Piloting an interprofessional chronic pain management program: Perspectives of health students and community clients.

Interprofessional learning (IPL) is vital for developing work-ready graduates of tertiary health professions and enhancing outcomes of patients with chronic pain. Twenty-two students from six health professions participated in or co-facilitated components of a 6-week group chronic pain management program. Twelve community clients with chronic pain and one family member participated. The program was piloted through the University of Tasmania Exercise Physiology Clinic and consisted of an initial assessment, weekly 1-hour group education sessions, and a 1-hour individualized, supervised exercise session. The program was evaluated using a constructivist approach via an investigator developed survey. Seven students and nine clients responded. A conventional content analysis was undertaken. Three categories were identified from students: Importance of IPL, Understanding Chronic Pain, and Improvement Suggestions. Three categories were identified from clients including Beneficial Aspects, Positive Peer Support, and Positive Pain Outcomes. Results indicate the program was beneficial for student learning and improved pain outcomes for participants. The model demonstrates value to student IPL and the potential to flexibly offer a real-world learning experience across many health professions, whilst addressing some of the common challenges associated with implementing IPL within curricula. The outcomes offer ways to explore sustainable implementation of the program long term.

Aged care staff's experiences of 'Better Oral Health in Residential Care Training': a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The The Better Oral Health in Residential Care (BOHRC) Training was rolled out to Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) across Australia in 2010. AIM: To examine aged care staff's views on the implementation of the BOHRC Training at their facilities; challenges that they faced in the provision of oral health care to residents and their training needs. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 20 staff across Tasmania. Interview data was thematically analysed. RESULTS: Major barriers reported were a lack of time, competing priorities, workload and staffing issues. The majority of participants did not receive the BOHRC training directly. Participants preferred to have practical, 'hands-on' training delivered on site at least every 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Oral hygiene training should be provided regularly to equip staff with knowledge and skills to overcome some of the challenges they face and to improve oral hygiene care provision to residents.