Elastomeric liners for people with transtibial amputation: Survey of prosthetists’ clinical practices

Background: A diverse range of elastomeric liner products are available to people with transtibial amputation. However, little information is available about how prosthetists select the product best suited to each patient. Objectives: To determine how prosthetists obtain information about liners, which features are most relevant to the selection process, and which products are used most for patients with transtibial amputation. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: A custom online survey was developed to solicit information about prosthetists’ liner selection practices. Prosthetists with experience managing transtibial patients were recruited via advertisements posted in magazines, at conferences, and on a listserv. Responses were analyzed to characterize prosthetists’ liner selection practices. Results: Data from 106 experienced prosthetists (mean age: 44.4 years, mean experience: 15.7 years) were included. Most prosthetists (94%) obtained liner information from manufacturer representatives, websites, or literature. On average, respondents factored nine different liner characteristics into their selection processes. Prosthetists reported experience with 16 unique liner products with their transtibial patients, but routinely used fewer than 3. Conclusion: Although many different prosthetic liners are available, prosthetists regularly use only a few select liner products. Tools or strategies to objectively compare prosthetic liners across manufacturers are likely needed to facilitate more diverse prescription practices. Clinical relevance Knowledge of prosthetists’ prosthetic liner selection practices may guide development of evidence-based resources or tools to facilitate matching patients with appropriate liners. Results of this study may also inform researchers and manufacturers about desirable liner characteristics and direct development of novel liner products to address prosthetists’ clinical needs.

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Training interns in nutrition and dietetics: a cross-sectional study of the barriers and motivators to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist preceptor

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02700-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea M. Hutchins ◽

Donna M. Winham ◽

Jinette P. Fellows ◽

Michelle M. Heer

Keyword(s):

Experiential Learning ◽

Professional Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Selection Process ◽

National Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Registered Dietitian ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Entry Level

Abstract Background As is common across the health professions, training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) requires experiential learning for interns/students to gain skills and demonstrate entry-level competency. Preceptors are essential to the experiential learning component of health care professional training, providing supervision and mentoring as students and interns gain the skills required for entry-level practice competency. Over the past 27 years, 47–73% of applicants to dietetic internships have received a placement. Practitioners willing to volunteer as preceptors are needed to generate more internship or experiential learning opportunities for the profession to continue to meet workforce demands. Methods The objective of this national-level online cross-sectional survey was to identify perceptions and attitudes associated with the preceptor role and incentives that might encourage precepting by current RDNs. A random sample of RDN and Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR) professionals from the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioner database were eligible to participate in the online survey. The main outcome measures included perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives to precept compared by preceptor experience categories (current, former, never precepted). Comparisons of perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives were made between preceptor experience categories using Chi-square and ANOVA. Results Of 2464 invitations, 308 participants had complete variables for analysis. Top incentives were the opportunity to earn continuing education units (65.9%) and having expenses paid to attend a national conference (49.5%). Significantly more (P < 0.001) “former” and “never” preceptors reported the ability to choose when to take an intern, training on how to teach and communicate with interns, and access to an “on-call” specialist as incentives compared to “current” preceptors. Significantly more (P < 0.01) “never” preceptors reported training on internship expectations and the ability to provide input on intern selection process as incentives compared to “current” or “former” preceptors. Conclusions Incentives to serve as a preceptor differ based on “current”, “former”, or “never” precepted status. Promoting and strategizing solutions to the current imbalance between the greater number of dietetic internship applicants compared to preceptors should be targeted based on preceptor status to retain current preceptors, encourage former preceptors to return and recruit professionals who have never served.

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BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS PERSPECTIVE ON ASSESSMENT OF RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PRACTICES IN LATVIA

Acta Prosperitatis ◽

10.37804/1691-6077-2020-11-128-139 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 128-139

Author(s):

Arturs Mons ◽

Velga Vevere

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Selection Process ◽

Current Paper ◽

Primary Data ◽

Selection Methods ◽

Recruitment Methods ◽

Survey Form ◽

Selection Processes ◽

Recruitment And Selection ◽

Selection Practices

The aim of the current paper is to evaluate the current Human Resource Management evolution in Latvia with respect to employee recruitment and selection practices. The focus is set on the used methods of selection process in organizations, when they are hiring personnel on different organization levels. The authors of the current paper applied several empirical methods to research the recruitment and selection processes. The study was executed in two stages: (1) discussion with Latvia’s recruitments practitioners (Delphi method), and (2) quantitative study performed in Latvia. The research questions were the following. Question 1: Which recruitment methods are used in their represented organizations? Question 2: Which of selection methods are used in their organization? To collect primary data an online survey form was created which was completely self‐administrative. A sample of 16 businesses from different industries in Latvia, was selected. The sampling was conducted during the whole month of January 2020 and data is reflected in the findings. The survey results demonstrate that the employee selection methods applied in Latvia are not that various. Most of the respondents holds on to the traditional methods such as panel interviews and one to one interviews.

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Examining the associations among clinician demographics, the factors involved in the implementation of evidence-based practice, and the access of clinicians to sources of information

Prosthetics and Orthotics International ◽

10.1177/0309364611431479 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 87-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

James Christensen ◽

Jan Andrysek

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Journal Article ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Clinical Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: An important way of improving healthcare services is through the implementation of evidence-based practice; but this requires an understanding of the extent to which it is occurring and the factors that are driving its implementation. Objective: To examine the associations among the demographics of clinicians, the factors involved in the implementation of evidence-based practice, and the access of clinicians to various sources of information. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: An online survey that was distributed to 300 Canadian prosthetic and orthotic clinicians. Associations of selected survey items were determined. Results: Four primary associations were found and a further 18 were considered to be indicative of potential trends. Two of the primary associations were related to authorship and the utilization of scientific literature. Specifically, those clinicians who had previously authored or co-authored a peer-reviewed journal article were more likely to utilize scientific literature to guide their clinical practice. Conclusions: This study has highlighted important demographics which can be targeted for greater implementation of evidence-based practice. Above all, facilitating engagement of clinicians in research and its dissemination may promote a higher consumption of research evidence leading to improved evidence-based practice. Clinical relevance This study provides information about the underlying facilitators and inhibitors of evidence-based practice in prosthetics and orthotics. The findings aim to inform those involved in improving existing clinical practices, including educators, professional organizations and governing bodies.

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Psychological, Social and Financial Impacts of COVID-19 on Clinical Practices and Academic Activities of Pakistani Ophthalmologists

Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.36351/pjo.v37i1.1121 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Saeed Iqbal ◽

Kanwal Latif

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Work ◽

Individual Response ◽

Clinical Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viral Spread ◽

Academic Activities ◽

The Individual ◽

Financial Impacts

Purpose: To assess the psychological, social and financial impacts of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) on clinical practices and academic activities of ophthalmologists throughout Pakistan. Study Design: Cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Ophthalmology Department, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Karachi. Methods: A self-designed survey was conducted among eye care practitioners working in various regions of Pakistan by using the online survey application named www.surveymonkey.com. The survey consisted of a 10-item questionnaire conceptualized to assess the mental health of ophthalmologists and their social and financial concerns during current COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection included the demographics details, questions assessing the psychological, financial and social influences of COVID-19 and strategies to combat the current situation. Results: Total of 360 valid responses were received. The individual response data was descriptively presented in frequencies and percentages without statistical analysis. Despite online facilities, 57.50% accepted that COVID has brought strain on academic activities. Eighty-eight percent ophthalmologists described decrease patient’s volume and surgeries as the main reasons of reduced income. Majority (72.50%) had closed the services due to fear of getting infected. To the solutions for reducing the viral spread, 60% favored to deal only with emergencies and vision-threatening diseases, 27.50% supported the continuity of all ophthalmic services and only 5% opted to ban the clinical work. Conclusion: Majority of the ophthalmologists were psychologically and financially stressed during COVID-19 and had fearful concerns regarding their clinical practices and academic activities. Key Words: COVID-19, Pakistan, Ophthalmologists, Clinical Practice.

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Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 82-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bob Lew ◽

Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽

Yanzheng Liu ◽

Mansor Abu Talib ◽

Olga Mitina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Strain Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Strains ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conﬂicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000942

Author(s):

Oliver G P Lawton ◽

Sarah A Lawton ◽

Lisa Dikomitis ◽

Joanne Protheroe ◽

Joanne Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Young People ◽

Significant Role ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Education Gaps ◽

The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of Community pharmacists regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey in two provinces of Pakistan

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.54 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Khayal Muhammad ◽

Muhammad Saqlain ◽

Gul Muhammad ◽

Ataullah Hamdard ◽

Muhammad Naveed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Good Practice ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Vital Role ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Knowledge Age ◽

Good Attitude

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic having no therapy and pharmacists being a part of the healthcare system had a vital role in the management of COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of community pharmacists (CPs) regarding COVID-19. An online survey was conducted among 393 CPs in two provinces of Pakistan during the lockdown period. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha, 0.745) was used for data collection. All statistical analysis was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Among 393 participants, 71.5% (n=281) had good knowledge, 44% (n=175) positive attitude and 57.3% (n=225) had good practice regarding COVID-19. Social media (45.29%, n=178) was reported as the main source to seek information of COVID-19. Good knowledge, age ≥ 26 years and Ph.D. degree level were the substantial determinants (p= <0.05) of a good attitude. Similarly, community pharmacist who had an experience of >5 years, hold a Ph.D. degree, good knowledge and good attitude had higher odds of good practice as compared to reference categories (p= <0.05). In short, majority of CPs had good knowledge, but had a poor attitude and practice towards the COVID-19. Standard-structured educational and counselling programs for CPs regarding COVID-19 are needed for effective management.

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Public knowledge, preferences and experiences about medical substitute decision-making: a national cross-sectional survey

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2020-002619

Author(s):

Marcus Sellars ◽

Julien Tran ◽

Linda Nolte ◽

Ben White ◽

Craig Sinclair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Medical Decisions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Minimal Support ◽

Substitute Decision Maker ◽

Final Sample ◽

Advance Care

ObjectiveTo describe the Australian adult public’s knowledge and experiences regarding substitute decision-making for medical decisions and their preferences for obtaining information about the substitute decision-maker (SDM) role.MethodsThis is a national cross-sectional online survey of the Australian adult public. The survey examined participants’ advance care planning (ACP) awareness and experience, SDM experiences and preferences for obtaining more information about SDM, and participant knowledge about SDM.ResultsOf 1586 people who opened the survey, 1120 (70.6%) were included in the final sample. 13% (n=142) of participants indicated they had acted as an SDM. A median score of two correct responses out of five showed low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role among all participants, with only 33% reporting awareness of SDM laws existing in Australia. While most (59%) participants ranked a health professional as their preferred source of obtaining information about supporting SDMs, few participants who had been an SDM (n=64, 45%) reported obtaining any support in making medical decisions. The median SDM knowledge scores for people who had discussed ACP (3.0 vs 2.0, U=1 45 222, z=6.910, p<0.001), documented their ACP preferences (3.0 vs 2.0, U=71 984, z=4.087, p<0.001) or acted in the SDM role (3.0 vs 2.0, U=56 353, z=−3.694, p<0.001) were significantly higher compared with those who had not.ConclusionsThe Australian public may have low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role and access only minimal support when making challenging medical decisions.

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Antibiotic use in goats: role of experience and education of Missouri veterinarians

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.105455 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 186 (11) ◽

pp. 349-349

Author(s):

Lauren Landfried ◽

Patrick Pithua ◽

Roger D Lewis ◽

Steven Rigdon ◽

Jonathan Jacoby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Continuing Education ◽

Health Management ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Herd Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Prescription Practices

BackgroundIn a previous study, we found that rates of antibiotic residues in goat carcasses in Missouri were three times the published national average, warranting further research in this area.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of goat veterinarians to determine attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics, recruiting 725 veterinarians listed on the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) website and 64 Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) veterinarians.ResultsWe collected 189 responses (26.1%) from AASRP members (170 valid) and 8 (12.5%) from MVMA veterinarians totalling 178 responses. While the vast majority of all veterinarians indicated that they prescribed antibiotics less than half of the time, Missouri veterinarians indicated that they spent more time treating goats for overt disease like intestinal parasites and less time on proactive practices such as reproductive herd health management comparatively. While veterinarians agreed that antibiotic resistance was a growing concern, veterinarians outside of Missouri seemed more confident that their own prescription practices was not a contributor. Although nationally most veterinarians felt that attending continuing education classes was beneficial, 73.4% in other states attended classes on antibiotic use compared to only four of the nine Missouri veterinarians.ConclusionMissouri veterinarians had less veterinary experience than veterinarians in other states, and this, in conjunction with low continuing education requirements in Missouri relative to most other states, may hinder development of more proactive and effective client–veterinary relationships.

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