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Learning through work is a common feature of preparing health professionals for practice. Current understandings of work-integrated learning or a 'work-based placement', focus on students being consumers of experiences rather than providing a reciprocal benefit to the organisation in which they are placed. More nuanced understanding of the ways that students can offer value to organisations may provide new opportunities and increased capacity for workplace learning. This study drew on Social Exchange Theory to explore the perceived value and benefits of work-integrated learning experiences to the organisations in which students are placed. The focus was on population health placements undertaken by dietetics students at a large Australian university. An interpretive approach was employed with interviews with placement educators and document analysis of student-generated products from their placement. Seventeen of 20 eligible placement educators were interviewed, with interview data coded using thematic framework analysis. These data were supported with document analysis of student scientific posters completed as part of assessment to develop themes which were interpreted with social exchange theory. Three themes were identified: (1) students add to the organisation's capacity, (2) benefits outweigh time cost of planning and supervising and (3) explicitly valuing students for their contributions may build trust and further potentiate bi-directional benefits. Results suggest that student placements can add value to organisations. This reciprocity of benefits should be communicated to all stakeholders involved in the university-community collaboration, including students. Social exchange theory sensitised researchers to nuanced findings that may support the translation of these study findings to other student work-integrated learning settings.

Effective health workforce preparation is critical to the health of those who stand to benefit from its services. Emerging dietitians can provide important insights on an evolving workforce that is well-placed to advance future global health. This study aimed to explore a national sample of dietetics graduates' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation and preparedness in Australia. An interpretive description methodology guided this study whereby researchers interpreted the meanings that participants attributed to their experiences. Twenty dietitians (graduated within the last 2 years) were purposively sampled from across Australia and detailed insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. A multi-analyst approach employing thematic and template analysis, enabled five themes to be identified across the data set. These included: (1) being held back; (2) chasing the prize; (3) valuing real learning; (4) easing the transition; and (5) encountering influencers. While graduates appreciated their preparation, they were not empowered or equipped to embrace opportunities in diverse and emerging areas of dietetics practice. Graduates were challenged by the competitive landscape of securing obvious job opportunities and by a lack of support in transitioning into the workforce. Practice exposures and encounters with influential dietitians were highly valued. Research on role-emerging dietetics placements along with enhanced support mechanisms for novice dietitians is urgently required to ensure appropriate alignment between future dietetics preparation and practice. Obtaining insights into health professional graduates' experiences of their education can be used to ensure that emerging health workforces are relevant and responsive to future market needs.

Purpose: To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders. Results: A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20–24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level. Conclusion: The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic conditions can lead to physical, cognitive and social decline; thus, increasing an individual's dependence on family who assist with activities of daily living. Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), involving two or more health professionals working with the patient and their family, is one model of care for the high‐quality management of individuals with chronic conditions in primary care. Nevertheless, family carers have reported a disconnect between themselves and healthcare providers in previous research. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of family carers for individuals with chronic conditions, regarding their involvement in IPCP. Methods: Aspects of constructivist grounded theory methodology were used. Family carers of individuals with chronic conditions were invited to participate in a one‐on‐one, semistructured interview about their experiences with IPCP in the care of their loved one. Interview transcripts were analysed using Charmaz's four‐step iterative process: (1) line‐by‐line coding, (2) focused coding, (3) categorisation of codes and (4) potential theme and subtheme development with memo writing to support each phase of analysis. The research team collaborated on reflexivity exercises, the conceptualisation of categories and the development of themes. Results: Constructivist data analysis of interviews (average 40 min) with 10 family carers resulted in two themes. (1) Stepping in for my loved one represents the notion that carers take on external roles on behalf of their loved ones (subthemes: working with interprofessional teams, supporting independence and learning as I go). (2) Taking on the carer role, represents the internal factors that influence the external roles described in theme 1 (subthemes: feeling obligated to be involved and changing relationship dynamics). Conclusion: This study outlines the external actions and internal influences on family carer involvement in an interprofessional team. The required knowledge and support to care for their loved ones is currently learned in an ad hoc manner, and carers' resources should be better promoted by health professionals. Additionally, the relationship dynamics between a carer and their loved one change as the carer becomes more involved in IPCP and influences how and the extent health professionals involve family carers. Patient or Public Contribution: Carers were the study population involved in this qualitative study. Patient advocates who have chronic conditions, and are informal family carers, were involved in the creation and design of this study, including a review of the research question, participant information sheet and the interview guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been assessed through blood lipids and inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). Recent clinical interest in novel pro‐inflammatory markers platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) recognizes that vascular damage can exist in the absence of traditional risk factors. This cross‐sectional study investigated the potential relationship between circulating PAF, Lp‐PLA2, hsCRP, and traditional risk factors for CVD. One hundred adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable CVD risk were recruited. Fasting inflammatory markers PAF, Lp‐PLA2 and hsCRP and total, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. Blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference were measured. Medical and physical activity data were self‐reported. Linear and multiple regressions were performed. PAF, Lp‐PLA2, and hsCRP independently correlated with several CVD risk factors. PAF was correlated significantly with risk factors in an unexpected way; there was a medium positive correlation between PAF and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.394, p < 0.001) and medium negative correlations with Total:HDL cholesterol; (r = −0.436, p < 0.001) systolic blood pressure; (r = −0.307, p = 0.001); BMI (r = −0.381, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = −0.404, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between Lp‐PLA2 and LDL (r = 0.525, p < 0.001) and non‐HDL cholesterol (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). There were large positive correlations between hsCRP and Total:HDL cholesterol (r = 0.524, p < 0.001); BMI (r = 0.668, p < 0.001); and waist circumference (r = 0.676, p < 0.001). PAF, Lp‐PLA2, and hsCRP are implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammation in CVD; however, the relationships between each marker and traditional risk factors were different suggesting they may be involved in different atherogenic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the non-profit sector has an integral role in health promotion, it is unclear whether these organisations have the capacity for health promotion activities. This study aims to explore and describe capacity changes of a non-profit organisation during a 3-year community-based nutrition intervention. The non-profit organisation, with 3800 members throughout the state of Queensland, Australia, implemented a 3-year food literacy community-based intervention. A team of qualified nutritionists delivered the program in partnership with community-based volunteers. A separate aim of the intervention was to build capacity of the non-profit organisation for health promotion. A qualitative study was undertaken, using a social constructivist approach to explore organisational capacity changes longitudinally. All relevant participants including non-profit executive managers and nutritionists were included in the study (100% response rate). Data collection included semi-structured interviews (n = 17) at multiple intervention time points and document analysis of program newsletters (n = 21). Interview transcripts and documents were analysed separately using thematic and content analysis. Codes and categories between the two data sources were then compared and contrasted to build themes. Organisational capacity was predominantly influenced by four themes; 'communicating', 'changing relationships', 'limited organisational learning' and 'adaptability and resistance to change'. Developing non-profit organisational health promotion capacity appears to require focusing on fostering communication processes and building positive relationships over time. Capacity changes of the non-profit organisation were not linear, fluctuating across various levels over time. Assessing non-profit organisational capacity to implement community interventions by describing adaptive capacity, may help researchers focus on the processes that influence capacity development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Diet has been proposed as a mediator of inflammation, but to date, the focus for these novel biomarkers has been on individual foods and nutrients rather than overall dietary patterns. Objective To systematically review the literature on the association between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2. Data Sources The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL literature databases were searched. Data Analysis Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixteen studies (n = 4 observational and n = 12 interventional) were included and assessed for associations between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2. Conclusion Study quality varied from neutral (n = 10) to positive (n = 6). Mediterranean, heart healthy, and vegetarian dietary patterns were associated with improved levels of PAF and Lp-PLA2. Conversely, Western dietary patterns were less favorable. A range of well-established, healthier dietary patterns may lower inflammation and the risk of atherosclerosis. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify other dietary patterns that improve inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To critically review the literature regarding workplace breast-feeding interventions and to assess their impact on breast-feeding indicators.Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Electronic searches for workplace intervention studies to support breast-feeding, without restriction on language or study design, were performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Business Source Complete, ProQuest-Sociology and ProQuest-Social Science to 13 April 2020. A meta-analysis of the pooled effect of the programmes on breast-feeding indicators was conducted.Results: The search identified 10 215 articles; fourteen studies across eighteen publications met eligibility criteria. Programmes were delivered in the USA (n 10), Turkey (n 2), Thailand (n 1) or Taiwan (n 1). There were no randomised controlled trials. The pooled OR for exclusive breast-feeding at 3 or 6 months for participants v. non-participants of three non-randomised controlled studies was 3·21 (95 % CI 1·70, 6·06, I2 = 22 %). Despite high heterogeneity, other pooled outcomes were consistently in a positive direction with acceptable CI. Pooled mean duration of breast-feeding for five single-arm studies was 9·16 months (95 % CI 8·25, 10·07). Pooled proportion of breast-feeding at 6 months for six single-arm studies was 0·76 (95 % CI 0·66, 0·84) and breast-feeding at 12 months for three single-arm studies was 0·41 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·62). Most programmes were targeted at mothers; two were targeted at expectant fathers.Conclusions: Workplace programmes may be effective in promoting breast-feeding among employed mothers and partners of employed fathers. However, no randomised controlled trials were identified, and better-quality research on workplace interventions to improve breast-feeding is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of building capacity in community interventions is well recognized. There is general agreement about the determinants of capacity and a range of existing capacity frameworks, however there is limited evidence or consistency in practice around assessing capacity in community interventions. The aim of this review was to describe how capacity is assessed in community interventions. A systematic review of the literature across four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts) was performed. Studies in English from 2000 to 2017, that explicitly described how capacity building processes were assessed in community interventions in healthy populations, were included. All types of empirical study designs were eligible. From 2596 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 19 studies were included describing 12 different capacity assessment frameworks or tools. Seventeen studies assessed capacity processes by measuring individual capacity domains in community interventions. The most common capacity domains used to assess capacity were leadership, resources, partnerships and intelligence. The majority (n  = 15) of studies used qualitative or mixed methods designs to measure capacity. Nine studies assessed capacity prospectively over time; three before/after and six multiple times during the intervention. Five studies assessed capacity retrospectively. The findings suggest that capacity assessment may need to remain context specific and flexible in order to capture the ever-changing nature of capacity building over time. Future research should explore the utility of theoretical adaptive capacity assessment guidelines that direct researchers and practitioners when describing capacity assessment in community interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dietetics educators represent a small but influential workforce group that has experienced significant change in recent years. The workforce development challenges faced by this group have been largely unexplored. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of, and challenges faced by, academic dietetics educators in preparing dietitians for the workforce. Methods: The approach taken in the present study was informed by qualitative description. Fifteen dietetics educators employed by 13 universities across Australia were purposively sampled. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews conducted via telephone (n = 12) or face‐to‐face (n = 3) were digitally recorded then transcribed verbatim. Data were managed with NVivo and inductively analysed using open coding. Codes were condensed into themes through an iterative process involving multiple researchers. Results: The overarching theme of 'aiming for a moving target' was underpinned by the themes of: (i) striving for betterment; (ii) bridging dissonance and (iii) distressing impossibilities. Interviewees described how they were driven to enhance the preparation of dietitians but acknowledged disparity between what graduates are being prepared for and what they need to be prepared for. Heightened expectations of others, professional constraints and a lack of collegiality among the profession were among the challenges that manifested in a sense of frustration, concern and isolation. Conclusions: Dietetics educators are motivated to shape and enhance the future profession. However, they face numerous challenges in their efforts to prepare graduates who are well‐equipped for increasingly diverse dietetics practice. Strong leadership, academic collaboration and greater engagement of the broader workforce are required for the benefit of the entire profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]