Search Results (55)

Psychological stress and dietary behavior are interdependent forces that greatly influence mental and physical health. Thus, both what and how we eat impact our well-being. Maladaptive eating patterns, such as eating in response to emotional cues rather than physiological hunger, have become increasingly common amid modern stressors and an ultra-processed food environment. This narrative review synthesizes interdisciplinary findings from nutritional psychiatry, microbiome science, and behavioral nutrition to explore how stress physiology, gut–brain interactions, and dietary quality shape emotional regulation and eating behavior. It highlights mechanisms (e.g., HPA-axis dysregulation, blunted interoception, and inflammatory and epigenetic pathways) and examines the evidence for mindful and intuitive eating; phytochemical-rich, whole-food dietary patterns; and the emerging role of precision nutrition. Trauma-informed approaches, cultural foodways, structural barriers to healthy eating, and clinical implementation strategies (e.g., interprofessional collaboration) are considered in the context of public health equity to support sustainable mental wellness through dietary interventions. Ultimately, restoring a healthy relationship with food positions nutrition not only as sustenance but as a modifiable regulator of affect, cognition, and stress resilience, central to mental and physical well-being. Full article

Healthcare is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon and is subject to multiple challenges, particularly concerning sustainability and cost issues. The literature identifies bed space and problems related to the lack of hospital beds as being directly or indirectly related to both admission and discharge processes, with delays in in-patient discharges being identified as a variable of significance when it comes to a health system’s overall performance. In this respect, the aim of this research was to explore factors related to delayed discharges in an acute hospital setting in Malta, a small European member state, through the perspectives of health professionals. This study followed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews (n = 8) and focus groups (n = 2) were conducted with a diverse group of experienced health professionals. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and all data were treated with strict confidentiality throughout the study. The sample was limited to professionals working in adult, non-specialized healthcare settings. Manual thematic analysis was carried out. Codes were grouped to derive seven main themes, which were identified after carrying out the thematic analysis process on the transcripts of the interviews/focus groups. The derived themes are the following: (a) a faulty system, which is open to abuse and inefficiency, (b) procedural delays directly impacting delayed discharges, (c) long-term care/social cases as a major cause of delayed discharges, (d) the impact of external factors on delayed discharges, (e) stakeholder suggestions to management to counteract delayed discharges, (f) the impact of COVID-19 on delayed discharges, and (g) inter-professional relationships. Factors related to delayed discharges and the effects of delayed discharges on the hospital emerged from the main findings, together with specific potential interventions to minimise delays in discharge. Health professional interactions and the effects of inter-professional relationship setbacks on delayed discharges were explored, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital dynamics and additional delays were also addressed. This information is intended to provide hospital administrators with data-driven internal organisational evidence to guide them through changes and to inform future decisions regarding hospital performance and efficiency from a discharge delay perspective. Full article

This paper presents my personal experiences of cross-disciplinary national and international academic mentoring over 30 years in a higher education setting, supporting 605 mentees in public health, health education, and the health services. I supported mentees at diverse career stages through (a) one-to-one mentoring relationships (n = 231 mentees; from the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australasia; academics, industry, and healthcare professionals), (b) a cross-faculty structured mentoring programme (n = 52; junior faculty), (c) a cross-institutional interprofessional internship programme including mentoring and public health placements (n = 302 interns; from five universities), and (d) an interprofessional learning programme in workplace health called WHIRL, which was embedded within Test@Work, a public health innovation bridging health promotion practice, research, and industry and involving peer mentoring and mentor support (n = 20; volunteer healthcare trainees). In this paper, I outline the broader concept of mentoring, together with an overview of mentoring types, uses, and benefits. The diverse contexts in which mentoring occurs are discussed: (i) micro-mentoring, (ii) inducting new staff, (iii) peer mentoring, (iv) career transition moments, (v) career advancement mentoring, (vi) diversity mentoring, (vii) knowledge sharing mentoring, (viii) collaborative learning and support mentoring, and (ix) leadership development mentoring. The challenges of mentoring are presented alongside suggested actions to take. I advocate for mentoring evaluation and provide a worked example of measuring the outcomes of one-to-one mentoring using The Career Support and Psychosocial Support Scales (online survey; n = 103 mentees; from 22 countries). Finally, I reflect upon the diversity of mentoring experiences, with activities and benefits categorised into six key areas: interpersonal relationships; networking opportunities; enhancing knowledge and skills; employment, reward and recognition; support for under-served groups; and convening communities of practice. Full article

Background: The Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children with Cancer and their Families provide a framework for the delivery of psychosocial care to families experiencing pediatric cancer. Similarly, the Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model (PPPHM) guides intervention approaches by identifying three tiers of psychosocial support based on a family’s level of risk. Employing both the Standards and the PPPHM, we developed a comprehensive three-tiered approach to support the psychosocial needs of families in a pediatric oncology setting. Methods: After publication of the Standards, our institution merged existing psychosocial disciplines into one unified Psychosocial Services department. The new department worked to clearly define the role and scope of each discipline’s practice to ensure the psychosocial needs of patients and families were being comprehensively met. Interprofessional workgroups were established to evaluate and enhance the psychosocial services offered to patients, siblings, and caregivers using a three-tiered model of support. Membership included representation from patients and parent/caregiver advisors to ensure their perspectives were included in program development. Results: Over ten new programs have been developed to enhance the support of families facing pediatric cancer. At the Universal tier, new programs available to all families include caregiver and sibling support groups, a caregiver podcast, and a relationship health toolkit and workshop. At the Targeted tier, psychosocial interventions and parent mentor supports were implemented. At the Clinical/Intervention tier, a partnership was developed with an external tele-mental health company to provide mental health services to caregivers with significant needs or preexisting mental health disorders. Conclusions: Given the complex needs of families facing pediatric cancer, use of an interdisciplinary approach is paramount to successful support throughout the treatment trajectory. By leveraging the expertise and strengths of diverse disciplines with the perspectives of patients and families, new psychosocial programs can comprehensively address the unique challenges of patients and families impacted by illness. Full article

Background: Assertiveness in nursing is crucial to improving communication, reducing interpersonal tensions, and improving healthcare outcomes. Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the literature on assertiveness in nursing, focusing on nurses’ perspectives regarding its role, influencing factors, challenges, and impact within complex healthcare settings. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. An integrated mixed methods approach was used to capture the multifaceted nature of assertiveness in nursing. The evaluation covered both qualitative and quantitative investigations, concentrating on quantitative publications between 2018 and 2024 and qualitative publications without a time limit. Diverse methodologies were incorporated using the SPIDER framework. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across six databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science. Ultimately, 15 research papers were included in the review out of 9490 publications that were initially identified. Included studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists. Results: A total of 9490 studies were identified, of which 15 (eight quantitative and seven qualitative) were included in this review. The review and subsequent analysis revealed five major themes: (1) facilitators of assertiveness; (2) barriers to assertiveness; (3) assertiveness training; (4) interaction with other staff; and (5) patient relationships. Conclusions: Assertiveness is essential for proficient nursing practice, especially in complex healthcare environments. It facilitates improved communication, alleviates stress, and augments patient care. Future research should explore the long-term benefits of assertiveness training and its influence across various cultural settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nursing professionals are often subject to social stereotypes that can hinder effective teamwork with other healthcare professionals and limit their professional growth. Interprofessional education (IPE) enhances teamwork skills and promotes a better understanding of other professional groups. This study aimed to identify the presence of stereotypes associated with nursing among postgraduate nursing and student physicians specializing in emergency medicine and to assess the applicability of simulation as an IPE strategy. Methods: A pilot study using high-fidelity simulation activity focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration was designed for students in the master’s programs in emergency nursing and emergency medicine at the Catholic University of Murcia. The activity took place in May 2024 and involved 52 participants (24 postgraduate nursing students and 28 postgraduate student physicians). A mixed-method descriptive study was conducted using a 16-item self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality, Fisher’s F test, and the Mann–Whitney U test to evaluate the relationship between variables (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 22 questionnaires were collected (16 from nurses postgraduate student and 6 from postgraduate physicians). Positive attitudes toward nursing stereotypes were found in 9 of the 13 items. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding most stereotypes, except for one. Negative stereotypes about nursing leadership, professional autonomy, and patient relations were more prominent among nursing students. Conclusions: Stereotypical perceptions exist among both postgraduate nursing and postgraduate student physicians, particularly in nursing leadership and autonomy. Most participants expressed satisfaction with the simulation-based IPE activity, indicating its value in improving the understanding of other professionals’ roles. IPE should be incorporated into health sciences education. Full article

Gross anatomy provides essential knowledge about the structure and function of the human body. Understanding human anatomy requires specific skills from physiotherapy students to comprehend and memorize the location and relationships of anatomical structures. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on teaching methodologies in anatomy education for undergraduate physiotherapy students. A scoping review was conducted consulting the PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases. By analyzing ten studies involving over 1380 students, we identified four primary pedagogical approaches: the use of technological tools, combined traditional methods (such as dissections and radiological imaging), interprofessional education, and the innovative use of animal dissections. The findings highlight that hands-on, practical activities, especially those integrating technology (e.g., virtual reality and interactive quizzes), significantly enhance student engagement and knowledge retention. Collaborative learning through interprofessional education was found to foster a deeper understanding of anatomical concepts and improve teamwork skills, which are crucial for clinical practice. Additionally, the inclusion of traditional methods like dissections and radiological imaging, when paired with modern tools, offers a comprehensive approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The use of animal dissections also emerged as an innovative strategy to enhance anatomical comprehension. In conclusion, the literature underscores the importance of adopting diverse and innovative teaching strategies in gross anatomy education for physiotherapy students. Such approaches not only enrich the learning experience but also ensure that students are well prepared for the demands of professional practice. Full article

There is a gap in the literature regarding the complex interrelationships among hamstring injury (HI) risk factors. System dynamics (SD) modeling is considered an appropriate approach for understanding the complex etiology of HI for effective injury prevention. This study adopted the SD method and developed a causal loop model (CLD) to elucidate the intricate relationships among HI risk factors. This is performed by combining literature evidence and insights from expert stakeholders through a group model building (GMB) approach. The GMB methodology facilitated the identification of sixty-five critical factors influencing the HI risk, revealing the dynamic interplay between factors. Stakeholder engagement underscored the importance of previous injury characteristics (level of influence of previous injury, severity of previous injury, quality and size of scar tissue) and the quality of rehabilitation. HI-CLD revealed that many factors had indirect effects on HI risk. The HI-causal loop model establishes a foundation for a future stock and flow quantitative SD model aiming to advance HI prevention strategies through an interdisciplinary collaborative effort. These findings underscore the complexity of HI prevention, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates the views of diverse professional expertise. Appropriate inter-professional collaboration and continuous athlete screening are important for effective injury prevention strategies. Full article

Job satisfaction and willingness to stay are critical for workforce stability in a challenging healthcare environment. This study examined how relational coordination, a key factor in teamwork and communication, influences outcomes among healthcare professionals in a bilingual, culturally mixed region of Italy. This cross-sectional survey included general practitioners, hospital physicians, nurses, and administrators from the South Tyrol Health Service, using the ‘Relational Coordination Survey’ and additional measures of job satisfaction and willingness to stay. The analytical methods used included descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analyses. This study applied path analysis, including mediation and moderation techniques, to investigate the roles of relational coordination and job satisfaction in influencing the willingness to stay. It employs Conditional Process Analysis with the PROCESS macro in SPSS, focusing on models for moderated mediation analysis. The results indicated a critical influence of relational coordination on both job satisfaction and willingness to stay among the 525 healthcare professionals. Job satisfaction varied by health district and years of service, with midcareer professionals being the least satisfied. The findings highlight the central role of relational coordination in job satisfaction and willingness to stay and confirm that low job satisfaction increases turnover intentions. Relational coordination directly enhanced job satisfaction and willingness to stay, while also serving as a mediating factor that amplifies the impact of job satisfaction on retention intentions. This study reinforces the need for strong teamwork and communication to stabilize the healthcare workforce. Targeted interventions aimed at improving relational coordination could significantly enhance job satisfaction and retention among healthcare professionals, particularly in culturally diverse settings such as South Tyrol. Full article

The aim of this study was to explore and document the enablers and barriers of chiropractic care colocation in general practice at a large-scale private primary care centre in Australia. This study focused on the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding this integration. The research setting was a large integrated primary care centre located in an outer metro, low-socioeconomic area in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Participant inclusion criteria included general medical practitioners, practice nurses, and medical managers who self-reported interactions with the physically collocated and integrated chiropractic practice. Data was collected from 22 participants using face-to-face, qualitative, semi-structured interviews with an average duration of 32 min. The data collected included perceptions of chiropractic treatment, enablers to patient referral pathways, and views of the integrated chiropractic care model. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on the data set. All participants reported that this was their first exposure to the colocation of a chiropractor within a general medical practice. Four key enablers of chiropractic care integration were identified: (1) the practitioner [chiropractor], (2) the organisation [general practice], (3) consumer flow, and (4) the environment [shared spaces and tenant ecosystem]. The chiropractic integration enhanced knowledge sharing and interprofessional trust among healthcare providers. The formal reporting of patient outcomes and understanding of the chiropractor’s scope of practice further enabled referrals to the service. Shared administrative and business processes, including patient records, booking systems, and clinical meetings, facilitated relationship development between the chiropractor and referring health providers. Colocation as part of a larger primary care centre created proximity and convenience for health providers in terms of interprofessional communication, and for patients, in terms of access to chiropractic services. Existing governance structures supported communication, professional education, and shared values related to the delivery of patient-centred care. Identified barriers included limited public funding for chiropractic services resulting in reduced access for patients of low-socioeconomic status. Additionally, scepticism or negativity towards the discipline of chiropractic care was identified as an initial barrier to refer patients. In most cases, this view towards the chiropractor was overcome by regular patient reporting of positive treatment outcomes to their GP, the delivery of education sessions by the chiropractor for the health providers, and the development of interprofessional trust between the chiropractor and referring health providers. This study provides preliminary evidence and a conceptual framework of factors influencing the successful integration of chiropractic care within an Australian large primary care centre. The data collected indicated that integration of chiropractic care into a primary care centre serving a low-socioeconomic region can be achieved with a high degree of health provider satisfaction. Full article

Interprofessional working is common practice within the health and care sector and particularly within care homes to support the diverse needs of their residents. However, this is less common between the arts and care sectors despite the established impact of the arts on older people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Arts activities that do take place in care homes tend to be time-bound, with artists utilising short-term funding to deliver a defined project often with limited engagement from care home staff due to their competing priorities. This article reflects on qualitative findings from the Artists’ Residencies in Care Homes (ARCH) programme led by Magic Me, which paired four leading arts organisations with four care homes in Essex who worked together over four years to deliver creative arts for the residents. Building trusted relationships and collaborative working between the artists and care home staff was essential for the success of the residencies and for generating and embedding sustainable creative practice in the homes. This article argues that for creative practice to become sustainably embedded in care homes, arts organisations and the arts and culture sector need to embrace interprofessional collaborative practice in health and social care. Full article

Individuals with hearing loss are at risk for cognitive decline. The traditional approach to audiological care does not typically involve a team approach that addresses cognitive concerns. While cognitive screening is within the scope of practice in audiology, audiologists are not typically trained in interpreting screening results or providing rehabilitation that supports cognitive health. However, as growing evidence shows that hearing loss is tied to cognitive decline, a team approach is required to support whole-person care. Speech–language pathologists, who specialize in optimizing communication, are best situated to collaborate with audiologists to provide holistic aural rehabilitation. Audiologists and speech–language pathologists who partner to support a client’s communication skills and social relationships play an important role in the life of an individual with hearing loss. In this perspective, we describe relevant background information about hearing loss and cognition and present an interprofessional approach to aural rehabilitation for adults with hearing loss who have cognitive concerns. We also discuss implications for future research. Full article

Background: We conducted this scoping review to (1) comprehensively compile the published literature on interprofessional education focused on climate change and health, (2) assess the quality and outcomes of the existing curriculum interventions, and (3) highlight potential areas for further growth. By evaluating published curricular interventions, our goal was to highlight effective and validated developments that could be utilized by health professional educators seeking to include topics on climate change in the curriculum. Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE databases (MEDLINE, In-Process, In-Data-Review and Other Non-Indexed Citations, and Epub Ahead of Print), Embase, Clarivate Web of Science, and EBSCOhost Education Abstracts from inception through March 2023. Resulting articles were screened for relevance, and data were extracted from the included studies. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used to assess the quality of each included study. Findings: We screened 688 unique articles, and 6 met inclusion criteria. Publications dated from 2013 to 2023. Three studies included students or healthcare professionals from at least three health profession education programs. The mean MERSQI score was 8·17 (SD = 1·34; range 6–10). Curricular interventions varied by study, and topics included effects of climate change on human health, effect of climate change on extreme weather events and infectious disease exposures, and role of health professionals in climate change communication. Studies did not utilize a two-group comparison design. Most studies used an assessment tool with content validity evidence, but no study provided evidence of validity for internal structure or relationships to other variables. Studies reported that curricular interventions improved outcomes related to both climate change and interprofessional education. Interpretation: Despite the growing call for health professional education focused on climate change and health, there remains a gap in the interprofessional curricular interventions that have been assessed. Full article

The food system plays a crucial role in the relationship between environmental, population and individual health. While leading healthcare and environmental organizations call for urgent action to address climate–planetary–human health crises, it is often challenging for healthcare organizations to respond at a systems level to these concerns. Additionally, there is little consensus and limited research exploring how future health professionals should be trained in order to work at both the individual and systems level to address or prevent the negative health impacts related to the current food system. The intervention of a 6-week, hands-on cooking and nutrition course for graduate health professional students which examines these intersections and equips students with clinically applicable skills was examined using matched pre- and post-course surveys and thematic analysis of reflective assignments. Results indicate improved knowledge and confidence in areas including understanding the food system, guiding patients through dietary change, working interprofessionally, and applying basic nutrition concepts to clinical practice. Full article

Aims: In this study, we aimed to identify the relationship between nursing practice environments (NPEs) and safety perceptions with patient safety culture (PSC) during COVID-19. Design: We conducted a quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional study. We interviewed 211 nurses from Peru using two scales: PES–NWI and HSOPSC. We used the Shapiro–Wilk test and Spearman’s coefficient and estimated two regression models. Results: NPE was reported as favorable by 45.5% of the participants, and PSC was reported as neutral by 61.1%. Safety perception, the workplace, and NPE predict PSC. All NPE factors were correlated with PSC. However, safety perception, support of nurses subscale, the nurse manager’s ability, and leadership were predictors of PSC. Conclusion: To promote a safe work culture, health institutions should foster leadership that prioritizes safety, strengthens managers’ abilities, encourages interprofessional collaboration, and considers nurses’ feedback for constant improvement. Full article