Assessment of Practice in Pre-Registration Undergraduate Nursing Programmes. Phase 2 Evaluation: Survey of students’ and mentors’ experiences of grading student competence in practice.

Executive Summary Context Local and national concerns regarding competency in newly qualified practitioners provided the impetus for the undergraduate nursing programme team at Bournemouth University to radically change the practice assessment tool as part of a curriculum rewrite in 2005. Alongside the introduction of the new practice profile, an evaluation strategy was implemented with two stages; Phase One focused on year one of implementation and reported at the end of that year (2005-6). These findings were used to inform mentor education and to amend the tool for new students and those moving into year two. This phase used a qualitative approach to collect data from focus groups with students and mentors (Adult Branch only), and practice/HEI educators concerning their experiences of using the grading practice assessment scheme. Phase Two utilised the qualitative findings to develop a questionnaire survey. Questionnaires were selected as the research tool in order to access greater numbers of students and mentors from across all branch programmes. Education staff was not surveyed in this phase. Purpose and project aim The purpose of the project was to evaluate the impact of the new practice assessment scheme from the perspective of the users and to make suggestions to key stakeholders for quality improvement where necessary. Phase One of the evaluation involved small numbers and only Adult branch students; whilst the findings were informative, it seemed important to test these out on a wider sample. The aim of Phase Two of the grading practice evaluation was to explore: • mentor and student experiences of using the assessment tool across all nursing branches • the impact of quality assurance processes Pertinent literature An overview of the historical and current context of practice assessment for nurses in the UK was provided, including the policy literature from the statutory body. Research on practice assessment in nursing was found to be relatively limited particularly concerning the grading of practice. Key studies include Bondy (1983; 1984) and Hillegas & Valentine (1986) from the USA, Glover et al. (1997) from Australia; from the UK, Burns (1992) and Scammell et al. (2007). All studies had limitations but generally the notion of grading practice was well received by users; however there were concerns about quality assurance processes particularly around reliability as well as issues concerning mentor/practice assessor preparation. In light of an increased national emphasis on nurses’ competency in practice, empirical work that evaluates a new practice assessment initiative is timely. Whilst of value locally in terms of reviewing and improving processes, the findings may also interest colleagues elsewhere. Project design A questionnaire survey of mentors and year two and three nursing students was undertaken to investigate their experiences of using the grading practice assessment tool. All branches of nursing were successfully targeted for inclusion using convenience sampling, but no learning disability students opted to participate. Mentors were accessed via an annual mentor conference; students were accessed via tutor groups. 112 (86%) of the 130 mentors available, completed and returned the questionnaire. The branch representation was adult nursing (62.5%; n=70), Mental Health (21.4%; n=24), Child Health (17%; n=19) and Learning Disability (1.8%; n=2). Questionnaires were distributed to 210 students; 107 were completed (51% response). The sample comprised Adult branch (72%; n=77), Mental Health (19.6%; n=21) and Child Health students (8.4%; n=9). The response rate broadly reflected the proportion of students enrolled within each branch of the targeted cohorts. Most student respondents were undertaking year 3 of their programme (70.1%; n=73); the exception was Child Health where all students were undertaking year 2. As an evaluation study, formal ethical approval was not sought; however permission was granted to conduct the evaluation by the Associate Dean for Nursing, and the educational leads within placement areas. There was a project steering group with representatives of all parties including students and mentors; their role was to oversee the project process and to liase with colleagues within their organisations. Quantitative data was coded and inputted into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows version 15.0); where possible chi-square analysis was undertaken to explore whether the results were significant. Qualitative aspects of the questionnaire were transcribed and a content analysis was undertaken. Given the sample size, it is not possible to generalise from this evaluation. Others may judge transferability to other settings. In reviewing the findings, a number of limitations must be acknowledged. The most significant limitations are that no Learning Disability students opted to participate and the response rate generally from students was not as high as anticipated (51%). This is however a reasonable response rate for a questionnaire survey but if time had permitted, an extension to the convenience sampling may have been beneficial. Other limitations include the fact that findings were generated from reported practice and, as such, may be subject to distortions of memory. Findings Five key areas emerged from the findings: questions around mentor education indicated that participation in updates was high although the sampling process may have introduced some bias. Indeed poor uptake was identified in Phase One, reflecting other studies and anecdotal evidence for the programme team. The findings around support for practice education were mixed; mentors appeared to want more support than was available. Student experience varied according to branch – Mental health students feeling most supported and Child Health the least. However the use of neutral grades was high in both mentor and student groups indicating some cause for concern. Perception on use of the profile in terms of whether it was fit for purpose indicated positive responses overall but some confusion from both students and mentors as to the status of the written sections in comparison with skills performance; the latter was perceived as the top priority. The fourth area focused on how grading ‘worked’ and yielded some valuable perceptions. Generally respondents liked and wanted to grade or be graded in practice. Whilst the majority of mentors claimed to use the descriptors and found them useful, the number who did not use them was of concern. There were mixed perceptions of the appropriate use of second marking, some students perceiving that they were given middle grades due to logistical problems in accessing second markers, although this was not supported by the mentor data. The vast majority of mentors expressed confidence in grading students. However a significant minority responded neutrally or negatively or did not answer the question when asked whether they felt confident to fail a student. This finding is important when considered alongside the neutral response to feeling supported. Finally accountability within the assessment process appeared strong, although at times profiles were signed by staff who had not worked with the student. It is unclear however whether these mentors were primary mentors or those functioning as second markers. Overview of discussion The Phase Two evaluation was broadly supportive of the Phase One findings but extended these to other nursing branches and has provided more useful detail on some of the issues underpinning the grading practice scheme. Quality assurance is a prime issue: the evaluation has shown that reliability of the tool could be improved if the descriptors are clear and robust processes are in place to ensure these are consistently applied. Second marking is another feature of reliability and perceptions varied as to whether this was utilised as much as required and is an issue for programme and placement staff to consider, particularly in the light of inter-branch discrepancies. Students and mentors should be encouraged to constructively make any concerns known. Education around grading and support for mentors was another key area; there perhaps can never be enough support but if any staff have concerns around failing students, this needs to be addressed. The reasons for differing perceptions of support across branches, needs to be explored further. Overall the grading of competency in nursing practice yields far more benefits than problems. It is an innovative scheme, not without challenges; both evaluation phases provide valuable data to focus quality improvement effectively. Conclusion The evaluation captured the views of mentors and students representing all nursing branches, with the exception of Learning Disability students. The issues raised across the branches were broadly similar, notably that the notion of grading practice was welcomed as a means of valuing the practice element of the programme, although implementation was not without challenges. These are reflected in the focus on the quality assurance processes and in fact this is where the branch experience differs most. Mental Health students felt the most supported in placement, were the most likely to receive grades that required to be second marked (indicating full use of the grading range) and were most satisfied that mentor comments matched the grades awarded. In contrast Child Health students were the least satisfied in all these parameters. Adult branch students gave mainly neutral responses which indicate some underlying issues worthy of further investigation. It can be concluded from the mentor data that experience across branches did not differ markedly. The sample accessed updates and most felt confident in grading practice. However almost 18% did not feel confident about failing students and almost another 20% gave a neutral response to this question, indicating a need for further staff development in this area as well as a review of processes designed to support mentors in making these judgements. Recommendations • Explore ways of engaging learning disability students in sharing their perspective on the practice assessment tool and processes. • Increase transparency of communication channels between placement providers and the university regarding practice assessment. - Flowcharts or algorithms for mentors and students might be useful - Include these on the back of each practice profile • Review support mechanisms for students within placements. Identify best practice and include minimal standards on the clinical audit documentation to increase parity between placements and branches. • Investigate peer support schemes for students in practice which include preparation and support for those undertaking this role. • Child Health programme team should review support for students with practice partners to identify specific issues for improvement. • Review level descriptors with students, mentors as well as programme teams to ensure clarity of language and processes. • Re-emphasise the use of descriptors in mentor education as well as student preparation for placement • Review criteria and processes for second marking and emphasise within mentor education. • Disseminate HSC audit of practice profiles on a placement provider organisation basis and include a focus on quality of feedback in relation to grade awarded. • Review current practice around preparing and supporting mentors in failing students and develop an action plan for implementation over the next academic year

Is neural crest cell delamination required for normal cranial neural tube closure?

Numerous correlations are described in the literature between cranial neural tube defects (NTDs) and neurocristopathies indicating that cranial neural tube closure and neural crest cell (NCC) development may be linked by more than just spatial and temporal contiguity. Detailed analysis of the morphology of the cranial neural plate identified the midbrain as a region in which several features combine that are likely to result in resistance to the apposition and subsequent closure of the neural folds. The relationship between elevation, bending and closure of the midbrain neural folds and the specification and delamination of NCC indicates that NCC may act in conjunction with other permissive processes to facilitate a) elevation of the neural folds by contributing to expansion of cranial mesenchyme and b) formation of dorsolateral hinge points (DLHP) by reducing cell density and thus enhancing flexibility of the dorsal neural folds. These two processes are requirements for the subsequent closure of the midbrain. To address the hypothesis that NCC delamination is required for the elevation of the midbrain neural folds and their bending at the DLHP, mouse models known to harbour mutations resulting in both NTDs and neurocristopathies were studied to assess the relationship between the two defects. In support of the idea that NCC delamination facilitates midbrain elevation and DLHP formation, failure of cranial NCC delamination associates with reduced cranial elevation, absence of DLHPs and midbrain exencephaly in the Kumba mutant mouse model. This is in contrast to the dissociation between the trunk NCC phenotype and hindbrain exencephaly observed in the Splotch model. The hypothesis was tested experimentally by chemically inhibiting the delamination of NCC in cultured embryos. This adversely affected elevation of the neural folds and DLHP formation, and in some instances resulted in failure of midbrain closure. A transgenic model was developed which was predicted to provide an in vivo model of inhibition of delamination of NCC. The shRNA mediated knockdown of FoxD3 expression in NCC did not, however, affect the early specification or delamination of NCC. Instead it resulted in a failure of maintenance of NCC progenitors during their migration in the cranial mesenchyme. This model displayed no incidence of midbrain exencephaly. Failure of proper NCC derived mesenchymal ‘scaffolding’ surrounding the cranial neural tube did, however, lead to a reopening of the forebrain in some instances. Based on the evidence described above, I propose a model in which the development of NCC exerts complex multilevel mechanical regulation on the formation and maintenance of the neural tube. NCC delamination facilitates DLHP formation, while NCC migration and proliferation in the mesenchyme contributes to elevation of the cranial neural folds and also ‘scaffolds’ the neural folds to maintain closure

Meson Exchange Currents in (e,e'p) recoil polarization observables

A study of the effects of meson-exchange currents and isobar configurations in $A(\vec{e},e'\vec{p})B$ reactions is presented. We use a distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) model where final-state interactions are treated through a phenomenological optical potential. The model includes relativistic corrections in the kinematics and in the electromagnetic one- and two-body currents. The full set of polarized response functions is analyzed, as well as the transferred polarization asymmetry. Results are presented for proton knock-out from closed-shell nuclei, for moderate to high momentum transfer.Comment: 44 pages, 18 figures. Added physical arguments explaining the dominance of OB over MEC, and a summary of differences with previous MEC calculations. To be published in PR

Nitrogen fertiliser residues for wheat cropping in subtropical Australia

Applied nitrogen (N) recovered by fertilised wheat and by successive wheat crops in a 4-crop sequence (1987-90) was studied by applying 15N-depleted ammonium nitrate (0, 2.5, and 7.5 g/m2) to a Vertisol in the summer-dominant rainfall region of northern Australia. Recoveries of applied N by each of the 4 crops in order of cropping sequence were 60.3¦ 4.2, 4.4 ¦ 2.3, 1 . 3 ¦ 0.49, and 0- 8 ¦ 0.56%, there being no effect of 2 tillage treatments, conventional tillage (CT) and no till (NT), on uptake of applied N. There was very low recovery of residual fertiliser N after the first wheat crop was harvested; usually <lo% of the applied N was recovered. There was evidence of a substantial N carryover benefit where fertiliser N (7.5 g/m2) was applied in 1987, but not when applied at the same rate in 1988 or 1989. Carryover effect was shown only when fertiliser N was applied after a long fallow when antecedent NOT-N was already high (100-150 v. 30-55 kg/ha with a normal summer fallow). Carryover of subsoil NO3 -N from a single N fertiliser application to the crop, as occurred with application in 1987, will provide useful buffer for declining N supplies of soil N in seasons of good crop response. Routine application of N at moderate rates (<75 kg/ha) provides an effective means of supplementing declining soil N reserves for winter cereals in this region of unreliable rainfall

Characterizing Scales of Genetic Recombination and Antibiotic Resistance in Pathogenic Bacteria Using Topological Data Analysis

Pathogenic bacteria present a large disease burden on human health. Control of these pathogens is hampered by rampant lateral gene transfer, whereby pathogenic strains may acquire genes conferring resistance to common antibiotics. Here we introduce tools from topological data analysis to characterize the frequency and scale of lateral gene transfer in bacteria, focusing on a set of pathogens of significant public health relevance. As a case study, we examine the spread of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, we consider the possible role of the human microbiome as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. To appear in AMT 2014 Special Session on Advanced Methods of Interactive Data Mining for Personalized Medicin

Sustaining productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with fertilisers, no-tillage, or legumes. 1. Organic matter status

Management practices involving legume leys, grain legumes, and no-tillage and stubble retention, along with nitrogen (N) fertiliser application for wheat cropping, were examined for their effectiveness in increasing soil organic matter (0-10 cm depth) from 1986 to 1993 in a field experiment on a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland. The treatments were (i) grass + legume leys (purple pigeon grass, Setaria incrassata; Rhodes grass, Chloris gayana; lucerne, Medicago sativa; annual medics, M. scutellata and M. truncatula) of 4 years duration followed by continuous wheat; (ii) 2-year rotation of annual medics and wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Hartog); (iii) 2-year rotation of lucerne and wheat; (iv) 2-year rotation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum cv. Barwon) and wheat; (v) no-tillage (NT) wheat; and (vi) conventional tillage (CT) wheat. Fertiliser N as urea was applied to both NT wheat and CT wheat at 0,25, and 75 kg N/ha. year. The CT wheat also received N at 12.5 and 25kg N/ha. year. After 4 years, soil organic carbon (C) concentration under grass + legume leys increased by 20% (650 kg C/ha. year) relative to that under continuous CT wheat. Soil total N increased by 11, 18, and 22% after 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively, under grass + legume leys relative to continuous CT wheat. These increases in soil organic matter were mostly confined to the 0-2.5 cm layer. After the start of wheat cropping, organic C and total N levels declined steadily but were still higher than under CT wheat and higher than initial values in December 1985. Although 2-year rotations of lucerne-wheat and medic-wheat had a small effect on soil organic C, soil total N concentrations were higher than in the chickpea-wheat rotation and continuous CT wheat from November 1990 to November 1992. Soil under chickpea-wheat rotation had organic C and total N concentrations similar to continuous CT wheat, although from the former, about 70 kg/ha. year of extra N was removed in the grain from 1989 to 1993. No-tillage practice had a small effect on soil organic C, although total N concentration was higher than under CT wheat in November 1993. These effects were mainly confined to the surface 0-2.5 cm depth. The C to N ratio was only affected in soil under grass + legume leys, and no-tillage treatments. These data show that restoration of soil organic matter in Vertisol requires grass + legume leys, primarily due to increased root biomass, although soil total N can be enhanced by including legume leys for longer duration in cropping systems in the semi-arid and subtropical environment

Superficial geology and hydrogeological domains between Durham and Darlington. Phase 1, (Durham South)

The North East Region’s Groundwater Modelling Strategy has identified the need for the development of a conceptual model for the Magnesian Limestone aquifer. In line with the Environment Agency R&D Technical Report W214 (Environment Agency Framework for Groundwater Resources Conceptual and Numerical Modelling), a scoping study was produced, that identified areas of uncertainty and work required for the development of the conceptual model. The purpose of this project is to give the Environment Agency (EA) a regional understanding of the geology and hydrogeology of the Magnesian Limestone and overlying superficial deposits in the North East Region, using information presently held by the British Geological Survey (BGS). This report contributes to the conceptual model and understanding of the Magnesian Limestone aquifer. There is uncertainty in the amount of recharge that the Magnesian Limestone receives from rainfall. The project is designed to gain a greater understanding of the geology of the superficial deposits and their hydrogeological properties. These are the key factors for the calculation of recharge to the Magnesian Limestone aquifer from rainfall. This element of the conceptual model is essential in understanding the potential water resource available within this aquifer

Superficial geology and hydrogeological domains between Durham and Darlington. Phase 2, (Durham North)

The North East Region’s Groundwater Modelling Strategy has identified the need for the development of a conceptual model for the Magnesian Limestone aquifer. In line with the Environment Agency R&D Technical Report W214 (Environment Agency Framework for Groundwater Resources Conceptual and Numerical Modelling), a scoping study was produced, that identified areas of uncertainty and work required for the development of the conceptual model. The purpose of this project is to give the Environment Agency (EA) a regional understanding of the geology and hydrogeology of the Magnesian Limestone and overlying superficial deposits in the North East Region, using information held by the British Geological Survey (BGS). This report contributes to the conceptual model and understanding of the Magnesian Limestone aquifer. There is uncertainty in the amount of recharge that the Magnesian Limestone receives from rainfall. The project is designed to gain a greater understanding of the geology of the superficial deposits and their hydrogeological properties. These are the key factors for the calculation of recharge to the Magnesian Limestone aquifer from rainfall. This element of the conceptual model is essential in understanding the potential water resource available within this aquifer

Sustaining productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with fertilisers, no-tillage, or legumes. 5. Wheat yields, nitrogen benefits and water-use efficiency of chickpea-wheat rotation

In this study, the benefits of chickpea–wheat rotation compared with continuous wheat cropping (wheat–wheat rotation) were evaluated for their effects on soil nitrate nitrogen, wheat grain yields and grain protein concentrations, and water-use efficiency at Warra, southern Queensland from 1988 to 1996. Benefits in terms of wheat grain yields varied, from 17% in 1993 to 61% in 1990, with a mean increase in grain yield of 40% (825 kg/ha). Wheat grain protein concentration increased from 9.4% in a wheat–wheat rotation to 10.7% in a chickpea–wheat rotation, almost a 14% increase in grain protein. There was a mean increase in soil nitrate nitrogen of 35 kg N/ha.1.2 m after 6 months of fallow following chickpea (85 kg N/ha) compared with continuous wheat cropping (50 kg N/ha). This was reflected in additional nitrogen in the wheat grain (20 kg N/ha) and above-ground plant biomass (25 kg N/ha) following chickpea. Water-use efficiency by wheat increased from a mean value of 9.2 kg grain/ha. mm in a wheat–wheat rotation to 11.7 kg grain/ha.mm in a chickpea–wheat rotation. The water-use efficiency values were closely correlated with presowing nitrate nitrogen, and showed no marked distinction between the 2 cropping sequences. Although presowing available water in soil in May was similar in both the chickpea–wheat rotation and the wheat–wheat rotation in all years except 1996, wheat in the former used about 20 mm additional water and enhanced water-use efficiency. Thus, by improving soil fertility through restorative practices such as incorporating chickpea in rotation, water-use efficiency can be enhanced and consequently water runoff losses reduced. Furthermore, beneficial effects of chickpea in rotation with cereals could be enhanced by early to mid sowing (May–mid June) of chickpea, accompanied by zero tillage practice. Wheat of ‘Prime Hard’ grade protein (≥13%) could be obtained in chickpea–wheat rotation by supplementary application of fertiliser N to wheat. In this study, incidence of crown rot of wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum was negligible, and incidence and severity of common root rot of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana were essentially similar in both cropping sequences and inversely related to the available water in soil at sowing. No other soil-borne disease was observed. Therefore, beneficial effects of chickpea on wheat yields and grain protein were primarily due to additional nitrate nitrogen following the legume crop and consequently better water-use efficiency

Magneto-Transport Properties of Doped RuSr2_2GdCu2_2O8_8

RuSr$_2$GdCu$_2$O$_8$, in which magnetic order and superconductivity coexist with $T_{Magnetic}$$\gg$$T_c$, is a complex material which poses new and important questions to our understanding of the interplay between magnetic and superconducting (SC) order. Resistivity, Hall effect and thermopower measurements on sintered ceramic RuSr$_2$GdCu$_2$O$_8$ are presented, together with results on a broad range of substituted analogues. The Hall effect and thermopower both show anomalous decreases below $T_{Magnetic}$ which may be explained within a simple two-band model by a transition from localized to more itinerant behavior in the RuO$_2$ layer at $T_{Magnetic}$.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. B., correspondence to [email protected]