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Biomedical subjects

Debra Bick

Publications and source records attributed to Debra Bick.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Problem based learning in midwifery - the teachers perspective.

BACKGROUND: Problem- or evidence-based learning (PBL or EBL) has become more widely used in the education of health professionals. Although there has been research exploring its effectiveness and the student's perspective, there has been little research exploring the perceptions of the teacher. The objective of this study was to investigate the experiences of teachers facilitating a problem based learning curriculum in midwifery. The study took place at Thames Valley University, which has implemented this approach across the entire curriculum. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken following random selection from two groups of teachers; those more experienced as teachers and those who had entered teaching more recently. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: Aspects of the teacher's role identified included questioning students to draw out their knowledge and understanding and to help students challenge each other, discuss and evaluate their learning. Strategies used varied depending on the stage of the programme. Difficulties encountered were mostly in relation to facilitating groups of differing backgrounds and ability and seeking to enable the students to work well together. Key challenges for teachers were in relation to developing facilitation skills, balancing input or guidance with facilitating independent learning. CONCLUSIONS: Problem based learning was perceived to be beneficial in helping students relate theory to practice and in encouraging an active and enquiring approach to evidence, but teachers raised important questions about its practice. Tensions were identified between the constructivist theories on which the model of PBL rests and the formal requirements of an externally regulated professional curriculum.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

A national pilot to implement pressure ulcer guidelines: results of the baseline audit.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) national pilot audit project aims to facilitate the dissemination and implementation of the RCN clinical guideline on pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention using an evidence-based, tailored strategy. Recent government White Papers reinforced the move towards evidence-based healthcare that includes performance measures, clinical effectiveness and ongoing professional development. Structured dissemination and implementation of the RCN guideline can aid this process by improving patient care, as well as in a culture where more patients are seeking recompense for "poor" care assist in reducing litigation and complaints. This article focuses on the findings of the baseline audit. Providing a summary of the project to date, looking at site recruitment, the provisional results and recommendations of the baseline audit and local initiatives for supporting the ongoing implementation and the implementation resources developed to assist the sites in the process. The project is due for completion at the end of 2002 following which the final results will be published.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗

Achieving sustainable quality in maternity services - using audit of incontinence and dyspareunia to identify shortfalls in meeting standards.

BACKGROUND: Some complications of childbirth (for example, faecal incontinence) are a source of social embarrassment for women, and are often under reported. Therefore, it was felt important to determine levels of complications (against established standards) and to consider obstetric measures aimed at reducing them. METHODS: Clinical information was collected on 1036 primiparous women delivering at North and South Staffordshire Acute and Community Trusts over a 5-month period in 1997. A questionnaire was sent to 970 women which included self-assessment of levels of incontinence and dyspareunia prior to pregnancy, at 6 weeks post delivery and 9 to 14 months post delivery. RESULTS: The response rate was 48%(470/970). Relatively high levels of obstetric interventions were found. In addition, the rates of instrumental deliveries differed between the two hospitals. The highest rates of postnatal symptoms had occurred at 6 weeks, but for many women problems were still present at the time of the survey. At 9-14 months high rates of dyspareunia (29%(102/347)) and urinary incontinence (35%(133/382)) were reported. Seventeen women (4%) complained of faecal incontinence at this time. Similar rates of urinary incontinence and dyspareunia were seen regardless of mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Further work should be undertaken to reduce the obstetric interventions, especially instrumental deliveries. Improvements in a number of areas of care should be undertaken, including improved patient information, improved professional communication and improved professional recognition and management of third degree tears. It is likely that these measures would lead to a reduction in incontinence and dyspareunia after childbirth.

Journal Article↗

Pressure ulcer risk: audit findings.

This article describes the findings of a pilot audit project that assessed the effects on practice and patient care of guideline recommendations for reducing pressure ulcer development. A national audit project to enable the implementation strategy and audit tools to be evaluated across a range of healthcare settings and patient groups should now be undertaken.

Beds↗

Risk assessment and prevention audit project.

This article describes the aims and objectives of a small pilot audit project to evaluate the impact of guideline recommendations to reduce pressure ulcer development on practice and patient care.

England↗

The research agenda for protocol-based care.

BACKGROUND: Protocol-based care is increasingly being used to deliver collaborative, integrated and improved patient-centred care, based on the best available evidence. This article provides an overview of key issues arising from protocol-based care literature to illustrate the research agenda for this important care delivery approach. CONCLUSION: Protocols provide great potential to deliver best practice. However, questions remain about the benefits of protocol-based care.

Clinical Protocols↗