Widening participation of Māori and Pasifika students in health careers: evaluation of two health science academies

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 352
Author(s):  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
Ausaga Faasalele Tanuvasa ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
Nicola Grace ◽  
Kirsten Smiler ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of two health science academies established by a district health board in South Auckland, New Zealand, to create a health workforce pipeline for local Māori and Pasifika students. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, involving background discussions with key informants to generate an initial logic model of how the academies work, followed by secondary analysis of students’ records relating to retention and academic achievement, a survey of senior academy students’ interest in particular health careers and face-to-face interviews and focus groups with students, families and teachers. Results Academy students are collectively achieving better academic results than their contemporaries, although selection decisions are likely to contribute to these results. Academies are retaining students, with over 70% of students transitioning from Year 11 to Years 12 and 13. Senior students are expressing long-term ambitions to work in the health sector. Conclusions Health science academies show promise as an innovative approach to supporting Māori and Pasifika students prepare for a career in the health professions. Evaluating the long-term outcomes of the academies is required to determine their contribution to addressing inequities in the local health workforce. What is known about the topic? Despite progress in health workforce participation for underrepresented indigenous and ethnic minority groups in New Zealand, significant disparities persist. Within this context, a workforce development pipeline that targets preparation of secondary school students is recommended to address identified barriers in the pursuit of health careers. What does this paper add? We provide an evaluation of an innovative district health board initiative supporting high school students that is designed to ensure their future workforce is responsive to the needs of the local community. What are the implications for practitioners? The findings have implications for decision makers in health workforce planning regarding the benefits of investing at an early stage of the workforce development pipeline in order to build an equitable and diverse health professions workforce.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 360
Author(s):  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
Ausaga Faasalele Tanuvasa ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
Nicola Grace ◽  
Kirsten Smiler ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of two health science academies established by a district health board in South Auckland, New Zealand, to create a health workforce pipeline for local Māori and Pasifika students.Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, involving background discussions with key informants to generate an initial logic model of how the academies work, followed by secondary analysis of students’ records relating to retention and academic achievement, a survey of senior academy students’ interest in particular health careers and face-to-face interviews and focus groups with students, families and teachers.Results Academy students are collectively achieving better academic results than their contemporaries, although selection decisions are likely to contribute to these results. Academies are retaining students, with over 70% of students transitioning from Year 11 to Years 12 and 13. Senior students are expressing long-term ambitions to work in the health sector.Conclusions Health science academies show promise as an innovative approach to supporting Māori and Pasifika students prepare for a career in the health professions. Evaluating the long-term outcomes of the academies is required to determine their contribution to addressing inequities in the local health workforce.What is known about the topic? Despite progress in health workforce participation for underrepresented indigenous and ethnic minority groups in New Zealand, significant disparities persist. Within this context, a workforce development pipeline that targets preparation of secondary school students is recommended to address identified barriers in the pursuit of health careers.What does this paper add? We provide an evaluation of an innovative district health board initiative supporting high school students that is designed to ensure their future workforce is responsive to the needs of the local community.What are the implications for practitioners? The findings have implications for decision makers in health workforce planning regarding the benefits of investing at an early stage of the workforce development pipeline in order to build an equitable and diverse health professions workforce.



Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Sarah Ai Ting Tan ◽  
Steven Shih ◽  
Scarlett Olasope ◽  
Sharon R. Jackson ◽  
Sarah Poplar ◽  
...  

Introduction For multiple myeloma patients who are eligible for transplant determined by age and physiological reserve, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) following induction chemotherapy is considered as frontline treatment due to the better depth of response, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Bortezomib is effective as part of a multi-agent induction regimen prior to ASCT as supported by long-term analysis with survival benefit. However, the role of Bortezomib and Thalidomide consolidation remains controversial. In New Zealand, Bortezomib was funded for up to nine cycles in front line setting. To maximise Bortezomib exposure, patients were typically given four to five cycles of Cyclophosphamide-Bortezomib-Dexamethasone (CyBorD) induction and later received the remaining number of cycles as consolidation after ASCT. Here we present our real-world data on patients who had CyBorD induction followed by ASCT and VTD consolidation. Method Data from 3 centres across New Zealand (Waitemata District Health Board, Counties Manukau District Health Board and Northland District Health Board) were extracted from the patient electronic database. All patients with multiple myeloma under the age of 70 who received CyBorD induction and ASCT as frontline treatment between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were included. Treatment response was determined as per the International Myeloma Working Group criteria and survival time was determined from the time of commencement of CyBorD. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 20.The data cut-off date is 10th October 2019. Result A total of 263 patients were identified from the 3 centres who were aged <70 and received frontline CyBorD. 125 patients did not proceed with frontline ASCT due to comorbidities, patients' choice, or progressive disease. In total, 138 patients received ASCT following CyBorD induction from the 3 centres. The median age was 60.8 (range: 34.2 - 69.8) and 86 (62.3%) were male. 69.6% of the patients were European, 9.4% were New Zealand Maori, 10.9% were Pacific Islanders, and 5.8% were Asians. The international staging system (ISS) was able to be determined in 89.1% of the patients, and 48.0% and 21.1% of them were ISS II and III, respectively. FISH cytogenetic results were available in 91.3% of the cases, and 13.5% of these patients were deemed to have high-risk disease (del(17p) 7.9%, t(4;14) 3.2%, t(14;16) 1.6%, and concurrent del(17p) and t(4;14) 0.8%). The median number of cycles given in induction was 5 (range: 4 - 9). 60.1% of the patients achieved at least a very good partial response after induction, and this was increased to 84.1% after ASCT and 87.7% after consolidation. Complete response was increased from 22.5% after induction to 30.4% after ASCT and 40.6% after consolidation. After a median follow-up of 54.5 months (range: 1.8 - 96.9 months), the median progression-free survival was 47.8 months and the median overall survival was not reached (Figure1). The estimated 2 and 5-year survival were 93% and 84%, respectively. Thalidomide was added to the induction regimen in 19 patients and this was commonly done due to the presence of high risk clinical features or suboptimal clinical response as determined by the treating clinicians. These patients did not appear to have an inferior treatment outcome with a comparable median PFS (median 42.2 vs 49.5 months, p = 0.291). Conclusion Our real-world data shows that Bortezomib-based consolidation following ASCT improves depth of response and results in favourable long-term outcomes. Patients who required the addition of Thalidomide during induction due to suboptimal response do not appear to have an inferior long-term outcome. Figure Disclosures Jackson: Abbvie: Honoraria. Chan:AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Amgen: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Celgene: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company), Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.





Author(s):  
Andy Large ◽  
Jamshid Behesti ◽  
Alain Breuleux ◽  
Andre Renaud

From the 1994 CAIS Conference: The Information Industry in Transition McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. May 25 - 27, 1994.Multimedia products are now widely available on a variety of platforms, and there is a widespread assumption that the addition of still images, animation and sound to text will enhance any information product. The research reported in this paper investigates such claims for multimedia in an educational context and for a specific user group: grad-six primary school students. The students' ability to recall, make inferences from, and comprehend articles presented to them in print, as text on screen, and in mutlimedia format has been mesured. The findings to date suggest that the impact of multimedia is subtle, and that generalisations about the effectiveness of multimedia, at least with children in an educational context, should be employed cautionously. The long-term goal is to identify design criteria which can be employed in the production of multimedia products for schools.



2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-72
Author(s):  
Melinda McGinty ◽  
◽  
Betty Poot ◽  
Jane Clarke ◽  
◽  
...  

The expansion of prescribing rights in Aotearoa New Zealand has enabled registered nurse prescribers (RN prescribers) working in primary care and specialty teams, to enhance nursing care, by prescribing medicines to their patient population. This widening of prescribing rights was to improve the population’s access to medicines and health care; however, little is known about the medications prescribed by RN prescribers. This paper reports on a descriptive survey of self-reported RN prescribers prescribing in a single district health board. The survey tool used was a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to record nurse’s area of practice, patient demographic details, health conditions seen, and medicines prescribed and deprescribed. Simple data descriptions and tabulations were used to report the data. Eleven RN prescribers consented to take part in the survey and these nurses worked in speciality areas of cardiology, respiratory, diabetes, and primary care. Findings from the survey demonstrated that RN prescribers prescribe medicines within their area of practice and within the limits of the list of medicines for RN prescribers. Those working in primary care saw a wider range of health conditions and therefore prescribed a broader range of medications. This survey revealed that the list of medications available for RN prescribers needs to be updated regularly to align with the release of evidence-based medications on the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Schedule. It is also a useful record for both educational and clinical settings of the types of medications prescribed by RN prescribers.



Author(s):  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Sonoe Mashino ◽  
Emily Y. Y. Chan ◽  
Makiko K. MacDermot ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
...  

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, describes the functions required for comprehensive disaster risk management across prevention, preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery to improve the resilience and health security of communities, countries, and health systems. Evidence-based Health EDRM workforce development is vital. However, there are still significant gaps in the evidence identifying common competencies for training and education programmes, and the clarification of strategies for workforce retention, motivation, deployment, and coordination. Initiated in June 2020, this project includes literature reviews, case studies, and an expert consensus (modified Delphi) study. Literature reviews in English, Japanese, and Chinese aim to identify research gaps and explore core competencies for Health EDRM workforce training. Thirteen Health EDRM related case studies from six WHO regions will illustrate best practices (and pitfalls) and inform the consensus study. Consensus will be sought from global experts in emergency and disaster medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines. Recommendations for developing effective health workforce strategies for low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries will then be disseminated.



Author(s):  
Banan Abdulrzaq Mukhalalati ◽  
Meram Mohamed Mahmoud Elsayed Ibrahim ◽  
Majdoleen Omar Al Alawneh ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
Ian Bates ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The sustainable development goals were launched by the United Nations in 2015. Its fifth goal was describing the achievement of universal health coverage by 2030. This goal reaffirms the importance of investing in the development and training of the global health workforce. In alliance with this, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has published reports about pharmacy workforce planning in several countries. However, data about Qatar were not included in these reports. In 2017, FIP developed a transformational roadmap of pharmaceutical workforce and education. One systematic framework component of the roadmap is the Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals (DG[w]s) that were released in late 2016 and subsequently incorporated into the more comprehensive Global Development Goals1 in 2020, encompassing not only workforce development, but additionally practice and pharmaceutical science development. This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of pharmacy workforce and education in Qatar in relation to the original 13 Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals (DG[w]s). The objective was to identify the gaps in pharmacy workforce and education and to recommend evidence-led strategies to be included in both the Ministry of Public Health and the Qatar University College of Pharmacy workforce development plans. Methods Three rounds of conventional Delphi technique were conducted with expert panels of key decision-makers in pharmacy practice from the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University and the Ministry of Public Health, utilizing the FIP’s self-assessment survey. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze and prioritize the identified gaps from the collected data. DG[w] was considered “met” if all the provided indicators were achieved, “partially met” if at least one of the indicators were achieved, and “not met” if none of the indicators were achieved Results The lack of competency framework (DG[w]5), workforce data (DG[w]12), and workforce policy formation (DG[w]13) are three major gaps in the provision of pharmaceutical workforce and pharmacy education in Qatar, influencing other DG[w]s. These gaps need to be addressed by the formation of Qatar Pharmaceutical Association through which academic, practice, and policymaking sectors can work together in developing health workforce intelligence system. Conclusion The results indicated that DG[w]s are interrelated and a gap in one goal can negatively influence others. Results and recommendations of this research will facilitate the implementation of strategic plans across leading pharmacy sectors to meet health needs in Qatar and achieve the third pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.



2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-351
Author(s):  
Scott Desposato ◽  
Gang Wang

AbstractDemocracy movements in authoritarian regimes usually fail and are repressed, but they may still affect attitudes and norms of participants and bystanders. We exploit several features of a student movement to test for enduring effects of social movements on democratic attitudes. College students were the core of the movement and had wide exposure to the ideas and activities of the movement, as well as the suppression of the movement. College-bound high school students had limited exposure to the movement and its activities. Time of college entry could in theory be manipulated and endogenous, so we also use birthdate as an exogenous instrument for enrollment year. Applying a fuzzy regression discontinuity, we test for the impact of exposure to the movement on long-term attitudes. We find significant attitudinal differences between those in college during the movement, and those who started college post-movement. These results are strongest for alumni of the four universities that were most connected to the movement.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document