scholarly journals Integrative Medicine in General Practice in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Education Pathways and Training Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612110375
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Kate Templeman ◽  
Amy Forth ◽  
Vicki Kotsirilos ◽  
Gillian Singleton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Informal Education ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Training ◽  
Advanced Skills

Background Globally, a substantial proportion of general practitioners (GPs) incorporate integrative medicine (IM) into their clinical practice. Objective This study aimed to map the IM education and training pathways and needs of a cohort of Australian GPs who are members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ IM Specific Interest Network, which is a group of GPs with interest in IM. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study comprising of an online, cross-sectional survey supplemented with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data from the survey and interviews were initially analysed separately and then combined. Results Eighty-three (83) of 505 eligible GPs/GPs in training (16.4%) participated in the survey, and 15 GPs were interviewed. Results from the two datasets either converged or were complementary. Almost half (47%) of survey respondents had undertaken formal undergraduate or postgraduate IM education, a short course (63%), informal education (71%) or self-education (54%), in at least one of 20 IM modalities listed. Interviewees affirmed there was no single education pathway in IM. Survey respondents who identified as practicing IM were significantly more likely to have IM education, positive attitudes towards IM, particularly natural products, and higher self-rated IM knowledge and competencies. However, knowledge gaps were identified in professional skills domains of population health and context, and organisational and legal dimensions of applied IM practice. Interviewees also highlighted a range of professional and systemic barriers to the practice of IM, education, and training. There was broad support for recognition of IM as a sub-specialty through formalised post-graduate training and accreditation. Most survey respondents (62%) expressed interest in post-fellowship recognition of GPs with advanced skills in IM. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that it is important to define best practice in IM for GPs in Australia and provide a standardised pathway towards recognition of advanced skills in IM.

Uncertainty about cellulitis and unmet patient information needs: a mixed methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Information Needs ◽  
History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.

scholarly journals Health Literacy is Associated with Health Behaviors in Students from Vocational Education and Training Schools: A Danish Population-Based Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Demant Klinker ◽  
Anna Aaby ◽  
Lene Winther Ringgaard ◽  
Anneke Vang Hjort ◽  
Melanie Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
And Training

Health literacy has been identified as an important and changeable intermediary determinant of health equity. Vocational education and training (VET) schools are a relevant setting for health behavior interventions seeking to diminish health inequities because many VET students come from low socio-economic status backgrounds. This study examines VET students’ health literacy and its association with health behavior based on a cross-sectional survey among 6119 students from 58 VET schools in Denmark in 2019. Two scales from the Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to assess domains of health literacy. Data were analyzed using Anova and logistic regression. The study population consisted of 43.4% female, and mean age was 24.2 years (range 15.8–64.0). The health literacy domain ‘Actively managing my health’ mean was 2.51, SD 0.66, and ‘Appraisal of health information’ mean was 2.37, SD 0.65. For both domains, being female, older age, attending the VET educational program Care-health-pedagogy, and higher self-rated health were associated with higher scale scores. In the adjusted analyses, lower scale scores were associated with less frequent breakfast, daily smoking, high-risk alcohol behavior and moderate-to-low physical activity. Our results show that low health literacy is associated with unhealthy behaviors in this population. Our results support and inform health literacy research and practice in educational institutions and services.

scholarly journals Parental concerns and uptake of childhood vaccines in rural Tanzania – a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Vasudevan ◽  
Joy Noel Baumgartner ◽  
Sara Moses ◽  
Esther Ngadaya ◽  
Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parental Concerns ◽  
Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as an important barrier to timely vaccinations around the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, 1 in 4 children is not fully vaccinated. The objective of this mixed methods study was to describe and contextualize parental concerns towards vaccines in Tanzania. Methods Between 2016 and 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey (n = 134) and four focus group discussions (FGDs, n = 38) with mothers of children under 2 years of age residing in Mtwara region in Southern Tanzania. The survey and FGDs assessed vaccination knowledge and concerns and barriers to timely vaccinations. Vaccination information was obtained from government-issued vaccination cards. Results In the cross-sectional survey, 72% of mothers reported missed or delayed receipt of vaccines for their child. Although vaccine coverage was high, timeliness of vaccinations was lower and varied by vaccine. Rural mothers reported more vaccine-related concerns compared to urban mothers; literacy and access to information were identified as key drivers of the difference. Mothers participating in FGDs indicated high perceived risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses, but expressed concerns related to poor geographic accessibility, unreliability of services, and missed opportunities for vaccinations resulting from provider efforts to minimize vaccine wastage. Conclusions Findings from our cross-sectional survey indicate the presence of vaccination delays and maternal concerns related to childhood vaccines in Tanzania. In FGDs, mothers raised issues related to convenience more often than issues related to vaccine confidence or complacency. Further research is necessary to understand how these issues may contribute to the emergence and persistence of vaccine hesitancy and to identify effective mitigation strategies.

scholarly journals Investigating dementia literacy among community-dwelling adults and older adults in Macau: A mixed methods study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela YM Leung ◽  
Cindy S. U Leong ◽  
Pak Leng Cheong ◽  
Alice S. M. Tsang ◽  
Bernice O. C. Lam Nogueira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background: As population ageing and dementia incidence continue to increase worldwide, health systems are urged to empower the public to address factors related to dementia. This study aims to assess Macau citizens’ knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards persons with dementia, and help-seeking behaviours and intention toward dementia.Methods: This is a mixed-methods study with both quantitative (cross-sectional survey) and qualitative components (focus group interviews). The Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) were utilized in the quantitative data collection, whereas focus group interviews were employed to gather context-specific understanding of dementia in the local setting. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data.Results: The overall level of knowledge on dementia was low (ADKS mean total score = 17.38, SD = 3.31), with the least amount of knowledge in the caregiving domain. Meanwhile, attitudes toward persons with dementia was generally positive (mean [SD] = 89.07 [11.99]). Many of the focus group participants were also uncertain regarding the availability of dementia services in the region. The general public was interested to obtain dementia information through social media.Conclusions: Efforts should be made to build up dementia literacy in Macau, especially in terms of caregiving. Information about dementia could be disseminated in social media and by healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals Patients’ understanding of cellulitis and their information needs: a mixed-methods study in primary and secondary care

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (681) ◽  
pp. e279-e286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues, commonly affecting the lower leg. Approximately one-third of people experience recurrence. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis, and their information needs.Design and settingMixed-methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and a cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary and secondary care, and advertising.MethodAdults aged ≥18 years with a history of cellulitis were invited to take part in a survey, qualitative interview, or both.ResultsIn all, 30 interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data highlighted a low awareness of cellulitis before the first episode, uncertainty about when it had been diagnosed, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and a perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised that they had never heard of cellulitis and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this confusing.A total of 240 surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, although many participants had received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they often reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need to provide information for people with cellulitis, particularly in regard to naming their condition, the management of acute episodes, and how to reduce the risk of recurrences.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF OUTCOME-BASED ACCOUNTING EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN SELECTED COLLEGES IN WEST OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Deresse Mersha Lakew ◽  
Mohammed Getahun Musa
Keyword(s):  
Practical Implication ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Accounting Education ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Terms ◽  
And Training

Purpose: The demand for accountants is increasing from time to time because of the increase in the complexity of the business environment. Higher education institutions are responsible for producing well qualified and ethical accountant required by different organisations. Specifically, Technical and Vocational education and Training (TVET) colleges play a great role in training middle and lower level accountant in Ethiopia. However, academicians, practitioner and employers are raising concern on the excellence and significance of training given in TVET colleges. The objective of this research is to evaluate the education and training in accounting offered by public and private colleges in West Oromia region, Ethiopia. Research Methodology: This study used the cross-sectional survey to obtain the opinion of the trainee, trainers and college deans on how TVET in accounting program is performing about each of the components of CIPP model and identify the knowledge and skill gap as compared to the actual work environment. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in the analysis. Findings: Examination of the existing TVET in accounting curriculum found that it has a limitation concerning relevance and content. The study further found that there is a lack of sufficient inputs such as an adequate number of qualified trainers, computers and Reference books. Trainers mainly use lecture methods, and there are various problems associated with continuous and summative evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended that the existing curriculum should be revisited, sufficient training inputs should be availed and cooperative training should be strengthened.Research Limitations: This research is based on the respondent’s opinion from a limited part of the country. The nationwide survey is required to conclude at the country level. Practical Implication: the finding and recommendation given in this study can be used in strengthening TVET in accounting education and training in Ethiopia. Originality / Value: Previous studies investigated the challenges of TVET education and training in general terms, and this specific study which focuses on TVET in accounting is the first attempt in Ethiopia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document