Behavioral Problems In The Utilization Of New Technology To Control Caries: Patients And Provider Readiness And Motivation

New research developments frequently are neither adopted by providers nor utilized by patients. This dual problem of impacting the behaviors of providers and patients presents a challenge. This paper will present behavioral theories and technologies that can be utilized to impact both provider and patient behaviors

A Comparative Analysis of Competency Frameworks for Youth Workers in the Out-of-School Time Field

Research suggests that the quality of out-of-school time (OST) programs is related to positive youth outcomes and skilled staff are a critical component of high quality programming. This descriptive case study of competency frameworks for youth workers in the OST field demonstrates how experts and practitioners characterize a skilled youth worker. A comparative analysis of 11 competency frameworks is conducted to identify a set of common core competencies. A set of 12 competency areas that are shared by existing frameworks used in the OST field are identified. The age of youth being served, descriptions of mastery for each competency area, an emphasis on developing mid-level managers, and incorporating research emerge as factors that should be addressed in future competency frameworks

Readiness to Exercise: A Comparison of 3 Instruments and an Interview

Exercise stage of change (ESOC), or readiness to exercise, has been measured using at least 13 instruments and 4 interviews, yet no comparison studies are available to determine optimal measures for use by health care providers. This pilot study compares ESOC classification between 3 instruments (scale-ladder, scale-true/false, and scale-5 choice); explores the feasibility of using a face-to-face structured interview; compares classification between instruments and interview; and examines the influence of sex, age, and education level on stage classification. Thirty healthy adults completed ESOC instruments in random order and then the interview. Scale-ladder and scale-true/false instruments exhibited almost perfect agreement (weighted κ, 0.897). All instruments exhibited substantial agreement with interview (weighted κ, 0.620–0.790). Stage classification did not differ significantly by sex, age, or education level. The authors recommend word clarification revision of the scale-5 choice instrument and further testing of the interview

Long-term health-enhancing physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis - the PARA 2010 study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer increased risk of disability andpremature mortality. Health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) could be one importantfactor to reduce this risk. Rising health care costs call for the development and evaluation ofnew modes of rehabilitation, including physical activity in settings outside the health caresystem.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This cohort study targets 450 patients with RA that do not currently meet HEPA recommendations, recruited from six hospitals reporting to the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Registers (SRQ). We have developed a two-year real-life intervention program including a minimum of twice-weekly circuit training, moderately intense physical activity the remaining days of the week and group meetings to support behavior change every other week. Our hypothesis is that increased physical activity and exercise will improve perceived health, reduce pain and fatigue, increase muscle function and aerobic capacity, impact psychosocial factors and prevent future cardiovascular events. Research questions regard outcomes, retention rates, dose–response matters and the exploration of responder characteristics. This protocol outlines recruitment procedure, design, assessment methods and the intervention program of the study.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The PARA 2010 project is designed to expand the knowledge on HEPA in RA by a progressive approach regarding population, setting, intervention, time frames and outcome measures. To our knowledge this is the first long-term HEPA program based on Social Cognitive Theory, and performed in a real life environment to demonstrate if this new setting can promote increased and maintained physical activity in people with RA.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>ISRCTN25539102</p