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Why you should read this article: • To better understand the detrimental effects of domestic violence and abuse on children and young people • To acknowledge the importance of having independent domestic violence advocates in children’s hospitals • To reflect on how you can enhance your practice with regard to domestic violence and abuse. Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) has detrimental effects on the health and well-being of children and young people exposed to it, whether they witness or experience it. The introduction of independent domestic violence advocates in UK hospitals has enhanced the safety of victims of DVA. In 2020-2021 an independent domestic violence advocate post was piloted at a children’s hospital for one year, the advocate’s role being to train hospital staff and support women who had experienced DVA. A service evaluation showed that the training and support provided by the independent domestic violence advocate had benefits for women, children and staff. It also confirmed that the commissioning of services for children exposed to DVA is often underfunded and overshadowed by the provision of support to adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interprofessional education (IPE) can help prepare future graduates to work collaboratively in healthcare teams. Using a multiple-case study approach, we explored IPE across four United Kingdom (UK) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to identify factors affecting IPE implementation and outcomes. For each site, educators involved with IPE were surveyed and interviewed to explore IPE implementation. To examine outcomes, students took part in focus groups and accreditation reports published by professional regulators were explored. A total of five IPE courses were surveyed, six IPE leads were interviewed, three focus groups were conducted with students, and sixteen reports were reviewed. Regulators' standards mandating IPE and directives by the Deans were the main triggers for IPE initiation. In sites where the regulator's standards were perceived by educators as non-mandating IPE, some staff were less inclined to engage with IPE initiation, which adversely affected IPE planning and delivery. Students from such sites were less satisfied with their IPE experiences and uncertain about the purpose of IPE. Senior management (i.e. Dean) commitment and support is needed to establish IPE initiatives across the institution and cultivate a collaborative culture. The presence of a collaborative culture was associated with positive feedback from regulators and students regarding IPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Overweight and obesity' is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. In 2018, Cancer Research UK launched an awareness raising campaign about the link between overweight and obesity and cancer risk. This study aimed to evaluate the reach and impact of the campaign. This study was a repeated cross-sectional online survey. The campaign consisted of six elements including the main message that 'Obesity is a cause of cancer'. UK adults and Members of Parliament (MPs) were surveyed before the campaign (W1; n = 2124 and n = 151), 1 month (W2; n = 2050 and n = 151) and 3 months after the campaign (W3; n = 2059 and MPs not surveyed). Outcome measures were campaign reach, awareness of overweight and obesity as risk factors for cancer, attitudes towards individuals who are overweight or obese, support for policies to reduce obesity and reactions to the campaign. Overall, 76.2% of MPs and just under half of the public (47.5% in W2 and 36.8% in W3) reported having seen the campaign. Unprompted awareness of obesity as a risk factor increased among the public from 17.1% at W1 to 43.3% in W2 (odds ratio 3.71, 95% confidence interval 3.18–4.33) and 30.3% in W3 (odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.80–2.47). A similar pattern was seen for prompted awareness and among MPs. There were no consistent changes in attitudes towards overweight individuals or support for policies to reduce obesity. This evaluation suggests that the campaign achieved the primary objective of increasing awareness of the link between obesity and cancer without increasing negative attitudes towards individuals who are overweight or obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Management of head and neck cancer patients provides unique challenges. Palliation serves to optimise quality-of-life by alleviating suffering and maintaining dignity. Prompt recognition and management of suffering is paramount to achieving this. This study aimed to assess perceived confidence, knowledge and adequacy of palliative training among UK-based otolaryngologists. Method: Eight multiple-choice questions developed by five palliative care consultants via the Delphi method were distributed over five weeks. Knowledge, perceived confidence and palliative exposure among middle-grade and consultant otolaryngologists were assessed, alongside training deficits. Results: Overall, 145 responses were collated from middle-grade (n = 88, 60.7 per cent) and consultant (n = 57, 39.3 per cent) otolaryngologists. The mean knowledge score was 5 out of 10, with 22.1 per cent (n = 32) stating confidence in palliative management. The overwhelming majority (n = 129, 88.9 per cent) advocated further training. Conclusion: A broad understanding of palliative care, alongside appropriate specialist involvement, is key in meeting the clinical needs of palliative patients. Curriculum integration of educational modalities such as simulation and online training may optimise palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementing task specific training is a commonly reported challenge for less experienced therapists. A potential method to improve the ability of recent graduate and student therapists is to upskill regarding task specific training via an online education resource. Purpose: To evaluate the use and acceptability of the TRAIN program as an online learning resource for physiotherapists. Methods: Data from Google Analytics was sourced to determine use of the program and details about the users. Users of the TRAIN program were also invited to complete two surveys; prior to beginning and upon completion of the program. The surveys collected information about the demographics of the users, perceptions of usefulness of the online resource and overall sentiment. Results: Almost 6000 new users interacted with the TRAIN modules during the 15‐months study period. The surveys indicated a high level of usability (mean score 9/10, SD 1.5) and clinical utility (mean score 8.8/10, SD 1.6) of the TRAIN program. Perceived knowledge and user confidence in implementing task‐specific training was higher for those users completing the post compared to those completing the pre‐module survey (knowledge 1.9 and confidence 1.7 out of 10 points higher). Recurring comments in the open‐ended feedback pertained to the usefulness, clarity, and ease of use of the TRAIN program. Discussion and Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use and acceptability of the TRAIN program as an online learning resource for physiotherapists. This further contributes to the growing body of literature indicating online learning is generally a well‐received teaching tool for physiotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]