ABSTRACT
In this White Paper, we outline recommendations from the perspective of health psychology and behavioural science, addressing three research gaps: (1) What methods in the health psychology research toolkit can be best used for developing and evaluating digital health tools? (2) What are the most feasible strategies to reuse digital health tools across populations and settings? (3) What are the main advantages and challenges of sharing (openly publishing) data, code, intervention content and design features of digital health tools? We provide actionable suggestions for researchers joining the continuously growing Open Digital Health movement, poised to revolutionise health psychology research and practice in the coming years. This White Paper is positioned in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how digital health tools have rapidly gained popularity in 2020-2022, when world-wide health promotion and treatment efforts rapidly shifted from face-to-face to remote delivery. This statement is written by the Directors of the not-for-profit Open Digital Health initiative (n = 6), Experts attending the European Health Psychology Society Synergy Expert Meeting (n = 17), and the initiative consultant, following a two-day meeting (19-20th August 2021).
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , Health Promotion , Global HealthABSTRACT
Purpose To explore the conceptualisation and operationalisation of authentic assessment in work-based learning and research. Design/methodology/approach The relationship between authentic assessment and work-based learning and research is examined using a postgraduate degree program at a regional university in Australia as a case example to identify unique pedagogical features of work-based learning as they are linked to assessment. Findings A dynamic is created between formative and summative authentic assessment practices and the cross-current nature of learning in work and research, leading to a range of lifelong learning outcomes. A framework for such a dynamic is presented. Originality/value The pedagogy informing work-based learning emphasises developing higher-order thinking through reflective practice, developing competencies and capabilities associated with professional practice and developing academic writing and research skills to enhance professional identity at the postgraduate level for mid- to senior-career professionals. However, the relationship of authentic assessment to work-based learning and research has not been explicated in the literature and its application in post-COVID work environments has yet to be fully examined.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: For many surgeons the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 meant a downscaling of surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the measures taken on the care for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAOD) and acute limb ischemia (ALI). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the vascular practices of 2 major teaching hospitals in the Netherlands was performed. All interventions and outpatient visits for PAOD or ALI in 2020 were included. Patients treated in 2018 and 2019 were to serve as a control group. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In 2020, a total of 1513 procedures were performed for PAOD or ALI. This did not differ significantly from previous years. Overall, Fontaine 2 and 4 were the most frequent indications for intervention. A significant increase in the number of major amputations was observed in 2020 compared to 2018 (P< 0.01). This was mainly due to patients suffering from PAOD Fontaine 4. Inversely, a reduction in the number of femoro-popliteal bypasses was observed between 2020 and 2018. The number of outpatient visit due to Fontaine 2 was significantly lower in 2020 compared to 2018. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular practices of our hospitals were minimally influenced by the measures taken due to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. There was an increase in the number of amputation but an enormous surge in patients presenting with critical limb ischemia was not observed.
Subject(s)
Arterial Occlusive Diseases , COVID-19 , Peripheral Arterial Disease , Amputation, Surgical , Arterial Occlusive Diseases/epidemiology , Arterial Occlusive Diseases/surgery , COVID-19/epidemiology , Humans , Ischemia/diagnosis , Ischemia/epidemiology , Ischemia/surgery , Limb Salvage , Pandemics , Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis , Peripheral Arterial Disease/epidemiology , Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
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