scholarly journals Addressing Workforce Disparities by Improving the Academic Resilience and Professionalism of Health Science Students Through Structured and Targeted Supports

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehout Selameab ◽  
Meghan R. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Academic Resilience ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Convenience Sample

Background: The undergraduate program in Public Health of Saint Catherine University is the second most popular major of the institution, drawing students from diverse racial, economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. This has presented significant opportunities and challenges with regard to providing students and faculty with the needed academic and professional development to ensure graduates embody the skills needed for Public Health workforce of today. The objective of this study was to identify potential structured institutional supports to graduate Public Health professionals from diverse communities to advance health equity. A secondary objective was to determine whether the needed supports for Public Health students might differ from peers in other health programs, specifically Nursing.Methods: Using a mixed methods approach and a convenience sample, data were gathered from Public Health students, nursing students, faculty, and staff from November 2019 through July 2020. The survey assessed stress, grit, and demographic factors. Focus group topics included: academic resilience and professionalism, supports and gaps in the current institutional structure with respect to mitigating student stressors, and opportunities for programmatic solutions.Results: In total, 53 Public Health and 32 in Nursing students completed the survey. Nursing students tended to be farther along in their undergraduate careers, less likely to have failed a class, and more likely to have recently been laid off from a job. Public Health students reported more support from parents, but less support from friends and classmates than their Nursing peers. Most Nursing and Public Health students reported unmanaged stress, and similar average grit scores (3.51 vs. 3.41, p = 0.43), respectively. In focus groups, students described a series of stressors including working full time while attending school, family expectations, difficulty with time management, and learning how to acclimate to college norms. University staff and faculty identified financial pressures as a primary student stressor in addition to complex lives including managing family crises.Conclusions: Study findings are being used to identify or adapt professional development supports in undergraduate Public Health programs. Through supporting a diverse undergraduate student population in Public Health, a future workforce from communities most impacted by health disparities will emerge.

scholarly journals Prioritizing Workforce Development Training in State Health Departments Using TRAIN: Challenges and Opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-179
Author(s):  
Magali Angeloni ◽  
Ron Bialek ◽  
Michael P. Petros ◽  
Michael C. Fagen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
State Health ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Organizational Features

Objective: The objectives of this study were (1) to obtain data on the current status of public health workforce training and the use of the Training Finder Real-Time Affiliate Network (TRAIN), a public health learning management platform, in state health departments, and (2) to use the data to identify organizational features that might be affecting training and to determine barriers to and opportunities for improving training. Methods: We conducted structured interviews in 2014 with TRAIN administrators and performance improvement managers (n = 14) from 7 state health departments that were using TRAIN to determine training practices and barriers to training. We determined key organizational features of the 7 agencies, including training structure, required training, TRAIN administrators’ employment status (full time or part time), barriers to the use and tracking of core competencies in TRAIN, training needs assessment methods, leadership support of training and staff development, and agency interest in applying for Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation. Results: We identified 4 common elements among TRAIN-affiliated state health departments: (1) underuse of TRAIN as a training tool, (2) inadequate ownership of training within the organization, (3) insufficient valuation of and budgeting for training, and (4) emerging collaboration and changing perceptions about training stimulated by agency preparation for accreditation. Conclusions: Public health leaders can increase buy-in to the importance of training by giving responsibility for training to a person, centralizing training, and setting expectations for the newly responsible training leader to update training policy and require the use of TRAIN to develop, implement, evaluate, monitor, and report on agency-wide training.

scholarly journals 4115 Fostering a learning environment to train and support versatile scientists who integrate science into real world operations of complex, dynamic health and public health systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 132-132
Author(s):  
Tony Kuo ◽  
Moira Inkelas ◽  
Onyebuchi A. Arah ◽  
Vladimir G. Manuel
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Real World ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Systems Science ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Public Health Systems

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Population Health Program is creating versatile scientists who can solve population health problems. This means building learning capability in health care and public health agencies, and fostering a cross-sector, outcomes-based, regional ecosystem for implementation and improvement. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A synthesis of achievements and lessons learned reveals the Program’s trajectory. It maps progress in science leading to sustainable interventions for target populations. PHP goals are predicated on networked team science, rather than disorganized assortment of individual studies and interventions, and emphasize design, modeling and iteration. Evolving metrics include network analysis to document collaborative impact; extent of integrating real-world application into systems science and learning system curriculum; legislative and institutional policies developed and adopted; evidence of system orientation, cross-sector focus, and implementation research in scientists’ portfolios; and demonstration of population health impact. Barriers offer the opportunity for iteration and improvement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The PHP has progressed in its envisioned shared university-public health stewardship of translation and transformation. Milestones included galvanizing activities such as annual regional dissemination, implementation, and improvement (DII) symposia and Public Health Science Summits; pre- and post-doctoral experiential learning of system science and learning system methods based in Los Angeles County Health Agency initiatives; development of a regional CTSA network for implementation science training; strengthened public health policy practice (e.g., establishing a new Office of Youth Diversion and Development); learning healthcare system capability; and prototypes of population learning systems focused on hypertension, food insecurity, tobacco/vaping, and complex care management. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: PHP is committed to advancing science for population health. Prototypes were an essential initial phase. New areas include use of methodological advances (e.g., artificial intelligence, rapid assessments) in health and public health systems; an academic home for full-time, population-focused clinicians; and social policy innovations.

scholarly journals Chemical and Radiation Training for Public Health and Nursing Students: An Under-Utilized Disaster Response Demographic

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s107-s108
Author(s):  
Sukhi Atti ◽  
Emily Kiernan ◽  
Mark Layer ◽  
Aynur Sahin ◽  
Shaikhah Alotiabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Mcnemar Test ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Post Test

Introduction:Public health (PH) and nursing students are an underutilized demographic in disaster response. Knowledge of the disaster response phase may enhance student understanding of preparedness, and provide response capabilities.Aim:A single four-hour simulation-based training session, with toxicologists as instructors, can effectively improve PH and nursing student knowledge and skills in chemical and radiation response, despite minimal prior experience.Methods:A convenience sample was used to test PH and nursing students in a response training program. An introductory lecture and simulation training reviewed: mass casualty care, triage, personal protective equipment, decontamination, and chemical and radiation exposure toxidromes. An examination was administered pre-training, and then post-training, to evaluate relevant training, knowledge, risk perception, and comfort in response capabilities to chemical and radiation incidents.Results:Forty-two students attended the course; 39 were included in the study. Seventy-two percent (n=28) of participants had no prior disaster training. Overall, there were significant differences between the pre-test and post-test scores for all students [95% CI: 5.4 (4.7-6.1); p<0.0001, paired t-test]; maximum score 15/15. Comparing scores of nursing and PH students, despite statistical difference in pre-test scores (median, IQR: 9.0 (7.5-10±2.0); 7.0 (5.7-9.0) respectively; p=0.048, Mann Whitney U-test), there were no statistical differences in post-test scores (median, IQR: 14.0 (13.0-14.0); 13.0 (12.0-14.0), respectively, Mann Whitney U-test). All students recognized nerve agent toxidrome and performed SALT triage after the training (p <0.0001, McNemar test). Subjectively, participant comfort level in responding to a chemical or radiological incident improved (p <0.0001, McNemar test). Individual risk perception for chemical or radiological disasters did not improve after training.Discussion:Improvement of knowledge and comfort was demonstrated, irrespective of previous experience. Simulation-based training of chemical and radiation disaster preparedness, led by medical toxicologists, is an effective means of educating PH and nursing students, with minimal prior fluency.

scholarly journals The Analysis of Opinions and Attitudes of Students of Nursing with Respect to the Observance of Patient's Rights in Poland

2015 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-214
Author(s):  
Jarosława Belowska ◽  
Mariusz Panczyk ◽  
Zofia Sienkiewicz ◽  
Anna Kaczyńska ◽  
Aleksander Zarzeka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Patients Rights ◽  
Patient’S Rights ◽  
Research Findings

Abstract Introduction. As these define the status of the patient during the provision of health services, patients' rights are a very important component of Poland's medical law. The observance of these rights is a prerequisite for the proper performance of the nursing profession. Theoretical and practical preparation in this area is thus already a necessity in the students' education process. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the opinions and attitudes of nursing students with respect to problems in the field of the observance of the rights of patients in Poland. Material and methods. The study was built upon the opinions expressed by 375 students (362 women and 13 men) of the first and second year. These were full-time and part-time students in master's studies in nursing, of the Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the content of essays. Results. The results of the study indicate that 59 percent of the respondents report being frequent witnesses of violation of patient's rights. In particular, that which noted were the rights to privacy and dignity (98%), to receive sought-after information (91%) and to suitable health-care (85%). Another right seen to have been violated in the respondents' workplace was the patient's right to the maintenance of the confidentiality of patient-related information by medical personnel (77%). The respondents, while seeing violation of the patient's rights by other employees, declared their own adherence to these rights in their own professional practice. Conclusions. 1. The majority of the study group repeatedly witnessed violation of patients' rights. It would, therefore, be advisable to monitor the observance of the rights of patients by medical personnel, and to see to the professional liability of those who flagrantly breaking the law. 2. Research findings indicate that ethics should be given more emphasis in teaching future health professionals in the course of their medical studies. 3. The analysis of the available literature and our own study show that the share of medical personnel in providing information about the patients' rights is minimal. It would be advisable for medical personnel to be given an opportunity to acquire new skills and competences in this field. 4. Awareness of the existence and knowledge of the patient's rights, not only among medical students and health professionals, but also among patients, is crucial to their observance by the former and their exercise by the latter. It should, therefore, be spread and raised. 5. Training and thematic courses in patient's rights should be provided in order to enable medical personnel to acquire new skills and competences in this field, with the end result of improving their observance of patient's rights. 6. A qualitative analysis constitutes an innovative and effective way of carrying out research and interpreting research findings, being a valuable and reasonable method of conducting a survey, and in exploring the attitudes of students and health-care workers towards patient's rights.

scholarly journals The Design of a Master of Public Health Professional Development Course During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Application of the Salmon Model

2021 ◽  
pp. 237337992110214
Author(s):  
Ann Kuganathan ◽  
Mackenzie Slifierz ◽  
Laura N. Anderson ◽  
Elizabeth Alvarez ◽  
Emma Apatu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Student Feedback ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Teaching Online ◽  
Master Of Public Health ◽  
Health Course ◽  
Public Health Workers

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the need for well-trained public health workers to interpret evidence, make informed decisions, and disseminate information to the general public. As public health courses in Ontario universities have moved online due to this pandemic, instructors were required to simulate their teaching online while maintaining student engagement. Previous research has shown that there is a lack of description for the development of online public health courses. As such, the objective of this article is to outline the development and layout of a Professional Development Studio course offered in the Masters of Public Health program at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. We use the Salmon model, previously described by Salmon and colleagues in 2013, to form the course outline. The Salmon model provides a five-stage framework for the development of a concise, engaging, and impactful online course. Based on student feedback, we found that the Salmon model positively shaped the development of the course by aiding the formulation of a course layout that was easily accessible, discussion threads to communicate in an inclusive and safe space, and relevant assessments requiring the use of tools to make judgments and appropriately disseminate information publicly. We conclude that the Salmon model is a helpful framework to use in developing an engaging online public health course. Further assessments based on student feedback should be completed to continually evolve the online course to better tailor the needs and interests of public health students preparing them for the public health workforce.

Nursing Students’ Attitudes and Use of Holistic Therapies for Stress Relief

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth V. Kinchen ◽  
Victoria Loerzel
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Holistic Therapies

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore student nurses’ openness to using or recommending holistic therapies, the strategies they use to manage stress from school or work, and their perceptions of the impact of holistic therapies on personal health. Study Design: Qualitative component of a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study. Methods: A convenience sample of undergraduate nursing students in a southeastern U.S. university completed baseline surveys, including demographics and three open-ended questions regarding attitudes toward holistic therapies and strategies used for stress management. Qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken to identify recurring themes in textual data. Findings: Students are open to using or recommending holistic therapies but identify lack of knowledge and lack of time as barriers to their practice. Among strategies used by student nurses to manage stress from school or work were physical activity, prayer and meditation, time management, distraction, socialization, artistic pursuits, animal interactions, and other activities. Themes describing holistic therapies’ impact on personal health were wholeness, self-empowerment, relaxation/restoration, and alternative/complement to traditional medicine. Conclusions: Findings indicate receptiveness by student nurses to the use of holistic therapies but point to the need for the inclusion of informational as well as experiential education on holistic therapies within nursing curricula.

scholarly journals Health promotion funding, workforce recruitment and turnover in New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Lovell ◽  
Richard Egan ◽  
Lindsay Robertson ◽  
Karen Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Full Time Equivalent ◽  
Employment Contracts ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
New Hires

INTRODUCTION: Almost a decade on from the New Zealand Primary Health Care Strategy and amidst concerns about funding of health promotion, we undertook a nationwide survey of health promotion providers. AIM: To identify trends in recruitment and turnover in New Zealand's health promotion workforce. METHODS: Surveys were sent to 160 organisations identified as having a health focus and employing one or more health promoter. Respondents, primarily health promotion managers, were asked to report budget, retention and hiring data for 1 July 2009 through 1 July 2010. RESULTS: Responses were received from 53% of organisations. Among respondents, government funding for health promotion declined by 6.3% in the year ended July 2010 and health promoter positions decreased by 7.5% (equalling 36.6 full-time equivalent positions). Among staff who left their roles, 79% also left the field of health promotion. Forty-two organisations (52%) reported employing health promoters on time-limited contracts of three years or less; this employment arrangement was particularly common in public health units (80%) and primary health organisations (57%). Among new hires, 46% (n=55) were identified as Maori. DISCUSSION: Low retention of health promoters may reflect the common use of limited-term employment contracts, which allow employers to alter staffing levels as funding changes. More than half the surveyed primary health organisations reported using fixed-term employment contracts. This may compromise health promotion understanding, culture and institutional memory in these organisations. New Zealand's commitment to addressing ethnic inequalities in health outcomes was evident in the high proportion of Maori who made up new hires. KEYWORDS: Employment; health policy; health promotion; public health; workforce

scholarly journals Veterinary Public Health Capacity in the United States: Opportunities for Improvement

2011 ◽  
Vol 126 (6) ◽  
pp. 868-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwayne W. Jarman ◽  
Jennifer L. Liang ◽  
Richard R. Luce ◽  
Jennifer G. Wright ◽  
Gail M. Stennies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Federal Agencies ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Seamless Integration ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Veterinary Public Health ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Objectives. In 2006, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges reported that the shortage (≥1,500) of public health veterinarians is expected to increase tenfold by 2020. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Preventive Medicine Fellows conducted a pilot project among CDC veterinarians to identify national veterinary public health workforce concerns and potential policy strategies. Methods. Fellows surveyed a convenience sample (19/91) of public health veterinarians at CDC to identify veterinary workforce recruitment and retention problems faced by federal agencies; responses were categorized into themes. A focus group (20/91) of staff veterinarians subsequently prioritized the categorized themes from least to most important. Participants identified activities to address the three recruitment concerns with the highest combined weight. Results. Participants identified the following three highest prioritized problems faced by federal agencies when recruiting veterinarians to public health: ( 1) lack of awareness of veterinarians' contributions to public health practice, ( 2) competitive salaries, and ( 3) employment and training opportunities. Similarly, key concerns identified regarding retention of public health practice veterinarians included: ( 1) lack of recognition of veterinary qualifications, ( 2) competitive salaries, and ( 3) seamless integration of veterinary and human public health. Conclusions. Findings identified multiple barriers that can affect recruitment and retention of veterinarians engaged in public health practice. Next steps should include replicating project efforts among a national sample of public health veterinarians. A committed and determined long-term effort might be required to sustain initiatives and policy proposals to increase U.S. veterinary public health capacity.

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