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Gore K, Gilbert M, Hawke M, Barbaro J. Investigating autism knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence following maternal and child health nurse training for the early identification of autism. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1201292. [PMID: 38264089 PMCID: PMC10803615 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1201292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early identification of children with a high likelihood of autism can lead to referral for diagnostic services and access to early supports, resulting in improved outcomes for children and families. Maternal and Child Health Nurses (MCHNs) in Victoria, Australia, are well-placed to monitor infants and toddlers for signs of autism, given children and caregivers attend free, regular, well-baby consultations from birth through to school age. This study aimed to identify the impact of personal and workplace factors on MCHNs' competencies of autism knowledge, self-efficacy in identifying autistic infants and toddlers, and confidence in speaking to parents/caregivers about autism. Additionally, the study sought to identify which personal and workplace factors might predict increased competency in these areas. Methods After identifying training needs and current competency levels via a training needs analysis (TNA), 1,428 MCHNs received training on the early signs of autism and in the use of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised (SACS-R) tool for early autism identification; the training program was known as Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication (MoSAIC). Results Previous MCHN autism training and knowledge of autism community resources significantly contributed to increased MCHN self-efficacy in identifying autistic infants and toddlers, while knowledge of community resources was the best predictor of confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism. Perceived self-efficacy and confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism significantly increased following the MoSAIC autism training. Discussion Targeted autism training for primary health practitioners is an important first step for early autism identification and initiating conversations with parents/caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gore
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Abdelrahman MA, Alhebsi MA, Almulla SI, Rahimi EA, Badouh H, Almehairbi A, Ghasem F, Rawashdeh M. Exploration of radiographers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in delivering healthcare to children with autism spectrum disorder. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:116-122. [PMID: 37922845 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses unique challenges in healthcare settings, including radiographic examinations. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of radiographers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) towards ASD children, a population with increased healthcare needs. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted online, targeting radiographers across the UAE. The instrument utilized was a comprehensive and validated self-administered questionnaire developed based on relevant literature. The questionnaire incorporated sections to gauge radiographers' knowledge about ASD, their attitudes towards working with ASD children, and their adherence to recommended practices during radiographic examinations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to describe KAP and identify any influencing factors. RESULTS Radiographers demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding ASD. Despite the knowledge, misconceptions about ASD nature were common. The radiographers generally acknowledged the need for special care for ASD children during radiographic procedures. High confidence in working with ASD children was noted, particularly among older participants, despite a clear interest in further training. Good adherence to recommended practices was observed, with physical restraints not being a common practice. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as the use of visual aids. CONCLUSION Despite a moderate level of knowledge and good practices, there is a need to improve UAE radiographers' understanding and handling of ASD children. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study highlights the need for enhancing ASD-specific knowledge and training and integrating supportive tools in radiographic procedures. This comprehensive approach could significantly improve the radiographic service quality for ASD children in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Abdelrahman
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - M A Alhebsi
- Department of Radiology, Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - S I Almulla
- Albadaa Primary Healthcare Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - E A Rahimi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - H Badouh
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - A Almehairbi
- Department of Radiology, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - F Ghasem
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Rawashdeh
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Pettersson E, Christensen BM, Berglund IG, Huus K. Healthcare professionals' experiences of situations during a procedure with a child with autism spectrum disorder in the high-technology environment. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:1087-1095. [PMID: 37009780 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High technological environments can be challenging for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), because they can be sensitive to new environments, new faces and changes in daily routines. Those children are frequent visitors in those settings, and due to their heightened healthcare needs and their comorbidities, it could constitute a challenge for healthcare professionals to encounter those children. Exploring the healthcare professionals' experiences can contribute to facilitate the procedure for a child with ASD. METHOD A qualitative descriptive retrospective design with a critical incident technique has been used to capture the situations. Twenty healthcare professionals were interviewed about situations affecting the procedure in the high-technology environments, defined as anaesthesia and radiology departments. RESULT The findings revealed both favourable situations and unfavourable situations affecting the procedure in the high-technology environment. The situations described by the healthcare professionals often involved their interactions with the child and the parents. The interactions were influenced by the parents' attitudes to the procedure and also the healthcare professionals and the parents' different expectations on the procedure. Other experiences described by the healthcare professionals were the unpredictability in different situations. Those situations were related to the child's unpredictable behaviour in those environments and also to the unpredictable effect of premedication provided to the child. Moreover, the result revealed the organizational prerequisites for facilitating a procedure, such as not feeling any time pressure when leading a child through a procedure. CONCLUSIONS Interactions between healthcare professionals, children with ASD and parents in the high-technology environment are complex. Unpredictability characterizes situations when leading a child with ASD through a procedure. This place demands on the healthcare professional, the environment and the organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Pettersson
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Berit Møller Christensen
- CHILD Research Group, Department of Natural Science and Biomedicine, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ingalill Gimbler Berglund
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Karina Huus
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
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Yılmaz Z, Al-Taie A. A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists' self-reported disease knowledge and competence in the treatment of childhood autism spectrum disorder. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1088-1097. [PMID: 36547799 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioural challenges. Given the rising prevalence of autism and multiple medication use, healthcare professionals, including community pharmacists, are required to have sufficient ASD knowledge to affect positively the disease prognosis and related comorbidities. AIM To assess community pharmacists' knowledge of disease and pharmacotherapy of ASD, along with the provision of patient education and counselling provided by, community pharmacists in Turkey. METHOD This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists in Turkey using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess ASD knowledge, awareness, and the provision of patient education and counselling by community pharmacists. RESULTS 486 community pharmacists were included, with a mean age of 39.69 ± 13.10 years, and most (n = 151, 31.1%) in the age range between 20 and 29 years. 96.3% of community pharmacists never had training about ASD. 32.9% of the participants were aware of the medicines for ASD treatment, and 25.7% were aware of the drugs' side effects. The mean overall knowledge about childhood autism among health workers questionnaire (KCAHW) score was 11.83 ± 3.91, and there was a statistically significant KCAHW score difference between other pharmacists and those with ASD training (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION There is a lack of disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge about childhood ASD among Turkish community pharmacists, particularly about communication impairment, type, onset, and comorbidities, as well as poor knowledge about drug pharmacotherapy and patient counselling services. This potentially creates a barrier to the adequate provision of healthcare to autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Yılmaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, Kayışdağı Cad. No: 32, Ataşehir, 34758, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Anmar Al-Taie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Göksel P, Oban V, Dikeç G, Usta MB. Qualitative and Artificial Intelligence-Based Sentiment Analysis of Turkish Twitter Messages Related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cureus 2023; 15:e38446. [PMID: 37143854 PMCID: PMC10153655 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to conduct an emotional analysis of Turkish Twitter messages related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHODS An emotion analysis was performed using quantitative and qualitative analysis methods on Turkish Twitter messages shared between November 2021 and January 2022 that contained the words "autism" and "autistic." RESULTS It was found that 81.5% of the 13,042 messages that constituted the sample of this study contained neutral emotions. The most frequently used words in Twitter messages were autism, a, universe, strong, patience, warriors, and happy. The qualitative analysis revealed three main themes. These themes were: "experiences," "informing society and awareness," and "humiliation." CONCLUSION In this study, it was found that Turkish Twitter messages related to autism, which were analyzed using artificial intelligence-based emotion analysis, often contained neutral emotions. While the content of these messages, often shared by parents, was related to experiences, and the messages shared by pediatric psychiatrists and rehabilitation center employees were informative in nature, it was determined that the word "autism" was used to insult, which is outside of its medical meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Göksel
- Psychiatry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, TUR
| | - Volkan Oban
- Psychiatry, Independent Reseacher, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Gül Dikeç
- Nursing, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, TUR
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Song C, Wu L, Hong Y, Chen X, Zhu Z. Factors affecting knowledge of autism spectrum disorder among pediatric residents in eastern China: a cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 36192723 PMCID: PMC9528050 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of ASD in children and intervention are key aspects in the management of ASD. However, early identification is partly dependent on knowledge on ASD among pediatricians. This study analyzed the extent of ASD knowledge and its underlying factors among pediatric residents in eastern China, to provide a reference for medical education reforms. METHODS The study employed the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. A total of 138 pediatric residents participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and the four domains of the questionnaire. Univariate analysis was employed to assess impacts of the demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the participants' demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores. RESULTS The average ASD cognitive score of 138 respondents was 13.38 ± 4.48. The ASD cognitive scores in female pediatric residents were higher compared to that in males (p < 0.05). Residents who had obtained professional doctor qualification certificate were more than those without professional doctor qualification certificate (p < 0.05). The ASD knowledge in the group which did not have rotation in both departments was lower than in the group which had rotation in both departments (p < 0.05) as well as the group that had rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics department only (p < 0.05). Our multivariate linear regression model demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0.05), and showed that gender and systematic exposure to ASD knowledge had significant effects on cognitive scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge about ASD, especially on ASD comorbidities and age of onset. Women, systematic learning of ASD knowledge in medical school, successful passing of the physician examination, and rotation in the developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) department significantly influence the levels of ASD awareness and knowledge. It is, therefore, important to strengthen ASD education in medical students at the university level and make rotation in the DBP department a requisite for pediatric trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Hong
- Education Office, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Wei H, Li Y, Zhang Y, Luo J, Wang S, Dong Q, Tao Y, Gong L, Feng Y, Shi M, Cao Z, Liu Y, Chen L, Liu X, Dai Y, Qu L, Song Z, Chen J, Li T, Cheng Q. Awareness and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Western China: Promoting early identification and intervention. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:970611. [PMID: 36440386 PMCID: PMC9686393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.970611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Given the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the public health problems it creates; early identification and interventions are needed to improve the prognosis of ASD. Hence, this study surveyed different groups of people who are likely to have early contact with autistic children to provide an informed basis for early detection and effective diagnosis and interventions. METHODS Three groups of people were recruited for the study from Changshou District and Wushan County of Chongqing, in Western China: 269 medical workers, 181 educators, and 188 community residents. Their understanding and knowledge of autism was measured using a self-made questionnaire. RESULTS The positive finding was that the three groups had a certain level of understanding of autism, but they had some misunderstandings of the core problems, and there were significant differences in the understanding of autism among the three groups. Younger medical workers knew more about autism than older ones did. The ability of educators and community residents to identify autistic symptoms was positively related to their level of education and their experience with autistic children. Television and the internet were the main sources of information about autism for participants. CONCLUSIONS The medical workers, educators, and community residents in the investigated areas in western China may be able to identify early signs of autism but have an inadequate understanding of autism. In areas far from cities, it is necessary to strengthen the training of medical workers in primary health care to promote autism screening and referral in educational institutions and communities. Using internet technology to provide public education and professional training about autism in remote areas could be a very promising method in Western China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wei
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinmei Luo
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiujun Dong
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tao
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Gong
- Department of Child Healthcare, Changshou District Maternal and Child Care Family Planning Service Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Feng
- Department of Child Healthcare, Changshou District Maternal and Child Care Family Planning Service Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingmei Shi
- Department of Children's Rehabilitation, Wushan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenghui Cao
- Department of Children's Rehabilitation, Wushan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongfang Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingling Qu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao Song
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Chongqing, China
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Autism-friendly MRI: Improving radiography practice in the UK, a survey of radiographer practitioners. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 28:133-141. [PMID: 34565680 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autistic individuals undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations may face significant challenges, mainly due to sensory overload and MRI environment-related limitations. This study aimed to explore radiographers' perspectives and experiences regarding MRI scanning of autistic individuals. METHODS Data collection was achieved using a specifically designed mixed methods questionnaire on Qualtrics. The snowball technique was used. This UK-wide survey was electronically distributed by three main recruitment agencies between December 2020 and February 2021. RESULTS 130 valid responses were received. A lack of relevant training and knowledge related to autism was noted. Effective communication, optimisation and customisation of the MRI examination, and MRI environment adjustments facilitated the completion of a safe and effective MRI examination. Poor patient-radiographer communication, unavailability of Special Educational Needs (SEN) experts, lack of specialised radiographer training and lack of specific guidelines were identified as the main barriers to successful MRI examinations. CONCLUSION Although routine MRI safety and patient care rules will apply, MRI scanning of autistic individuals requires customisation and reasonable adjustments in communication, environment, and training of clinical teams. In addition, guidelines should be established to be used as a reference point to improve clinical practice. The adjustments proposed by radiographers were all consistent with the interventions in the wider literature. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE MRI practice for personalised care of autistic individuals should be aligned with current evidence, to customise communication and offer workflow and environmental adjustments. Formal training related to autism, integrated within radiography academic curricula and better co-ordination and communication of interdisciplinary teams would provide the necessary skill mix to deliver safe, high quality MRI scans with optimal experience for autistic service users and their carer(s).
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A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHealthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying and supporting autistic people. This study systematically reviewed empirical research examining healthcare professionals’ knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes towards working with autistic people. Thirty-five studies were included. The included studies sampled a range of countries and professional backgrounds. A modified quality assessment tool found the quality of the included studies was moderately good. Narrative synthesis indicated that healthcare professionals report only moderate levels of autism knowledge and self-efficacy, and often lack training. Variation within and between countries and professional background was not explained by demographic factors. The reviewed evidence suggests health professionals’ limited knowledge and self-efficacy in working with autistic people is a challenge to the provision of healthcare for autistic individuals.
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Gossou KM, Koudema A, Kpoffon K, Adjiwanou V. Knowledge about Autism among Graduate Students in Togo. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:877-889. [PMID: 33754229 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04972-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Graduate students in healthcare or education programs should have adequate knowledge about autism as they could become professionals in that field. However, we were unable to locate any published studies that examined knowledge about autism among graduate students in francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the goal of this study was to describe knowledge about autism among 254 graduate psychology, medical, and education students in Togo. Results suggested that only 5% of graduate students had good knowledge about autism. Although graduate psychology students achieved higher scores than others, all subgroups had inadequate knowledge about specific characteristics of autism. The findings highlight the necessity of passing public policies to promote autism research and training in local universities in Togo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kodzo Kpoffon
- Department of Psychology, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | - Visseho Adjiwanou
- Département de Sociologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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