Adapting training to meet the preferred learning styles of different generations

Survey of feedlot nutritionists gives insight on information-seeking behavior

Nutrition critically affects feedlot cattle health and growth, and ultimately cost of production. Feedlot producers rely on professionals such as nutritionists, extension educators, feed company representatives, and others to assist them in developing the best nutritional program for their operation. In turn, these professionals depend on feedlot nutrition research to drive decisions for their clients. A survey of feedlot professionals was conducted regarding how published resources are used. Surveys were included in the spring 2020 mailing to potential Plains Nutrition Council meeting attendees; 61 surveys were returned. The objective of this survey was to aid feedlot nutrition researchers to make more informed decisions when publishing new research to maximize impact on the feedlot industry. The survey asked 15 questions regarding the participant’s career, professional organization memberships, frequency and intentions of using research, and ranking the importance of resources, peer-reviewed journals, and learning platforms. Survey respondents primarily served the Midwest and Plains regions (83.1%) with employment by feed companies (34.4%), private consulting firms (21.3%), other aspects of feedlot production (26.2%), or were self-employed (18%). Survey participants found great importance in peer-reviewed journals, though the relevance of peer-reviewed journals sometimes differed due to the professional age of respondents. The main strategies for accessing journals were via society memberships and through open access; utilizing open access publishing may increase the number of industry professionals reached. Looking to the future, we may see a shift in resources used by industry professionals due to the differences seen in preferences of early and late career survey participants, specifically increases in the use of technology-based platforms. These data may inform feedlot researchers on the information-seeking behaviors of feedlot professionals, such as the importance of publishing data in open access formats, allowing for greater impact through increased utilization of newly published research.

Enhancing project team outcomes despite provisional work: a discussion to leverage cross-generational advantages

Purpose

This paper seeks to enhance team performance by intersecting two existing literature streams, generational influences and working teams. This paper aims to boost project objective achievement through the instrumental use of generational competencies despite temporary and provisional project team environments. This supports project team leaders in harnessing diverse generational competencies of contributors to maximize outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the simultaneous use of social categorization and information processing to connect these diverse literature streams, highlighting the value system and skills of each generation to maximize working benefits.

Findings

Project team leader’s tactical deployment of generational competencies may positively contribute to execution and increased goal achievement. The increasingly provisional nature of workforce teams magnifies the need for intentional team management. Embracing generational competencies may elevate team members, increase productivity and decrease turnover.

Practical implications

This paper offers a pathway to couple team execution and generational differences by identifying generational traits which may benefit execution-focused, but provisional teams.

Social implications

Rather than managing team members to fit into a specific work process, this paper explores the benefits associated with team leader acceptance and strategic use of diverse generational behaviours.

Originality/value

The authors expand upon team diversity by intersecting execution-based and provisional project teams with the intentional use of generational influences to build trust and further positive outcomes.

Age Discrimination and Employability in Healthcare Work: A Double-Edged Sword for Older Workers?

Due to the aging workforce, older workers, especially in the healthcare industry, must remain employable. However, older healthcare workers may face age discrimination that can limit their employability chances. In this study, we examined (a) the causal direction of the relationship between age discrimination and internal employability and (b) differences between age groups (young (≤30), middle-aged (31–44), and older (≥45) healthcare workers) in this relationship. Based on the Selection Optimization Compensation theory, we postulated that (i,ii) internal employability and age discrimination are inversely negatively related to one another over time and that (ii–iv) this relationship would be strongest for older employees compared to other age groups. We conducted a two-wave complete panel study among 1478 healthcare professionals to test these hypotheses. The results of our multi-group structural equation modeling analyses suggested that internal employability is a significant negative predictor of age discrimination. Moreover, results suggested that internal employability and age discrimination have a reciprocal relationship among older workers but are unrelated for younger and middle-aged workers. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed.

SIMBA: using Kolb's learning theory in simulation-based learning to improve participants' confidence

BACKGROUND

Simulation via Instant Messaging- Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) delivers simulation-based learning (SBL) through WhatsApp® and Zoom® based on Kolb's experiential learning theory. This study describes how Kolb's theory was implemented in practice during SIMBA adrenal session.

METHODS

SIMBA adrenal session was conducted for healthcare professionals and replicated Kolb's 4-stage cycle: (a) concrete experience-online simulation of real-life clinical scenarios, (b) reflective observation-discussion and Q&A following simulation, (c) abstract conceptualisation-post-session MCQs, and (d) active experimentation-intentions to implement the acquired knowledge in future practice. Participants' self-reported confidence levels for simulated and non-simulated cases pre- and post-SIMBA were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. Key takeaway and feedback were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively in a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-three participants were included in the analysis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the SIMBA session elicited a statistically significant change in participants' self-reported confidence in their approach to Cushing's syndrome (Z = 3.873, p = 0.0001) and adrenocortical carcinoma (Z = 3.970, p < 0.0001). 93.9% (n = 31/33) and 84.8% (n = 28/33) strongly agreed/agreed the topics were applicable to their clinical practice and accommodated their personal learning style, respectively. 81.8% (n = 27/33) reported increase in knowledge on patient management, and 75.8% (n = 25/33) anticipated implementing learning points in their practice.

CONCLUSIONS

SIMBA effectively adopts Kolb's theory to provide best possible experience to learners, highlighting the advantages of utilising social media platforms for SBL in medical education. The ability to conduct SIMBA sessions at modest cost internationally paves way to engage more healthcare professionals worldwide.

Nursing Students Perceptions of Using YouTube to Teach Psychomotor Skills: A Comparative Pilot Study

Introduction

Current techniques to teach psychomotor skills to nursing students involve the traditional modeled performance by an instructor followed by rote memorization and practice. This outdated model presents many issues including no reference to refer back to, lacks technology integration, and only meets a few learning styles. A developmental study utilizing the social media platform YouTube was examined to gain student’s perspective on this as a teaching tool to assist in skill acquisition.

Objective

Do nursing students, who are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program and who are taught psychomotor nursing skills via demonstration on the social media platform YouTube, prefer this technology to traditional demonstration, and to evaluate their overall perceptions of YouTube?

Methods

Data collection was done utilizing a nursing cohort enrolled in a BSN program. Participants were split into two groups. The control group was taught intravenous (IV) skills in the traditional teacher demonstration followed by practice. Experimental group was given access to a YouTube video series consisting of the identified IV skills. After testing for competency was concluded, control group was given access to the videos. A questionnaire was developed and sent out for evaluation.

Results

Participants reported that their preferred learning style when learning new nursing skills was visual (41.7%) followed by a combination of visual, tactile, and auditory (41.7%). All respondents (100%) reported YouTube videos increased their learning. Respondents (100%) also noted that having access to the videos better prepared them. In experimental group, all participants (100%) watched the videos, and in the control group, only (16.7%) of students watched the videos after the skill had been learned.

Conclusion

Results demonstrated that students prefer YouTube videos when learning new skills. They reported feeling better prepared to learn. YouTube is a potential way to increase skill acquisition and integrate technology into the nursing curriculum.

Health-system pharmacist preceptor development and educational needs for accessible resources

INTRODUCTION

Skilled preceptors are crucial to the pharmacy profession as they contribute to the growth and development of student pharmacists and resident pharmacists. As a result, providing education and further growth for preceptors is vital. The purpose of this survey was to determine preceptor development topics of interest and preferred platforms for receiving education.

METHODS

A survey was conducted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Section Advisory Group on Pharmacy Practice Experience Precepting. The survey was designed to identify preceptor needs based on experience and background. Professional development opportunities, tools needed to assist preceptors, and the preferred method of delivery were also determined.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-two pharmacists completed the entire 30 question survey. On demand webinars were identified as the preferred method of education delivery. A preceptor tip of the week email was selected as the most favored type of online education resource for preceptors. There was no major difference on the types of online resources for students that preceptors would use. A survey to assist in self-identifying areas for developmental improvement was favored by 81% of respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

This needs assessment identified that preceptor development materials are in high demand for all surveyed topic areas provided via live and/or on demand webinars or other virtual means. Accessibility of resources should be highlighted in multiple forums in order to ensure the information reaches all preceptors.

Virtual Home Assistant Use and Perceptions of Usefulness by Older Adults and Support Person Dyads

AIM

Describe virtual home assistant use and usefulness from the perspective of older adults and their support persons.

METHODS

This was a mixed-methods study with older adults and their support persons (n = 10 dyads). Virtual home assistant (VHA) equipment was installed in participants' homes, and its use was documented for 60 days. Participants received protocol-guided telephone calls to address their VHA questions or problems. The type and frequency of VHA use were summarized with descriptive statistics. End-of-study interviews about VHA use were conducted with dyad participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to describe the interview findings about the dyad's perceptions of using the VHA, how it was used, any difficulties experienced, and suggestions for future VHA uses.

RESULTS

Participant dyads reported positive VHA perceptions, including the potential for VHAs to promote aging in place. Participants discussed the challenges learning the technology and replacing old habits with new ones. Participants offered recommendations for future VHA skills and for more education and training about using the VHA.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest that VHAs may be useful for older adults as they age in place and offer reassurance for support persons.