Occupational therapy students' use of social media for professional practice

Background. The use of social media for professional practice is an emerging trend for healthcare professionals; however, limited literature exists on the phenomenon. Social media usage is prevalent among students, as it is incorporated into many health professions education curricula. This poses potential ethical dilemmas.Objective. To examine the nature of social media usage and knowledge of ethical considerations by occupational therapy (OT) students for professional purposes.Methods. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered to the entire cohort of OT students (N=128) enrolled at the University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa in 2016. Data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel 2013 (Microsoft, USA).Results. The most commonly used device to access social media was mobile phones, with WhatsApp and YouTube frequently used for both general and professional purposes. Uses included accessing social media for developing professional skills and knowledge, and in fulfilling academic requirements. Ethical dilemmas were evident among students, who indicated that social media ethical considerations should be incorporated into the curriculum.Conclusion. The study highlighted that most students use some form of social media as part of their professional practice, which has the potential to be used effectively to enhance learning opportunities. Future studies of a qualitative nature could shed light on students' perceptions of social media and practical implications for practice

Fieldwork practice for learning: lessons from occupational therapy students and their supervisors

Background. Fieldwork practice forms a vital part of occupational therapy (OT) education and contributes significantly to competent practice and students' clinical reasoning. Students' learning is positively or negatively influenced by their fieldwork experience. Objective. To explore the views and experiences of final-year OT students, site-based clinicians and university-based academic supervisors to identify strategies that influenced students' learning during fieldwork practice. Methods. This descriptive qualitative study used a purposeful sampling technique. Data collection strategies included focus group discussions with clinical and academic supervisors and semistructured interviews with final-year students. Each set of data was analysed according to the research questions. The researcher analysed the data into themes, which were corroborated by a supervisor. Data source and analyst triangulation ensured trustworthiness of the study. Results. Two themes, i.e. difficulties experienced by students during fieldwork and supervision strategies that they found beneficial for learning, are described. Guidance and mentoring from experienced therapists helped students to link observations from assessments and intervention plans. Observations of treatment sessions, peer learning and practice in the skills laboratories were beneficial for learning, competence and confidence. Guided questions from supervisors to enhance reflexive practice and peer learning strengthened the students' confidence and ability to give feedback to their peers. The students also benefited from sessions that allowed them the freedom and space to work autonomously. Conclusion. This study provides insight into the difficulties that students experienced when engaging with fieldwork and offers some strategies that have been found to advance their learning

The Implications of HIV Infection on the Management of Valvular Heart Disease in Southern Africa

There is very limited information on the disease profi le and treatment approaches in HIV patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) in developing countries. HIV infection impacts on patients with VHD in three settings: HIV/ Aids as a comorbid disease in patients with underlying valve disease; infective endocarditis secondary to immunosuppression; and non-infective valve involvement from myocardial failure or from marantic endocarditis. The clinical presentation of infective endocarditis does not differ between HIV and non-HIV patients; with the exception that intravenous drug abuse is a common cause in specific populations. While peri-operative mortality and morbidity is high in acute infective endocarditis; surgical interventions do not increase the postoperative risk for complications or death and should therefore not be withheld. There is also little evidence to suggest that HIV or antiretroviral drugs increase the rate of cardiac-related pregnancy complications or that pregnancy may alter the course of HIV infection. Since antiretroviral therapy has been associated with considerable improvement in clinical status prior to surgery; as well as in long term outcomes; all patients with valve disease in whom intervention is likely should undergo HIV testing and staging so that highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) may be instituted timeously. Conclusion: The high prevalence of HIV in our population makes consideration of this comorbidity an essential facet in the routine evaluation and management of patients with VHD. There is solid evidence that these patients do no worse than non-HIV patients undergoing medical treatment or percutaneous/surgical intervention - open-heart surgery may be offered safely to patients with HIV if proper precautions are taken

Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy : Cardiovascular Topic

This study was a retrospective review of patient charts of a relatively large number of patients with cardiac disease in pregnancy in a developing country. Ninety-five patients were evaluated; the majority (n = 36) were in the age group 21-25 years. Rheumatic heart disease was the commonest aetiology; eight women required balloon mitral valvuloplasty and one had a valve replacement at 32 weeks' gestation. There were no maternal deaths but morbidity was high; 13 patients were admitted in cardiac failure; nine had atrial fibrillation and three required intensive-care management. There were 86 live births of the 97 deliveries. Cardiac disease in pregnancy is associated with high maternal morbidity and adverse foetal outcomes; this was related to late presentation and problems with anticoagulation. Clinical assessment remains a key factor in timeous referral and appropriate investigations