Research Report Abstracts - Gesundheit

eS810
Analysis: Descriptive analyses were used to report the demographic
data and completion times. A one-way analysis of
variance was used to examine differences in VAS ratings.
Subjective comments were collated.
Results: On average, students took 22 and 14 minutes to complete
the CPBDL at Time 1 and Time 2, respectively. 84%
of participants indicated that using the CPBDL improved
their understanding of professional behaviours, and 71%
reported that they changed their behaviours because of the
CPBDL. There was a significant difference in VAS scores
for understanding professional behaviours between Time 1A
with both Times 1B and 2, and for demonstrating professional
behaviours between Times 1A and 1B with Time 2.
The majority of participants agreed that the CPBDL should
be introduced earlier in the professional program.
Conclusions: The results indicate that the CPBDL is a feasible
and acceptable tool to use to assist students to understand
and adopt professional behaviours. The educational impact
of the tool was realized through the reported increase in the
students’ understanding and demonstration of professional
behaviours. Future research should consider the introduction
of the tool to students earlier in the program, as well
as the validation of students’ self-assessments using clinical
preceptors’ evaluations.
Implications: This study advances our knowledge about
the utility of the CPBDL, a tool designed for students to
self-assess their professional behaviours. Student physiotherapists
can use the CPBDL to reflect on their professional
behaviours, and it can also facilitate the development of
personal learning objectives. Other academic and clinical
educators should consider the use of the CPBDL.
Keywords: Professional behaviours; Clinical education;
Self-assessment
Funding acknowledgements: This study was supported by
a grant from the Centre for Leadership and Learning, Faculty
of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Pat Miller was supported by the Raymond and Margaret
Labarge Post-doctoral Fellowship for Research and Knowledge
Application for Optimal Aging, in the School of Social
Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Ethics approval: Ethical approval was secured from the
Research Ethics Board, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster
University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Research Report Poster Display
Number: RR-PO-311-7-Tue Tuesday 21 June 13:00
RAI: Exhibit Halls2&3
READINESS TO CHANGE AND MEANING OF
HOME INFLUENCES FALLS PREVENTION IN THE
HOME SETTING
Miller P. 1,2 , Geddes L. 1 , Sinding C. 2,3 , Luy E. 1 , Manji S. 1 ,
Thanigasalam M. 1
1McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science,
Hamilton, Canada, 2McMaster University, School of Social
Work, Hamilton, Canada, 3McMaster University, Department
of Health, Aging, and Society, Hamilton, Canada
Purpose: To examine how experienced homecare physiotherapists
(HCPTs) understand and approach falls prevention
among elderly clients (seniors) living in their home who are
reluctant to adopt HCPTs’ recommendations.
Relevance: Falls are a major cause of injury among seniors
and often seniors can be reluctant to adopt the recommendation
of health professionals to modify their behaviours
or home environment in order to prevent falls. Gaining a
greater understanding about how experienced HCPTs interact
with seniors could provide insight into daily practice for
physiotherapists, students, and other health professionals.
Participants: HCPTs working in an agency providing rehabilitation
services in Ontario, Canada, were invited to
participate, and comprised a convenience sample. The five
volunteers averaged 22 years of practice, 14 of those in the
community.
Methods: This qualitative research utilized a semi-structured
interview to explore the complexities of the interaction
between HCPTs and seniors. Interviews from one focus
group and two interviews were audio-taped and transcribed
verbatim. These findings represent the preliminary findings
of a two-phase study.
Analysis: Data was coded by all members of the research
team (3 faculty, 3 students). Thematic analysis was used
to identify recurrent themes. Representative quotes were
selected.
Results: Two inter-related themes were identified: the
HCPTs’ perception of the senior’s readiness to change, and
the personal and social meanings of the home. In regards
to readiness to change, HCPTs perceived that many seniors
did not understand their potential for falling having experienced
a gradual decline in function and being unaware of the
potential negative consequences of a fall. Also, the seniors
were reluctant to use walking aids or make other changes
because of what others might think. In relation to meanings
of home, HCPTs attributed the seniors’ hesitancy to make
changes to their homes to reasons that included personal control
and identity. This was compounded by the positioning of
the HCPTs as “guests” in the seniors’ homes. HCPTs used
many different strategies to facilitate the adoption of changes
including sharing of actions undertaken by other seniors and
suggesting short trials. HCPTs expressed the importance of