Search

The article discusses the study which examined the interprofessional education and online learning at the Institute of Interprofessional Health Sciences Education (IIHSE). The modules incorporated a problem-based learning approach using patient scenarios as a stimulus for online student learning experiences and clinical decisions. The study provided encouragement for those interested in overcoming barriers by utilizing asynchronous on-line learning activities as a component of an IPE curriculum.

The identification and consideration of relevant ethical issues in clinical decision-making, and the education of health care professionals (HCPs) in these skills are key factors in providing quality health care. This qualitative study explores the way in which physical therapists (PTs) integrate ethical issues into clinical practice decisions and identifies ethical themes used by PTs. A purposive sample of eight PTs was asked to describe a recent ethically-based clinical decision. Transcribed interviews were coded and themes identified related to the following categories: 1) the integration of ethical issues in the clinical decision-making process, 2) patient welfare, 3) professional ethos of the PT, and 4) health care economics and business practices. Participants readily described clinical situations involving ethical issues but rarely identified specific conflicting ethical issues in their description. Ethical dilemmas were more frequently resolved when there were fewer emotional sequelae associated with the dilemma, and the PT had a clear understanding of professional ethos, valued patient autonomy, and explored a variety of alternative actions before implementing one. HCP students need to develop a clear professional ethos and an increased understanding of the economic factors that will present ethical issues in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) (alone or combined with exercise and/or pulmonary rehabilitation) compared to other rehabilitation interventions such as: exercise, education, other breathing techniques or exercise and/or pulmonary rehabilitation among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A systematic review of the literature on IMT and COPD was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. Inclusion criteria for the review included randomized controlled trials, published in English, comparing IMT or combined IMT and exercise/pulmonary rehabilitation with other rehabilitation interventions such as general exercise, education, other breathing techniques or exercise/pulmonary rehabilitation among adults with COPD. 274 articles were retrieved, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. Seven meta-analyses were performed that compared targeted or threshold IMT to exercise (n = 3) or to education (n = 4). Results showed significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, and in the dyspnea scale on a quality of life measure, for participants in the IMT versus education group. In other instances where meta-analyses could not be performed, a qualitative review was performed. IMT results in improved inspiratory muscle strength and endurance compared to education. Further trials are required to investigate the effect of IMT (or combined IMT) compared to other rehabilitation inventions for outcomes such as dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the ethical issues encountered by physical therapy students during a clinical placement. Fifty-six students in the third unit (semester) of an undergraduate physical therapy program wrote weekly entries in a journal during a 6-week clinical placement. For each entry, students were to describe an event, its value and their reaction to it, and to discuss new learning that occurred and how they would respond in the future. At the end of the clinical placement, three faculty members evaluated the journals qualitatively to determine the extent to which ethical issues were a component of student learning. Ethical issues were mentioned by 53 of the 56 students. Three major themes were identified: respect for the uniqueness of individuals (37 students), professionalism--responsibility and behavior as a member of the profession (25 students), and professional collegiality - interaction with and respect for health professionals (25 students). Minor themes included: allocation of resources; advocacy for client, society and/or health policy; and informed consent. Students frequently reported ethical issues in the clinical setting. These issues were predominantly related to the students' relationships with clients and co-workers and the exploration of their roles as emerging physical therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrative nature of a problem-based curriculum provides unique challenges to the task of maintaining a current curriculum. This paper describes a systematic process for content review in a problem-based curriculum, which utilizes consultation among students, faculty and the clinical community, use of external reviewers and a faculty consensus process. Advantages of the process include increased communication and cooperation among faculty and development of a curriculum that balances the need for preparing students for new evidence-based practice with preparing them for clinical reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses ethics education curricula for the health care professions. Contemporary conception of the relationship between law and ethics; Educational philosophy of two programs in rehabilitation science.