Digital confidence, experience and motivation in physiotherapists: A UK-wide survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Tack
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk

Background: Healthcare digital transformation should focus on the use of innovative technologies to enhance quality, safety, efficiency of care services, and patient experience. Subsequently, the roles and skills of healthcare staff will change, requiring evaluation and elevation of digital literacy across the physiotherapy profession. Aim: To evaluate the confidence, motivation and competence of digital technologies in a cohort of UK physiotherapists (juxtaposed with a wider group of allied health professionals). Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional online questionnaire of physiotherapists and other allied health professionals (AHPs) in the UK. Results: 282 responses from AHPs were received with 279 complete responses for further analysis (including 126 physiotherapists). Physiotherapists report moderate-high levels of confidence in the use of digital devices (7.6 ±1.77), and high levels of motivation in learning about digital technology (8.7 ±1.6). Physiotherapists self-rate their knowledge regarding the benefits of digital transformation as high (72%). Physiotherapists show a strong preference for daily communication via telephone (82%) and email (97%). Conclusion: Physiotherapists demonstrate moderate-high levels of confidence and motivation to use digital technologies (in line with those seen in other AHPs). Higher degrees of competence are reported regarding understanding the benefits of digital technology, and lower competence is reported regarding topic areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics.

scholarly journals IMPACT AND SATISFACTION WITH E-CONSULTATION: A PERCEPTION OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Mubashir Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Google Docs ◽  
Consultation Services ◽  
Good Substitute

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The havoc caused by COVID-19 leads to have an adverse impact on medical priorities for consultation however e-consultation has been used widely by practitioners to aid the patient and healthcare providers. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey was conducted on allied health professionals, considering physical and occupational therapists. A self-administered questionnaire regarding impact assessment and level of attained satisfaction was distributed to participants in Google Docs via email or Whatsapp groups. RESULTS A total number of 109 responses obtained from the participants showed (34.9%) were agreed to understand the completed condition of the patient, (38.5%) but (41.3%) disagreed to treat the patient same as physical appointment and (35.58%) disagreed to work more productively. Only (32.1%) were agreed to be satisfied during their consultation, (49.5%) agreed that e-consultation can never be adopted as a good substitute of physical appointments. CONCLUSION It was concluded that limited number of therapists were satisfied with their e-consultation services while majority were agreed that the service cannot be a good substitute for a physical appointment. Therefore, further trials needs to be conducted to evaluate the factors causing hindrance in healthcare delivery.

scholarly journals Adherence to recommendations of inpatient geriatric consultation teams: a multicenter observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieke Deschodt ◽  
Anthony Jeuris ◽  
Bastiaan Van Grootven ◽  
Eline Van Waerebeek ◽  
Evie Gantois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
Geriatric Consultation

Abstract Purpose Inpatient geriatric consultation teams (IGCTs) provide recommendations for the care of older patients hospitalized on non-geriatric wards based on comprehensive geriatric assessment. The lack of adherence to their recommendations hinders the potential impact of IGCTs. We evaluated the adherence to IGCT recommendations and determined which team and recommendation characteristics are related to higher adherence rates. Methods Multicenter observational study in older adults aged ≥ 75 years admitted to an acute non-geriatric ward. Demographic and adherence data were collected for 30 consecutive patients. A cross-sectional survey mapped team and organizational characteristics of the participating IGCTs. Results Analyses were conducted in 278 patients (51.4% male, mean age 82.5 years, and median length of stay 10 days). There was a median number of 3 recommendations (range 1–13) per patient. The overall adherence rate was 69.7%. Recommendations related to ‘social status’ (82.4%) and ‘functional status/mobility’ (73.3%) were best adhered to. Recommendations related to ‘medication’ (53.2%) and ‘nutritional status’ (59.1%) were least adhered to. Adherence rates increased if recommendations were given to allied health professionals (OR = 6.37, 95% CI = 1.15–35.35) or by more experienced IGCTs (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.04–1.72) and decreased when more recommendations were given (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.33–0.80). Conclusion Adherence rate to IGCT recommendations increased if given to allied health professionals or by more experienced IGCTs and when fewer recommendations were given. Study replication in an international multicenter study with a larger number of centers and evaluating the quality of the recommendations is suggested.

scholarly journals Developing a Consolidated Research Career Framework for Allied Health Professionals in the UK

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Deborah Harris ◽  
Kate Grafton ◽  
Jo Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Career ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Research Frameworks ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) form a significant part of the healthcare workforce, and have a great potential to improve services through research and research-informed practice. However, there is a lack of tradition in undertaking research alongside practice in these professional groups. Barriers include clinical caseload pressures, a lack of training and consequent lack of confidence in practitioners. Practice managers are ill-equipped to monitor and guide staff research development. Uni-professional knowledge & skills frameworks can act as further barriers to research culture across the healthcare system that is moving toward multi-disciplinary research focussing on the patient. A common framework, acceptable to all AHPs might be helpful in planning and developing clinical career pathways. Aim: to develop a consolidated research career framework to help plan and guide research activity throughout AHP clinical-academic careers. The study was conducted in three phases. Methods Phase one identified existing AHP research frameworks (AHPRF) through expert consultations and literature searches. Phase two involved Framework Analysis of the AHPRFs to develop a single consolidated framework. Phase three included a workshop with experts to validate and adapt the framework for practice. Results 19 AHPRFs were identified. A consolidated framework was shaped by analysis of the AHPRFs resulting in a consolidated framework of eight sections, each containing a series of statements. Each section relates to an analytic theme within the thematic analysis, and the statements were based on sub-categories of themes. The final framework was further shaped by the phase three workshop into a set of ‘stem’ statements that can be adapted to reflect different levels of expertise and the inclusion of a set of guiding principles developed through expert consultation. Conclusion The consolidated framework was entitled ‘Shaping Better Practice Through Research: A Practitioner Framework’ by stakeholders, thus emphasising its ambition to embed research activity into practice. It instigates a new perspective within AHP research by offering practitioners and managers a tool that can be applied across public, private and voluntary settings for AHPs in all disciplines. Its ambition is to develop capacity in the AHPs that can undertake research to improve services and the health of service users.

scholarly journals The Changing Nature of Palliative Care: Implications for Allied Health Professionals’ Educational and Training Needs

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deidre D. Morgan ◽  
Deb Rawlings ◽  
Carly J. Moores ◽  
Lizzie Button ◽  
Jennifer J. Tieman
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Access

CareSearch is an Australian Government Department of Health funded repository of evidence-based palliative care information and resources. The CareSearch Allied Health Hub was developed in 2013 to support all allied health professionals working with palliative care clients in all clinical settings. This cross-sectional online survey sought to elicit allied health professionals palliative care experiences and subsequent considerations for educational and clinical practice needs. The survey was disseminated nationally via a range of organisations. Data was collected about palliative care knowledge, experience working with palliative care clients and professional development needs. Data were evaluated by profession, experience and practice setting. In total, 217 respondents answered one or more survey questions (94%). Respondents (65%) reported seeing >15 palliative care clients per month with 84% seen in hospital and community settings. Undergraduate education underprepared or partially prepared allied health professionals to work with these clients (96%) and 67% identified the need for further education. Access to postgraduate professional development was limited by available backfill and funding. Study findings support the importance of free, accessible, relevant educational and professional development resources to support clinical practice. This is particularly relevant for allied health professionals who have limited opportunities to attend formal professional development sessions.

scholarly journals Developing a consolidated research framework for clinical allied health professionals practising in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Harris ◽  
Kate Grafton ◽  
Jo Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Research Frameworks ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) form a significant part of the healthcare workforce and have great potential to improve services through research and research-informed practice. However, there is a lack of tradition in research embedded in practice in these professional groups. Barriers include clinical caseload pressures, a lack of sustainable training and consequent lack of confidence in practitioners. Practice managers are ill-equipped to monitor and guide staff research development. The modern healthcare system is a multi-disciplinary environment focused on the needs of the patient. A common framework across all AHP disciplines, offering equality in research knowledge and skills and shared language, might be helpful in planning and developing clinical career pathways. Our aim is to develop a consolidated research framework to help AHPs to plan and guide research activity throughout their career. Methods The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one identified existing AHP research frameworks (AHPRF) through expert consultations and literature searches. Phase two involved framework analysis of the AHPRFs to develop a single consolidated framework. Phase three included a workshop with experts to validate and adapt the framework for practice. Results Nineteen AHPRFs were identified. A consolidated framework was shaped by analysis of the AHPRFs resulting in a consolidated framework of eight sections, each containing a series of statements. Each section relates to an analytic theme within the framework analysis, and the statements were based on sub-categories of themes. The final framework was further shaped by the phase three workshop into a set of ‘stem’ statements that can be adapted to reflect different levels of expertise and the inclusion of a set of guiding principles developed through expert consultation. Conclusion The consolidated framework was entitled ‘Shaping Better Practice Through Research: A Practitioner Framework’ by stakeholders, thus emphasising its ambition to embed research activity into practice. It instigates a new perspective within AHP research by offering practitioners and managers a tool that can be applied across public, private, and voluntary settings for AHPs in all disciplines. Its ambition is to develop capacity in the AHPs that can undertake research to improve services and the health of service users.

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