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Simple Summary: In Sri Lanka, the authors are encouraging a cost-effective way to reduce the number of people developing oral cancer, which is a common cancer among men. The authors wanted to find out how well dentists can find signs of oral cancer and potential problems in their patients, and they did this by asking dentists questions in an online survey. Surprisingly, most of the dentists thought it would be better to only check people who are at a higher risk for oral cancer instead of checking everyone. Only about two thirds of the dentists regularly look for signs of oral cancer when people come for dental check-ups. The authors found that these dentists, on average, had noticed about 34 patients with concerning signs in the past year. Almost all the dentists believed that they needed more training to spot these problems. So, while opportunistic screening at the dentist's office is good, dental professionals also need to focus on other ways to prevent oral cancer, like checking high-risk groups and giving dentists more confidence to spot potential issues. In Sri Lanka, opportunistic screening is encouraged as a cost-effective tool to bring down the prevalence of oral cancer, which is the most common cancer among males. The objectives of the study were to determine the practices, attitudes, and level of competency of dental surgeons regarding the early detection of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) through opportunistic screening. A prospective study was conducted online via a Google form using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire of 22 close-ended questions and 3 open-ended questions. Out of the 137 dental surgeons who responded, 88% (121/137) of the participants believed that screening high-risk target groups would be more effective in the early detection of oral cancer rather than opportunistic screening. Only 64% (88/137) of the participants frequently check for oral cancer and OPMDs when patients visit for dental treatment. Participants recalled an average of 34 patients (4628/137) with clinically suspicious lesions being diagnosed during examination at general dental practice during the past year, and 98% (134/137) of the participants believed that they should receive additional training in order to identify and diagnose clinically suspicious OPMDs and oral cancer. Opportunistic screening in general dental practice as an oral-cancer prevention strategy is appreciable, but due emphasis should be given to other prevention strategies such as population screening and screening high-risk target groups. The level of confidence of general dental practitioners in the early detection of oral cancer has to be raised in order to achieve higher standards in oral cancer prevention through opportunistic screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe adult intensive care nurses' experiences and attitudes towards intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients and to assess the relationship between nurses' characteristics, attitudes and experiences. Design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods: Factor analysis identified factors within the attitudinal and experience domains. Univariate analysis was performed to demonstrate the relationship between attitudinal and experience factors and demographic and professional characteristics of the participants. Multiple regression equations were applied to determine associations between nurses' experiences and attitudes. The study took place from July to August 2019. Results: A total of 480 nurses from 12 adult intensive care units in China participated, with a response rate of 65%. Most respondents had a baccalaureate nursing degree (75%). The majority (80%) had participated in IHT of critically ill more than five times in the previous 12 months and 90% agreed that checklists led to an improvement in patient safety during transport. However, 75% of respondents expressed that transport increased the workload of the nurses who accompany patients off unit and those who remained in the intensive care unit (66%). Variables that were associated with a favourable perception of transport competency and checklists/tool use were nurses' prior transport experiences and knowledge/training. Conclusion: Nurses perceived IHT was a sourse of stress and increased workload. Checklists and training were beneficial for patient safety during IHT. Impact The findings point out a clear need for ICU nurse training, standardised policy/procedure and customisation of existing intrahospital transfer checklists according to hospital procedures and local circumstances. New research is needed to evaluate the impact of novel IHT interventions on patient safety and nurses' stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the diagnostic reasoning skills of two nurse practitioner student cohorts. Introduction: Nurse practitioners continue to play a pivotal role in health care provision. Diagnostic reasoning is a core skill of advanced practice. A comparative diagnostic reasoning study between two student cohorts was undertaken between 2018 and 2019. Methods: A validated diagnostic reasoning scale was completed by nurse practitioner students in the United Kingdom and the United States of America at the beginning and end of their clinical placements. The study utilized descriptive quantitative statistics from the data submitted by 22 survey respondents from an online survey. Results: Analysis of the diagnostic reasoning skills suggested there was a difference in the structural memory scores when compared with the beginning of their clinical placements and the final semester of their clinical placements. Conclusion: Diagnostic reasoning skills are a core skill of advanced practice. As students progress through their training, these skills improve. Despite the statistical difference in diagnostic reasoning scores, caution should be made in determining any larger implications due to the small number of participants in this study. Further study is needed in this area. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Diagnostic reasoning is a core skill for nurse practitioners.There is minimal research in this area.Diagnostic accuracy is vital for ensuring patient safety. What this paper adds? Structural memory scores improved at the end of nurse practitioner clinical placements. What are the implications of this paper for policy/practice/research/education? Further global research in the field of diagnostic reasoning for nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students is needed to validate these findings.It is important to ensure nurse practitioners have competency in diagnostic reasoning to reduce diagnostic error.Curricula could be designed to incorporate the use of the DTI to evaluate a student's progress throughout the clinical portion of the nurse practitioner programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Guidelines support early integration of palliative care (PC) into standard oncology practice; however, little is known as to whether outcomes can be improved by modifying health care delivery in a real-world setting. METHODS We report our 6-year experience of embedding a nurse practitioner in an oncology clinic (March 2014-March 2020) to integrate early, concurrent advance care planning and PC. RESULTS Compared with patients with advanced cancer not enrolled in the palliative care nurse practitioner program, in March 2020, patients who are enrolled are more likely to have higher quality of PC (eg, goals of care note documentation [82% v 15%; P, .01], referral to the psychosocial oncology program [67% v 37%; P, .01], and referral to hospice [61% v 34%; P, .01]) and less inpatient utilization in the last 6 months of life (eg, hospital days [12 v 18; P, .01] and intensive care unit days [1.2 v 2.3; P, .01]). The program expanded over time with the support of faculty skills training for advance care planning and PC, supporting a shared mental model of PC delivery within the oncology clinic. CONCLUSION Embedding a trained palliative care nurse practitioner in oncology clinics to deliver early integrated PC can lead to improved quality of care for patients with advanced cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: First responders play a crucial role in caring for patients with sepsis, as they are often first on the scene in emergency medical situations. Many first responders lack the advanced knowledge and skill set needed to identify patients with sepsis or those at risk for sepsis. Methods: This mixed-methods study examined if the implementation of a sepsis education program would impact and reduce the knowledge gap in first responders' ability to identify patients at risk for sepsis. Two hundred and thirteen first responders participated in an online sepsis education program, during which their knowledge was evaluated using a pretest and posttest. Results: The difference in the mean of the preeducation test scores and the posteducation test scores' mean was significantly different. The mean of the pretest scores was lower than the mean of the posttest scores, thus suggesting that the education of first responders is effective in increasing their knowledge of sepsis. After completing the program, participants felt better prepared to encounter instances of sepsis. Conclusion: standardizing communication between first responders and the emergency room through a "Sepsis Alert" can improve treatment times and allow for more timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As health care organizations, accrediting bodies, and research support and promote interprofessional approaches for treatment programs, an introduction to interprofessional education and practice should occur during pre-professional education for this practice to become habit. This paper looks at applying these principles to pre-professional behavioral health student participants in nursing, recreation therapy, psychology, and social work through an interprofessional simulated group therapy experience. While the main objective of this project was to create an interprofessional experience for mental/behavioral health participants, the study also aimed to build an affinity for working within an interprofessional team and to develop empathy for individuals living with a mental/behavioral health diagnosis. All students acknowledged the benefits of empathy and collaborative affinity for both the team and consumers, and expressed concern about the lack of interprofessional learning within pre-professional programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was conducted to describe and compare nurses' and inpatients' perceptions of caring attitudes and behaviours in rehabilitation. Methods: A comparative descriptive design was used. Perceptions of caring attitudes and behaviours were compared between 34 nurses working in rehabilitation and 64 elderly patients, using the Caring Nurse Patient Inventory‐23, to explore Watson's carative factors through four dimensions. Patients' and nurses' ratings of importance for each dimension were compared. The study data were collected from 8 November 2017 to 5 May 2018. Results: Patients' and nurses' responses showed high scores in terms of their perceptions of caring, with nurses having the higher scores, and significant differences were found between patients and nurses. Patients scored items linked to clinical aspects of caring as the most important, whereas nurses scored items linked to humanistic and clinical caring as equally important. Comfort care was considered important for nurses and patients. Both groups considered relational caring items as the least important. Conclusion: Results show that patients and nurses value clinical aspects of care, which is the visible aspect of care. The Caring Nurse Patient Inventory‐23 is a reliable instrument to measure the nurses' and patients' perception of caring behaviours in rehabilitation. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? A caring humanistic approach emphasizes the specific role of the nurse and is compatible with recent models of nursing in rehabilitation.Few studies have measured the perceptions of caring attitudes or behaviours among patients and nurses in the context of rehabilitation. What this paper adds? Patients scored items linked to clinical and comfort aspects of caring as the most important suggesting that patients value tangible aspects of caring.Nurses scored items linked to humanistic and clinical caring as equally important stressing the importance for nurses to link positive support and values to instrumental caring.Patients and nurses considered relational caring items as the least important; it may due to the problem solving and spiritual nature of this dimension of care, requiring a deeper involvement of nurses and patients. The implication of this paper: Nurses need to ensure their technical skills are up‐to‐date, even in a low technical environment such as rehabilitation.The Caring Nurse Patient Inventory‐23 was shown to be reliable for measuring patients' and nurses' perceptions of caring in rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Junior physiotherapists require satisfactory clinical skills to work effectively within the acute hospital setting for service quality and consistency. Objective: To investigate the effects of stream-specific clinical training on junior physiotherapist self-efficacy, self-rated confidence, and self-rated ability to work independently during weekend shifts. Design: Prospective cohort study. Participants: Eighteen junior physiotherapists. Methods: Physiotherapists undertook 8 h of stream-specific education in: pediatrics, women's health, neuro-medical, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and critical care over 8 weeks. Learning objectives were evaluated using a self-efficacy (0–100) scale and self-rated confidence was measured with a 4-point Likert scale (not confident to independent). Self-rated ability to independently work weekend shifts was measured dichotomously (yes/no). Results: Participants completed an average of three stream-specific programs in the study period. Post-training, mean improvement in self-efficacy across objectives ranged from 2.9 (95% CI −8.7 to 14.5) to 43.3 (95% CI 4.8–81.8) points, p < 0.05 for 80% of objectives. Self-rated confidence scores improved for 45.6% of stream-specific learning objectives; 52.8% were unchanged and 1.7% reported a decrease in confidence. Self-rated ability to work stream-specific weekend shifts increased from 56–70%, but no stream achieved a significant increase in staff able to independently work weekend shifts (p range 0.10 to 1.0). Conclusions: A stream-specific education program increased junior physiotherapists' self-efficacy and self-rated confidence but not perceived ability to work independently on weekends. Results were non-randomized and actual practice change was not assessed. Future studies could investigate different educational structures in a blinded, randomized manner on clinical practice change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rural community hospital provided a pilot patient deterioration simulation education for new graduate nurses in an attempt to advance the utilization of an existing rapid response team. Pre- and post-intervention self-confidence scores demonstrated a large effect size and a clinically significant eta squared value (.48). The participants successfully completed most of the simulation competencies. This pilot project supports further studies exploring new graduate nurses' self-confidence levels and competency performance with patient deterioration simulation education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, self-rated confidence, and perceived relevance of genetics in the clinical practice of audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) toward a better understanding of the need for genetics education, given that genetics plays a growing role in the diagnosis of hearing impairment and communication disorders. Method: A survey consisting of 8 demographic items and 16 content questions was returned by 233 audiologists and 283 SLPs. Knowledge of applied genetics was queried with clinical scenarios in a multiple-choice format. Selfassessment of clinical confidence and perceived relevance of genetics in one's field was queried with questions and statements rated on 5-point Likert scales. The benefit of additional training in genetics was rated with a yes/no question, and if answered with yes, suggested topics were entered. Results: A large significant gap between confidence in one's own genetics skills and the perceived relevance of genetics was evident, regardless of professional group. Over one third of the audiologists and over two thirds of the SLPs indicated low or somewhat low confidence in their own ability to implement principles of genetics, whereas over two thirds of both groups agreed that genetics is relevant for their field. Regardless of group, confidence scores were significantly and positively associated with relevance scores. Over 80% of respondents in both groups indicated that they would benefit from additional training in genetics. Most commonly suggested topics included genetic causes, general information about genetics, and making referrals. Conclusion: Both audiologists and SLPs felt that genetics is relevant for their fields and that additional training in genetics would be beneficial. Future studies should evaluate the effect of genetics training on patient outcomes and the need for incorporating genetics more extensively into audiology and speech-language pathology training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Otolaryngology residents take the otolaryngology training examination (OTE) yearly to assess their fund of knowledge. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestone evaluations are also conducted semiannually. Accurate prediction of training examination performance allows identification of residents who are performing well and those who need targeted remediation. Prior studies in other specialties have attempted to use milestone evaluations to help predict in-training examination scores. Objective: In this study, we aim to identify whether ACGME milestone evaluation scores predict OTE performance. Design: Milestone ratings and OTE scores for residents at 2 US otolaryngology residency programs were collected. Multivariate analysis was achieved using linear mixed modeling. We considered a 2-tailed P value of ≤ .05 as statistically significant. Setting: Two US otolaryngology residency programs Participants: Forty-eight otolaryngology residents postgraduate years 2 to 5 Results: Otolaryngology training examination scores and ACGME milestone evaluations were collected from 48 residents from postgraduate year 2 to 5 between the years 2014 and 2017. One hundred eight OTE scores were available. Linear mixed-effect models were constructed, and after adjusting for level of training and OTE year, the total milestone rating made a negligible impact in estimating OTE percentage correct (β = −.01, P = .9). Similarly, total milestone rating demonstrated a minimal contribution in approximating OTE national stanine score after adjusting for the level of training (β = −.003, P = .9). Conclusions and Relevance: In our study, ACGME milestone evaluations are not predictive of residents' OTE performance. What these milestone evaluation data mean and how they should be used continues to be an unanswered question. We should aim to identify the most effective applications of the milestone data collected yearly by otolaryngology programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The purpose of this study is to form a better understanding of job satisfaction and retention of clinical teachers in the dedicated education unit (DEU) and in non-DEU clinical education models. Method: This follow-up study uses the tested Nurse Faculty Query survey to investigate job satisfaction and retention of the University of Portland area DEUs and non-DEU clinical teachers. Surveys were administered in person at local clinical sites. Results: Findings indicate overall high job satisfaction among DEU and non-DEU clinical teachers. Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, data trends indicated a need for improved communication between didactic faculty and clinical sites, as well as increased recognition and reward for clinical teachers in the DEU and non-DEU clinical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional intelligence (EI) includes skills such as recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions. This pilot study investigated the utility of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test Version 2.0 as a screening instrument in student registered nurse anesthetists by determining if EI predicted clinical performance. Scores from 11 participants enrolled in a single nurse anesthesia program were correlated with formative clinical evaluations. Relationships between EI and clinical performance were examined. Participants consistently met clinical performance objectives but were unable to use emotion to solve problems or to recognize others' emotions, suggesting that EI abilities could impact future student registered nurse anesthetist clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This was a pilot study of novice and expert nurses participating in a simulation to determine the predictors of clinical judgment. Covariates included age, nursing experience, simulation experience, and sixmeasures of pupil dilation as ameasure of stress with scores on the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric as the dependent variable. A stepwise linear regression found years of RN experience was the only predictor of better clinical judgment. Despite evidence of stress, only years as a nurse was a statistically significant predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To assess the impact of nursing competences on workplace bullying among registered nurses in Jordanian public hospitals. Background: Workplace bullying has serious organizational and health effects on nursing staff. Little is known about the relationship between bullying and nursing competence worldwide. Method: A cross‐sectional descriptive study using a quantitative method was adopted for this study. The Negative Act Questionnaire‐Revised (NAQ‐R) and Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) questionnaire were used. A convenience sample of 272 nurses completed the study questionnaires. Results: The results revealed that there were negative correlations between all NAQ scales and all NPC scales. The higher scores indicated better degrees of perceived competency, while the lower scores indicated the frequency of bullying reported by nurses. These results suggest that nurses who have more clinical competencies are less likely to experience work‐related bullying. Conclusion: The study found that workplace bullying against nursing staff is still a considerable problem in participating Jordanian hospitals. Implications for nursing management: To prohibit bullying behavior, nurse administrators have to construct a work environment that demonstrates respect and fairness and which is transmitted through nurses’ communication pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a transgender simulation on nursing students’ affirmative practice when caring for a transgender person. BACKGROUND There is a paucity of research that assesses the attitudes of nursing students toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons and a deficit in nursing curricula regarding LGBT content. METHOD A nonexperimental, pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate nursing students’ affirmative practice when caring for a transgender patient using the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale. RESULTS A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a statistical significance in Gay Affirmative Practice scores after the simulation with a small effect size. These results suggest that the transgender simulation supported nursing students’ attitudes and affirmative practice when providing nursing care to a transgender person. CONCLUSION Experiential learning in nursing education is an effective approach to teach cultural competence and sensitivity in caring for vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patient satisfaction with nursing care (NC) is an important predictor of overall satisfaction with the hospital experience. However, the concept of patient satisfaction has been criticised both at the theoretical and at the methodological levels, and more attention on patient dissatisfaction has been called for with the aim of identifying strategies to improve the quality of care. Aims To describe dissatisfaction with NC as perceived by acute medical patients and identify predictors. Design and methods A secondary analysis of longitudinal data involving 12 Italian medical units was performed. A consecutive sample of 1016 patients ≥65 years (2012-2013) was included, and their satisfaction with NC was assessed, administering the Italian version of the Patient Satisfaction Scale ( PSS) at the day of discharge. The scale was based on 11 items evaluated on a four-point Likert scale (score ranging from 11 - very dissatisfied to 44 - very satisfied). Patients were defined as 'satisfied with NC' when the score was ≥33, whereas they were considered as 'dissatisfied with NC' when the score was <33. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of patient dissatisfaction with NC. Results There were 788 (77.6%) patients satisfied (≥33 at the PSS) and 228 (22.4%) dissatisfied with NC (<33). The risk of dissatisfaction was likely to be higher in female patients ( RR 1.883, 95% CI 1.359-2.609), in those who developed pressure sores during the in-hospital stay ( RR 1.555, 95% CI 1.021-2.368), who received NC with high skill mix ( RR 1.072, 95% CI 1.034-1.111) and those who were admitted to a large hospital ( RR 1.001, 95% CI 1.001-1.002). In contrast, increased age ( RR 0.987, 95% CI 0.975-0.998), increased amount of care offered by Registered Nurses ( RR 0.984, 95% CI 0.974-0.994), a higher proportion of baccalaureate nurses on staff ( RR 0.975, 95% CI 0.958-0.993) and being admitted to a teaching hospital ( RR 0.497, 95% CI 0.130-0.910) all decreased the likelihood of being dissatisfied with NC. Conclusions Dissatisfaction with NC was affected by individual, NC and hospital variables, such as the amount of staff resources, nurses education and skill mix. The findings emerged may inform clinicians, managers and policymakers regarding strategies that should be designed and implemented to prevent patient dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: There is growing evidence that simulation testing is appropriate for assessing nursing competence. We compiled evidence on the validity and reliability of the Nursing Performance Profile (NPP) method for assessing competence. Methods: Participants (N = 67) each completed 3 high-fidelity simulation tests; raters (N = 31) scored the videotaped tests using a 41-item competency rating instrument. Results: The test identified areas of practice breakdown and distinguished among subgroups differing in age, education, and simulation experience. Supervisor assessments were positively correlated, r = .31. Self-assessments were uncorrelated, r = .07. Interrater agreement ranged from 93% to 100%. Test--retest reliability ranged from r = .57 to .69. Conclusions: The NPP can be used to assess competence and make decisions supporting public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to identify the distinctive foundations of the care culture and how nurse leaders ( NL) can manage and strengthen these in a quest for ethically sustainable caring cultures. Background Sustainability presupposes an ethical leadership, a management of the good care and a well-educated staff, but research on NLs as managers of ethically sustainable caring cultures is not available. Design The study has a quantitative design with elements of a qualitative research approach. Method Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire sent to staff at eight selected units at a hospital in western Finland during September 2013; the reply rate was 32%. The data material was comprised of opinion questions, the ranking of values and two open-ended questions on lodestars in care and ethical principles in care work. Results NLs manage a care culture that rests on a solid foundation, where staff are co-creators of an ethically sustainable caring culture that includes good traditions for the praxis of care. NLs as managers are therefore responsible for realizing and passing on ethically sustainable caring cultures and creating prerequisites for staff's growth and development. Conclusion The basis of good care, patient safety and sustainability is comprised of ethics with a respectful and dignified care that is evidence-based and economically stable. Through their management NLs have a responsibility to nurture and protect the core of caring and create contextual, professional and cultural prerequisites to maintain the core and art of caring as well as care staff's ethical and professional competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the nature and extent of perceived multicultural counseling competence (MCC) of 508 professional counselors in Malaysia using a national survey approach. Differences in counselors' perceived MCC pertaining to gender, ethnicity, highest education, and multicultural training were examined. Results revealed 5 factors as constituents of MCC and significant differences in perceived MCCs due to ethnicity, highest education, and participation in multicultural training. Implications for future research, counselor education, and counseling practice are discussed. Este estudio investigó la naturaleza y la extensión de la competencia en consejería multicultural (MCC, por sus siglas en inglés) percibida de 508 consejeros profesionales en Malasia usando un enfoque de encuesta nacional. Se examinaron las diferencias en la MCC percibida de los consejeros respecto a sexo, etnicidad, nivel máximo de educación y capacitación multicultural. Los resultados revelaron 5 factores constituyentes de MCC y diferencias significativas en las MCC debido a etnicidad, nivel máximo de educación y participación en capacitación multicultural. Se discuten las implicaciones para investigaciones futuras, educación de consejeros y práctica de la consejería. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which Australian child and family health nurses work with families with complex needs and how their practice responds to the needs of these families. Background Many families with young children face challenges to their parenting capacity, potentially placing their children at risk of poorer developmental outcomes. Nurses increasingly work with families with mental health problems, trauma histories and/or substance dependence. Universal child health services must respond effectively to these challenges, to address health inequalities and to promote the best outcomes for all children and families. Design The descriptive study used cross-sectional data from the first national survey of child and family health nurses in Australia, conducted during 2011. Methods Survey data reported how often, where and how child and family health nurses worked with families with complex needs and their confidence in nursing tasks. Findings Many, but not all, of the 679 respondents saw families with complex needs in their regular weekly caseload. Child and family health nurses with diverse and complex caseloads reported using varied approaches to support their clients. They often undertook additional professional development and leadership roles compared with nurses who reported less complex caseloads. Most respondents reported high levels of professional confidence. Conclusion For health services providing universal support and early intervention for families at risk, the findings underscore the importance of appropriate education, training and support for child and family health professionals. The findings can inform the organization and delivery of services for families in Australia and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Longitudinal integrated clerkships ( LICs) represent a model of the structural redesign of clinical education that is growing in the USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa. By contrast with time-limited traditional block rotations, medical students in LICs provide comprehensive care of patients and populations in continuing learning relationships over time and across disciplines and venues. The evidence base for LICs reveals transformational professional and workforce outcomes derived from a number of small institution-specific studies. Objectives This study is the first from an international collaborative formed to study the processes and outcomes of LICs across multiple institutions in different countries. It aims to establish a baseline reference typology to inform further research in this field. Methods Data on all LIC and LIC-like programmes known to the members of the international Consortium of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships were collected using a survey tool developed through a Delphi process and subsequently analysed. Data were collected from 54 programmes, 44 medical schools, seven countries and over 15 000 student-years of LIC-like curricula. Results Wide variation in programme length, student numbers, health care settings and principal supervision was found. Three distinct typological programme clusters were identified and named according to programme length and discipline coverage: Comprehensive LICs; Blended LICs, and LIC-like Amalgamative Clerkships. Two major approaches emerged in terms of the sizes of communities and types of clinical supervision. These referred to programmes based in smaller communities with mainly family physicians or general practitioners as clinical supervisors, and those in more urban settings in which subspecialists were more prevalent. Conclusions Three distinct LIC clusters are classified. These provide a foundational reference point for future studies on the processes and outcomes of LICs. The study also exemplifies a collaborative approach to medical education research that focuses on typology rather than on individual programme or context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect that attending a 1-day workshop on Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) had on attitudes about borderline personality disorder (BPD) was assessed among 297 clinicians. Change was recorded by comparing before and after scores on a 9-item survey previously developed to assess the effects of workshops on Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS). Participants reported decreased inclination to avoid borderline patients, dislike of borderline patients, and belief that BPD's prognosis is hopeless, as well as increased feeling of competence, belief that borderline patients have low self-esteem, feeling of being able to make a positive difference, and belief that effective psychotherapies exist. Less clinical experience was related to an increased feeling of competence and belief that borderline patients have low self-esteem. These findings were compared to those from the STEPPS workshop. This assessment demonstrates GPM's potential for training clinicians to meet population-wide needs related to borderline personality disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context In the UK, supervised learning events ( SLE) replaced traditional workplace-based assessments for foundation-year trainees in 2012. A key element of SLEs was to incorporate trainee reflection and assessor feedback in order to drive learning and identify training issues early. Few studies, however, have investigated the value of SLEs in predicting doctors in difficulty. This study aimed to identify principles that would inform understanding about how and why SLEs work or not in identifying doctors in difficulty (DiD). Methods A retrospective case-control study of North West Foundation School trainees' electronic portfolios was conducted. Cases comprised all known DiD. Controls were randomly selected from the same cohort. Free-text supervisor comments from each SLE were assessed for the four domains defined in the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice Guidelines and each scored blindly for level of concern using a three-point ordinal scale. Cumulative scores for each SLE were then analysed quantitatively for their predictive value of actual DiD. A qualitative thematic analysis was also conducted. Results The prevalence of DiD in this sample was 6.5%. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that Team Assessment of Behaviour ( TAB) was the only SLE strongly predictive of actual DiD status. The Educational Supervisor Report ( ESR) was also strongly predictive of DiD status. Fisher's test showed significant associations of TAB and ESR for both predicted and actual DiD status and also the health and performance subtypes. None of the other SLEs showed significant associations. Qualitative data analysis revealed inadequate completion and lack of constructive, particularly negative, feedback. This indicated that SLEs were not used to their full potential. Conclusions TAB and the ESR are strongly predictive of DiD. However, SLEs are not being used to their full potential, and the quality of completion of reports on SLEs and feedback needs to be improved in order to better identify and manage DiD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a recognized joint-preserving procedure. Achieving joint stability without creating impingement is important, but the orientation target that best balances these sometimes competing goals has not yet been clearly defined. Moreover, the learning curve of this challenging procedure has not been described.Questions/purposes: The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the 10-year survivorship and functional outcome after Bernese PAO in a single-surgeon series; (2) to review which patient, surgical, and radiographic factors might predict outcome after the procedure; and (3) to define the learning curve for target acetabular correction.Methods: The first 68 PAOs performed for symptomatic hip dysplasia were retrospectively evaluated. None have been lost to followup with followup less than 2 years. Endpoints for the lost to followup (n = 2) are at the time of when last seen. During the study period, the same surgeon performed 562 pelvic osteotomies (including Salter, Pemberton, Dega and Chiari) and 64 shelf acetabuloplasties. Bernese PAO was used only for symptomatic dysplasia (center-edge angle < 25° and nonhorizontal acetabular roof) in developmentally mature hips without evidence of major joint incongruence or subluxation. Most patients were female (n = 49 [60 hips, 88%]); mean age at operation was 25 years (SD 7). Sixteen hips had previous hip procedures. The study's mean followup was 8 years (range, 2-18 years). Patient-reported functional outcome was obtained using the WOMAC score (best-worst: 0-96). Radiographic parameters of dysplasia (acetabular index [AI], center-edge angle [CEA], congruency, Tönnis grade, and joint space) were evaluated from preoperative and postoperative radiographs using computer software.Results: The 10-year survival rate was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82%-100%); four patients underwent further surgery to the hip in the study period. The mean WOMAC was 12 (range, 0-54). Factors that influenced survival included joint congruency (100% versus 78%; 95% CI, 61%-96%; p = 0.03) and acetabular orientation correction achieved (AIpostoperative < 15° [100% versus 65%; 95% CI, 43-88; p < 0.001] and CEApostoperative 20° to 40° [100% versus 71.9%; 52.8-100; p < 0.001]). Better WOMAC scores were seen if postoperative AI < 15° (7 versus 25, p = 0.005) and CEA between 20° and 40° (7 versus 23, p = 0.005) were achieved. The chances of obtaining acetabular correction within this range improved after the 20(th) procedure (30% versus 70%, p = 0.008).Conclusions: This study reports excellent results after Bernese PAO in the hands of an experienced pediatric hip surgeon. We advocate cautious correction of the acetabular fragment. Future studies should concentrate on how to determine what the optimal target is and how to achieve it intraoperatively, minimizing the learning curve associated with it.Level Of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the United States, approximately 30% of adults drink at risky levels or meet the criteria for harmful or dependent alcohol use. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in primary care settings is indicated. This study assessed whether knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about SBIRT, evaluated after a three-part, mixed-methods training, predicted whether 21 family nurse practitioner (FNP) students screened for alcohol use during clinical patient encounters. Method: After training, students completed a survey and documented implementation of SBIRT during their clinical practice-specific management courses. Results: FNP students who reported higher levels of perceived competence in their posttraining surveys were more likely to screen for alcohol in the clinical setting. Conclusion: Screening for alcohol misuse and identifying patients engaged in hazardous drinking meet important nurse practitioner competencies. Further research is needed to explore training programs that specifically emphasize activities to increase perceived competence, knowledge, and comfort regarding SBIRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caring is the core of nursing and should be cultivated in student nurses. However, there are serious concerns about the caring concern in the clinical environment and in nursing education. Clinical instructors are ideally positioned to care for student nurses so that they in turn, can learn to care for their patients. Methods: A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional and correlational quantitative research design with convenience sampling was conducted to describe the perceptions of junior student nurses (n = 148) and senior student nurses (n = 168) regarding clinical instructor caring. A structured self administered questionnaire using the Nursing Student Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) (Wade & Kasper, 2006) was used. Descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing using parametric and non parametric methods were conducted. The reliability of the NSPIC was determined. Results: Respondents had a positive perception of their clinical instructors' caring. No relationship could be found between the course the respondents were registered for, the frequency of contact with a clinical instructor, the ages of the respondents and their perceptions of clinical instructor caring. The NSPIC was found to be reliable if one item each from two of the subscales were omitted. Conclusions: Student nurses perceived most strongly that a caring clinical instructor made them feel confident, specifically when he/she showed genuine interest in the patients and their care, and when he/she made them feel that they could be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal-prandial insulin is established for glycaemic control for hospitalized, type 2 diabetes patients. Empowering nurses to guide such protocols could be advantageous. The study aims to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of glycaemic control by a nurse-guided protocol with physician-guided therapy. It also aims to assess the impact of empowerment on the nurses' sense of competence. This is a prospective, controlled, randomized, single-blinded study. Validated protocol utilizing basal-prandial insulin was used. Glycaemic control was the primary efficacy outcome, whereas hypoglycaemia and laboratory parameters were followed for safety. Assessment of nurses' psychological empowerment was done. One hundred fifty-eight treatment days of 53 patients were included. Patients were randomized to either study group (n = 27) or control group (n = 26). Glycaemia deviation from liberal range (60-300 mg/dL) was 7.4% of days for nurse-guided, basal-prandial insulin treatment protocol (NGP) and 7.84% for physician-guided therapy (PGT), P = 0.901. Rate of glycaemia deviation from the strict range (100-180 mg/dL) was 49.76% for NGP and 47.38% for PGT, P = 0.703. Mean range of daily deviation was similar (77.05 mg/dL for NGP and 76.04 mg/dL for PGT, P = 0.93). There were no significant differences in safety parameters. An empowerment questionnaire showed tendency for increased nurses' sense of competence. Nurse-guided protocol is non-inferior to physician-guided treatment in efficacy and safety parameters. Nurses' sense of competence was positively influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New nurse hires lacked end-of-life nursing experience in the hospital, and mechanisms were unavailable to guide them. A quality improvement project was developed to address this. Seventy-three registered nurses representing 39 nursing units received training as end-of-life peer nurse coaches. This training included 2 hours of end-of-life education and 2 hours of communication/simulation training. Coaches were provided with communication prompt cards, a Nurse to Nurse: Palliative Care book, and additional resources. The outcome of the project on peer nurse coach self-perceived competency was measured using an abridged version the Scale of End of Life Care in the ICU tool before and after training, at 6 months, and at 1 year. A report card was used to record coaching activities at 6 months, and a survey was conducted to evaluate these activities at 1 year. Peer nurse coach self-perceived competencies in end-of-life care delivery improved after training, at 6 months (P < .01), and at 1 year (P < .05). Qualitative findings highlighted various ways peer nurse coaches manifest these new roles. The plan-do-study-act method, the peer nurse coach approach, availability of unit-based end-of-life resources, and peer nurse coach mentoring had positive effects on peer nurse coach self-perceived end-of-life competence and their abilities to coach new nurse hires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandemics are an imminent threat to the operability and continuity of emergency health services (EHS). This research examined the pandemic preparedness levels of paramedics, their infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and EHS surge capacity. A cross-sectional convenience sample of paramedics from a Canadian EHS agency were surveyed to examine their knowledge of IPC practices, compliance with procedures, and intent and willingness to report for duty during a pandemic. Data from the surveyed respondents suggested that specific knowledge was marginal, compliance with practices moderately low, and confidence in EHS pandemic preparedness less than optimal. Despite these results, the majority of respondents have the intent and willingness to report for work during a pandemic. Recommendations on improving pandemic preparedness and meeting surge capacity expectations for EHS agencies are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-based childhood obesity prevention programs have grown in response to reductions in child physical activity (PA), increased sedentariness, poor diet, and soaring child obesity rates. Multiple systematic reviews indicate school-based obesity prevention/treatment interventions are effective, yet few studies have examined the school nurse role in obesity interventions. Building on a previous study, this study examines a refined health messaging (Let’s Go 5-2-1-0) program delivered to fourth and fifth graders (n = 72) by a school nurse with reinforcement on-site health coaching by senior nursing students. Two nursing schools and two elementary schools participated. Measures of PA, body mass index percentile, and self-reported health habits were collected at baseline (School A, September 2009 and School B, January 2010) and end of year (April 2010 for both schools). Findings included statistically significant increases in PA levels and improvements in child-reported health habits. School nurses can influence obesity prevention. Further research on adoption of school nurse–led obesity interventions is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite requirements for palliative care training during fellowship, there is a paucity of recent data regarding the attitudes, knowledge, and skills of hematology/ oncology fellows in palliative care. Objective: Our aim was to assess fellows' attitudes toward and quality of training in palliative care during fellowship and perceived preparedness to care for patients at the end of life (EOL). Methods: In May 2013 a cross-sectional survey of hematology/oncology fellows was conducted. Results: Fellows from 93 of 138 fellowship programs responded (67.4%). Of the 347 fellows e-mailed, 176 participated. Nearly all fellows (99%) indicated that physicians have a responsibility to help patients at EOL. Fellows felt their overall training in fellowship was superior to training in EOL care (4.24±0.78 versus 3.53±0.99 on a 5-5 scale where 1=poor and 5=excellent, p<0.0001). Fellows who had a rotation in palliative care during fellowship (44.9%) reported better teaching on managing a patient at EOL than those who did not (3.91±1.0 versus 3.21±0.87, p<0.0001). Fellows reporting better teaching in EOL care felt better prepared to care for patients at EOL (r=0.52, p<0.0001). More than 25% reported not being explicitly taught how to assess prognosis, when to refer a patient to hospice, or how to conduct a family meeting to discuss treatment options. Conclusion: Many recent oncology fellows are still inadequately prepared to provide palliative care to their patients. There is significant room for improvement with regards to the quality of palliative care training in U.S. hematology/oncology fellowship programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With no antecedent in the literature, this project examined the effects of exposure to clients living in poverty on nurse practitioner (NP) students' attitude toward poverty. Method: Students participating in adult health courses completed the Attitude Toward Poverty Scale at the start and end of the course. Eight students were immersed for a minimum of 32 hours with a faculty preceptor in a clinic caring for low-income, uninsured patients. These students also responded to open-ended questions regarding their experience. Results: NP students had an increase in positive attitude toward impoverished patients after the course (p < 0.001). Themes that emerged from the immersion experience were (a) misconception, (b) lack of knowledge about cost and access to care, (c) importance of the clinical environment on learning to be an NP, and (d) empowerment. Conclusion: Planned clinical rotations with medically underserved populations may serve to dispel misconceptions about low-income patients. [J Nurs Educ. 2015;54(7):389-393.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess outcomes in terms of academic performance and subsequent career choice in medical students undertaking a longitudinal integrated rural clinical placement. Design This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study. Setting The ' Longlook' program is a longitudinal integrated rural clinical placement run collaboratively by Griffith University, Queensland Rural Medical Education and Queensland Health as part of the Griffith medical program. Participants Participants in this study were students completing years 3 and 4 in the Griffith medical program between 2010 and 2013. Assessment data were available for 683 participants, and internship location was available for all 472 students allocated within Queensland (87% of graduated students). Interventions Introduction of Longlook program. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measures were performance in overall and clinical assessments, and intern location (rural versus urban). Results When performance in prior year was taken into account, there were no statistically significant differences in academic performance in year 3 or 4 for rural and urban students. Of Longlook students who have graduated, 31/46 (67%) have undertaken internship at a rural location compared with 63/426 (15%) for urban hospital-based students (odds ratio 11.91; 95% confidence interval 6.08-23.32). Conclusions We have demonstrated that it is feasible to implement a parallel longitudinal integrated rural clinical placement in an established conventional postgraduate medical program and provide similar learning outcomes. Initial findings suggest that this experience is translating into positive outcomes in terms of future careers in rural settings. There is a need to reappraise the structure of initiatives aimed at promoting rural careers in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This secondary analysis evaluated the association of operating room scrub staff expertise, based on frequency of working on a specific surgical procedure, with the development of surgical site infections. The odds of developing surgical site infections decreased by 5.7% (odds ratio = 0.943; 95% confidence interval, 0.834-1.067) with increased expertise, although a statistically significant association was not established (P = .354). The relationship between operating room scrub staff expertise and patient outcomes is important to understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aims and objectives To investigate the association between confidence level in venepuncture and knowledge in determining causes of blood sample haemolysis among clinical staff and phlebotomists. Background Various collection methods are used to perform venepuncture, also called phlebotomy, the act of drawing blood from a patient using a needle. The collection method used has an impact on preanalytical blood sample haemolysis. Haemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, which makes the sample unsuitable. Despite available evidence on the common causes, extensive literature search showed a lack of published evidence on the association of haemolysis with staff confidence and knowledge. Design A quantitative primary research design using survey method. Methods A purposive sample of 290 clinical staff and phlebotomists conducting venepuncture in one North England hospital participated in this quantitative survey. A three-section web-based questionnaire comprising demographic profile, confidence and competence levels, and knowledge sections was used to collect data in 2012. The chi-squared test for independence was used to compare the distribution of responses for categorical data. anova was used to determine mean difference in the knowledge scores of staff with different confidence levels. Results Almost 25% clinical staff and phlebotomists participated in the survey. There was an increase in confidence at the last venepuncture among staff of all categories. While doctors' scores were higher compared with healthcare assistants', p ≤ 0·001, nurses' were of wide range and lowest. There was no statistically significant difference (at the 5% level) in the total knowledge scores and confidence level at the last venepuncture F(2,4·690) = 1·67, p = 0·31 among staff of all categories. Conclusion Evidence-based measures are required to boost staff knowledge base of preanalytical blood sample haemolysis for standardised and quality service. Monitoring and evaluation of the training, conducting and monitoring haemolysis rate are equally crucial. Relevance to clinical practice Although the hospital is succeeding in providing regular training in venepuncture, this is only one aspect of quality. The process and outcome also need interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Palliative care is an essential part of medicine, but most physicians have had no formal opportunity to acquire basic skills in palliative care. In Japan, the Palliative care Emphasis program on symptom management and Assessment for Continuous Medical Education (PEACE) was launched to provide formal primary palliative care education for all physicians engaged in cancer care. This study sought to determine whether PEACE could improve physicians' knowledge of, practices in, and difficulties with palliative care. Methods: In 2011, we conducted questionnaire-based surveys before, just after, and 2 months after completion of the PEACE program in physicians participating in the program at each of 15 designated cancer hospitals in Japan. Knowledge was measured using the palliative care knowledge questionnaire for PEACE (PEACE-Q). Practices and difficulties were evaluated using the Palliative Care self-reported Practice Scale (PCPS) and the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS), respectively. Results: Among 223 physicians participating in the program, 85 (38%) answered the follow-up survey. Significant improvements were noted on the PEACE-Q compared with baseline immediately after completion of the program, and this progress was maintained at 2 months (21.7±5.56 versus 29.5±2.10 versus 28.7±3.28, respectively; p<0.0001). Similarly, significant improvements were noted for total scores on both the PCPS and the PCDS at 2 months after completion of the program (62.1±13.9 versus 69.6±9.94 [ p<0.0001] for the PCPS; 44.4±9.96 versus 39.4±10.7 [ p<0.0001] for the PCDS). Conclusions: The PEACE education program improved physicians' knowledge of, practices in, and difficulties with palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applied knowledge was observed among nurse groups from a medical-surgical residency program to measure clinical performance during simulation training. Twenty groups of new graduate nurses were observed during five simulated clinical scenarios, and their performances were scored on a 24-item checklist. Nurse groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in applied knowledge in four clinical domains from week 1 to week 5, and the results provided valuable information of the groups' overall performances. In two of the five scenarios, poor decisions and prioritization of competing tasks were factors associated with lower performance group scores. Complex patient conditions may pose a challenge for new graduate nurses, and standardized training during the residency program may help instructors recognize specific factors to address during the transition from education to practice. J Contin EducNurs. 2014;46(1):34-40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers employed within statutory settings in countries such as the UK are subject to legal and policy requirements to communicate directly and effectively with children and young people. Qualifying social work education is expected to prepare students so that they can practice competently. However, in England at least, practice and education are both falling short. While active attention is now being given to ways of facilitating improvements in practice, almost nothing is known about how qualifying courses might best promote student learning. This paper reports some of the findings from a UK-based empirical study into factors and processes which support students in developing the self-efficacy and 'applied understanding' they need to undertake effective direct work with children. A superficial focus on the 'doing' of communication (techniques and skills) appears to be inadequate: courses must additionally provide a range of experiential, participatory, didactic and critically reflective learning opportunities which can enable deep learning of the underpinning knowledges, ethical commitments and personal qualities also needed. A model is presented of an integrated and coherent learning sequence which could be used by programmes to ensure students develop the necessary generic, child-centred and 'applied child-specialist' capabilities in communication with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the association of personality features with teaching self-efficacy in clinical nursing preceptors. Clinical nursing preceptors at a county hospital in Taiwan were asked to complete three questionnaires and used a generalized linear model to determine the associations between the six dimensions of teaching self-efficacy. Results showed significant association between personality features and teaching self-efficacy in nursing preceptors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an online problem-based learning (e-PBL) program that offers multimedia scenarios to develop sexual health care competencies. Method: A pretest-posttest control group design was used with two randomized groups in one Korean tertiary hospital. The sample included 32 RNs who cared for oncology patients. The intervention group completed an e-PBL cycle consisting of eight tutorials. Results: Nurses in the intervention group scored significantly higher on knowledge than did those in the control group. The intervention group exhibited no significant differences in attitude and practices following the intervention. Conclusion: The results show the potential of e-PBL to enhance traditional PBL by offering multimedia scenarios in an interactive and flexible learning environment. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2014;45(9):393-401. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) residents towards Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on all OMSB residents through a self-administered online questionnaire between October 2012 and March 2013. An electronic survey was designed to identify and determine residents' knowledge and attitudes toward the use of EBM. Results: The survey was completed by 93 (21%) OMSB residents, 76 (82%) of whom took part in continuing education courses and 50 (54%) belonged to professional practice-oriented organizations. On average, the residents were reportedly involved in patient care for approximately 70% (Standard Deviation [SD] 17%) of their time, while 14% (SD 12%) participated in research activities. The results showed that 53 respondents (57%) were competent users of medical search engines compared to 23 residents (25%) who rated their skills as neutral. Sixteen percent of the respondents strongly agreed and 46% only agreed that the facility supports the use of current research in practice. Fourteen percent strongly agreed and fifty-three percent only agreed that the foundation of EBM is part of OMSB academic preparation. On the other hand, 17% of the respondents thought that insufficient time is always a barrier against EBM, while another 27% perceived insufficient time as a usual barrier. The lack of information resources was reported to always be a barrier in 11% of the respondents while 32% thought that it usually acts as a barrier. Conclusion: Time constraints and skills in EBM were found to be the two major obstacles. This study was, however, limited by the low response rate of the survey; thus larger studies with a previously validated questionnaire should be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It is important to integrate adolescent health domains into pre-service nursing education in order to enhance undergraduate nursing students' competencies in promoting adolescent health. Aim To determine the effectiveness of a structured adolescent health summer programme for Chinese undergraduate nursing students. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate differences in the Chinese undergraduate nursing students' perceived competency in promoting adolescent health. A stand-alone adolescent health course was implemented as an intervention with pre- and post-tests of a 2-week intensive summer programme in 2010. The questionnaire included demographics, adolescent health competency checklist and programme evaluation. Descriptive statistics with the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and the Mann- Whitney U-test were used for data analysis. Results Of the 113 nursing students, seniors perceived higher adolescent health competence mean scores than the juniors in the post-test phase. Majority of nursing students revealed the increasing awareness of the importance in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours and psychosocial well-being after attending the summer programme. They agreed that nurses do have a role to play. Limitations This 2-week summer programme may only have short-term impacts on students' perception. Conclusions A stand-alone adolescent health summer programme can prepare nursing students to respond to the health issues of adolescents by enhancing their competence in health need assessment and service delivery. Implications for nursing and health policy Nurses serve in a leadership role for health policies and programmes. In nursing education, it is important for students to understand how to put in place policies to resolve adolescent health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This article reports on a study which examined the predictive relationship between emotional intelligence and the following programme outcomes for student nurses: clinical practice performance; academic performance and retention. Background In the context of concerns about a lack of compassionate care and amid calls for values-based selection procedures, emotional intelligence is emerging as a potential factor which might help the nursing profession to address some of these concerns. Design The study employed a longitudinal survey. Methods Student nurse applicants ( n = 307) were asked to complete self-report scales to establish a total score and four subscores for emotional intelligence and these scores were matched to individual student's performance on the undergraduate programme. The scales were completed between June-September 2007 and performance data were collected up until January 2009. Results A significant predictive relationship was found between emotional intelligence and all three programme outcomes: practice performance; academic performance and retention, after controlling for prior academic achievement, age and gender. There was a zero Pearson correlation between prior academic attainment and overall emotional intelligence, indicating that both predict different outcomes. Conclusions Recruitment and selection procedures should consider emotional intelligence as a legitimate additional entrance criterion for student nurses and further research is required to examine the potential relationship between emotional intelligence and compassionate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed learning package in increasing palliative care knowledge and confidence for aged care workers in Rural New South Wales, Australia. Method: Participants piloted a palliative care self-directed learning package and completed pre- and post-package knowledge and confidence questionnaires with a 6-month follow-up. The data was then analysed via paired two-tailed T-tests. Results: There was a statistically significant mean increase in knowledge and confidence after completion of the self-directed learning package. Knowledge but not confidence increases were retained after 6 months. Conclusion: Self-directed learning packages can play a part in increasing knowledge and confidence in palliative care for rural aged care workers. Questions remain regarding the role of ongoing support, education, and mentoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]