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1.
Child Abuse Negl ; 152: 106749, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581770

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: History of childhood trauma as a risk factor for alcohol misuse in early adulthood is very well documented. Given the associations between childhood trauma and alcohol misuse, more work is needed to understand the factors that influence this relationship. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood trauma, minimization of such events and alcohol misuse in a French college student sample. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit students from several colleges located in Western France. The data set included 1180 records with complete responses. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional online survey. Data collection instruments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). RESULTS: The strength of the association between CTQ score and AUDIT total score was increased by minimization score (ß = 0.122, p = .07). This result suggests that under-reporting childhood trauma experiences tends to increase the impact of such events on alcohol misuse. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a tendency to minimize threatening childhood events may specifically be related to increased risk of greater alcohol misuse among college students. Therefore, it may be important for clinician to assess minimization of early events in students with a history of childhood trauma.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Students , Humans , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Young Adult , Students/psychology , Students/statistics & numerical data , France/epidemiology , Universities , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Surveys and Questionnaires , Alcohol Drinking in College/psychology , Alcoholism/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Adult , Child
2.
OTJR (Thorofare N J) ; 44(1): 67-77, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37264602

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the barriers to engagement in activity and consumer satisfaction in inpatient settings. Participants were current inpatient consumers and completed an online anonymous survey. This included the Mental Health Satisfaction Improvement Program (MHSIP), Leisure Boredom Scale (LBS), and the Checklist of Leisure Interests and Participation (CLIP). A total of 57 participants partially completed the survey with 41 completed responses. Participants reported several barriers to engagement, including lack of staff, limited social engagement, limited range of activity, and a lack of resources. Most participants reported to be either "very satisfied" (24.24%) or "somewhat satisfied" (36.36%) with the level of activity offered. Participants reported to be bored due to a limited occupational range offered in the mental health inpatient unit. Participants identified the need for assistance in the facilitation of activity.


Subject(s)
Inpatients , Mental Health , Humans , Inpatients/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Personal Satisfaction , Leisure Activities
3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38071954

ABSTRACT

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Seated activities are attributed to increased sedentary behaviour (SB) and adverse health effects, but little is currently known about university students' SB, particularly study-related SB. This study describes the sociodemographic variations of domain-specific SB in regional Australian university students and the contribution of study-related SB to total SB. METHODS: Self-reported daily SBs from a cross-sectional survey of 451 students were used. Domain-specific and total SB were described within sub-groups, and differences examined using independent t-tests. Multinomial regression was used to examine the association of tertiles of duration in study-related SB with total and other domain-specific SBs. RESULTS: Study participants were a median age of 21 (19-25 years), mostly female (76%) and represented different years of study. On average, students spent 882 ± 292 min/day in total SB, with most SB occurring in the study, screen time and 'other activity' domains. No sociodemographic variations were found in total SB, but significantly higher study-related SB were reported by students studying full time (p < .001) and who moved from their family home to study (p < .022). Study-related SB contributed 36% of total SB, with students most sedentary during study having the highest total SB. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests university students have high levels of SB, primarily in the domains of study, screen time and other activities. SB reduction strategies in universities and targeting screen time, across various sociodemographic groups (e.g., gender, university enrolment status, and living arrangements), may be important in reducing SB in university students. SO WHAT?: University students are highly sedentary and should be included in SB programs especially students studying full time and those who moved from their family home in the study domain.

4.
Children (Basel) ; 10(4)2023 Apr 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37189954

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Midwives working in settings with limited clinical resources experience high rates of very early neonatal deaths. Midwives manage the impact of this grief and trauma almost daily, which may affect patient care and their own well-being. RESEARCH AIMS: To explore how midwives are impacted by and cope with high rates of very early neonatal deaths. To document midwives' insights and local solutions that may reduce very early neonatal deaths in limited resource settings. To document the stories of midwives in order to create awareness and garner support for midwives and their critical work in low resource settings. METHODS: Narrative inquiry utilizing semi structured interviews. Twenty-one midwives with at least six months experience who had experienced or witnessed very early neonatal death were interviewed. Data were audio recorded and transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Three themes were identified: (1) deep sadness resulting from very early neonatal deaths leading to internal struggles; (2) use of spirituality, including prayer and occasional beliefs that unexplainable deaths were 'God's plan'; and (3) development of resilience by seeking solutions, educating themselves, taking accountability and guiding mothers. Participating midwives noted that inadequate staff and high caseloads with limited basic supplies hindered their clinical practice. Participants articulated that they concentrated on active solutions to save babies during labour, such as vigilant foetal rate heart monitoring and partogram. Further, reduction and prevention of very early neonatal death is a complex problem requiring multidisciplinary teams and woman-centred care approaches to address issues contributing to the health of mothers and their new-borns. CONCLUSIONS: Midwives' narratives highlighted ways of coping with grief and deep sadness, through prayer, and further education of both mothers and fellow colleagues to achieve better antenatal and intrapartum care and outcomes. This study gave midwives an opportunity for their voices to be heard and to generate solutions or insights that can be shared with colleagues in similar low-resource settings.

5.
PLoS One ; 17(6): e0269337, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35696357

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: People living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare chronic pain disorder, must become experts in their own self-management. Listening to the voice of the patient is often advocated in the pain literature. However, the patient's option is rarely asked for or considered by clinicians, even when they live with a condition that health professionals have rarely heard of. PURPOSE: To explore what people living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) think health professionals should know about their condition to provide appropriate care. DESIGN: A heuristic, hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted asking people about their experiences living with CRPS. This paper reports on the findings of an additional question asked of all participants. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen people living with complex regional pain syndrome were interviewed. FINDINGS: Overwhelmingly, participants felt that health professionals do not know enough about CRPS, or chronic pain and believe their health outcomes are affected by this lack of knowledge. Sub-themes identified were don't touch unless I say it is okay; be patient with the patient/ it is important to develop a relationship; educate yourself and educate the patient; choose your words carefully and refer to others as needed. An additional theme, it is very hard to describe CRPS was also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Including patients as a member of the healthcare team is recommended to help people take control and self-manage their pain. For true patient centered care to be achieved, health professionals must accept and respect patients' descriptions of pain and their pain experience. This may require additional health professional education at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in pain and communication to increase their bedside manner and therapeutic communication to deliver care in partnership with the patient.


Subject(s)
Chronic Pain , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes , Communication , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/therapy , Health Personnel , Humans , Patient-Centered Care
6.
Infect Dis Health ; 27(4): 211-218, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35690584

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing haemodialysis colonised with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) are commonly managed with transmission-based precautions (TBP) to prevent nosocomial transmission. TBP have been linked to mixed effects on patient psychological well-being and clinical care. This study was designed to report the lived experience of dialysis patients managed with TBP. METHODS: A qualitative study of 15 patients undergoing haemodialysis managed with TBP was performed. Participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed utilising an interpretive phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Four themes were identified. 1. Communication of what MDRO screening meant, the results, and implications of MDRO positivity was perceived by many patients as insufficient and inconsistent. 2. Experiences of care in isolation were described, with both positive (privacy) and negative (reduced interaction) experiences identified. 3. Psychosocial and emotional responses including concern about health implications and stigma were reported, but also screening was described by some as increasing their perception of being cared for by health care workers, as they felt all health risks were being managed. 4. Confusion around perceived inconsistencies of management, particularly across different environments (eg hospital vs home) and staff. CONCLUSION: TBP have complex positive and negative impacts on patients which should be considered when developing MDRO management policy and communication around such policy. Strategies to improve communication, patient and staff education, and remove (or explain) perceived inconsistencies of practice may reduce the negative consequences of TBP leading to improved delivery of quality, person-centred care.


Subject(s)
Health Personnel , Renal Dialysis , Humans , Qualitative Research
7.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth ; 22(1): 39, 2022 Jan 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35034616

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence successful neonatal resuscitation to inform clinical practice and reduce the incidence of very early neonatal death (death within 24 h of delivery). METHODS: This was a qualitative narrative inquiry study utilizing the 32 consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Audio-recorded, semistructured, individual interviews with midwives were conducted. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the midwives' responses revealed three factors that influence successful resuscitation: 1. Hands-on training ("HOT") with clinical support during live emergency neonatal resuscitation events, which decreases fear and enables the transfer of clinical skills; 2. Unequivocal commitment to the Golden Minute® and the mindset of the midwife; and. 3. Strategies that reduce barriers. Immediately after birth, live resuscitation can commence at the mother's bedside, with actively guided clinical instruction. Confidence and mastery of resuscitation competencies are reinforced as the physiological changes in neonates are immediately visible with bag and mask ventilation. The proclivity to perform suction initially delays ventilation, and suction is rarely clinically indicated. Keeping skilled midwives in labor wards is important and impacts clinical practice. The midwives interviewed articulated a mindset of unequivocal commitment to the baby for one Golden Minute®. Heavy workload, frequent staff rotation and lack of clean working equipment were other barriers identified that are worthy of future research. CONCLUSIONS: Training in resuscitation skills in a simulated environment alone is not enough to change clinical practice. Active guidance of "HOT" real-life emergency resuscitation events builds confidence, as the visible signs of successful resuscitation impact the midwife's beliefs and behaviors. Furthermore, a focused commitment by midwives working together to reduce birth asphyxia-related deaths builds hope and collective self-efficacy.


Subject(s)
Asphyxia Neonatorum/prevention & control , Clinical Competence , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Midwifery/methods , Resuscitation/methods , Adult , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Midwifery/education , Narration , Qualitative Research , Resuscitation/education , Tanzania , Workload
8.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg ; 116(5): 375-380, 2022 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34614194

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tanzania has approximately 40 000 newborn deaths per year, with >25% of these linked to intrapartum-related hypoxia. The Helping Babies Breathe© and Golden minute© (HBB©) programme was developed to teach skilled intervention for non-breathing neonates at birth. While Helping Babies Breathe© and Golden minute©, providing training in simulated bag and mask ventilation, is theoretically successful in the classroom, it often fails to transfer to clinical practice without further support. Furthermore, the proclivity of midwives to suction excessively as a first-line intervention is an ingrained behaviour that delays ventilation, contributing to very early neonatal deaths. METHODS: The 'champion' programme provided guided instruction during a real-life resuscitation. The site was Amana Hospital, Tanzania. The labour ward conducts 13 500 deliveries annually, most of which are managed by midwives. Brief mannikin simulation practice was held two to three times a week followed by bedside hands-on training (HOT) of bag and mask skills and problem solving while reinforcing the mantra of 'air, air, air' as the first-line intervention during a real-life emergency. RESULTS: Champion midwives (trainers) guided instructions given during a real emergency at the bedside caused learners beliefs to change. Trainees observed changes in baby skin colour and the onset of spontaneous breathing after effective ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Visible success during an actual real-life emergency created confidence, mastery and collective self-efficacy.


Subject(s)
Asphyxia Neonatorum , Midwifery , Perinatal Death , Asphyxia Neonatorum/therapy , Clinical Competence , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Midwifery/education , Pregnancy , Resuscitation/education , Tanzania
9.
J Pain ; 22(9): 1111-1128, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33892156

ABSTRACT

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has never comprehensively been examined from a lived experience perspective. Patients generally have a poorer quality of life than people with other chronic pain conditions. This study aimed to understand the essence of living with CRPS. Data were collected from 17 patients via in-depth interviews. Hermeneutic discussions with four health professionals generated deeper insights. Internet blogs and a book containing patient stories were included for theme verification and triangulation. CRPS is seen as a war-like experience and five themes were identified within the battle: "dealing with the unknown enemy", "building an armoury against a moving target", "battles within the war", "developing battle plans with allies" and "warrior or prisoner of war". Patients live with a chronic pain condition and experience problems unique to CRPS such as fear of pain extending to other parts of their body. Use of the model generated by this research may assist patient/clinician interactions and guide therapeutic discussions. Support for people living with CRPS does not always exist, and some healthcare professionals require additional education about the condition. Better health outcomes are experienced by patients when their personal situation and experiences are heard and understood by health care professionals. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the lived experience of CRPS. This information and the model generated can help clinicians to better understand their patients and deliver appropriate patient-centered care.


Subject(s)
Chronic Pain/psychology , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/psychology , Professional-Patient Relations , Adult , Humans , Personal Narratives as Topic , Qualitative Research
10.
Adapt Phys Activ Q ; 38(1): 25-42, 2021 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33207312

ABSTRACT

Wheelchair basketball (WCBB) often includes reverse integration (RI), defined as the inclusion of athletes without impairment in a sport traditionally aimed at athletes with an impairment. This study explored how RI in WCBB was understood by internal stakeholders. Data were gathered from athletes, coaches, and administrators at an Australian club competition and at a Canadian elite training center. Analysis of semistructured interviews with 29 participants led to the identification of eight themes. Collectively, the findings showed that RI was embedded within WCBB, RI was considered to be a way to advance the growth and improve the quality of WCBB as well as a way to increase awareness of WCBB and disability. There were some concerns that RI may not be equitable, as WCBB is a "disability sport." Stakeholders' perspectives on RI could provide useful information for sport policymakers, managers, administrators, sports organizations, and athletes interested in further developing WCBB.


Subject(s)
Basketball , Wheelchairs , Athletes , Australia , Canada , Humans
11.
Aust J Rural Health ; 27(6): 497-504, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31823424

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Students from regional and remote backgrounds are more likely to stay and work in regional and remote locations. Health students transition and retention at university impacts the retainment of a competent rural health workforce. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of allied health students as they reflected upon their first six weeks at university and identified strategies which enhanced these experiences. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Surveys were administered to students who then completed a reflection exercise. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and chi-squares. SETTING: An Australian regional university. PARTICIPANTS: First year occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors influencing the first 6 weeks at university. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three students participated. Homesickness was the major challenge in transitioning to university life. Subthemes identified were adjusting to being away from home, adjusting to university culture and the mature-aged student. Specific issues included a lack of familiarity with university campuses and services, being unprepared for the workload and confusion while learning new skills. CONCLUSION: Orientation week activities assist students transition into university and age-appropriate and family-friendly activities should be considered for mature-age students. All students were found to benefit from support to address economic pressures and skill development focusing on coping with university workload. The development of regional university policy including these strategies is likely to enhance student success.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Allied Health Personnel/education , Allied Health Personnel/psychology , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Universities , Adolescent , Australia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Occupational Therapy , Physical Therapy Specialty , Speech Therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
12.
Rural Remote Health ; 19(4): 5376, 2019 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31630527

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In most Western countries occupational therapy is well established as a crucial aspect of overall health care; however, in low-middle-income countries it is still an emerging profession. This article investigates the role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands by examining the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists (OTs) and other rehabilitation health workers who have worked there. METHODS: Using a qualitative research design, participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews, diary entries and observations of an occupational therapy setting in the Solomon Islands. Ten participants were interviewed. RESULTS: A significant role in health-promoting practices was revealed through the various tasks undertaken by OTs in the Solomon Islands, including influencing health policy and practice broadly through advocacy and education. Challenges relating to geography, cultural, language and resource barriers, and professional practice issues were identified. Implications for practice were drawn from the data including the need for culturally safe practice, pragmatism, creativity and practising across disciplinary boundaries. CONCLUSIONS: Results illustrate a clear role for occupational therapy in promoting health and sustainability of rehabilitation therapy services in the Solomon Islands, which also have relevance throughout Pacific island nations.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Occupational Therapists/psychology , Occupational Therapy/organization & administration , Professional Role , Rehabilitation/organization & administration , Cultural Characteristics , Health Policy , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Humans , Melanesia , Occupational Therapy/standards , Qualitative Research , Rehabilitation/standards
13.
Disabil Rehabil ; 40(17): 2093-2097, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28475409

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been documented as both beneficial and detrimental for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The varied experience highlights challenges associated with physical activity and MS, requiring a greater understanding of the experiences of exercise for individuals with MS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore how physical activity played a role in the life of a Paralympic Gold medallist. Carol was diagnosed with MS and went onto achieve the highest accolade in Paralympic sport. METHODS: Narrative inquiry, within a single-case design, explored how physical activity played a role in Carol's life. The narrative was analysed through the lens of a salutogenic framework, which explores how individuals create health despite adverse circumstances. FINDINGS: Carol's physical activity pathway explores life before and after her diagnosis, motivations to return to exercise and pathway to Paralympic Gold. Carol's experiences highlight how physical activity played a role during various stages of her life. Exercise had a significant role in Carol's life prior to diagnosis, it assisted in the management of MS and she cycled the elite level, winning a Paralympic Gold medal in para-cycling. Implications for Rehabilitation Physical activity has been reported as beneficial for multiple sclerosis management; however, there can be a fine line between the benefits and an overload that can harm. An elite athlete with multiple sclerosis maintained and sustained physical activity to the highest level in elite sport, incorporating a positive health outlook throughout different stages of her life. The case highlights how commitment and self-awareness of capabilities and limits may be useful self-management tools in increasing physical activity for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.


Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Exercise , Motivation , Multiple Sclerosis , Sports for Persons with Disabilities , Athletes/psychology , Attitude to Health , Disabled Persons/psychology , Disabled Persons/rehabilitation , Exercise/physiology , Exercise/psychology , Female , Humans , Life Change Events , Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis , Multiple Sclerosis/physiopathology , Multiple Sclerosis/psychology , Multiple Sclerosis/rehabilitation , Narration , Young Adult
14.
Australas J Ageing ; 37(1): 48-53, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29044886

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact on patient waiting times of a role substitution model introducing an advanced allied health practitioner as the first point of contact within a geriatric outpatient context. METHODS: A pre- to postintervention design was used to determine impact over a five-year period (2008-2012). All patients referred to the geriatric specialist outpatient department were included (n = 1514). Data relating to waiting times were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests to determine effects on patient waiting times. RESULTS: Waiting times were reduced from an average of 82 to as low as 35 days, in a context of increasing referral rates. Medical specialist capacity was increased through improvements to available outpatient times and reduced appointment lengths. Patients seen within their designated triage category timeframe increased from 47 to 86%. CONCLUSION: Health professional substitution in geriatrics can be an effective intervention for reducing patient waiting times and improving access to care.


Subject(s)
Allied Health Personnel/organization & administration , Ambulatory Care/organization & administration , Appointments and Schedules , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Health Services for the Aged/organization & administration , Patient Care Team/organization & administration , Referral and Consultation/organization & administration , Waiting Lists , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Chi-Square Distribution , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors
15.
Rural Remote Health ; 17(4): 3961, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29091738

ABSTRACT

New Guinea (PNG) has a special history in regard to the training of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and is currently preparing its frontline health workforce to serve the 85% of the total PNG population of 7.3 million people who live in rural and remote settings. This article identifies and explains the five major developmental stages in the current CHW training program, as well as the changes that have occurred over the past century. The developmental stages are: (1) traditional; (2) early contact; (3) innovation; (4) the 1980s; and (5) new millennium. These developmental stages are discussed in the context of the early literature and investigation by the primary author and examination of the lived experiences of early missionary health workers and local people. This paper documents the development of a CHW program in PNG from the colonisation period, which began in 1883, to the present day. As a developing nation, PNG has gone through many challenges and changes to its healthcare system and has gradually developed an effective program to train its frontline primary health care (PHC) workforce. This article contributes new information with regard to the past and current development of CHW programs in PNG as well as in other developing countries. The training of competent CHWs with the essential skills and knowledge may help deliver quality and cost-effective PHC services to the rural majority and the urban disadvantaged, thereby fulfilling the PNG government's National Health Plan for 2011-2020. Systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the CHW program will provide guidance for continued development of this frontline health workforce. Improving and introducing a competency-based curriculum is an essential step towards building a healthier nation.


Subject(s)
Community Health Workers/education , Curriculum , Education, Medical/organization & administration , Primary Health Care/organization & administration , Rural Health/education , Adult , Developing Countries , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Papua New Guinea , Young Adult
16.
Aust Occup Ther J ; 64(5): 400-407, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28503743

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Academic faculty are active contributors to the evidence base of the profession. Little is known about the research productivity of Australian occupational therapy academics. METHODS: A bibliographic analysis of Australian occupational therapy faculty websites and corresponding Scopus citation database profiles was conducted. A description of current research productivity benchmarks and relationships with holding a doctorate, academic appointment level and institutional characteristics were explored. RESULTS: The median H-index of Clinical and Associate Lecturers was 0, 1 for Lecturers, 4 for Senior Lecturers, 7.5 for Associate Professors and 13 for Professors. The number of publications and number of citing documents follows a Pareto tendency, where 20% of researchers are responsible for around 80% of the research track record of Australian occupational therapy academics. CONCLUSION: The findings provide a benchmark for Australian occupational therapy faculty research track records and associations with appointment levels. This benchmark differs across countries and disciplines. The results raise considerations for enhancing the overall research track record of occupational therapy academics.


Subject(s)
Faculty/statistics & numerical data , Occupational Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Research/statistics & numerical data , Universities/statistics & numerical data , Australia , Bibliometrics , Humans
17.
Respir Physiol Neurobiol ; 243: 55-59, 2017 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28554818

ABSTRACT

The current study examined the effect of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) within environments of differing temperature and humidity on several physiological and perceptual responses while performing six activities of daily living (i.e. putting on shirt/shoes/trousers, vacuuming, hanging towels, and walking on a treadmill). Sixteen healthy participants completed the activities of varying difficulty within four experimental conditions: with and without NIV; and in temperate (22°C, 40% relative humidity) and hot-humid environments (32°C, 70% relative humidity). Comparisons of physiological responses between conditions were examined via repeated measures ANOVAs. Overall, NIV resulted in similar physiological and perceptual responses within all environmental conditions for healthy participants. Further, NIV use increased heart rate during the most strenuous task (29.5±12.7 vs. 22.8±12.0bpm, p=0.008) indicating NIV use may stress cardiovascular functioning during moderate-high intensity activities. Tropical conditions did not alter physiological or perceptual responses during everyday tasks with NIV use by healthy adults. Future investigations examining the independent and combined impacts of task intensity, extreme environments and NIV use will clarify the benefits of NIV for healthy and clinical populations.


Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Body Temperature Regulation/physiology , Humidity , Noninvasive Ventilation/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Exercise , Female , Fingers/blood supply , Fingers/physiology , Healthy Volunteers , Heart Rate/physiology , Humans , Male , Noninvasive Ventilation/instrumentation , Young Adult
18.
J Adv Nurs ; 73(3): 574-584, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27809372

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This paper summarizes phenomenology and discusses how nurses can use their own experiences as data and maintain rigour within the method. It explores how data from researchers experiencing the phenomenon of interest could be used to explicate assumptions and pre-understandings and may also be used as data. BACKGROUND: While the ethnographic concept of insider research has gained popularity, the notion of researcher as participant in phenomenology is relatively new. The lived experience of a phenomenon is unique to each person and utilization of the nurse researcher's experiences of the phenomenon should be considered for inclusion as data. DESIGN: Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: Articles from 2001 - 2015 in the CINAHL and PubMed databases were identified using keywords such as 'insider research', 'phenomenology', 'bracketing' and 'qualitative research'. In addition, reference lists from articles used were examined to identify additional literature. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Phenomenology is a valuable research method. Usability, credibility, trustworthiness and auditability of data collected must be considered to ensure rigour and maintain orientation to the phenomenon under investigation. Nurse researchers may be interviewed as participants if these four principles are considered and methods used are made explicit. Utilizing appropriate research methods are as important as getting clinical practice correct to advance knowledge and benefit those under our care. CONCLUSION: We recommend using the researchers' experience as a data source to gain a complete picture of the phenomenon under investigation. Using the approach proposed here, nurses can ensure they are incorporating all data sources available while maintaining research rigour.


Subject(s)
Nursing Research/methods , Anthropology, Cultural
19.
J Aging Phys Act ; 24(4): 642-648, 2016 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27051071

ABSTRACT

Men with prostate cancer experience many side effects and symptoms that may be improved by a physically active lifestyle. It was hypothesized that older men with prostate cancer who were physically active would report significantly higher levels of quality of life (QOL) as assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Of the 348 prostate cancer survivors who were invited to participate in the present postal survey, 137 men returned the questionnaires. Those who were physically active had significantly lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores and higher social participation than those insufficiently active. These findings offer some support for the benefits of physical activity (PA) within the prostate cancer population in managing the adverse side effects of their treatments on aspects of their QOL. Future research should more closely examine what types of PA best promote improvements in varying aspects of QOL and psychological well-being for prostate cancer survivors.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Prostatic Neoplasms/psychology , Quality of Life , Survivors/psychology , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Male , Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood , Sedentary Behavior , Social Participation , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
J Sci Med Sport ; 19(9): 726-32, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26703238

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate research into the effectiveness of group-based sport and exercise programs targeting Indigenous adults on anthropometric, physiological and quality of life outcomes. DESIGN: A systematic review with quality assessment of study design. METHODS: A computer-based literature search of EBSCO, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Informit, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, Global Health, ProQuest and Discover databases was conducted. Methodological quality of individual articles was assessed using McMasters University Guidelines and Appraisal Forms for Critical Review for Quantitative Research. Results of the effectiveness of programs are then summarised. RESULTS: Six articles were identified with critical appraisal scores ranging from 6 to 12 (from a possible 15 points), with a mean score of 9.6. Five articles were of moderate to good quality. Significant improvements were observed in anthropometric, physiological and quality of life outcomes across all studies. Elements of successful group-based exercise and sport programs corresponded to global recommendations on physical activity for health for 18 to 64 year olds, and were implemented over a period of time ranging from 12 to 24 weeks to exhibit results, plus community consultation in developing programs and nutrition education. CONCLUSIONS: Group-based programs that include nutrition, exercise and/or sport components are effective in producing short to intermediate term health outcomes among Indigenous adults. Further high quality research, specifically on group-based modified sport programs for Indigenous adults that are culturally appropriate and aim to improve quality of life are needed.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Health Promotion/methods , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Quality of Life , Sports , Adult , Australia , Humans , Program Evaluation
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