Attitudes to Interprofessional Education Among Health Science Students Engaging in a Multidisciplinary Workshop Series

Introduction: Interprofessional education (IPE) provides an opportunity for students from single-professions to interact with other disciplines. Student attitude to IPE can impact engagement and change in attitude may provide an indicator of the impact of IPE. This study examines pre-workshop attitudes to IPE and change in attitude following a series of three IPE workshops. Methods: Preworkshop attitudes were examined using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Interprofessional Education Perception Scale (IEPS). The IEPS was repeated at the start of Workshop 1 and at the end of Workshop 3. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis and linear mixed methods for repeated measures. Results: 405 students participated (pre-workshop n=122; workshop 1 n=244; workshop 3 n=236). Pre-workshop attitudinal scores were high. While male gender and studying medicine negatively predicted attitude across some domains, previous experience of a joint patient treatment session on clinical placement positively predicted attitude in the domain of Perception of Actual Cooperation (standardised Beta 0.283, p=0.005). Attitude to IPE improved across all domains of the IEPS from online preparation to the end of workshop 3 (pCompetency and Autonomy, and in the domain of Perceived Need for Cooperation improved only following online preparation, while the domain of Perception of Actual Cooperation improved following both online preparation and participation in the workshops. Discussion: The results presented reflect positively on student readiness for IPE. Attitudes were further improved following engagement in a structured series of IPE workshops

NET 2012 23rd International Networking for Healthcare Education

This paper presents the results of an audit aimed to ascertain the extent to which using a structured model of reflection improved the quality of students? reflective assignments. An eight item anonymous audit tool was used to collect data from 221 student assessments. Findings reveal that student performance is directly related to use of structured model of reflection. The majority of students who did not utilise a structured model, to support their reflections (89% n=85), scored less than 65%, most of these scored less than 60% (68% n=68). Moreover most students who did not achieve a pass mark, did not use a model as a guide (69% n=11). Nursing students? performance at the assessment was enhanced by structured model use. Their inclusion of a reflective component within their essay appeared to improve not only their reflective skills, but enhanced higher levels of learning. While many students performed very well without a structured approach, overall students ought to be encouraged to incorporate a clear structure of reflection and engage in all phases of the cycle

Information Systems, People and Support Structures: A Critical Realist Analysis of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Centre

Contact tracing is used to identify individuals who have been in close contact with any person who has a presumed or confirmed COVID-19 infection. This paper examines one particular contact tracing centre established in Ireland between March-June 2020. We leverage a critical realist-based philosophical framework and associated methodology to seek the generative mechanisms that determined how this contact tracing centre evolved over its lifetime. Drawing on 14 semi-structured interviews, we hypothesise a total of three mechanisms: the motivation and altruistic nature of superusers and other volunteers; the information systems and communications infrastructure built around the contact tracing centre; and, the training and associated support structures provided to volunteers. Our research suggests that attention should be focussed on developing highly flexible information systems and the identification of superusers as project champions. A significant contribution of this work is providing clear operational guidance for establishing contact tracing centres in Ireland and globally

Spiritual care competence for contemporary nursing practice: a quantitative exploration of the guidance provided by fundamental nursing textbooks

Spirituality is receiving unprecedented attention in the nursing literature. Both the volume and scope of literature on the topic is expanding, and it is clear that this topic is of interest to nurses. There is consensus that the spiritual required by clients receiving health ought to be an integrated effort across the health care team. Although undergraduate nurses receive some education on the topic, this is ad hoc and inconsistent across universities. Textbooks are clearly a key resource in this area however the extent to which they form a comprehensive guide for nursing students and nurses is unclear. This study provides a hitherto unperformed analysis of core nursing textbooks to ascertain spirituality related content. 548 books were examined and this provides a range of useful information about inclusions and omissions in this field. Findings revealed that spirituality is not strongly portrayed as a component of holistic care and specific direction for the provision of spiritual care is lacking. Fundamental textbooks used by nurses and nursing students ought to inform and guide integrated spiritual care and reflect a more holistic approach to nursing care. The religious and/or spiritual needs of an increasingly diverse community need to be taken seriously within scholarly texts so that this commitment to individual clients\u27 needs can be mirrored in practice

Developing agreed and accepted understandings of spirituality and spiritual care concepts among members of an innovative spirituality interest group in the Republic of Ireland

A Spirituality Interest Group (SIG) was set up in in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Republic of Ireland (ROI), in March 2013. This paper reports on some of the journey and requirements involved in developing the group. It highlights the essential work of establishing agreed understandings in an objective way in order for the group to move forward with action. These agreed understandings have contributed to the group?s success. Outlining the group?s journey in arriving at agreements may be of use to others considering creating similar groups. One key action taken to determine the suitability of the group?s aims and terms of reference was the distribution of a Survey Monkey to group members (n = 28) in 2014. One early meeting of the group discussed future goals and direction using the responses of this anonymous survey. This paper reports on the results of the survey regarding the establishment of the SIG and the development of a shared understanding of spiritual care among the members. There is consensus in the group that the spiritual care required by clients receiving healthcare ought to be an integrated effort across the healthcare team. However, there is an acceptance that spirituality and spiritual care are not always clearly understood concepts in practice. By developing shared or at least accepted understandings of spirituality and spiritual care, SIG hopes to be able to underpin both research and practice with solid foundational conceptual understanding, and in the process also to meet essential prerequisites for achieving the group?s aims

Developing Agreed and Accepted Understandings of Spirituality and Spiritual Care Concepts among Members of an Innovative Spirituality Interest Group in the Republic of Ireland

A Spirituality Interest Group (SIG) was set up in in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Republic of Ireland (ROI), in March 2013. This paper reports on some of the journey and requirements involved in developing the group. It highlights the essential work of establishing agreed understandings in an objective way in order for the group to move forward with action. These agreed understandings have contributed to the group’s success. Outlining the group’s journey in arriving at agreements may be of use to others considering creating similar groups. One key action taken to determine the suitability of the group’s aims and terms of reference was the distribution of a Survey Monkey to group members (n = 28) in 2014. One early meeting of the group discussed future goals and direction using the responses of this anonymous survey. This paper reports on the results of the survey regarding the establishment of the SIG and the development of a shared understanding of spiritual care among the members. There is consensus in the group that the spiritual care required by clients receiving healthcare ought to be an integrated effort across the healthcare team. However, there is an acceptance that spirituality and spiritual care are not always clearly understood concepts in practice. By developing shared or at least accepted understandings of spirituality and spiritual care, SIG hopes to be able to underpin both research and practice with solid foundational conceptual understanding, and in the process also to meet essential prerequisites for achieving the group’s aims