title: Safety in numbers 5: Evaluation of computer-based authentic assessment and high fidelity simulated OSCE environments as a framework for articulating a point of registration medication dosage calculation benchmark

authors: Sabin, Mike

subjects: assessment

abstract: This paper reports a key educational initiative undertaken by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), based upon recommendations from a 'Numeracy in Healthcare' consultation. We report here the design of a web-based technical measurement authentic assessment environment evolved from the safeMedicate suite of programs that provided a model for an environment within which a medication dosage calculation problem-solving (MDC-PS) benchmark could be articulated. A sample of 63 third-year pre-registration nursing students was recruited from four participating universities in the UK. A counterbalanced design was employed where the virtual authentic assessment environment was evaluated for internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity against an objective structured clinical assessment (OSCE) undertaken in high-fidelity simulated clinical environments. Outcome measures indicated an extremely high internal consistency of the web-based environment. It was concluded that the combination of a web-based authentic assessment environment and further assessment of safe technical measurement interpretation and dexterity in a practice/practice simulation setting, populated with a benchmark and a criterion referenced rubric validated by the profession, is an innovative, viable, valid and reliable assessment method for the safe administration of medicines. As a result, the rubric for assessment of the appropriate range of calculation type and complexity informed the NMC's revised Essential Skills Clusters for Medicines Management (NMC, 2010a; NMC, 2010b). This inclusion provides a particularly strong example of both research directly influencing policy and of evidence-based regulation.

text: Safety in numbers 5: Evaluation of computer-based authentic assessment and high fidelity simulated OSCE environments as a framework for articulating a point of registration medication dosage calculation benchmark This paper reports a key educational initiative undertaken by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), based upon recommendations from a 'Numeracy in Healthcare' consultation. We report here the design of a web-based technical measurement authentic assessment environment evolved from the safeMedicate suite of programs that provided a model for an environment within which a medication dosage calculation problem-solving (MDC-PS) benchmark could be articulated. A sample of 63 third-year pre-registration nursing students was recruited from four participating universities in the UK. A counterbalanced design was employed where the virtual authentic assessment environment was evaluated for internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity against an objective structured clinical assessment (OSCE) undertaken in high-fidelity simulated clinical environments. Outcome measures indicated an extremely high internal consistency of the web-based environment. It was concluded that the combination of a web-based authentic assessment environment and further assessment of safe technical measurement interpretation and dexterity in a practice/practice simulation setting, populated with a benchmark and a criterion referenced rubric validated by the profession, is an innovative, viable, valid and reliable assessment method for the safe administration of medicines. As a result, the rubric for assessment of the appropriate range of calculation type and complexity informed the NMC's revised Essential Skills Clusters for Medicines Management (NMC, 2010a; NMC, 2010b). This inclusion provides a particularly strong example of both research directly influencing policy and of evidence-based regulation.

year: 2013

title: The Fairy-tale of weight loss: Fact or Fantasy

authors: Loomans, Cushla Rose

abstract: Being overweight or obese is if often associated with prejudice, stereotyping, stigmatisation, and discrimination, and can lead to both physical and mental health difficulties. It is commonly thought that weight loss will lead to improvements in various areas within the individual’s life including; body image, social, family, and work. The present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the weight loss journey and the associated outcomes, with a specific focus on the expectation that individuals held, and how these compared to actual outcomes and perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants. Data was then analysed using a grounded theory approach.
Findings showed that although weight loss had benefits such as fitting ‘normal’ sized clothes, increased attention, and a growth in confidence, there were also difficulties that were experienced. These included: a lack of support and unintentional sabotage, perceived body imperfections, and time taken for body perception to match up with actual physical appearance. It was found that positive outcomes of weight loss (such as compliments) could actually be viewed from a negative perspective and may have the opposite effect than what was intended.
While some outcomes were congruent with participants’ expectations, there were also instances where these were incongruent; for example being left with loose skin as a result of weight loss. It appeared as though having an expectation of life being ‘perfect’ after weight loss was more likely to lead to dissatisfaction, while having some form of education or insight about what life and their physical appearance would be like was more likely to result in higher levels of satisfaction.

text: The Fairy-tale of weight loss: Fact or Fantasy Being overweight or obese is if often associated with prejudice, stereotyping, stigmatisation, and discrimination, and can lead to both physical and mental health difficulties. It is commonly thought that weight loss will lead to improvements in various areas within the individual’s life including; body image, social, family, and work. The present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the weight loss journey and the associated outcomes, with a specific focus on the expectation that individuals held, and how these compared to actual outcomes and perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants. Data was then analysed using a grounded theory approach.
Findings showed that although weight loss had benefits such as fitting ‘normal’ sized clothes, increased attention, and a growth in confidence, there were also difficulties that were experienced. These included: a lack of support and unintentional sabotage, perceived body imperfections, and time taken for body perception to match up with actual physical appearance. It was found that positive outcomes of weight loss (such as compliments) could actually be viewed from a negative perspective and may have the opposite effect than what was intended.
While some outcomes were congruent with participants’ expectations, there were also instances where these were incongruent; for example being left with loose skin as a result of weight loss. It appeared as though having an expectation of life being ‘perfect’ after weight loss was more likely to lead to dissatisfaction, while having some form of education or insight about what life and their physical appearance would be like was more likely to result in higher levels of satisfaction.

year: 2016

title: Walking into the past to explore the future: Utulizing larval densities to measure the effects of two climate change factors, temperature and salinity on Poorohe (common smelt, Retropinna retropinna) abundance in Te Puuaha o Waikato

authors: Robcke, Sidney

subjects: Common smelt

abstract: Poorohe (common smelt, Retropinna retropinna) are a highly valued kai species in Te Puuaha o Waikato (the lower 66 km of the Waikato River). Fisher whaanau have observed changes in the amount Poorohe that are harvested during annual fish harvests. Since Poorohe are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, whaanau are particularly concerned about the how climate change might impact Poorohe populations. Climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVA) currently exist for several native New Zealand fish freshwater species; however, one does not yet exist for Poorohe. Previous larval distribution studies in the lower Waikato River only sampled as far downstream as Tuakau bridge (approximately 45km from the river mouth). These studies indicated that important spawning habitats likely existed downstream of Tuakau bridge. Temperature increases and saltwater intrusion have been identified as two climate change factors that will likely impact Poorohe in Te Puuaha o Waikato, because ambient temperatures have increased since the industrial revolution and the proximity of the study area to the ocean. A literature review was used to explore the experiences of fisher whaanau through the past, present and how the experiences will continue to change in a changing climate. The effects of temperature and saltwater intrusion on Poorohe populations were explored through replicating the methods of past research carried out in the 1980s and 2010s. Current river temperatures are in the optimal temperature range (12°C - 18°C) for Poorohe spawning. The saltwater wedge was suppressed by the high river flow during the eight-week sampling period, and it is unclear whether saltwater intrusion has an impact on Poorohe spawning. Larval densities did not significantly increase down river, which suggests large spawning habitat is not found downstream of Tuakau bridge. Furthermore, there were no decreases in larval densities in the two saltwater sites. This study has contributed to the available literature necessary to develop a CCVA for Poorohe and explored the cultural heritage of traditionally significant practices in Te Puuaha o Waikato relating to Poorohe.

text: Walking into the past to explore the future: Utulizing larval densities to measure the effects of two climate change factors, temperature and salinity on Poorohe (common smelt, Retropinna retropinna) abundance in Te Puuaha o Waikato Poorohe (common smelt, Retropinna retropinna) are a highly valued kai species in Te Puuaha o Waikato (the lower 66 km of the Waikato River). Fisher whaanau have observed changes in the amount Poorohe that are harvested during annual fish harvests. Since Poorohe are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, whaanau are particularly concerned about the how climate change might impact Poorohe populations. Climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVA) currently exist for several native New Zealand fish freshwater species; however, one does not yet exist for Poorohe. Previous larval distribution studies in the lower Waikato River only sampled as far downstream as Tuakau bridge (approximately 45km from the river mouth). These studies indicated that important spawning habitats likely existed downstream of Tuakau bridge. Temperature increases and saltwater intrusion have been identified as two climate change factors that will likely impact Poorohe in Te Puuaha o Waikato, because ambient temperatures have increased since the industrial revolution and the proximity of the study area to the ocean. A literature review was used to explore the experiences of fisher whaanau through the past, present and how the experiences will continue to change in a changing climate. The effects of temperature and saltwater intrusion on Poorohe populations were explored through replicating the methods of past research carried out in the 1980s and 2010s. Current river temperatures are in the optimal temperature range (12°C - 18°C) for Poorohe spawning. The saltwater wedge was suppressed by the high river flow during the eight-week sampling period, and it is unclear whether saltwater intrusion has an impact on Poorohe spawning. Larval densities did not significantly increase down river, which suggests large spawning habitat is not found downstream of Tuakau bridge. Furthermore, there were no decreases in larval densities in the two saltwater sites. This study has contributed to the available literature necessary to develop a CCVA for Poorohe and explored the cultural heritage of traditionally significant practices in Te Puuaha o Waikato relating to Poorohe.

year: 2024-11-23