demonstrated previously by young subjects, p < 0.001. In older adults, HRV spectral power remained unchanged during hypoxia, providing further evidence of an age-related blunting of cardiac autonomic function.