Search

To determine the efficacy of the "Training for Occupational health physicians To Involve Significant others" (TOTIS) e-learning module for improving occupational health physicians' (OHPs) knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding involving significant others in the return-to-work process. A randomized controlled trial with 87 OHPs, involving an intervention group and a wait-listed control group. Between-group differences in knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy outcomes, and retention of effects were assessed using ANOVA and paired t-tests. Reactions to the e-learning module were analyzed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. We found moderate to large effects on OHPs' knowledge (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.202), attitudes (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.098), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.237), with retention of all changes at 10-week follow-up. OHPs graded the e-learning module with a mean score of 7.9 out of 10 (SD = 1.11) and indicated that the module increased their awareness of the role of significant others and encouraged them to address this more often. The TOTIS e-learning module and accompanying materials are valuable resources for OHPs to learn how significant others influence work outcomes of workers with chronic diseases and to manage their involvement in the re-integration process. This study is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register under trial number NL8744; . The TOTIS e-learning module is the first evidence-based training to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of occupational health physicians with regard to involving significant others in the re-integration process of workers with chronic diseases. The e-learning module and accompanying tools can increase the awareness of occupational health physicians about the role of significant others and encourage them to address the role of significant others in the re-integration process of sick-listed workers. It could be beneficial to expand on the e-learning module with a face-to-face training program involving group interaction, peer discussion, and skills development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is believed that clinical management of osteoarthritis should address muscle weakness to improve physical function and prevent disability and frailty This sub-study investigated the effects of supervised progressive resistance training (RT), supervised Nordic Walking (NW), and unsupervised home-based exercise (HBE) on muscle and functional performance; and associations between these exercise-induced changes in persons with hip osteoarthritis. Forty-two patients with hip osteoarthritis were recruited from a larger RCT (NCT01387867). All the groups (RT, n = 15; NW, n = 12; HBE, n = 15) exercised 1 h 3 times/week for 4 months. Quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA, MRI-determined); quadriceps strength (QMVC); leg extensor power (LEP); functional performance (chair stands (30sCS); stair climbs (TSC); and 6-minute walk (6MWT)) were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Per protocol analyses (one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test) showed significant between-group differences for improvements in QCSA in the most symptomatic leg favoring RT versus NW (2.3 cm2, 95% CI [0.6, 3.9]) and HBE (2.3 cm2 [0.8, 3.9]); and 30sCS (1.8 repetitions [0.2–3.3]), and 6MWT (35.1 m [3.5–66.7]) favoring NW versus HBE. Associations existed between exercise-induced changes in QCSA and QMVC (r = 0.366, p =.019) for the most symptomatic leg and between changes in 6MWT and QMVC (r = 0.320, p =.04) and LEP (r = 0.381, p =.01), respectively, for the least symptomatic leg. Resistance training appeared effective for improving muscle mass, but less effective for improving muscle strength, power, and functional performance. Only exercise-induced changes in muscle strength and power of the least symptomatic leg, not the most symptomatic leg, were related to changes in functional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of clinical skills is critically important for nursing students. However, the quality of evaluation tools is poor. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) on clinical skills of nursing students. Methods: This study was conducted among 108 senior nursing students. Mini-CEX and DOPS were utilized to evaluate clinical skills in the intervention group. Results: The mean of students' scores in all of the five procedures was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to control group.. Students' scores for the procedures significantly raised through the first stage of DOPS and Mini-CEX to the third stage. Conclusions: Utilization of DOPS and Mini-CEX for evaluation of clinical skills in nursing students effectively enhance their learning ability. Implementing of such assessment methods lead to promoting clinical skills of students which eventually help them to provide high quality care for their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]