Teaching interprofessional collaboration: using online education across institutions.

Interdisciplinary courses among students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology are important for addressing teamwork, communication, and understanding of professional roles, especially in pre-service training for early intervention and school-based practice where collaboration is essential. Although interprofessional education (IPE) as a part of higher education in the health sciences has been strongly encouraged, IPE courses are difficult to schedule and implement. This article discusses the challenges of developing and delivering two IPE courses in an online format, specifically the innovation that addresses logistics, time factors, and social presence for the IPE courses across two institutions.

Splinting the hand to enhance motor control and brain plasticity.

Theoretical constructs on the values of splinting the hand are reviewed. Therapists treating poststroke patients face a fast changing technology environment. This new technology allows scientists and physicians the opportunity to evaluate brain function. Scientists can increase understanding of the effects of stroke on function based upon location and severity. Physicians can evaluate the effects of medication and their interaction with the brain. Technology is unmasking the brain's vast ability to adapt and restore function due to its plasticity. Therapists must be diligent to gain knowledge of this everchanging science. Current research challenges the efficacy of splinting patients who are post stroke. If muscle and joint systems are allowed to become stiff and nonfunctional, what becomes of the sensory input to the brain? Now more than ever, therapists have an opportunity to apply motor reeducation with functionally based tasks and demonstrate the value of rehabilitation. This will only be realized if the peripheral muscle and joint systems are kept at a functional length. Custom splints applied after careful evaluation and as a adjunct prior to treatment will maximize functional outcomes.

Internships for women in higher education administration: springboards for success?

Administrative positions within higher education have been very homogeneous, reflecting an institutional culture in which males prevail. In an attempt to encourage women to consider alternatives in administrative positions, internship programs were developed to provide women with opportunities and a mechanism for career advancement. The purpose of this case study was to examine what women did as a result of participating in such an administrative internship program over a ten year time period at a comprehensive university. Interview data yielded consistent results that support existing literature about women in higher education. Trends were identified and recommendations suggested for encouraging more diversity within administrative positions in higher educational institutions. The findings of this study confirm the need for mentoring relationships for women in administrative positions.