Appraising the Qualities of Social Work Students’ Theoretical Knowledge: A Qualitative Exploration

Van Bommel, M., Boshuizen, H. P. A., & Kwakman, K. (2012). Appraising the qualities of social work students' theoretical knowledge: A qualitative exploration. Vocations and Learning, 5, 277-295. doi:10.1007/s12186-012-9078-9Higher professional education aims to prepare students for entering practice with an adequate theoretical body of knowledge. In constructivist programmes, authentic learning contexts and self-directed learning are assumed to support knowledge learning and the transition from education to practice. Through an in-depth exploration, this case study aimed at defining and assessing the qualities of social work students’ theoretical knowledge at initial qualification. Participants were final-year bachelor’s students (n=18) in a constructivist professional programme of social work. Students’ knowledge concerning a real-life practical case was elicited through an interview and a form of concept mapping. A six-step procedure was used for a qualitative appraisal of students’ knowledge with the assistance of seven expert teachers. During this procedure an instrument for analysing knowledge qualities was developed, comprising 13 aspects representing four features of expert knowledge: extent, depth, structure, and critical control. Results showed that 13 students received high appraisals for their knowledge extent and depth. Only 4 students received high appraisals for knowledge structure and critical control. 5 Students who received overall lower appraisals seemed inhibited to show their knowledge qualities by preoccupations with self-concerns about their own professional role. Conclusion is that the majority of students needs more learning support for knowledge structure and critical control than offered by their constructivist programme. Further research is needed into the personal factors that influence students’ theoretical knowledge learning and which knowledge qualities can be reached by young adults in a four year educational programme.Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmege

Obesity, bariatric surgery, and iron deficiency: true, true, true and related.

Morbid obesity is a health problem that has been shown to be refractory to diet, exercise, and medical treatment. Surgeries designed to promote weight loss, termed bariatric surgery and typically involving a gastric bypass procedure, have recently been implemented to treat obesity with high success rates. However, long-term sequelae can result in micronutrient deficiencies. This review will focus on iron deficiency and its association with obesity and bariatric surgery. Iron deficiency develops after gastric bypass for several reasons including intolerance for red meat, diminished gastric acid secretion, and exclusion of the duodenum from the alimentary tract. Menstruating women, pregnant women, and adolescents may be particularly predisposed toward developing iron deficiency and microcytic anemias after bypass surgery. Preoperative assessment of patients should include a complete hematological work-up, including measurement of iron stores. Postoperatively, oral iron prophylaxis and vitamin C in addition to a multivitamin should be prescribed for bypass patients, especially for vulnerable populations. Once iron deficiency has developed, it may prove refractory to oral treatment, and require parenteral iron, blood transfusions, or surgical interventions. Bariatric surgery patients require lifelong follow-up of hematological and iron parameters since iron deficiency and anemia may develop years after surgery

Approach to Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Challenging Situations and Knowledge Gaps

Malignancy is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is estimated that up to 20% of patients with cancer may develop VTE at some time in their cancer journey. Cancer-associated VTE can lead to hospitalizations, morbidity, delayed cancer treatment, and mortality. The optimal prevention and management of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is of utmost importance. Direct oral anticoagulants have been recommended as first-line therapy for VTE treatment in the general population and their efficacy has recently been demonstrated in the cancer population, leading to increased use. However, patients with cancer have unique challenges and comorbidities that can lead to increased risks and concerns with anticoagulation. Herein we will discuss commonly encountered challenges in patients with CAT, review available literature, and provide practice suggestions. Implications for Practice This article aims to specifically address cancer-associated thrombosis issues for which there is limited or absent evidence to guide best practice, for circumstances that pose unique challenges for clinicians, and for directions when the literature is conflicting. It reviews pertinent data for each selected topic and provides guidance for patient management based on the best available evidence and experiences from the panel

Flowchart of Study Patients.

<p>Flowchart of Study Patients.</p

Rate Ratios (RR) of VTE in Black Sickle Cell Trait, Black HbAA and White HbAA.

<p>Rate Ratios (RR) of VTE in Black Sickle Cell Trait, Black HbAA and White HbAA.</p

Characteristics of the patient population.

<p>Characteristics of the patient population.</p

VTE: Ages of cohorts with and without VTE.

<p>VTE: Ages of cohorts with and without VTE.</p

Inter-NICU variation in rates and management of thrombocytopenia among very low birth-weight infants

OBJECTIVES: To investigate variation among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in prevalence and management of thrombocytopenia in infants and(SNAP). Platelet counts in the first 12 hours after birth and on day 3 of life were abstracted from the infants\u27 medical records. Thrombocytopenia was determined from the lowest platelet count in each of these time periods. RESULTS: There was variability in rates of thrombocytopenia among NICUs, even after controlling for risk factors (e.g., SNAP, small for gestational (SGA) age and maternal hypertension). One site had a high prevalence of thrombocytopenia, but the lowest percentage of infants with thrombocytopenia who received platelet transfusions. After controlling for SNAP, GA, SGA, Apgar score and incidence of thrombocytopenia, the odds of receiving platelets at this site, relative to the site with the highest transfusion rate, was 0.10 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study finds a 10-fold variation among NICU in the administration of platelets to their thrombocytopenic infants that cannot be explained by presence of thrombocytopenia or illness severity