A study of the role and educational needs of ophthalmic specialist nurses

Aims: To explore the current roles, responsibilities and educational needs of ophthalmic specialist nurses (OSNs) in the UK. Method: A survey of 73 OSNs ranging from band 4 to band 8 was undertaken in May 2018. Findings: 73% of OSNs undertake more than one active role, with 59% involved in nurse-led clinics; 63% felt formal learning resources were limited, with 63% reporting training opportunities and 21% reporting time as major barriers to further training. More than 38% emphasised hands-on clinic-based teaching had a greater impact on their educational needs. Some 64% were assessed on their skills annually and 59% felt confident with their skill set. Conclusion: The Ophthalmic Common Clinical Competency Framework provides a curriculum and assessment tools for OSNs to use as a structure to maintain clinical skills and knowledge. Eye departments should use this as guidance to target learning needs and improve standards of care to meet the changing needs of society.

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The Truer Picture of the Continuing Education Preferences of NL Pharmacists: Can We Apply What We Learned to Managing Diseases Such as HIV?

Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada ◽

10.1177/171516350513800704 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 138 (7) ◽

pp. 41-41

Author(s):

Gerry Mugford

Keyword(s):

Disease Management ◽

Continuing Education ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Educational Needs ◽

Standards Of Care ◽

Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Hiv Disease ◽

Delivery Times

Background: The treatment of HIV disease is made more complex by rapid changes in disease management. Two primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the continuing education (CE) needs and preferences of pharmacists and to utilize this information to develop CE HIV disease management strategies. Our hypothesis was that current knowledge of HIV disease management is outdated and that CE related to HIV should be delivered in ways that meet the preferences of pharmacists. Methods: A 14-page needs assessment (NA) was developed to assess the CE needs and preferences of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) pharmacists and their knowledge of HIV disease management. The NA was validated by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and social workers from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Health Care Corporation of St. John's. Respondents' answers were scored using a six-point Likert scale. Space was available for respondents to provide open answers and opinions related to the questionnaire, CE, and HIV. Piloting and feedback suggested the NA could be completed in 20–30 minutes. The NA was mailed to 470 pharmacists. Results: Thirty percent of the pharmacists returned a completed questionnaire. Mean scores (MS) were calculated for specific CE topics. The top three CE topics were: update professional skills (MS = 4.46); current standards of care (MS = 3.9); and professional practice standards (MS = 3.85). CE topics for clinical skills were also highlighted and included pharmacology and therapeutics, infectious disease, and patient education. CE topics specific to HIV included drug interactions, resistance, management of adverse events, opportunistic infections, alternative therapies, HAART therapy, post-exposure prophylaxis, and pregnancy in HIV/AIDS. Most pharmacists (81%) had access to Internet and e-mail (76%). Few respondents had access to teleconference (19%) and videoconference (11%). Pharmacists' preferences for CE delivery times were workday evenings (2–3 hours), weekend half-day, and workday half-day. Conferences, correspondences courses, structured courses, and seminars were the preferred delivery modes. Conclusions/Implications: Pharmacists in NL appear to have specific educational needs. Although the study achieved a lower-than-expected response rate, perhaps partly due to its length, most respondents indicated that computer-based technology could enhance the delivery of CE. Continuous, discipline-specific, real-time assessment of educational needs may be essential for optimum management of patients with HIV. It is likely the findings reflect the needs of pharmacists across the country, especially those outside urban areas. The preferences identified in this study could apply to delivering CE for a variety of diseases.

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Assessing professional and clinical competence: the way forward†

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment ◽

10.1192/apt.12.2.81 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 81-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Nick Brown ◽

Monica Doshi

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Postgraduate Medical Education ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Assessment System ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Junior Doctors ◽

Recent Developments ◽

The Uk

Recent developments in postgraduate medical education for the training of junior doctors in the UK necessitate changes in all parts of the curriculum, including the assessment system. There is a move away from the limited, traditional one-off assessment towards multidimensional, broader assessments of a doctor's longer-term performance. This is accompanied by the rapid development of assessment tools, collectively termed workplace-based assessments, and is in keeping with an outcome-based approach to medical education and its increasing professionalisation. In addition to clinical skills, other aspects of being a good practitioner are being assessed, including team-working, working with colleagues and patients, probity and communication skills. Using a combination of tools gives the assessment process high validity. Of the many challenges posed by these changes is the need for data on their reliability in psychiatry. There must be a clear process for applying assessments, national standardisation and training for those using asessment tools.

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Best practice for chronic oedema in community settings: what can we learn?

British Journal of Community Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.12.610 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (12) ◽

pp. 610-614

Author(s):

Garry Cooper-Stanton

Keyword(s):

Service Provision ◽

Best Practice ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Community Services ◽

Guidance Document ◽

Community Settings ◽

Tissue Viability ◽

Delivery Of Care ◽

Specialist Nurses ◽

The Uk

There are various opportunities and challenges in the delivery of care to those diagnosed with chronic oedema/lymphoedema. Service provision is not consistent within the UK, and non-specialist nurses and other health professionals may be called on to fill the gaps in this area. The latest best practice guidance on chronic oedema is directed at community services that care for people within their own homes in primary care. This guide was developed in order to increase awareness, knowledge and access to an evidence base. Those involved in its creation cross specialist fields (lymphoedema and tissue viability), resulting in the document covering a number of areas, including an explanation of chronic oedema, its assessment and management and the association between chronic oedema and wet legs. The document complements existing frameworks on the condition and its management and also increases the available tools within chronic oedema management in the community. The present article provides an overview of the guidance document and discusses its salient features.

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Rates and predictors of uptake of mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of 26,720 adults in the UK in lockdown

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s00127-021-02105-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Feifei Bu ◽

Hei Wan Mak ◽

Daisy Fancourt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Social Study ◽

Active Role ◽

Service Planning ◽

Gender Education ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

The Uk

Abstract Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a great strain on people’s mental health. A growing number of studies have shown worsening mental health measures globally during the pandemic. However, there is a lack of empirical study on how people support their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine a number of formal and informal mental health support. Further, it explored factors that might be associated with the use of different types mental health support. Methods Data from 26,720 adults in the UCL COVID-19 Social Study were analysed between 13th April 2020 and 3rd July 2020. Data were analysed using logistic and Poisson regression models. Results About 45% of people reported talking to friends or family members to support their mental health, 43% engaging in self-care activities, 20% taking medication, 9% speaking to mental health professionals, 8% talking to a GP or other health professional, and another 8% using helpline or online services. Gender, education, living status, loneliness, pre-existing mental health conditions, general depression and anxiety, coping and personality were found to be associated with the use of mental health support. Conclusion While the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitable, people can play an active role in managing their mental health. Understanding the patterns and predictors of various kinds of mental health support during the pandemic is crucial for future service planning and delivery through recognising potential barriers to mental health care faced by certain groups.

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China's New Foreign Policy Team

East Asian Policy ◽

10.1142/s1793930513000226 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 05 (03) ◽

pp. 5-16

Author(s):

Lance L P GORE

Keyword(s):

Foreign Policy ◽

Active Role ◽

Foreign Affairs ◽

Defining Moment ◽

Hands On ◽

International Role ◽

The Military

The new foreign policy team is more professional and with an Asian focus than its older counterpart. Although still fragmented, it may have stronger leadership and better coordination. This is critically important because China is at a defining moment as to its international role. Xi Jinping's closer ties with the military and his hands-on style may encourage assertive nationalism and more active role of the military in foreign affairs.

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Hands-On Surgical Training Workshop: an Active Role-Playing Patient Education for Adolescents

Journal of Cancer Education ◽

10.1007/s13187-016-0988-3 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 543-548

Author(s):

Apinut Wongkietkachorn ◽

Pangpoom Boonyawong ◽

Peera Rhunsiri ◽

Kasaya Tantiphlachiva

Keyword(s):

Patient Education ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Active Role ◽

Role Playing ◽

Training Workshop ◽

Hands On

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Radiotherapy research activity and radiographer involvement in the UK

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s1460396908006535 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 105-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julie Davies ◽

Christine Rawlings

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

New Technologies ◽

Research Process ◽

Standards Of Care ◽

Service Development ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Research Activity ◽

Local Initiatives ◽

The Uk ◽

Further Development

AbstractIn the UK, radiotherapy research is being conducted at national and international levels which include multi-centre clinical trials. Local initiatives and trials are also ongoing where work is being performed to develop techniques or protocols for new technologies and service development. Active participation within these studies is now leading to a culture change with radiographers (radiation therapists) becoming an integral part of the research process. There are currently 70 radiographers in the UK participating in research. This accounts for 2.5% of the UK profession. With the extension of role diversification, research radiographers are undertaking many new roles; however, there is still scope for further development. The therapists’ role in working within this research environment is to ensure improved standards of care focussed on evidence-based practice.

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Peer Review of Paediatric Endocrine Services in the UK: A Template for Quality and Service Improvement

Hormone Research in Paediatrics ◽

10.1159/000515238 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

John Schulga ◽

Heather Mitchell ◽

S. Faisal Ahmed ◽

Assunta Albanese ◽

Justin Warner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peer Review ◽

National Level ◽

Quality Of Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

British Society ◽

Service Improvement ◽

Paediatric Endocrinology ◽

Test Feasibility ◽

Specialist Nurses ◽

The Uk

Background: Independent peer review of healthcare services can complement existing internal-, institutional-, and national-level regulatory mechanisms aimed at improving quality of healthcare. However, this has not been reported for paediatric endocrinology services in the UK. We aimed to test feasibility and acceptability through a first cycle of a national peer review of paediatric endocrine services. Methods: Tertiary centres in paediatric endocrinology across the UK were assessed against 54 quality standards, developed by the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) in five domains of healthcare by a team comprising paediatric endocrinologists and specialist nurses. The evaluation was supported by a self-assessment. A post-peer-review questionnaire was used as feedback. Results: All 22 centres in the UK underwent independent peer review between 2011 and 2017. Each served a median population of 2.6 million (range 1–8 million) and offered 1,872 (range 779–6,738) outpatient consultations annually. A total of 43 (range 30–49) standards were met in combined evaluation of all centres. Variance of adherence for essential standards ranged from 52 to 97% at individual centres with 90% adherence demonstrated by 32% of centres. Post-review feedback showed 20/22 (95%) validating the utility of the peer review. Conclusions: The BSPED peer review of all UK centres providing paediatric endocrine services is shown to be feasible and provides a quality benchmark for replication by national services.

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Measuring energy, macro and micronutrient intake in UK children and adolescents: a comparison of validated dietary assessment tools

BMC Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s40795-019-0312-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Linda A. Bush ◽

Jayne Hutchinson ◽

Jozef Hooson ◽

Marisol Warthon-Medina ◽

Neil Hancock ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Validation Studies ◽

Dietary Assessment ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Food Diary ◽

Doubly Labelled Water ◽

Validation Data ◽

Review Of Reviews ◽

The Uk

Abstract Background Measuring dietary intake in children and adolescents can be challenging due to misreporting, difficulties in establishing portion size and reliance on recording dietary data via proxy reporters. The aim of this review was to present results from a recent systematic review of reviews reporting and comparing validated dietary assessment tools used in younger populations in the UK. Methods Validation data for dietary assessment tools used in younger populations (≤18 years) were extracted and summarised using results from a systematic review of reviews of validated dietary assessment tools. Mean differences and Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LOA) between the test and reference tool were extracted or calculated and compared for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. Results Seventeen studies which reported validation of 14 dietary assessment tools (DATs) were identified with relevant nutrition information. The most commonly validated nutrients were energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, calcium, iron, folate and vitamin C. There were no validated DATs reporting assessment of zinc, iodine or selenium intake. The most frequently used reference method was the weighed food diary, followed by doubly labelled water and 24 h recall. Summary plots were created to facilitate comparison between tools. On average, the test tools reported higher mean intakes than the reference methods with some studies consistently reporting wide LOA. Out of the 14 DATs, absolute values for LOA and mean difference were obtained for 11 DATs for EI. From the 24 validation results assessing EI, 16 (67%) reported higher mean intakes than the reference. Of the seven (29%) validation studies using doubly labelled water (DLW) as the reference, results for the test DATs were not substantially better or worse than those using other reference measures. Further information on the studies from this review is available on the www.nutritools.org website. Conclusions Validated dietary assessment tools for use with children and adolescents in the UK have been identified and compared. Whilst tools are generally validated for macronutrient intakes, micronutrients are poorly evaluated. Validation studies that include estimates of zinc, selenium, dietary fibre, sugars and sodium are needed.

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