scholarly journals Reflextherapy in Healthcare – Reflection on Audit Result and Employment of Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnel Berry
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Effect ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Bowel Function ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Audit Result ◽  
Professional Profile ◽  
Return Envelope

An article was published in 20141 reporting on an audit of the Membership of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Reflextherapy (ACPIRT). This article reflects on the outcome of the audit in the context of a treatment tool in physiotherapy and allied health professions in the United Kingdom and abroad. Background: ACPIRT was established in 1992 by Christine Jones, physiotherapist, and associated colleagues to provide a clinical interest group for physiotherapists and allied health professionals practising reflextherapy (RT), a manual therapy applied to the feet (or hands) similar and akin to reflexology. The audit was carried out in 2009 to establish a professional profile of members and to document their clinical experiences in using RT in healthcare. Methodology: 161 ACPIRT members were sent a postal questionnaire (including a stamped return envelope) regarding their experience using RT treating patients in the NHS and/or in private practice. One hundred (62%) members responded. A pilot study was carried out prior to the main enquiry including 14 ACPIRT committee members. Their results were included in the final audit result. Aims: i) To describe members’ demographics, work environments and opinions of the value of RT in healthcare. ii) To describe the historical background and development of RT to become an accepted therapeutic intervention by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Results: Sixty-eight respondents (68%) considered RT ‘very good’, ‘good’ and ‘as good as’ orthodox physiotherapy. Fifty-eight respondents (58%) thought RT had a 25% placebo effect. No one considered RT to have a 100% placebo effect. Overwhelmingly, 95 respondents (95%) reported ‘relaxation’, ‘reduced stress’ and ‘reduced pain’ as main benefits of the treatment. A few respondents reported ‘increased fertility’, ‘improved bowel function’ and ‘reduced appetite’. Comments were made on the future of RT and recommendation for a Foundation Course. The results showed a mature, highly experienced professional membership with a female gender bias.

scholarly journals B-AB05-03 A SAME DAY DISCHARGE STRATEGY AFTER ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION THAT IS OVERSEEN BY ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CAN BE INITIATED SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY

Heart Rhythm ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. S8
Author(s):  
Lauren Ashley Rousseau ◽  
Nicole M. Bourque ◽  
Tiffany Andrade ◽  
Megan E.B. Antonellis ◽  
Patrice Hoskins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Same Day Discharge

scholarly journals Sustainable healthcare – Time for ‘Green Podiatry’

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Margaret Evans
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Foot Health

Abstract Background Healthcare aims to promote good health and yet demonstrably contributes to climate change, which is purported to be ‘the biggest global health threat of the 21st century’. This is happening now, with healthcare as an industry representing 4.4% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Main body Climate change promotes health deficits from many angles; however, primarily it is the use of fossil fuels which increases atmospheric carbon dioxide (also nitrous oxide, and methane). These greenhouse gases prevent the earth from cooling, resulting in the higher temperatures and rising sea levels, which then cause ‘wild weather’ patterns, including floods, storms, and droughts. Particular vulnerability is afforded to those already health compromised (older people, pregnant women, children, wider health co-morbidities) as well as populations closer to equatorial zones, which encompasses many low-and-middle-income-countries. The paradox here, is that poorer nations by spending less on healthcare, have lower carbon emissions from health-related activity, and yet will suffer most from global warming effects, with scant resources to off-set the increasing health care needs. Global recognition has forged the Paris agreement, the United Nations sustainable developments goals, and the World Health Organisation climate change action plan. It is agreed that most healthcare impact comes from consumption of energy and resources, and the production of greenhouse gases into the environment. Many professional associations of medicine and allied health professionals are advocating for their members to lead on environmental sustainability; the Australian Podiatry Association is incorporating climate change into its strategic direction. Conclusion Podiatrists, as allied health professionals, have wide community engagement, and hence, can model positive environmental practices, which may be effective in changing wider community behaviours, as occurred last century when doctors stopped smoking. As foot health consumers, our patients are increasingly likely to expect more sustainable practices and products, including ‘green footwear’ options. Green Podiatry, as a part of sustainable healthcare, directs us to be responsible energy and product consumers, and reduce our workplace emissions.

scholarly journals Predictors of fatigue following the onset of infectious mononucleosis

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 847-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. CANDY ◽  
T. CHALDER ◽  
A. J. CLEARE ◽  
A. PEAKMAN ◽  
A. SKOWERA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Mononucleosis ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Cognitive Responses ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Primary Care Patients

Background. Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a risk factor for chronic fatigue. Reduced activity is the most consistent factor found to be associated with poor outcome following the onset of infectious mononucleosis. However, little is known about the biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue following IM and no study, so far, has examined the relation between certain illness beliefs and poor outcome. This study explored immunological, endocrine, behavioural and cognitive responses to the acute illness and assessed which components of these groups of risk factors predicted a chronic course.Method. Using a prospective cohort design, 71 primary care patients with IM were enrolled onto the study and interviewed. Their recovery was explored by postal questionnaire up to 1 year later.Results. In the univariate analysis, increased baseline levels of immune activation were associated with fatigue at baseline and 3 months. Cortisol levels were not associated with fatigue at any point. Using multivariate models of clinical and psychosocial baseline factors, severity of symptoms and illness perceptions were found to predict fatigue 3 months later. At 6 months, fatigue was best predicted by female gender and illness perceptions, and at 12 months by female gender and a symptoms–disability factor.Conclusions. In the multivariate analysis no factors were found to predict poor outcome at all time-points. Instead the pattern of predictors changed over time, partly but not completely consistent with our a priori predictions. Larger studies are needed to explore further the predictive nature of biopsychosocial factors in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue related to IM. The psycho-behavioural predictors found in this study are amenable to intervention. Such interventions should be tested in randomized controlled trials.

Factors that contribute to high-quality clinical supervision of the rural allied health workforce: lessons from the coalface

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Martin ◽  
Katherine Baldock ◽  
Saravana Kumar ◽  
Lucylynn Lizarondo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Remote Health ◽  
Rural And Remote Health

Objective The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to high-quality clinical supervision of the allied health workforce in rural and remote settings. Methods This quantitative study was part of a broader project that used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Participants were 159 allied health professionals from two Australian states. Quantitative data were collected using an online customised survey and the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26). Data were analysed using regression analyses. Results Supervisee’s work setting and choice of supervisor were found to have a positive and significant influence on clinical supervision quality. Supervisee profession and time in work role were found to have a negative and significant influence on the quality of clinical supervision. Conclusions High-quality clinical supervision is essential to achieve quality and safety of health care, as well as to support the health workforce. Information on high-quality clinical supervision identified in this study can be applied to clinical supervision practices in rural and remote settings, and to professional support policies and training to enhance the quality of supervision. What is known about the topic? There is mounting evidence on the benefits of clinical supervision to health professionals, organisations and patients. Clinical supervision enhances recruitment and retention of the health workforce. However, there are still gaps regarding the factors that contribute to high-quality clinical supervision, especially for rural and remote health professionals. What does this paper add? This study, the first of its kind, recruited rural and remote health professionals from seven allied health disciplines across two Australian states. It investigated the factors that influence high-quality clinical supervision in this under-resourced group. This paper outlines specific factors that contribute to clinical supervision quality for rural and remote allied health professionals. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective and high-quality clinical supervision of the rural and remote allied health workforce can enhance recruitment and retention in those areas. Healthcare organisations can facilitate effective clinical supervision delivery by using the evidence gathered in this study in clinical supervision policy, training and practice.

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