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Topics Pertaining (topics + pertaining)
Selected AbstractsCover Picture: Electrophoresis 18'2009ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2009Article first published online: 17 SEP 200 Issue no. 18 is a special issue on "Miniaturization in Asia-Pacific". It has 25 contributions "covering a spectrum of topics pertaining to fundamentals, basic technologies, detection approaches and applications, and it is expected to reflect the rapid progress of up-to-date microfluidics research in the Asia-Pacific region." [source] The validity of self-reports of alcohol consumption: state of the science and challenges for researchADDICTION, Issue 2003Frances K. Del Boca ABSTRACT Aims To review three topics pertaining to the validity of alcohol self-reports: factors that influence response accuracy; the relative merits of different self-report approaches; and the utility of using alternative measures to confirm verbal reports. Findings Response behavior is influenced by the interaction of social context factors, respondent characteristics, and task attributes. Although research has advanced our knowledge about self-report methods, many questions remain unanswered. In particular, there is a need to investigate how task demands interact with different patterns of drinking behavior to affect response accuracy. There is also a continuing need to use multiple data sources to examine the extent of self-report response bias, and to determine whether it varies as a function of respondent characteristics or assessment timing. Conclusion Self-report methods offer a reliable and valid approach to measuring alcohol consumption. The accuracy of such methods, however, can be improved by research directed at understanding the processes involved in response behavior. [source] The De-Escalating Aggressive Behaviour Scale: development and psychometric testingJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 9 2009Johannes Nau Abstract Title.,The De-Escalating Aggressive Behaviour Scale: development and psychometric testing. Aim., This paper is a report of a study to develop and test the psychometric properties of a scale measuring nursing students' performance in de-escalation of aggressive behaviour. Background., Successful training should lead not merely to more knowledge and amended attitudes but also to improved performance. However, the quality of de-escalation performance is difficult to assess. Method., Based on a qualitative investigation, seven topics pertaining to de-escalating behaviour were identified and the wording of items tested. The properties of the items and the scale were investigated quantitatively. A total of 1748 performance evaluations by students (rater group 1) from a skills laboratory were used to check distribution and conduct a factor analysis. Likewise, 456 completed evaluations by de-escalation experts (rater group 2) of videotaped performances at pre- and posttest were used to investigate internal consistency, interrater reliability, test,retest reliability, effect size and factor structure. Data were collected in 2007,2008 in German. Findings., Factor analysis showed a unidimensional 7-item scale with factor loadings ranging from 0·55 to 0·81 (rater group 1) and 0·48 to 0·88 (rater group 2). Cronbach's alphas of 0·87 and 0·88 indicated good internal consistency irrespective of rater group. A Pearson's r of 0·80 confirmed acceptable test,retest reliability, and interrater reliability Intraclass Correlation 3 ranging from 0·77 to 0·93 also showed acceptable results. The effect size r of 0·53 plus Cohen's d of 1·25 indicates the capacity of the scale to detect changes in performance. Conclusion., Further research is needed to test the English version of the scale and its validity. [source] Geriatric Emergency Medicine with Integrated Simulation CurriculumACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2009Chris Doty Our initiative is a replicable model curriculum that teaches emergency geriatric care principles utilizing didactics and immersive simulation. Simulated scenarios encompass principles specific to geriatric care. Major curricular principles include: 1) respect for patients' autonomy, 2) accommodating patients' physical and cognitive limitations, 3) appropriate resource utilization, and 4) accurate symptom recognition and clinical decision-making. These four basic principles are incorporated throughout the curriculum and specifically during three simulated scenarios: 1) a patient with respiratory distress in the setting of end-stage cancer and end-of-life teaches topics pertaining to living wills, health care proxies and DNR orders; 2) a fallen patient requiring a trauma evaluation and safe discharge teaches resource utilization, complex evaluation of home environment, social support principles, access to medical care concepts, and utilization of institutional social services; 3) a patient with altered mental status caused by polypharmacy and sepsis teaches geriatric diagnostic and intervention challenges. Faculty teach specific clinical tactics such as minimizing distractions, frequent reorientation, minimal use of urinary catheters and "tethering" devices, prompt triage and medical screening exams, and coordinating disposition with family, nursing, and clerical staff. The curriculum also includes large classroom didactics incorporating active learning via live streamed simulation into the resident conference room. We developed an internet-based tool to manage the curriculum and track resident participation. The tool stores and sends educational handouts via email and displays digital media (e.g., radiographs, EKGs) on screen during lectures and simulation sessions. Learning objectives are measured and reinforced with pre- and post-curriculum test questions. [source] | ||||||||||