The value and impact of cross professional collaborations in developing student information and academic literacy skills at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

The paper is jointly written by an academic and librarian and discusses the value and impact of two examples of cross professional collaboration at Sheffield Hallam University. The collaborations addressed information and academic literacy skills development of 640 students across four years and involved a librarian, an academic, an academic skills tutor and an e-learning expert. The paper includes analysis on the value and impact of cross-professional collaborations in developing student information literacy (IL) and academic literacy skills. It concludes with discussion of lessons learned and best practice recommendations

An exploration of the construct of Masters level clinical practice

This study aimed to explore the construct of Masters level clinical practice. A mixed methods approach converging quantitative and qualitative data was undertaken. Consensus of behaviours indicative of the construct was explored through a quantitative Delphi study. Participants represented a total population sample of Masters course tutors in healthcare (n = 48). Round 1 requested behaviours indicative of the construct. Quantitative content analysis informed the behaviours explored in round 2, where participants rated their relative importance. Round 3 asked participants to rank the behaviours in order of importance. Descriptive and inferential analysis enabled interpretation of consensus. The construct was also explored through an in-depth qualitative case study, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Purposive sampling selected the `case' of a manipulative physiotherapy course and the participants for the study. Analytic categories were derived from the data using a constant comparative process until saturation of the data were achieved. Theoretical propositions to identify the components of the construct were developed. The response rate for the Delphi study was very good (79.1%, 77.1% and 70.8% for rounds 1-3 respectively). Rounds 1 and 2 achieved good consensus enabling 21 agreed 'important' behaviours to be taken into round 3. The ranking process in round 3 afforded consensus overall, but also highlighted some differences between professions regarding the prioritisation of components of the construct. There was good convergence of the data with the case study, with clinical reasoning and knowledge identified as the most important components of the construct. The study has identified generic components of the construct of Masters level clinical practice. In addition specific components and their prioritisation for the speciality of manipulative physiotherapy are identified. Development of this work by exploring several case studies to enable further consideration of professions and specialities through analytic generalisation would be beneficial

Effectiveness of behaviour change techniques in physiotherapy interventions to promote physical activity adherence in lower limb osteoarthritis patients: A systematic review

Background: Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) causes high levels of individual pain and disability and is an increasing socio-economic burden to global healthcare systems. Physical Activity interventions are commonly provided by physiotherapists to help patients with lower limb OA manage their clinical symptoms. Objective: To identify and evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural change techniques (BCTs) within physiotherapy interventions to increase physical activity (PA) adherence in patients with lower limb OA. Design: A systematic review was conducted, following Cochrane guidelines according to a published and registered protocol (CRD42016039932). Two independent researchers conducted searches, determined eligibility, assessed risk of bias (Cochrane tool), intervention fidelity (NIHBCC checklist), and coded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for BCTs (V1 taxonomy). BCT effectiveness ratios were calculated and RCT risk of bias and intervention fidelity were summarised narratively. Data sources: A highly sensitive search strategy was conducted on Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL and PEDro and grey literature databases from inception to January 2nd, 2018. Reference lists of included RCTs and relevant articles were reviewed, and a citation search was conducted using Web of Science. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of a physiotherapy intervention that incorporated >1 BCT that promoted home or community-based PA adherence in patients with lower limb osteoarthritis. Results: Twenty-four RCTs (n = 2366 participants) of variable risk of bias (RoB) (5 low; 7 moderate; 12 high) and poor intervention reporting from 10 countries were included. Heterogeneity of intervention BCTs and PA adherence outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Thirty-one distinct BCTs were identified in 31 interventions across RCTs. In general, BCTs demonstrated higher effectiveness ratios for short-term and long-term PA adherence compared with medium-term outcomes. The BCTs ‘behavioural contract’, ‘non-specific reward’, ‘patient-led goal setting’ (behaviour), ‘self-monitoring of behaviour’, and ‘social support (unspecified) demonstrated the highest effectiveness ratios across time points to promote PA adherence. Conclusions BCTs demonstrate higher short and long-term than medium-term effectiveness ratios. Further research involving low RoB RCTs incorporating transparently reported interventions with pre-specified BCTs aimed at optimising lower limb OA patient PA adherence is required.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Evaporation from bare soil: Lysimeter experiments in sand dams interpreted using conceptual and numerical models

Unlike evaporation from open water, the magnitude of evaporation from bare soil decreases as the water table falls. Bare soil evaporation studies have included field and laboratory experiments, mathematical formulations and semi-empirical models. However, there is only limited field information, especially concerning evaporation from bare sand. The semi-empirical approach of the FAO1 Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56, which contains guidelines for computing crop water requirements, can be adapted for bare soil evaporation with a three stage process. The suitability of the FAO 56 approach for bare sand evaporation is investigated by installing lysimeters in sand dams. Sand dams are shallow groundwater storage systems, which are designed on the assumption of reduced evaporation as the water table falls. The field results from the lysimeters are simulated adequately by a water balance model based on FAO 56 with an additional component to represent both the difference between the variable saturation with depth, which occurs in practice, and the assumption in standard water balance models of a sudden change from dry to fully-saturated conditions at the water table. This study demonstrates and quantifies the reduction in bare soil evaporation compared to open water or cropped areas and confirms the validity of the three stage FAO semi-empirical approach

An exploration of the construct of Masters level clinical practice

This study aimed to explore the construct of Masters level clinical practice. A mixed methods approach converging quantitative and qualitative data was undertaken. Consensus of behaviours indicative of the construct was explored through a quantitative Delphi study. Participants represented a total population sample of Masters course tutors in healthcare (n = 48). Round 1 requested behaviours indicative of the construct. Quantitative content analysis informed the behaviours explored in round 2, where participants rated their relative importance. Round 3 asked participants to rank the behaviours in order of importance. Descriptive and inferential analysis enabled interpretation of consensus. The construct was also explored through an in-depth qualitative case study, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Purposive sampling selected the `case' of a manipulative physiotherapy course and the participants for the study. Analytic categories were derived from the data using a constant comparative process until saturation of the data were achieved. Theoretical propositions to identify the components of the construct were developed. The response rate for the Delphi study was very good (79.1%, 77.1% and 70.8% for rounds 1-3 respectively). Rounds 1 and 2 achieved good consensus enabling 21 agreed 'important' behaviours to be taken into round 3. The ranking process in round 3 afforded consensus overall, but also highlighted some differences between professions regarding the prioritisation of components of the construct. There was good convergence of the data with the case study, with clinical reasoning and knowledge identified as the most important components of the construct. The study has identified generic components of the construct of Masters level clinical practice. In addition specific components and their prioritisation for the speciality of manipulative physiotherapy are identified. Development of this work by exploring several case studies to enable further consideration of professions and specialities through analytic generalisation would be beneficial.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceUniversity of Birmingham. School of Health Sciences (UoB)Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP)GBUnited Kingdo

A Delphi study to explore and gain consensus regarding the most important barriers and facilitators affecting physiotherapist and pharmacist non-medical prescribing

Non-medical prescribing was introduced into the United Kingdom to improve patient care, but early research indicated a third of Allied Health Professionals may not use their prescribing qualification. A previous literature review, highlighting factors influencing prescribing, identified only papers with nursing and pharmacy participants. This investigation explored consensus on factors affecting physiotherapist and pharmacist non-medical prescribers. A three round Delphi study was conducted with pharmacist and physiotherapist prescribers. Round One comprised information gathering on facilitators and barriers to prescribing participants had experienced, and underwent content analysis. This was followed by two sequential consensus seeking rounds with participants asked to rate the importance of statements to themselves. Consensus criteria were determined a priori, including median, interquartile range, percentage agreement and Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (W). Statements reaching consensus were ranked for importance in Round Three and analysed to produce top ten ranks for all participants and for each professional group. Participants, recruited October 2018, comprised 24 pharmacists and 18 physiotherapists. In Round One, content analysis of 172 statements regarding prescribing influences revealed 24 themes. 127 statements were included in Round Two for importance rating (barriers = 68, facilitators = 59). After Round Two, 29 statements reached consensus (barriers = 1, facilitators = 28), with no further statements reaching consensus following Round Three. The highest ranked statement in Round Three overall was: "Being able to prescribe to patients is more effective and really useful working [in my area]". Medical support and improved patient care factors appeared the most important. Differences were noted between physiotherapist and pharmacist prescribers regarding the top ten ranked statements, for example team working which pharmacists ranked higher than physiotherapists. Differences may be explained by the variety of practice areas and relative newness of physiotherapy prescribing. Barriers appear to be post or person specific, whereas facilitators appear universal

Development of an optimised 1:1 physiotherapy intervention post first-time lumbar discectomy:a mixed-methods study

Objectives To develop an optimised 1:1 physiotherapy intervention that reflects best practice, with flexibility to tailor management to individual patients, thereby ensuring patient-centred practice. Design Mixed-methods combining evidence synthesis, expert review and focus groups. Setting Secondary care involving 5 UK specialist spinal centres. Participants A purposive panel of clinical experts from the 5 spinal centres, comprising spinal surgeons, inpatient and outpatient physiotherapists, provided expert review of the draft intervention. Purposive samples of patients (n=10) and physiotherapists (n=10) (inpatient/outpatient physiotherapists managing patients with lumbar discectomy) were invited to participate in the focus groups at 1 spinal centre. Methods A draft intervention developed from 2 systematic reviews; a survey of current practice and research related to stratified care was circulated to the panel of clinical experts. Lead physiotherapists collaborated with physiotherapy and surgeon colleagues to provide feedback that informed the intervention presented at 2 focus groups investigating acceptability to patients and physiotherapists. The focus groups were facilitated by an experienced facilitator, recorded in written and tape-recorded forms by an observer. Tape recordings were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis, conducted by 2 independent researchers, employed an iterative and constant comparative process of (1) initial descriptive coding to identify categories and subsequent themes, and (2) deeper, interpretive coding and thematic analysis enabling concepts to emerge and overarching pattern codes to be identified. Results The intervention reflected best available evidence and provided flexibility to ensure patient-centred care. The intervention comprised up to 8 sessions of 1:1 physiotherapy over 8 weeks, starting 4 weeks postsurgery. The intervention was acceptable to patients and physiotherapists. Conclusions A rigorous process informed an optimised 1:1 physiotherapy intervention post-lumbar discectomy that reflects best practice. The developed intervention was agreed on by the 5 spinal centres for implementation in a randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness

Reflecting on Climate Change Education Priorities in Secondary Schools in England: Moving beyond Learning about Climate Change to the Emotions of Living with Climate Change

Schools in England remain a valued and important site of climate change education for secondary school pupils (aged 11–18 years). Drawing on focus group data (n = 85) from young people based in eight schools in England, we explored the language pupils used about climate change. We found that young people’s responses to climate change were predominantly focused on content knowledge about climate change, including the concept of global warming and a range of negative impacts, such as biodiversity and habitat loss and extreme and unpredictable weather. In addition, the young people expressed emotions in relation to climate change that were primarily negative and were focused on fear of the future and fear of frustrated youth action. We highlight that school-based climate change education requires support and resources from policy-makers so that young people do not solely learn about climate change, but rather, they are able to live with the emotions of a future shaped by the impacts of climate change. We highlight the need for teacher professional development which enables them to respond to the emotions young people experience in the context of climate change education