Allison Mandrusiak

Characteristics of student preparedness for clinical learning: clinical educator perspectives using the Delphi approach

BackgroundDuring clinical placements, clinical educators facilitate student learning. Previous research has defined the skills, attitudes and practices that pertain to an ideal clinical educator. However, less attention has been paid to the role of student readiness in terms of foundational knowledge and attitudes at the commencement of practice education. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain clinical educators’ views on the characteristics that they perceive demonstrate that a student is well prepared for clinical learning.MethodsA two round on-line Delphi study was conducted. The first questionnaire was emailed to a total of 636 expert clinical educators from the disciplines of occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology. Expert clinical educators were asked to describe the key characteristics that indicate a student is prepared for a clinical placement and ready to learn. Open-ended responses received from the first round were subject to a thematic analysis and resulted in six themes with 62 characteristics. In the second round, participants were asked to rate each characteristic on a 7 point Likert Scale.ResultsA total of 258 (40.56%) responded to the first round of the Delphi survey while 161 clinical educators completed the second (62.40% retention rate). Consensus was reached on 57 characteristics (six themes) using a cut off of greater than 70% positive respondents and an interquartile deviation IQD of equal or less than 1.ConclusionsThis study identified 57 characteristics (six themes) perceived by clinical educators as indicators of a student who is prepared and ready for clinical learning. A list of characteristics relating to behaviours has been compiled and could be provided to students to aid their preparation for clinical learning and to universities to incorporate within curricula. In addition, the list provides a platform for discussions by professional bodies about the role of placement education.

A systematic review of the effects of telerehabilitation in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of telerehabilitation compared with other delivery models for improving physical or functional outcomes in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. METHODS: A search was completed for English language publications from 1990 to August 2013 across 4 electronic databases and gray literature. Inclusion criteria were: (1) home-based telerehabilitation as a core component; (2) at least 2 exercise sessions; (3) randomized controlled trials; and (4) reporting of physical or functional outcome measures in adult patients with coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic respiratory disease. Studies were independently screened by 2 reviewers and graded by a reviewer according to the Downs and Black checklist. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was undertaken. RESULTS: Eleven studies were analyzed. It appears that telerehabilitation is no different to other delivery models for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, in terms of exercise capacity expressed as distance on the 6-minute walk test and peak oxygen consumption and quality of life. Telerehabilitation appears to have higher adherence rates compared with center-based exercise. There has been similar or no adverse events reported in telerehabilitation compared with center-based exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Although telerehabilitation shows promise in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, compelling evidence is still limited. There is a need for more detailed, high-quality studies and for studies on the use of video-based telerehabilitation.

Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students

BackgroundStandardised patients are used in medical education to expose students to clinical contexts and facilitate transition to clinical practice, and this approach is gaining momentum in physiotherapy programs. Expense and availability of trained standardised patients are factors limiting widespread adoption, and accessing clinical visits with real patients can be challenging. This study addressed these issues by engaging senior students as standardised patients for junior students. It evaluated how this approach impacted self-reported constructs of both the junior and senior students.MethodsLearning activities for undergraduate physiotherapy students were developed in five courses (Neurology, Cardiorespiratory and three Musculoskeletal courses) so that junior students (Year 2 and 3) could develop skills and confidence in patient interview, physical examination and patient management through their interaction with standardised patients played by senior students (Year 4). Surveys were administered before and after the interactions to record junior students’ self-reported confidence, communication, preparedness for clinic, and insight into their abilities; and senior students’ confidence and insight into what it is like to be a patient. Satisfaction regarding this learning approach was surveyed in both the junior and senior students.ResultsA total of 253 students completed the surveys (mean 92.5% response rate). Across all courses, junior students reported a significant (all P < 0.037) improvement following the standardised patient interaction in their: preparedness for clinic, communication with clients, confidence with practical skills, and understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the learning activities. Senior students demonstrated a significant improvement in their confidence in providing feedback and insight into their own learning (P < 0.001). All students reported high satisfaction with this learning experience (mean score 8.5/10).ConclusionThis new approach to peer-assisted learning using senior students as standardised patients resulted in positive experiences for both junior and senior students across a variety of physiotherapy areas, activities, and stages within a physiotherapy program. These findings support the engagement of senior students as standardised patients to enhance learning within physiotherapy programs, and may have application across other disciplines to address challenges associated with accessing real patients via clinical visits or utilising actors as standardised patients.

Muscle Length and Joint Range of Motion in Children with Cystic Fibrosis Compared to Children Developing Typically

PURPOSE To explore range of motion in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to children developing typically. With the increasing longevity of people with CF, musculoskeletal concerns are becoming more prevalent and should be identified and considered in management plans. Reduced range of motion (ROM) in older people with CF has been demonstrated, and the age at which these changes begin to occur must be explored. METHODS Participants were 38 children with CF (aged 7-14 years) and 38 children developing typically, matched for age and gender. Muscle length and joint ROM measurements were compared, using analysis of variance, in the thoracolumbar region (extension, flexion, lateral flexion), upper limb (pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, shoulder horizontal abduction), and lower limb (hip internal and external rotation, hamstrings, gastrocnemius-soleus). RESULTS Children with CF had significantly shorter pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, and gastrocnemius-soleus muscles and significantly greater range of shoulder horizontal abduction than matched controls. CONCLUSION Altered ROM was identified in children with CF, strengthening the rationale to support proactive physiotherapy management of the musculoskeletal system, aiming to optimize function across the increasing lifespan. Evaluation and management of ROM and its impact on activity and participation are important areas for future research and clinical practice.

Home-based telerehabilitation is not inferior to a centre-based program in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomised trial

QUESTION Is a 12-week, home-based telerehabilitation program conducted in small groups non-inferior to a traditional centre-based program in terms of the change in 6-minute walk distance? Is the telerehabilitation program also non-inferior to a centre-based program in terms of functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, urinary incontinence, patient satisfaction, attendance rates, and adverse events? DESIGN Randomised, parallel, non-inferiority trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and assessor blinding. PARTICIPANTS Patients with stable chronic heart failure (including heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction) were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. INTERVENTION The experimental group received a 12-week, real-time exercise and education intervention delivered into the participants home twice weekly, using online videoconferencing software. The control group received a traditional hospital outpatient-based program of the same duration and frequency. Both groups received similar exercise prescription. OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were assessed by independent assessors at baseline (Week 0), at the end of the intervention (Week 12) and at follow-up (Week 24). The primary outcome was a between-group comparison of the change in 6-minute walk distance, with a non-inferiority margin of 28m. Secondary outcomes included other functional measures, quality of life, patient satisfaction, program attendance rates and adverse events. RESULTS In 53 participants (mean age 67 years, 75% males), there were no significant between-group differences on 6-minute walk distance gains, with a mean difference of 15m (95% CI -28 to 59) at Week 12. The confidence intervals were within the predetermined non-inferiority range. The secondary outcomes indicated that the experimental intervention was at least as effective as traditional rehabilitation. Significantly higher attendance rates were observed in the telerehabilitation group. CONCLUSION Telerehabilitation was not inferior to a hospital outpatient-based rehabilitation program in patients with chronic heart failure. Telerehabilitation appears to be an appropriate alternative because it promotes greater attendance at the rehabilitation sessions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12613000390785. [Hwang R, Bruning J, Morris NR, Mandrusiak A, Russell T (2017) Home-based telerehabilitation is not inferior to a centre-based program in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 101-107].

Clinical assessment of head orientation profile development and its relationship with positional plagiocephaly in healthy term infants — A prospective study

BACKGROUND Positional plagiocephaly refers to atypical development of an uneven head shape with asymmetrical head orientation as a post-natal risk factor. The development of the head orientation profile and its relationship with positional plagiocephaly are lacking. OBJECTIVES To explore the head orientation profile development and its relationship with positional plagiocephaly in healthy full term infants. METHODS A prospective observational study including 94 infants was conducted. Head orientation measures including head orientation duration, head orientation strength and latency to turn were conducted at three, six and nine weeks of age. Plagiocephaly outcome was measured by modified Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index at nine weeks. RESULTS Lateral head orientation duration predominated at three weeks, mean (standard deviation) (right=40 [21.7]%; left=41 [21.5]%; midline=19 [19.9]%). It decreased bilaterally in favour of midline positioning at nine weeks (right=30 [22.3]%; left=24 [22.0]%; midline=46 [27]%. Although head orientation strength was similar across the three ages after accounting for side, head orientation strength to left was decreased from three to nine weeks (p=0.031; 95% CI: 0.12-2.06). There was a reduction in left-consistent with increase in left-bias from 3weeks to 6weeks of age (p=0.011). Positional plagiocephaly at nine weeks was associated with head orientation duration-right (p<0.001; r(2)=0.20); head orientation duration-left (p<0.001; r(2)=0.17); head orientation strength at three and six weeks (p<0.001; r(2)=0.22), but not latency to turn. CONCLUSIONS Healthy infants show progressive change from symmetrical lateral head orientation to midline orientation from three to nine weeks. There is association of head orientation duration and strength with positional plagiocephaly.

Impact of Parent Practices of Infant Positioning on Head Orientation Profile and Development of Positional Plagiocephaly in Healthy Term Infants

ABSTRACT Aims: The influence of infant positioning on the development of head orientation and plagiocephaly is not clear. This study explored the relationship between infant body and head positioning, with the development of asymmetrical head orientation and/or positional plagiocephaly. Methods: Clinician measurement of head orientation profile and parent-reported infant positioning data were collected for 94 healthy term infants at 3, 6, and 9 weeks of age. Plagiocephaly was measured at 9 weeks with the modified Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index. Results: More severe plagiocephaly was associated with longer supine-sleep-maximum (p = 0.001) and longer supine-lying-total (p = 0.014) at 6 weeks. Prone positioning was not associated with plagiocephaly. Parent-reported head asymmetry during awake and sleep time at 3 weeks identified infants with clinician-measured head asymmetry at 9 weeks. Better symmetry in head turning was associated with more side-lying-total time by 9 weeks (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Our results showed that infant positioning is associated with early head orientation and plagiocephaly development. Early parent-reported asymmetry during awake and sleep time is an important indicator for the need for professional assessment and advice. A Plagiocephaly Prevention Strategy and Plagiocephaly Screening Pathway are provided for clinicians and parents.

Identification of competencies for patient education in physiotherapy using a Delphi approach

OBJECTIVES Patient education is a critical part of physiotherapy practice however an empirically derived set of competencies for its use does not exist. This study aimed to generate a set of competencies for patient education in physiotherapy using a consensus approach. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A Delphi study with two rounds using a panel of expert physiotherapists within Australia was undertaken. In the first round, the panel of 12 specialist physiotherapists identified competencies required for patient education in the physiotherapy setting. Framework analysis was applied to develop a set of competencies that were assessed in the second round where ≥80% agreement of importance from the panel indicated consensus. RESULTS Response rates of specialist physiotherapists agreeing to participate were 67% for the first round and 100% for the second round. Analysis following the first round produced 25 competencies. The second round resulted in agreement on a final set of 22 competencies. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a concise list of competencies for patient education with a high level of expert agreement. By identifying the key competencies in this area, there is potential to benchmark patient education training and assessment of physiotherapists for improved educational and professional outcomes.

Gait speed as an indicator of prosthetic walking potential following lower limb amputation

Background: The relationship between gait speed and prosthetic potential (K-level classifications) and function has not been explored among people transitioning from hospital rehabilitation to the community. Objectives: To examine gait speed at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation among people prescribed a prosthetic leg after unilateral lower limb amputation, and associations between gait speed, prosthetic potential and functional ability. Study design: Cohort. Methods: Gait speed (10-m walk test), K-level (Amputee Mobility Predictor) and Functional Independence Measure motor were compared for 110 people (mean (standard deviation) age: 63 (13) years, 77% male, 71% transtibial amputation, 70% dysvascular causes). Results: Median (interquartile range) gait speed and Functional Independence Measure motor were 0.52 (0.37–0.67) m/s and 84 (81, 85), respectively. Median (IQR) gait speed scores for each K-level were as follows: K1 = 0.17 (0.15–0.19) m/s, K2 = 0.38 (0.25–0.54) m/s, K3 = 0.63 (0.50–0.71) m/s and K4 = 1.06 (0.95–1.18) m/s. Median (IQR) FIM-Motor scores for each K-level were as follows: K1 = 82 (69–84), K2 = 83 (79–84), K3 = 85 (83–87) and K4 = 87 (86–89). Faster gait speed was associated with higher K-level, higher FIM-Motor, being younger, male and having transtibial amputation with nonvascular aetiology. Conclusion: Gait speed was faster among each higher K-level classification. However, gait speeds observed across all K-levels were slower than healthy populations, consistent with values indicating high risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinical relevance Factors associated with faster gait speed are useful for clinical teams considering walking potential of people with lower limb prostheses and those seeking to refine prosthetic rehabilitation programmes.

Are people with lower limb amputation changing? A seven-year analysis of patient characteristics at admission to inpatient rehabilitation and at discharge.

Abstract Purpose: What are the characteristics of people with lower limb amputation at admission to, and discharge from, subacute rehabilitation? Have these characteristics changed over time? Methods: A total of 425 lower limb amputation inpatient rehabilitation admissions (335 individuals) from 2005 to 2011 were examined. Admission characteristics, including aetiology, gender, age, amputation level, cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)), indoor mobility aid, motor function (Functional Independence Measure motor subscale) and number and type of comorbidities, and discharge characteristics, including prosthetic prescription, motor function, discharge mobility aid, and destination were compared by admission date and year. Results: Proportion of people with lower limb amputation with nonvascular aetiology increased over time (2004, 15% to 2011, 24%) (ß = −181.836, p < 0.001). Admission cognition increased over time (ß = 9.296, p < 0.001). Motor function worsened over time; median admission (IQR) Functional Independence Measure motor 70 (59–77) in 2005 to 67 (51.5–73.25) in 2011 (ß = −1.937, p < 0.001) and discharge from 81 in 2005 to 79 in 2011 (ß = −1.267, p < 0.001). Prosthetic prescription rates were highest in 2005 (68%) decreasing to 47% in 2010 (ß = −200.473, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Total numbers of people with lower limb amputation did not change over the seven-year study period. Changes were observed in aetiology, cognition and motor function. Prosthetic prescription rates decreased over time. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation should account for the changing characteristics of people with lower limb amputation. Motor function should be addressed as part of rehabilitation to optimise the patient’s ability to return home and to the community. Prescription rates for lower limb prostheses reduced across time, indicating more specific selection processes and refined clinical decision making; this decision is best informed by a multi-disciplinary approach.