Non-speech oro-motor exercise use in acquired dysarthria management : regimes and rationales

Non-speech oro-motor exercises (NSOMExs) are described in speech and language therapy (SLT) manuals, and are thought to be much used in acquired dysarthria intervention, though there is no robust evidence of an influence on speech outcome. Opinions differ as to whether, and for which dysarthria presentations, NSOMExs are appropriate. The investigation sought to collect development phase data, in accordance with the Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions. The aims were to establish the extent of NSOMExs use in acquired disorders, the exercise regimes in use for dysarthria, with which dysarthric populations, and the anticipated clinical outcomes. A further aim was to determine the influencing rationales where NSOMExs were or were not used in dysarthria intervention. SLTs throughout Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, working with adult acquired dysarthria, were identified by their service heads. They received postal questionnaires comprising 21 closed and two open questions, covering respondent biographics, use of NSOMExs, anticipated clinical outcomes, and practice influencing rationales. One hundred and ninety one (56% response) completed questionnaires were returned. Eighty-one per cent of respondents used NSOMExs in dysarthria. There was no association with years of SLT experience. Those who used and those who did not use NSOMExs provided similar influencing rationales, including evidence from their own practice, and Higher Education Institute (HEI) teaching. More experienced SLTs were more likely than those more recently qualified to be guided by results from their own practice. Input from the attended HEI was more influential for those less experienced than for those more experienced. Clinical outcome aims were not confined to speech, but included also improvements in movement, sensory awareness, appearance, emotional status, dysphagia and drooling. NSOMExs were used with many neurological disorders, especially stroke, all dysarthria classes, especially flaccid, and all severity levels. Tongue and lip exercises were more frequent than face, jaw and soft palate. The most common regimes were 4-6 repetitions of each exercise, during three practice periods daily, each of 6-10 minutes. Conclusions & Implications: NSOMExs are a frequent component of dysarthria management in the UK devolved government countries. This confirmation, along with the details of SLT practice, provides a foundation for clinical research which will compare outcomes for people with dysarthria, whose management includes and does not include NSOMExs. SLT practice may be guided by evidence that speech outcome is or is not affected by NSOMExs

The coronavirus outbreak: the central role of primary care in emergency preparedness and response

On the last day of 2019, a cluster of cases of a pneumonia with unknown cause were reported by the Chinese authorities to the World Health Organization (WHO), believed to be connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, China. This market was closed the following day. On 7 January 2020, a novel coronavirus was isolated, and known pathogens were ruled out.1 Coronaviruses usually cause respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Clinical symptoms and signs of the Wuhan coronavirus include fever, with some sufferers experiencing difficulty breathing and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest X-ray. WHO are referring to it as ‘2019-nCov’. At the time of writing, there have been over 4,500 confirmed cases and 106 deaths, including among healthcare workers. Over 98% of these cases are within mainland China, but cases have also been confirmed in tens of other countries

Sustainable livelihoods approaches: where next?

There are now many case studies that demonstrate the value of adopting sustainable livelihoods approaches (SLAs) in a wide range of “development” contexts. However, evidence is also emerging of constraints that will need to be addressed if projects and programmes that take SLAs are to achieve their potential. In summarising the discussions from a recent series of DFID-supported seminars, this paper highlights practitioners’ experiences of the obstacles and limitations to operationalising SLAs. Some simple recommendations are made for consolidating and disseminating the lessons from current experience with a view to making the approach more accessible, practical and effective

Archeota, Fall 2015

https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/saasc_archeota/1001/thumbnail.jp

A Rigorous Evaluation of Family Finding in North Carolina

Child Trends evaluated Family Finding services in nine North Carolina counties through a rigorous impact evaluation and an accompanying process study. The impact evaluation involved random assignment of eligible children to a treatment or control group. The treatment group received Family Finding services in addition to traditional child welfare services, whereas the control group received traditional child welfare services only. Eligible children were in foster care; were 10 or older at the time of referral; did not have a goal of reunification; and lacked an identified permanent placement. The accompanying process study examined program outputs, outcomes, and linkages between the project components and other contextual factors

Pharmacy Staff Perspectives on Alcohol and Medication Interaction Prevention Among Older Rural Adults

Older adults are at high risk for alcohol and medication interactions (AMI). Pharmacies have the potential to act as ideal locations for AMI education, as pharmacy staff play an important role in the community. This study examined the perspectives of pharmacy staff on AMI prevention programming messaging, potential barriers to and facilitators of older adult participation in such programming, and dissemination methods for AMI prevention information. Flyers, telephone calls, and site visits were used to recruit 31 pharmacy staff members who participated in semistructured interviews. A content analysis of interview transcriptions was conducted to identify major themes, categories, and subcategories. The main categories identified for AMI prevention messaging were Informational, Health Significance, and Recommendations. Within barriers to participation, the main categories identified were Health Illiteracy, Personal Attitudes, and Feasibility. The main categories identified for program facilitators were Understanding, Beneficial Consequences, and Practicality. Multimethod dissemination strategies were commonly suggested. This study found positive pharmacy staff perspectives for the planning and implementation of AMI prevention programming, and future development and feasibility testing of such programming in the pharmacy setting is warranted

Recruiting IT Professionals in Academia

The purpose of the proposed tutorial is to chart the course of a successful recruiting cycle. Case studies and interactive discussion will be used to illustrate each step in the process. In addition, the presenters will provide insight to participants regarding how to take best advantage of the AIS / ICIS Web-based Placement services. The tutorial is aimed at administrative faculty as well as teaching faculty who serve on recruitment committees

KINEMATIC RELEVANCE OF SHORT APPROACH JUMPS AS A TRAINING TOOL FOR COMPETITION LONG JUMPING

Training for the long jump involves short approach jumps which are often assumed to replicate full approach jump take-0%. The aim of this study was to compare directly the kinematics of short and full approach jumps. One elite female long jumper completed seven 10 step approach jumps during one training session, and five full approach jumps in an international competition. Video from a fixed camera was digitised and kinematic variables for the final touchdown calculated. Approach run step kinematics were obtained from a panning camera. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were identified in approach step characteristics and in horizontal velocity, but none were found in vertical velocity generated. Results indicate short approach jumps are a useful tool for generation of vertical velocity but do not directly replicate full approach jumps in approach or take off