scholarly journals The development of a consensus definition for healthcare improvement science (HIS) in seven European countries: A consensus methods approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigita Skela-Savič ◽  
Rhoda Macrae ◽  
Manuel Lillo-Crespo ◽  
Kevin D Rooney
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Consensus Methods ◽  
Improvement Science ◽  
Consensus Definition ◽  
Consensus Group ◽  
Healthcare Improvement ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level

Abstract Introduction There is a limited body of research in the field of healthcare improvement science (HIS). Quality improvement and ‘change making’ should become an intrinsic part of everyone’s job, every day in all parts of the healthcare system. The lack of theoretical grounding may partly explain the minimal transfer of health research into health policy. Methods This article seeks to present the development of the definition for healthcare improvement science. A consensus method approach was adopted with a two-stage Delphi process, expert panel and consensus group techniques. A total of 18 participants were involved in the expert panel and consensus group, and 153 answers were analysed as a part of the Delphi survey. Participants were researchers, educators and healthcare professionals from Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, England, Poland, and Romania. Results A high level of consensus was achieved for the broad definition in the 2nd Delphi iteration (86%). The final definition was agreed on by the consensus group: ‘Healthcare improvement science is the generation of knowledge to cultivate change and deliver person-centred care that is safe, effective, efficient, equitable and timely. It improves patient outcomes, health system performance and population health.’ Conclusions The process of developing a consensus definition revealed different understandings of healthcare improvement science between the participants. Having a shared consensus definition of healthcare improvement science is an important step forward, bringing about a common understanding in order to advance the professional education and practice of healthcare improvement science.

scholarly journals Learning outcomes physiotherapy in neurology – a structured consensus finding of the Austrian University Network Physiotherapy in Neurology (ÖHPN) / Learning Outcomes Physiotherapie in der Neurologie – eine strukturierte Konsensfindung des österreichischen Hochschulnetzwerkes Physiotherapie in der Neurologie (ÖHPN)

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-83
Author(s):  
Karin Lotter ◽  
Anita Kidritsch ◽  
Hannes Aftenberger ◽  
Gabriele Mayrhofer ◽  
Karin Polanz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Applied Sciences ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Universities Of Applied Sciences ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
European Standards ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level

AbstractBackgroundEuropean Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in tertiary education at Universities of Applied Sciences recommend a high level of competence orientation. This can be achieved and evaluated by the definition of Learning Outcomes. Furthermore, these Outcomes can assure a comparison of the level of education after graduation. Efforts should be made to achieve this form of Quality Assurance for the professional education of physiotherapists.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to state consensus of the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences Network for Physiotherapy in Neurology through the definition of shared Learning Outcomes for the field of Neurology for undergraduate physiotherapy students.MethodsBased on the guidelines of the European Qualification Framework (EQF), Physio Austria (Austrian Association of Physiotherapists) published the competency profile for physiotherapists describing learning outcomes of EQF levels 6 as the first study cycle with Bachelor degree. Specific learning outcomes for Physiotherapy in Neurology were added for the further development and differentiated assurance of Quality Standards in coordination with experts from the Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria.ResultsIn addition to the Learning Outcomes described in the competency profile of Physio Austria, this consensus paper describes those specifically for the EQF Level 6 of physiotherapy in neurology. Specifications in neurology were made for the following roles: Expert in Physiotherapy, Communicator, Teamworker, Health Promoter, Innovator, Health Professional.ConclusionRecommendations for quality assurance in tertiary education are actively pursued across all participating Universities of Applied Sciences. This allows a better comparability of the educational standards in Physiotherapy in Neurology in Europe as well as internationally. This is of great importance for physiotherapists as health professionals.

LOOKING BACK ON 5 YEARS OF HORIZON SCANNING IN ONCOLOGY

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 54-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Nachtnebel ◽  
Johanna Breuer ◽  
Wolfgang Willenbacher ◽  
Anna Bucsics ◽  
Peter Krippl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Analysis ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Dissemination Strategy ◽  
Horizon Scanning ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

Objectives: The regularly structured adaptation of health technology assessment (HTA) programs is of utmost importance to sustain the relevance of the products for stakeholders and to justify investment of scarce financial resources. This study describes internal adjustments and external measures taken to ensure the Horizon Scanning Programme in Oncology (HSO) is current.Methods: Formal evaluation methods comprising a survey, a download, an environmental analysis, and a Web site questionnaire were used to evaluate user satisfaction.Results: The evaluation showed that users were satisfied with HSO outputs in terms of timeliness, topics selected, and depth of information provided. Discussion of these findings with an expert panel led to changes such as an improved dissemination strategy and the introduction of an additional output, that is, the publication of a league table of emerging oncology drugs. The rather high level of international usage and the environmental analysis highlighted a considerable overlap in topics assessed and, thus, the potential for international collaboration. As a consequence, thirteen reports were jointly published based on eleven “calls for collaboration.” To further facilitate collaboration and the usability of reports for other agencies, HSO reports will be adjusted according to tools developed at a European level.Conclusions: Evaluation of the impact of HTA programs allows the tailoring of outputs to fit the needs of the target population. However, within a fast developing HTA community, estimates of impact will increasingly be determined by international collaborative efforts. Refined methods and a broader definition of impact are needed to ultimately capture the efficiency of national HTA programs.

scholarly journals Makna Kepakaran dalam Profesion Doktor Perubatan di Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-148
Author(s):  
Nur Fariza Tukiman ◽  
Norhasni Zainal Abiddin
Keyword(s):  
Professional Education ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Key Word ◽  
Professional Field ◽  
Static Approach ◽  
Education Profession ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Official Recognition

ABSTRAKSI: Kajian ini bertujuan untuk memahami definisi kepakaran dan hubung-kaitnya dengan sesuatu profesion dalam konteks bidang perubatan. Sebelum definisi kepakaran diperoleh, pemahaman yang jelas harus didapati mengenai definisi profesion; dan kajian ini akan meneliti beberapa kajian utama yang telah dilakukan untuk mengkaji persoalan berkenaan. Terdapat tiga pendekatan utama yang selalu diperkatakan untuk memahami maksud profesion, iaitu: pendekatan statik, pendekatan proses, dan pendekatan sosio-ekonomi. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, yang mana sekumpulan 12 orang informan di temubual pada sekitar Ogos 2016; dan menggunakan penyelidik sebagai instrumen kajian, pelbagai aspek diteliti untuk mendapatkan pemahaman yang mendalam bersabit definisi kepakaran daripada informan, yang mana informan itu sendiri merupakan pakar dalam bidang perubatan. Kajian mendapati terdapat beberapa perkara yang membawa maksud kepakaran dalam bidang perubatan, iaitu: pengiktirafan rasmi; pengkhususan; menamatkan keperluan dipantau oleh seorang doktor pakar; tahap kompetensi yang tinggi; mempunyai kemahiran di luar bidang perubatan, seperti kemahiran bersosial dan berkomunikasi; serta menerima pengiktirafan daripada badan pemantau.KATA KUNCI: Kepakaran; Pembelajaran; Pendidikan Profesional Lanjutan; Profesion. ABSTRACT: “The Definition of Expertise in a Profession of Medical Doctors in Malaysia”. The research strives to understand the definition of expertise and its relation with a professional field in the context of the medical profession. Before expertise can be defined and properly understood, the research goes through a literature review of the definition and criteria of a profession. There are three main approaches that can be used to view a profession, which are the static approach, the process approach, and the socio-economic approach. This research adopts a qualitative approach, in which a sample of 12 informans is interviewed in August 2016; and using the researcher as an instrumentl, various aspects is being enquired to obtain a thorough understanding of the meaning of expertise to the informans, who are themselves specialist medical professionals and are considered “expert” in the medical field. The outcome summarizes that official certification; specialization on a specific field; completion of a serious of expertise checklist, including a being under the supervision of a mentor; a high level of competency; possessing soft skills and capabilities outside of the medical profesion; and receiving official recognition from a monitoring body are key criterias that defines expertise in the medical profession. KEY WORD: Expertise; Learning; Continuing Professional Education; Profession.  About the Authors: Nur Fariza Tukiman ialah Pelajar di Jabatan Pemajuan Profesional dan Pendidikan Lanjutan, Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia), Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Assoc. Prof. Dato Dr. Norhasni Zainal Abiddin ialah Pensyarah di Jabatan Pemajuan Profesional dan Pendidikan Lanjutan, Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan UPM, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Alamat emel penulis: [email protected] dan [email protected] Suggested Citation: Tukiman, Nur Fariza Norhasni Zainal Abiddin. (2018). “Makna Kepakaran dalam Profesion Doktor Perubatan di Malaysia” in MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN: Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, Volume 3(2), September, pp.137-148. Bandung, Indonesia: UPI [Indonesia University of Education] Press, ISSN 2527-3868 (print) and 2503-457X (online). Article Timeline: Accepted (March 2, 2018); Revised (June 22, 2018); and Published (September 30, 2018).

Europe

2020 ◽  
pp. 649-666
Author(s):  
Andrea Renda
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Expert Group ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Ethics Guidelines ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level

This chapter assesses Europe’s efforts in developing a full-fledged strategy on the human and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The strong focus on ethics in the European Union’s AI strategy should be seen in the context of an overall strategy that aims at protecting citizens and civil society from abuses of digital technology but also as part of a competitiveness-oriented strategy aimed at raising the standards for access to Europe’s wealthy Single Market. In this context, one of the most peculiar steps in the European Union’s strategy was the creation of an independent High-Level Expert Group on AI (AI HLEG), accompanied by the launch of an AI Alliance, which quickly attracted several hundred participants. The AI HLEG, a multistakeholder group including fifty-two experts, was tasked with the definition of Ethics Guidelines as well as with the formulation of “Policy and Investment Recommendations.” With the advice of the AI HLEG, the European Commission put forward ethical guidelines for Trustworthy AI—which are now paving the way for a comprehensive, risk-based policy framework.

scholarly journals Shape Sensing of a Complex Aeronautical Structure with Inverse Finite Element Method

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1388
Author(s):  
Daniele Oboe ◽  
Luca Colombo ◽  
Claudio Sbarufatti ◽  
Marco Giglio
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Strain Field ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Inverse Finite Element Method ◽  
Shape Sensing ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Element Method

The inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is receiving more attention for shape sensing due to its independence from the material properties and the external load. However, a proper definition of the model geometry with its boundary conditions is required, together with the acquisition of the structure’s strain field with optimized sensor networks. The iFEM model definition is not trivial in the case of complex structures, in particular, if sensors are not applied on the whole structure allowing just a partial definition of the input strain field. To overcome this issue, this research proposes a simplified iFEM model in which the geometrical complexity is reduced and boundary conditions are tuned with the superimposition of the effects to behave as the real structure. The procedure is assessed for a complex aeronautical structure, where the reference displacement field is first computed in a numerical framework with input strains coming from a direct finite element analysis, confirming the effectiveness of the iFEM based on a simplified geometry. Finally, the model is fed with experimentally acquired strain measurements and the performance of the method is assessed in presence of a high level of uncertainty.

scholarly journals A fatal toxic shock-like syndrome post COVID-19 infection in a child

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houda Ajmi ◽  
Wissem Besghaier ◽  
Wafa Kallala ◽  
Abdelhalim Trabelsi ◽  
Saoussan Abroug
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
Fresh Frozen Plasma ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Children affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed various manifestations. Some of them were severe cases presenting with multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) causing multiple organ dysfunction. Case presentation We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with recent COVID-19 infection who presented with persistent fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms that meet the definition of MIS-C. She had lymphopenia and a high level of inflammatory markers. She was admitted to pediatric intensive care unit since she rapidly developed refractory catecholamine-resistant shock with multiple organ failure. Echocardiography showed a small pericardial effusion with a normal ejection fraction (Ejection Fraction = 60%) and no valvular or coronary lesions. The child showed no signs of improvement even after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, fresh frozen plasma, high doses of Vasopressors and corticosteroid. His outcome was fatal. Conclusion Pediatric patients affected by the new COVID-19 related syndrome may show severe life-threatening conditions similar to Kawasaki disease shock syndrome. Hypotension in these patients results from heart failure and the decreased cardiac output. We report a new severe clinical feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in whom hypotension was the result of refractory vasoplegia.

The Impact of the Privacy Rule on Cancer Research: Variations in Attitudes and Application of Regulatory Standards

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (24) ◽  
pp. 4014-4020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Goss ◽  
Michael P. Link ◽  
Suanna S. Bruinooge ◽  
Theodore S. Lawrence ◽  
Joel E. Tepper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Data Repositories ◽  
Privacy Rule ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
American Society ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer Research Committee designed a qualitative research project to assess the attitudes of cancer researchers and compliance officials regarding compliance with the US Privacy Rule and to identify potential strategies for eliminating perceived or real barriers to achieving compliance. Methods A team of three interviewers asked 27 individuals (13 investigators and 14 compliance officials) from 13 institutions to describe the anticipated approach of their institutions to Privacy Rule compliance in three hypothetical research studies. Results The interviews revealed that although researchers and compliance officials share the view that patients' cancer diagnoses should enjoy a high level of privacy protection, there are significant tensions between the two groups related to the proper standards for compliance necessary to protect patients. The disagreements are seen most clearly with regard to the appropriate definition of a “future research use” of protected health information in biospecimen and data repositories and the standards for a waiver of authorization for disclosure and use of such data. Conclusion ASCO believes that disagreements related to compliance and the resulting delays in certain projects and abandonment of others might be eased by additional institutional training programs and consultation on Privacy Rule issues during study design. ASCO also proposes the development of best practices documents to guide 1) creation of data repositories, 2) disclosure and use of data from such repositories, and 3) the design of survivorship and genetics studies.

Digital Technology: the Answer to the Art Historical Conundrum of A ccessibility?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Berry
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Art History ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Travel Costs ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
The People ◽  
Accessibility Problem ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level

The famous anthropologist Pierre Bourdieu argued that there is an “unnatural idea of inborn culture, of a gift of culture, bestowed on certain people by Nature.” [1] Bourdieu is arguing that people, who have not been born into a higher class, or who cannot receive a high level of education, are unable to appreciate and understand art. The study of art history is expensive, and often involves extremely high travel costs, thus making it inaccessible to anybody who does not enjoy the means to pursue it. How can we address this accessibility problem in the study of art history? Is there any way to bring art to the people who do not possess “inborn culture?” Bourdieu wrote his book on art and class in 1984, at a time when the computer, and its democratizing potential, was a new and little -understood invention. My research proposes that modern technology provides an answer to this problem, which has plagued the discipline of art history. This presentation will examine three research projects that I’ve been working on at Queen’s. Each project uses digital technologies to improve the general public’s knowledge and access to art. The projects are all different: the first focuses on creating a digital model of 18th - century Canterbury Cathedral based on a book from W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections, the second project works on understanding Herstmonceux Castle and medieval England through technology, and the third involves image processing for art historical investigations. Despite their differences, each project makes art accessible to people who do not possess Bourdieu’s definition of “inborn culture.”        

scholarly journals Defining the role and scope of practice of allied health assistants within Queensland public health services

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Stute ◽  
Andrea Hurwood ◽  
Julie Hulcombe ◽  
Pim Kuipers
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Health Assistant ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Professional Support Staff ◽  
High Level

Background The uptake and utilisation of allied health assistants as professional support staff has been variable across disciplines and jurisdictions. Although they are potentially very important in the current health workforce context, there is little agreement on their roles or the most suitable methods to define these roles. Method Based on a review of literature, existing role descriptions and focus groups, a Delphi survey process was undertaken. This process comprising three rounds of discussion and clarification via email, with between 107 and 188 participants, was undertaken to define and establish consensus on allied health assistant roles at three levels. Results Three cycles of editing, qualitative feedback and rating of agreement with statements resulted in substantial clarification of roles and a meaningful degree of consensus regarding the role and scope of such positions. High levels of agreement were not reached for more high-level or contested clinical tasks. Conclusions The Delphi process resulted in key tasks and roles being defined and contentious aspects clearly identified. The process facilitated engagement with workforce members most closely affected by these questions. It was a useful means of drawing together the opinions of the workforce and informing implementation trials to follow. What is known about the topic? Allied health assistants are important members of health teams. Current developments in health services necessitate considerable growth in these positions. The role and scope of practice of allied health assistants is poorly defined and varies between disciplines, settings and facilities, which threatens the establishment of these positions. What does this paper add? This study describes a methodology used to define the role and scope of practice of allied health support staff, which resulted in high levels of consensus and documentation of concerns regarding these positions. Tasks and roles have been defined at different allied health assistant position levels. What are the implications for practitioners? The definition of roles and establishment of scope of practice of emerging positions can be substantially advanced by well researched and widely consultative methods. For more advanced allied health assistant positions to be effectively implemented, tasks relating to treatment, leadership, documentation, assessment and team participation must be clearly elucidated and agreed.

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