scholarly journals Collaboration, Training and Resources to Support School Policy Development and Recovery from Concussion

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-268
Author(s):  
Karen Sadler ◽  
Kate Turcotte ◽  
Shelina Babul
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
School District ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Return To School ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Professionals ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Significant Positive Change ◽  
Concussion Education

Objective: Concussion is a public health concern across all ages, yet there is little research on providing concussion education and training within the educational context. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool for School Professionals (CATT SP) was developed to provide the necessary concussion education and resources for school professionals to support a student with concussion while integrating back to school. Methods: The CATT SP module underwent a 2016 pre/post-intervention evaluation to determine if knowledge and attitudes significantly improved among educators and administrators following completion of the CATT SP, as well as a 2018-19 pilot study within a school district in British Columbia with an accompanying Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement assessment. Results: A statistically significant positive change in knowledge (p = .027) was found among those who indicated that they had accessed CATT SP. Results of the pilot study and QA/QI assessment found support of the use of CATT within the school district. Conclusions: Evidence-based concussion training and resources are key components for school professionals who are collaboratively supporting a student’s individualized return to school and learning following a concussion, and when developing and implementing a concussion policy within districts and school.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Telehealth Intervention on Activity Profiles in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Johnson ◽  
Adam Bradley ◽  
Lukus Klawitter ◽  
Jane Johnson ◽  
Lance Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Computer Time ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Telehealth Intervention ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Background: Physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health concern for older adults. Telehealth presents a safe platform for conducting health-related interventions that may have additional benefits such as widespread reach. Our pilot study sought to examine how a telehealth intervention changed activity profiles in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: There were n = 13 adults aged 70.6 ± 4.5 years that participated in a 6 week telehealth intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The didactic intervention contents were shared online, and participants worked with trained interviewers over the telephone to discuss physical activity. At baseline and post-intervention, the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults examined activity profiles, while accelerometry estimated time spent sedentary and in physical activity. Results: Relative to the baseline measures, there was an 88 min/day (95% confidence interval (CI): 39, 137) increase in computer time and 36 min/day (CI: 10, 62) reduction in time spent in active transport at post-intervention. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation also increased by an estimated 2 min/day (CI: −21, 26) and 12 min/week (CI: −154, 180), but this trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We recommend that support be provided to older adults transitioning to telehealth, especially as migration to telehealth progresses.

The Surprise Question and Serious Illness Conversations: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 096973302098339
Author(s):  
Kathy Le ◽  
Jenny Lee ◽  
Sameer Desai ◽  
Anita Ho ◽  
Holly van Heukelom
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Acute Medicine ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
Patient Goals ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Seriously Ill Patients ◽  
Surprise Question ◽  
Seriously Ill

Background: Serious Illness Conversations aim to discuss patient goals. However, on acute medicine units, seriously ill patients may undergo distressing interventions until death. Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using the Surprise Question, “Would you be surprised if this patient died within the next year?” to identify patients who would benefit from early Serious Illness Conversations and study any changes in the interdisciplinary team’s beliefs, confidence, and engagement as a result of asking the Surprise Question. Design: A prospective cohort pilot study with two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Participants/context: Fifty-eight healthcare professionals working on Acute Medicine Units participated in pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. The intervention involved asking participants the Surprise Question for each patient. Patient charts were reviewed for Serious Illness Conversation documentation. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval was granted by the institutions involved. Findings: Equivocal overall changes in the beliefs, confidence, and engagement of healthcare professionals were observed. Six out of 23 patients were indicated as needing a Serious Illness Conversation; chart review provided some evidence that these patients had more Serious Illness Conversation documentation compared with the 17 patients not flagged for a Serious Illness Conversation. Issues were identified in equating the Surprise Question to a Serious Illness Conversation. Discussion: Appropriate support for seriously ill patients is both a nursing professional and ethical duty. Flagging patients for conversations may act as a filtering process, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on conversations with patients who need them most. There are ethical and practical issues as to what constitutes a “serious illness” and if answering “no” to the Surprise Question always equates to a conversation. Conclusion: The barriers of time constraints and lack of training call for institutional change in order to prioritise the moral obligation of Serious Illness Conversations.

scholarly journals Development and evaluation of two different lameness models in meat goats, a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J Reppert ◽  
Michael D Kleinhenz ◽  
Abbie Viscardi ◽  
Shawnee R Montgomery ◽  
Alison R Crane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Interphalangeal Joint ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Distal Interphalangeal Joint ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Meat Goats ◽  
Distal Interphalangeal ◽  
Maximum Temperatures

Abstract Lameness is a serious health concern for livestock species. Understanding individual animal response to pain and characterization of lameness are critical when developing appropriate treatments. The objectives of this pilot study was to evaluate two different lameness models and measures for determining response to induced lameness in meat goats. Lameness was induced by intraarticular injection into the left hind lateral claw distal interphalangeal joint with either amphotericin B (Amp-B) or kaolin-carrageenan (K-C). Response to lameness was characterized by behavior scoring, visual lameness scoring (VLS), infrared thermography (IRT) of the affected digit, pressure mat gait analysis (PMT), and plasma cortisol (CORT) analysis. Lame goats had higher VLS compared to controls (P = 0.003). Maximum temperatures measured in hooves from lame vs control goats were significantly higher (P = 0.003). Pressure mat analysis demonstrated, when compared to controls, lame goats had decreased force (P = 0.013), impulse (P = 0.007), contact pressure (P = 0.007), and contact area of the left hind limb (P = 0.009). Mean CORT levels 4 and 6 h after lameness induction were higher in lame goats (P = 0.005, P = 0.01). The two lameness methods reliably induced lameness of varying severity in healthy meat goats.

‘No one ever asked us’: a feasibility study assessing the co-creation of a physical activity programme with adolescent girls

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 34-43
Author(s):  
Méabh Corr ◽  
Elaine Murtagh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Behaviour Change Wheel

Background: Globally, the poor activity level of adolescent girls is a public health concern. Little research has involved adolescents in the design of interventions. This study assessed the feasibility of involving girls in the co-creation of an activity programme. Methods: Thirty-one students (15–17 years old) were recruited from a post-primary school. The Behaviour Change Wheel guided intervention design, providing insights into participants’ capability, opportunity and motivation for change. Step counts and self-reported physical activity levels were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility benchmarks assessed recruitment, data collection, acceptability and adherence. Results: Activity and educational sessions were delivered for six weeks during physical education class. Average attendance was 87% (benchmark = 80%). Eligibility was 61% (benchmark = 60%). There was a 100% retention rate (benchmark = 90%). All participants ( n = 31) completed baseline measures and 71% ( n = 22) completed post-measures. 54% ( n = 17) of students completed pedometer measurements, with 32% ( n = 10) having complete data. Average daily steps were 13,121 pre-intervention and 14,128 post-intervention ( p > 0.05). Data collection was feasible, receiving a mean score > 4/5 (benchmark > 3.5/5). Conclusions: The Behaviour Change Wheel can be used to co-create an activity programme with adolescent girls. Predetermined benchmarks, except for pedometer recordings, were reached or exceeded, providing evidence for the need of a randomised controlled trial to test effectiveness.

Microcystin Exposure Pathways and Human Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Rajesh Melaram ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Algal Toxins ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Exposure Pathways ◽  
Green Algal

Microcystins (MCs) are blue-green algal toxins produced by freshwater cyanobacteria. Their environmentally relevant concentrations throughout global surface waters have tampered with human populations’ drinking and recreational supplies. MCs have gained immense public health attention due to their potential health effects. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most toxic variant of the MCs. Investigations on MC-LR toxicity and detection in water signify a growing potential environmental health concern worldwide. The World Health Organization established a provisional drinking water guidance value of 1 μg/L and a provisional recreational exposure guidance value of 10 μg/L for MC-LR. This review surveys human MC exposure pathways and integrates epidemiological studies to support MCs’ critical exposure pathways. A discussion on monitoring and mitigation strategies provides a guide for policy development in adopting MCs’ regulatory levels to protect public health.

A PILOT STUDY TO FIND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIALEMOTIONAL LEARNING INTERVENTION ON AGGRESSION AND EMPATHY AMONG ADOLESCENTS.

2021 ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Jayashree Das ◽  
Soumitra Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Social And Emotional Learning ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Concern For Others

Adolescence is a challenging and dynamic period due to hormonal, physical, emotional, cognitive and social changes. Aggression in any form, if present, or its manifestations is linked to various psychosocial maladjustments or mental disorders and are negatively associated with prosocial behavior and adaptive social functioning, especially during adolescence. It may also be a red ag sign for development of mental disorders. One factor that buffers against aggression during adolescence is empathy. Emotional intelligence and empathy are considered key components of emotional education by developing young people's capacity to successfully cope with the pressures of life and demands of their stressful environment. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one such interventional program that focuses on these issues and helps in improving empathy and decreasing aggression in adolescents. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2012) denes SEL as “the process of acquiring the skills to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships, and handle challenging situations effectively." In this pilot study 80 students from an English medium school were taken. Using three questionnaires, aggression and empathy of students were measured pre SEL intervention. After twelve sessions of SEL intervention, the aggression and empathy was again measured using the same questionnaires to nd out if there is a difference between the pre and the post scores. Most of the aggression and anger came down post SEL intervention. It was also found to have signicant difference in pre and post intervention ratings of empathy. The signicant difference in pre and post intervention ratings of aggression as well as empathy led to conclude the efcacy and effectiveness of the SEL intervention.

Information and taste interventions for improving consumer acceptance of edible insects: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
E. Woolf ◽  
C. Maya ◽  
J. Yoon ◽  
S. Shertukde ◽  
T. Toia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Protein Source ◽  
Consumer Acceptance ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Educational Session ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Insects As Food

Insects are a sustainable protein source with poor consumer acceptance in developed countries. An Eating Insects Conference and Tasting Demonstration was hosted with a goal of promoting consumption of edible insects. The event consisted of an educational session that provided information about entomophagy followed by a cooking and tasting demonstration of edible insects. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess the effect of the event on participants’ acceptance of entomophagy. Forty-three attendees completed the surveys. After attending the event, participants felt more knowledgeable about entomophagy, which positively correlated with willingness to consume edible insects. Participants who believed that entomophagy is sustainable were more willing to consume edible insects than those who did not. Although all participants consumed insects at the tasting demonstration, those with prior consumption experiences had significantly higher post-intervention willingness scores, indicating repeated exposures may be necessary for improving consumer acceptance of edible insects. The event raised awareness of using insects as food and provided useful information for developing effective interventions to promote insect consumption.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Rizzo Gnatta ◽  
Patricia Petrone Piason ◽  
Cristiane de Lion Botero Couto Lopes ◽  
Noemi Marisa Brunet Rogenski ◽  
Maria Júlia Paes da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Temperature Method ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perception Of Self ◽  
Cutaneous Application

Objective: To verify if the use of ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application or inhalation alters the anxiety and self-esteem perception and physiological parameters as blood pressure and temperature. Method : A pilot study with 34 professionals from a nursing group randomized in three groups: one received the ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application, the second received through inhalation and the third (placebo) received the ylang ylang essence through cutaneous application. The assessment was done by an Anxiety Inventory (IDATE) and the Dela Coleta self-esteem scale, applied on baseline, after 30, 60 and 90 days and after 15 days post-intervention (follow up). Results : In the pre and post-intervention intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in self-esteem for the three groups (p values: G1=0.014; G2=0.016; G3=0.038). There were no differences in the analysis between groups for anxiety or for physiological parameters. Conclusion : It was found significant alterations only to the intergroup perception of self-esteem for the three groups.


scholarly journals The effectiveness of telemedicine interventions to address maternal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 639-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uthara Nair ◽  
Nigel R Armfield ◽  
Mark D Chatfield ◽  
Sisira Edirippulige
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Introduction Maternal depression (MD), is an overarching term for depression affecting pregnant women and mothers for up to 12 months postpartum. Because MD may have chronic and long-lasting effects, it is an important public health concern. The extent to which telemedicine may be an effective way to provide services to sufferers of MD is unknown, therefore, this review aimed to assess the available evidence. Methods We conducted a search of The Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for relevant randomised controlled trials published between 2000 and 2018; we then conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Results We identified 10 studies for inclusion. Therapeutic strategies involved cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural activation and other psychoeducation. Eight trials reported significant improvement in depression scores post-intervention; four studies that conducted post-intervention follow-up found that these improvements continued. However, high attrition rates and lack of blinding were common problems. Discussion This review found limited evidence supporting the delivery of CBT for the treatment of MD and anxiety using telemedicine. However, most of the evidence only studied improvements in postpartum depression, indicating that use of telemedicine to provide MD intervention is still small and an under-researched area.

scholarly journals Addressing the Disparity in Refugee Mental Health Services: a Pilot Study of a Traumatic Stress Intervention Utilizing a Language‑Free mHealth Application

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Mazzulla ◽  
Karen M. Fondacaro ◽  
Holly C Weldon ◽  
Marguerite Dibble ◽  
Matthew Price
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Somali Bantu ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Mental Health Treatments ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Objective: After resettlement, an overwhelming number of refugees struggle with Chronic Traumatic Stress (CTS), the persistence of traumatic events (e.g., re-experiencing past trauma; news of on-going war) coupled with daily post-migration stressors (e.g., poverty, lack of transportation). CTS significantly increases the burden of mental health challenges experienced by refugees. Evidence-based mental health treatments often rely on worksheets, mobile applications, websites, or telephone calls to facilitate the management of distress outside of treatment sessions. Language barriers prevent these strategies from being incorporated into mental health treatment for refugees, which results in a significant disparity in care. Treatments delivered via mobile devices can address this barrier through the use of intuitive images that eliminate the need for text or language-based instruction.Methods: A six-week pilot study assessing the effectiveness of group intervention utilizing a language free, culturally relevant mobile health (mHealth) application was conducted in a sample of Somali-Bantu and Nepali-Bhutanese adult refugee men and women (N=18). Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-intervention levels of psychosocial distress, anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress, on the Refugee Health Screener (RHS-15) and an investigator generated coping measure.Results: Results indicated significant reduction (p<.001) in symptoms related to traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints in addition to a significant increase (p<.001) in the use of coping skills.Conclusions: The use of a mobile mental health app, in combination with in-person therapy, was effective in reducing mental health symptomology and in increasing the use of coping skills in Somali-Bantu and Nepali-Bhutanese refugees.

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