A novel, integrated curriculum for dental hygiene-therapists and dentists

Exploring dental and oral hygiene students' interprofessional readiness: a cross-sectional study in joint paediatric outreach training

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education is vital in oral healthcare education and should be integrated into both theoretical and work-based education. Little research addresses interprofessional education in dental hands-on training in authentic oral healthcare settings. The aim of the study was to examine the readiness and attitudes of dental and oral hygiene students towards interprofessional education during joint paediatric outreach training.

METHODS

In the spring of 2022, a cross-sectional study was done involving dental and oral hygiene students using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) during joint paediatric outreach training. The 19-item tool was answered on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree). Means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, and medians were calculated for each subscale and overall score. Students grouped according to their categorical variables were compared for statistically significant differences. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for groups of two and the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis for groups of three or more. The internal consistency of the scale was measured with Cronbach's alpha. Statistical level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The survey included 111 participants, consisting of 51 oral hygiene students and 60 dental students, with a response rate of 93%. The questionnaire yielded a high overall mean score of 4.2. Both oral hygiene (4.3) and dental students (4.2) displayed strong readiness for interprofessional education measured by the RIPLS. The subscale of teamwork and collaboration achieved the highest score of 4.5. Students lacking prior healthcare education or work experience obtained higher RIPLS scores. Oral hygiene students rated overall items (p = 0.019) and the subscales of positive professional identity (p = < 0.001) and roles and responsibilities (p = 0.038) higher than dental students. The Cronbach's alpha represented high internal consistency for overall RIPLS scores on the scale (0.812).

CONCLUSIONS

Both oral hygiene and dental students perceived shared learning as beneficial and showcased high readiness for interprofessional education, as evident in their RIPLS scores. Integrating interprofessional learning into oral hygiene and dental curricula is important. Studying together can form a good basis for future working life collaboration.

A Systematic Review of Integrated Learning Definitions, Frameworks, and Practices in Recent Health Professions Education Literature

International curricular redevelopment and quality improvement efforts include integration within and across disciplines as a focal point. Definitions and applications of the term ‘integration’ vary routinely in health professions education literature, weakening opportunities to enhance our educational practice through collaborative, interprofessional knowledge-sharing. This systematic review examined recent health professions education literature for reported definitions, theories or frameworks, and educational activities around integrated learning, education, curricula, or teaching. A total of 35 articles representing learners from 12 different health professions, between 2017 and 2021, were analyzed through a literature search of seven databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, JSTOR, the Cochrane Library, LGBTQ + Life, and ERIC. Full-text retrieval and data extraction of the included studies were conducted. Of the 35 articles reviewed, 13 included explicit definitions of integration (an additional six alluded to a definition), 19 referred to an educational theory or framework used to guide integration design efforts, and 27 mentioned teaching methods by which integration was implemented. Misunderstanding what is meant by integrated, how others have planned for it, or how others have sought to bring it about practically, all threaten attempts to improve the cultivation of health professionals as integrated thinkers and holistic care providers.

Empowering patients and educating staff - An online solution for the COVID era and beyond!

Background

Bowel disease is a significant cause of significant morbidity and mortality around the world. Though colorectal cancer is a major cause for concern, there are a variety of other conditions which are chronic, debilitating and/or socially embarrassing. While the internet provides excellent resources, there is often conflicting and confusing material of doubtful veracity. There is pressing need for trainees and patients/carers to be able to access reliable resources whenever and wherever they are.

Aim

To create an integrated, interactive platform providing reliable information on aspects of bowel disease for patients while addressing educational needs of surgical trainees and other healthcare professionals.

Approach

Since 2006, we have progressed from leaflets, diagrammatic booklets to DVDs and then downloadable applications all of which, though very successful, had significant limitations.Trainees struggle with balancing their educational needs with their service commitments. This online resource, www.colorectaleducation.com provides an opportunity to view detailed operative training videos on the go. The website also hosts detailed chapterised information videos for patients, care pathway videos and patient experiences. The modular design of the website allows for ease of updating and sequential expansion. The initial emphasis has been on colorectal cancer and the site is being gradually expanded to include a variety of other conditions.

Results

The website gained widespread popularity with Google Analytics revealing steadily rising global hit rate with very low bounce rate for both sections. Structured feedback showed 96% satisfaction on both patient and professional sections.

Conclusion

On-demand information became the norm with the use of smartphones/tablets. This website provides patients, surgical trainees and healthcare professionals access to information and education in clear reliable format, anywhere in the world. This is particularly relevant now as pandemic reduced opportunities for face to face patients consultations as well as for learners with educators.