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Context: The results of this study will provide direction for integrating simulation into continuing professional education (CPE) for athletic trainers (ATs). Objective: Compare the effects of 2 simulation techniques on knowledge and skill acquisition of a cardiovascular assessment. Design: Randomized pretest-posttest design. Setting: Continuing professional education course hosted at a simulation center. Patients or Other Participants: Athletic trainers recruited to a CPE course. Twenty-two (age 22-49) of 30 ATs attended, consented, and completed the course. Participants were randomly assigned to a high-fidelity (12 participants) or low-fidelity (10 participants) group. Intervention(s): High-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation. Main Outcome Measures(s): A 31-question knowledge examination and a 4-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) measured knowledge and clinical skills, and specifically the ability to identify heart sounds as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. Results: From pretest to posttest, all participants significantly improved knowledge (P < 0.001), clinical skills (P < 0.001), and heart-sound identification skill (P = 0.010). The high-fidelity group scored significantly higher (P = 0.48) than the low-fidelity group on the clinical skills portion of the OSCE. Conclusions: Both simulation types can be used in CPE courses for ATs to reinforce the knowledge and skills that are a part of a cardiovascular assessment. High-fidelity simulation improved skill more than low-fidelity simulation because of the active nature of the intervention. Baseline scores were low, thereby strengthening the value to offer CPE to ATs specifically on the elements of conducting a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. Adding a pretest can help identify knowledge and skill deficits before CPE participation.

The purpose of the current feasibility study was to examine the use, utility, and areas for refinement of a newly developed web-based and Android™ application (app) (i.e., CareHeroes) with multiple features to support individuals caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia (AD). The study was performed over an 11-week period with triads of AD caregivers, assigned home care case managers, and primary care providers (PCP). The study involved quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Eleven AD caregivers (seven daughters, two sons, and two spouses), six case managers, and five PCPs participated. Data demonstrate participants were mostly satisfied with the multiple features and ability to access and use CareHeroes. Barriers for use include concerns about time constraints and not being familiar with technology. Although the study findings are promising, a longer term study to evaluate the impact of the CareHeroes app is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the rates and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in physical therapists (PTs) according to their specialty and setting.Method: Participants completed an online questionnaire including 15 demographic questions, 7 work-related and 8 injury-related questions for 9 different body parts.Results: Complete responses were obtained from 121 PTs; 96% reported MSD symptoms during the previous 12 months, 64% affecting at least 3 body parts. The body parts with the highest prevalence of symptoms were the low back (66%) and the neck (61%). For PTs specialized in acute care, geriatrics and pediatrics, the body part most commonly affected was the low back, while for PTs specialized in orthopedics and neurology, the body part most commonly affected was the neck. Regarding work settings, the low back was the most commonly affected for PTs working in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and hospitals, and the neck in PTs working in academic and home health settings.Conclusions: MSDs are common among PTs; the body parts most often affected were the low back and neck. The prevalence and body parts affected varied by practice setting and specialty area. The findings can help informing the design of evidence-based rehabilitation, prevention, training and educational programs.Implications for RehabilitationRehabilitation of injured physical therapists needs to address the symptoms of the multiple body parts that are usually affected (e.g. back, wrists and hands).Rehabilitation of injured physical therapists needs to take into consideration their job demands, practice setting and specialty area.The findings can inform the design of rehabilitation, prevention, training and educational programs for physical therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Case management has become a popular model for providing home care services to nursing home-eligible older adults. To maximize collaborative decision making and patient outcomes, members of the case management team must engage in ongoing, open communication. However, little is known about the quality of communication between home care case managers and their clients’ physicians. This study examined geriatric home care case managers’ perceptions of their communication with their clients’ physicians. Participating case managers were employed at two large home care agencies located in the South Florida region. The findings suggest that communication between home care case managers and physicians is limited and inefficient. Implication for policy and practice are provided. Finally, we propose ways to leverage Information Technology to bridge this communication gap. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]