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Somerville JG, Strang NC, Jonuscheit S. Topical review: Task shifting and the recruitment and retention of eye health workers in underserved areas. Optom Vis Sci 2024; 101:143-150. [PMID: 38546755 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Many populations experience difficulty accessing eye care, especially in rural areas. Implementing workforce recruitment and retention strategies, as well as task shifting through widening scope of practice, can improve eye care accessibility. This article provides novel evidence on the compatibility of these strategies aimed at enhancing ophthalmic workforce recruitment, retention, and efficacy. PURPOSE The global burden of blindness is unequally distributed, affects rural areas more, and is frequently associated with limited access to eye care. The World Health Organization has specified both task shifting and increasing human resources for eye health as instruments to improve access to eye care in underserved areas. However, it is uncertain whether these two instruments are sufficiently compatible to provide positive synergic effects. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a structured literature review and synthesized relevant evidence relating to task shifting, workforce recruitment, retention, and eye care. Twenty-three studies from across the globe were analyzed and grouped into three categories: studies exploring recruitment and retention in human resources for eye health in general, studies discussing the relationship between task shifting and recruitment or retention of health workers in general, and studies specifically discussing task shifting and recruitment or retention in eye care workers. FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that incentives are effective for initiating task shifting and improving recruitment and retention in rural areas with a stronger effect noted in midlevel eye care professionals and trainees. Incentives can take various forms, e.g., financial and nonfinancial. The consideration of context-specific motivational factors is essential when designing strategies to facilitate task shifting and to improve recruitment and retention.
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Alebrahim MA, Bakkar MM. The usefulness of optics-based courses for optometry and vision science alumni: a cross-sectional online survey. Ann Med 2022; 54:1423-1431. [PMID: 35583500 PMCID: PMC9122369 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2076899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A well-balanced curriculum is critical for ensuring that students graduate with the necessary skills. There is growing interest in evaluating the functional value of non-clinical courses compared to clinical courses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the views of optometry and vision science professionals on the utility and relevance of optics-based courses. METHODS A web-based survey was designed to assess the perceived significance of the optics-based courses. All respondents were alumni of two universities in Jordan that offer an undergraduate degree in optometry. The survey included questions about the professional relevance of optics courses. Respondents were asked to rate several statements related to the relevance and importance of optics courses in current optometry practice on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS In total, 205 respondents completed the online survey. There were 161 (78.5%) women and 44 (21.5%) men, with an average age of 28.76 (± 4.86) years. Overall, respondents rated the perceived usefulness of optics courses for their careers with a mean collective value of 20.78 out of a possible 30 points. Female alumni perceived the courses as significantly more useful in their workplace than male alumni did (p = .020). Optometrists in different age groups perceived usefulness differently (p = .001). Alumni who preferred to learn these courses on-site and by hybrid methods perceived optics courses as significantly more useful than those who preferred to learn online (p = .006 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The perceived importance of optics-based courses varied according to several factors. However, in general, these courses were deemed helpful in terms of curricular content and practical relevance to practice, regardless of specialisation or the workplace.Key messagesIn terms of the value offered to the professional competencies that an optometrist needs, the practical utility of optics courses in optometry curriculums is contested.Optometrists' perceptions of optics courses were examined using a cross-sectional survey.Respondents rated the perceived usefulness of optics courses for their career, with a mean collective value of 20.78 out 30 points.The highest percentage of respondents in this study expressed their preference for the face-to-face learning method rather than the hybrid method.Male optometrists perceived learning optics courses as significantly less helpful than female optometrists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alebrahim
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - May M Bakkar
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Hansraj R, Rampersad N. Motivation for postgraduate studies by nonacademic optometrists: A case study at a South African university. Health SA 2022; 27:1901. [PMID: 36262922 PMCID: PMC9575353 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of optometrists who are nonacademics are pursuing postgraduate studies, despite such qualifications traditionally being more relevant to an academic rather than a clinical setting. Aim This study set out to explore possible reasons for the increase in postgraduate studies by nonacademic optometrists and their experiences thereof. Setting Postgraduate optometry students who were registered at a selected South African university within the period 2010–2020 participated in the study. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, which entailed an online survey and a follow-up questionnaire focused on the motivation for postgraduate studies, choice of institution, research area, expectations and outcomes and supervision received. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants, and data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Results Responses were received from 54 optometrists who were pursuing postgraduate studies but not currently in academia. The main reasons reported for enrolling in postgraduate studies were interest in research (69.2%) and academia (61.5%). Institutional reputation was the reason provided by 48.1% of respondents for their choice of institution for their postgraduate studies. Fifty per cent of respondents opted for research in the public health field. To be a better researcher was the most common expectation (88.5%), with 73.1% indicating achieving this outcome. Most respondents indicated that they had received constructive and timeous supervision during their studies. Conclusion Interest in research and academia are important factors influencing nonacademic optometrists to pursue postgraduate studies; however, the postgraduate experience is likely to also facilitate development of other professional and clinical skills. Contribution This study provides an insight into the motivation and experiences of non academic optometrists who pursue postgraduate degrees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Hansraj
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nishanee Rampersad
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Alsharif WM, Alyami JH, Qurashi AA, Aljuhani RA, Alqrafi RK, Alraddadi RS, Alhojeli EA, Aldahery ST, Alshamrani KM, Alshoabi SA, Suliman AG. The Motivational Factors of Choosing Diagnostic Radiology as a Profession Among Saudi Radiography Students. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2022; 13:955-967. [PMID: 36042949 PMCID: PMC9420412 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s374194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors influencing Saudi students to choose radiography as their academic major and future career field. MATERIAL AND METHOD This study involved quantitative (online questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interview) approaches. An online questionnaire was distributed among (n = 308) students. The questionnaire contained 30 questions covering the following three domains: economy, vocational and personal. A total of 25 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposive sampling of radiography students in seven universities (public and private) across the western region of Saudi Arabia. Interview responses were coded, and main themes were extracted based on Miles and Huberman's framework. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that radiography was the first option as profession for 44% of the study participants. Several factors that study participants considered important were in the realm of patient care, helping patients, radiographer-patient relations, science-based profession, and the desire to work in the healthcare system. A few participants (14%) reported that they are planning to change their profession to another medical speciality. Four themes were identified from the interviews: 1) Profession decision-making, 2) changing career", 3) difficulties and challenges, and 4) recommended radiography as a profession. CONCLUSION The results of the study support the need to bridge the gap between high school, universities, and employment through a collaborative network to assist students in exploring their career path by providing sufficient information and experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa M Alsharif
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaber H Alyami
- Diagnostic Radiology department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A Qurashi
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad A Aljuhani
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan K Alqrafi
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan S Alraddadi
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elaf A Alhojeli
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shrooq T Aldahery
- Applied Radiologic Technology, College of Applied Medical Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M Alshamrani
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan A Alshoabi
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awadia G Suliman
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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Venugopal D, Lal B, Shirodker S, Kanojiya R, Kaushal R. Optometry students' perspective on optometry in suburban Western India: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2021; 14:215-223. [PMID: 32201069 PMCID: PMC8093523 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Optometry has been an established profession in India for 60 years. Despite this, students who choose this course may have misconceptions and unrealistic expectations about the profession. The goal of this study is to understand the perceptions about optometry among optometry students, prior to and during their studies. METHODS A snap-shot narrative qualitative study using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was designed to understand the perception of optometry. Optometry students and educators from three suburban colleges were invited to participate. Forty-one participants took part in 24 in-depth interviews and 5 focus groups; of those 32 were undergraduate optometry students and 9 were optometry educators. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed. RESULTS Three major themes emerged: retrospective perception of optometry, current perception and strategies to improve awareness level. All the participants mentioned that there was a considerable lack of awareness about optometry in society. None of the students stated that they chose optometry as their first choice of professional education. Most students expressed that they were provided with ample exposure during the curriculum to understand the scope of optometry. Various strategies were recommended to improve the level of awareness of optometry. CONCLUSIONS The current study highlights the lack of awareness and knowledge of optometry among the students while enrolling in the course. Knowledge about the scope of optometry practice among optometry students improved after extensive education and clinical exposure. Improving the awareness level of the profession will improve the quality of students entering the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Venugopal
- Optometry Division, Allied Health Science Course, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim 403202, Goa, India.
| | - Barsha Lal
- Optometry Division, Allied Health Science Course, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim 403202, Goa, India; School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld., Australia
| | - Suchana Shirodker
- Optometry Division, Allied Health Science Course, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim 403202, Goa, India
| | - Rashmi Kanojiya
- Laxmi College of Optometry, Panvel 410206, Navi Mumbai, Maharastra, India; ITM Institute of Health Sciences, New Panvel 410206, Navi Mumbai, Maharastra, India
| | - Rakesh Kaushal
- Laxmi College of Optometry, Panvel 410206, Navi Mumbai, Maharastra, India; ITM Institute of Health Sciences, New Panvel 410206, Navi Mumbai, Maharastra, India
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Kobia-Acquah E, Owusu E, Akuffo KO, Koomson NY, Pascal TM. Career aspirations and factors influencing career choices of optometry students in Ghana. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233862. [PMID: 32470090 PMCID: PMC7259716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optometry students in clinical years are usually faced with the challenges of making a career choice in or outside optometry. This cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the career aspirations of optometry students in Ghana. All students in their fourth to sixth year who consented to participate in the study responded to a questionnaire which explored: demographic characteristics, career aspirations, and factors influencing their choices. Descriptive statistics was used to present data as frequencies, proportions and percentages. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate relationships between variables. Two hundred and nine students from the two optometry training institutions in Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (49.8%) and University of Cape Coast (51.2%) responded to the questionnaire. The mean (SD) age of students was 23.6 (1.9) years (males = 65.6%). On seeking admission into the university, optometry (65.6%) and human biology/medicine (28.2%) were the leading first choice programmes among participants. Participants largely aspire to be in clinical practice (64.6%) or Academia/Research (28.2%). The major factors which influenced career choices were interest in career field (64.1%) and potential good income (38.3%). Females were twice more likely to practice optometry and pursue an interest in paediatric optometry than males. Institution of study (p = .028) and information on career opportunities (p = .018) were significant predictors of students' decision to pursue a career in academia/research. Optometry students in Ghana largely aspire to be in clinical practice, a finding which is useful for optometry training institutions and relevant stakeholders in developing the optometry programme and projecting its future in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Ebenezer Owusu
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Yaa Koomson
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tchiakpe Michel Pascal
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
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Boadi-Kusi SB, Kyei S, Okyere VB, Abu SL. Factors influencing the decision of GHANAIAN optometry students to practice in rural areas after graduation. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:188. [PMID: 30081881 PMCID: PMC6090861 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human resources for eye health are inequitably distributed in most developing countries including Ghana. In spite of this, most eye care workers are concentrated in urban areas to the disadvantage of rural dwellers who need the services of these workers the most. The aim of the study was to investigate factors that will influence Ghanaian Optometry students' decision to work in rural areas after completion of their training. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Ghanaian optometry undergraduate students. All undergraduate optometry students (first to sixth year) who agreed to take part in the research completed a 37 item questionnaire that explored; demographic characteristics, views about practice choice and possible attractions and incentives to practice in the rural area. RESULTS A total of 333 (87.4%) participants out of 381 Ghanaian optometry students who were registered for the 2015/2016 academic year completed the questionnaire. Rural origin students had the greatest desire to practice in the rural setting when employed by the Government (78.9%) or by NGO (80.3%). Financial incentives (76.6%), scholarship for further studies (76.0%), better living conditions (71.2%) and career ladder jump for rural health workers (71.2%) were the main incentives that influenced the intention of graduate optometrists to practice in the rural areas. CONCLUSION Rural origin students are more inclined to work in rural areas than urban origin students, a finding which is informative for optometry training schools when managing their admission policies. Financial incentives among other factors will encourage more students to engage in rural optometric practice irrespective of their place of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Vandyke Bright Okyere
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Sampson Listowell Abu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
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