Developing Strong Response Capacity: Training Volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiali Ye ◽  
Stacy Stanford ◽  
Tahlia Gousse ◽  
Robert J. Tosatto
Keyword(s):  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Mandatory Training ◽  
Training Plan ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Medical Reserve Corps ◽  
Training Resources

AbstractObjectiveThe success of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is dependent on the ability of volunteers to respond in a timely and effective manner. This study aimed to assess the current status of MRC volunteer training and to examine the association between MRC characteristics and provision of training.MethodsThe data for this study were drawn from the 2013 Network Profile Survey of the MRC, which was administered to active MRC unit leaders or designated alternates of 962 units across the country in April to May of 2013.ResultsOver 80% of MRCs had a training plan. Ninety-one percent of MRCs offered one or more training courses to volunteers, and 73% indicated requirements for mandatory training. Approximately 84% of MRC units collaborated with other organizations to conduct trainings. Units with more volunteers (>150) were 3 times as likely to have a plan for volunteer training as were those with fewer volunteers (≤50). Compared to units with a full-time leader, those with leaders who were volunteers were only 0.57 times as likely to have a training plan.ConclusionsAn overwhelming majority of MRC units provide critical training to their volunteers prior to an emergency deployment. To further strengthen the overall MRC capacities, it is important for MRC units to have a training plan tailored to their community needs and features, make full use of available training resources, and collaborate with partner organizations. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:527-532)

scholarly journals Canadian Pediatric Gastroenterology Workforce: Current Status, Concerns and Future Projections

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 653-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Morinville ◽  
Éric Drouin ◽  
Dominique Lévesque ◽  
Victor M Espinosa ◽  
Kevan Jacobson
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Fellowship Training ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Pediatric Gastroenterology ◽  
Retirement Plans ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Fellowship Programs ◽  
Statistics Canada

BACKGROUND: There is concern that the Canadian pediatric gastroenterology workforce is inadequate to meet health care demands of the pediatric population. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Pediatric Committee performed a survey to determine characteristics and future plans of the Canadian pediatric gastroenterology workforce and trainees.METHODS: Estimates of total and pediatric populations were obtained from the 2001 Census of Population, Statistics Canada (with estimates to July 1, 2005). Data on Canadian pediatric gastroenterologists, including clinical full-time equivalents, sex, work interests, opinions on workforce adequacy, retirement plans, fellowship training programs and future employment plans of fellows, were gathered through e-mail surveys and telephone correspondence in 2005 and 2006.RESULTS: Canada had an estimated population of 32,270,507 in 2005 (6,967,853 people aged zero to 17 years). The pediatric gastroenterology workforce was estimated at 9.2 specialists per million children. Women accounted for 50% of the workforce. Physician to pediatric population ratios varied, with Alberta demonstrating the highest and Saskatchewan the lowest ratios (1:69,404 versus 1:240,950, respectively). Between 1998 and 2005, Canadian pediatric gastroenterology fellowship programs trained 65 fellows (65% international trainees). Twenty-two fellows (34%) entered the Canadian workforce.CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights the variable and overall low numbers of pediatric gastroenterologists across Canada, an increasingly female workforce, a greater percentage of part-time physicians and a small cohort of Canadian trainees. In conjunction with high projected retirement rates, greater demands on the work-force and desires to partake in nonclinical activities, there is concern for an increasing shortage of pediatric gastroenterologists in Canada in future years.

scholarly journals An Integrative Review on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering an Online Training and Mentoring Module to Volunteers Working in Community Organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor G. Hill ◽  
Jodi E. Langley ◽  
Emily K. Kervin ◽  
Barbara Pesut ◽  
Wendy Duggleby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Programs ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Search ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Training Format

Background: Volunteer programs that support older persons can assist them in accessing healthcare in an efficient and effective manner. Community-based initiatives that train volunteers to support patients with advancing illness is an important advance for public health. As part of implementing an effective community-based volunteer-based program, volunteers need to be sufficiently trained. Online training could be an effective and safe way to provide education for volunteers in both initial training and/or continuing education throughout their involvement as a volunteer.Method: We conducted an integrative review that synthesized literature on online training programs for volunteers who support older adults. The review included both a search of existing research literature in six databases, and an online search of online training programs currently being delivered in Canada. The purpose of this review was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community-based organizations adopting an online training format for their volunteers.Results: The database search identified 13,626 records, these went through abstract and full text screen resulting in a final 15 records. This was supplemented by 2 records identified from hand searching the references, for a total of 17 articles. In addition to identifying Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities; Elements of Training; and Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptability; a thematic analysis of the 17 records identified the categories: (1) Feasibility Promoting Factors; (2) Barriers to Feasibility; (3) Acceptability Promoting Factors; and (4) Barriers to Acceptability. Six programs were also identified in the online search of online training programs. These programs informed our understanding of delivery of existing online volunteer training programs.Discussion: Findings suggested that feasibility and acceptability of online training were promoted by (a) topic relevant training for volunteers; (b) high engagement of volunteers to prevent attrition; (c) mentorship or leadership component. Challenges to online training included a high workload; time elapsed between training and its application; and client attitude toward volunteers. Future research on online volunteer training should consider how online delivery can be most effectively paced to support volunteers in completing training and the technical skills needed to complete the training and whether teaching these skills can be integrated into programs.

Staff Reflections on Using E-Assessment Feedback in the Digital Age

2019 ◽  
pp. 386-414
Author(s):  
Akrum Helfaya ◽  
James O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Teaching Business ◽  
Assessment Feedback ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Business And Management

Assessment and feedback represent two of the key elements that affect students' learning. Using e-assessment with productive and instant e-feedback reduces the gap between current and preferred performance of the new generation of digital students. Action research methodology was used to investigate staff perception of using e-assessment feedback in the teaching and learning process. To achieve this aim, a survey was administered to 48 full-time academics to collect data about their perceptions of using e-assessment and/or e-feedback to assess their students' performance. And then seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with the staff. Findings from staff survey and interviews show that the teaching staff is generally in agreement with the use of and benefits of e-assessment and/or e-feedback in teaching business and management modules. Using technology, therefore, can provide an avenue for innovative assessment and prompt feedback methods that meet the needs of the digital students in the digital age in an efficient and effective manner.

scholarly journals Prioritizing Workforce Development Training in State Health Departments Using TRAIN: Challenges and Opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-179
Author(s):  
Magali Angeloni ◽  
Ron Bialek ◽  
Michael P. Petros ◽  
Michael C. Fagen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
State Health ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Organizational Features

Objective: The objectives of this study were (1) to obtain data on the current status of public health workforce training and the use of the Training Finder Real-Time Affiliate Network (TRAIN), a public health learning management platform, in state health departments, and (2) to use the data to identify organizational features that might be affecting training and to determine barriers to and opportunities for improving training. Methods: We conducted structured interviews in 2014 with TRAIN administrators and performance improvement managers (n = 14) from 7 state health departments that were using TRAIN to determine training practices and barriers to training. We determined key organizational features of the 7 agencies, including training structure, required training, TRAIN administrators’ employment status (full time or part time), barriers to the use and tracking of core competencies in TRAIN, training needs assessment methods, leadership support of training and staff development, and agency interest in applying for Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation. Results: We identified 4 common elements among TRAIN-affiliated state health departments: (1) underuse of TRAIN as a training tool, (2) inadequate ownership of training within the organization, (3) insufficient valuation of and budgeting for training, and (4) emerging collaboration and changing perceptions about training stimulated by agency preparation for accreditation. Conclusions: Public health leaders can increase buy-in to the importance of training by giving responsibility for training to a person, centralizing training, and setting expectations for the newly responsible training leader to update training policy and require the use of TRAIN to develop, implement, evaluate, monitor, and report on agency-wide training.

scholarly journals Endoscopy by Nonphysicians

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine R Gossman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Kaiser Permanente ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Effective Manner

In 1945, Henry J Kaiser organized a group of physicians to provide health care for shipyard workers and their families. His foundation, Kaiser Permanente (USA), has developed into a prepaid health plan facility serving 8.4 million members in nine states and in Washington, DC, within the United States. It aspires to provide high quality, affordable, integrated health care within an organized, efficient system. A focus on preventive care in a cost-effective manner is a high priority. The Kaiser Permanente northwest region (covering northwest Oregon and southwest Washington) serves nearly one-half of a million members. Our region has utilized nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) (allied health care providers) in a variety of capacities for many years. The present paper reviews the background and current status of their role in endoscopy.

scholarly journals Current status of integrating oncology and palliative care in Japan: A nationwide survey

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Uneno ◽  
Kazuki Sato ◽  
Tatsuya Morita ◽  
Mayumi Nishimura ◽  
Satoko Ito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptom Screening ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background: Palliative care (PC) is increasingly recognized as essential for oncology care, and several academic societies strongly recommend integrating oncology and palliative care (IOP) in daily practice. Similarly, the Japanese government encouraged the implementation of IOP through the Cancer Control Act of 2007; however, its detailed progress remains unclear. Therefore, this cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted to investigate the current status and hospital executive physicians’ perception of IOP. Methods: The questionnaire was developed based on IOP indicators with international consensus. It was distributed to executive physicians at all government-designated cancer hospitals (DCHs, n = 399) and matched non-DCHs (n = 478) in November 2017 and the results were compared. Results: In total, 269 (67.4%) DCHs and 259 (54.2%) non-DCHs responded. The number of PC resources in DCHs was significantly higher than those in non-DCHs (e.g., full-time PC physicians and nurses, 52.8% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.001; availability of outpatient PC service ≥3 days per week, 47.6% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Routine symptom screening was more frequently performed in DCHs than in non-DCHs (65.1% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.001). Automatic trigger for PC referral availability was limited (e.g., referral using time trigger, 14.9% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.700). Education and research opportunities were seriously limited in both types of hospitals. Most executive physicians regarded IOP as beneficial for their patients (95.9% vs. 94.7%, p = 0.163) and were willing to facilitate an early referral to PC services (54.7% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.569); however, the majority faced challenges to increase the number of full-time PC staff, and <30% were planning to increase the staff members. Conclusions: This survey highlighted a considerable number of IOP indicators met, particularly in DCHs probably due to the government policy. Further investigation is warranted whether those indicators effectively work in real clinical situations.

scholarly journals Tourism as a Pathway to Rural Livelihood Diversification: A Study of Mognori Ecovillage in the Savannah Region of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-71
Author(s):  
Conrad-J. Wuleka Kuuder
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Tourism ◽  
Livelihood Diversification ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Rural Livelihood ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
Tourism Resources ◽  
Farm Tourism ◽  
Household Heads

As a means of mitigating the effects of restrictions arising from the creation of the Mole National Park, a tourism intervention was  introduced in Mognori, a village on one of the fringes of the famed park.This study assesses the Mognori Ecovillage Project especially in terms of its anticipated role in diversifying livelihoods. Qualitative research approaches were employed. Instruments such as In-depthInterview schedules were used to elicit information from household heads while focus group discussions (FGD) were used to elicit data from homestay operators and cultural dance troupes. Tourism was found to play an important diversification role in the sense that it provided both full-time and alternative means of income for some residents especially in the dry season. Tourism has become the “life wire” of some locales and the community needs to take steps to attract more tourists and provide a richer but engaging itinerary through improving cultural tourism resources such as the introduction of products like farm tourism and angling in the Mognori River. It is recommended that the homestay providers be trained in visitor reception skills including basic communication in Enghish language to enhance the experience of visitors. Keywords: Mognori Ecovillage, homestay, livelihood diversification, stipends, canoe safari

scholarly journals Burnout and Peritraumatic Distress of Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeonhhon Jang ◽  
Myoungsoon You ◽  
Heeyoung Lee ◽  
Minjung lee ◽  
Yeji Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Peritraumatic Distress

Abstract Background To evaluate the current status of emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify factors associated with their mental health status. Methods An online survey involving 1,068 HCWs that included nurses, physicians, and public health officers was conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the collected data. Results Although no significant difference in peritraumatic distress was observed among the surveyed HCWs, the workers’ experience of emotional exhaustion varied according to work characteristics. Respondents who were female, older, living with a spouse, and/or full-time workers reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion. Public health officers and other medical personnel who did not have direct contact with confirmed patients and full-time workers had a higher level of peritraumatic distress. Forced involvement in work related to COVID-19, worry about stigma, worry about becoming infected, and perceived sufficiency of organizational support negatively predict emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress. Conclusions Job-related and emotional stress of HCWs should not be neglected. Evidence-based interventions and supports are required to protect HCWs from mental illness and to promote mental health of those involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Sources of value co-destruction: Uber customer perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 780-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erose Sthapit ◽  
Peter Björk
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Taxi Drivers ◽  
Effective Manner

Purpose This study aims to explore the antecedents that generate value co-destruction, the negative outcomes resulting from interactive value formation, in the sharing economy context, particularly taxi services. The focus of the study is on customers’ Uber reviews that are written in English and posted online. Three keywords, “bad”, “terrible” and “awful”, were used to capture online narratives linked to customers’ negative experiences with Uber. Out of the 758 online reviews, 75 negative reviews were analysed in this study. Design/methodology/approach A grounded theory approach was used for data analysis. Findings Two distinct themes resulted in value co-destruction: Uber drivers’ bad behaviour and poor customer service. The managerial implications include that Uber clearly should invest more resources to minimise the negative experiences of its customers by clearly defining the taxi drivers’ tasks and responsibilities. In addition, when customers report their dissatisfaction, they should be dealt with promptly and effectively through good customer service. Research limitations/implications First, the netnography study, by its nature, was restricted to those customers who shared their reviews online. The study did not consider those customers who have not posted their reviews online. Second, the focus of the study was on customer reviews that were written in English. Third, only three keywords (“bad”, “terrible” and “awful”) were used in the data selection process, limiting the number of review posts (75) that were analysed in this study. In addition, even if this study does not produce statistically generalizable findings, the findings are valuable in an analytical sense. Practical implications From a managerial perspective, Uber clearly should invest more in resources to minimise the negative experiences of its customers (both domestic customers and tourists) by clearly defining the taxi drivers’ tasks and responsibilities. If the drivers’ tasks are unclear, then customers cannot be served in an effective manner and with consistent service quality. The taxi drivers, regardless of their full-time or part-time work shifts, should ensure that quality services are offered to customers. Providing high-quality service might reduce the number of complaints and result in positive comments and compliments. Originality/value This study addresses the gap in previous literature by examining customers’ negative experiences during the overall service encounter and antecedents of value co-destruction in the context of Uber. This study contributes to a better understanding of value co-destruction within the sharing economy.

scholarly journals The capacity-building role of Community Liaison Workers with refugee communities in Victoria, Australia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem Chopra ◽  
Karen Wei ◽  
Susie Strehlow ◽  
Mardi Stow ◽  
Ida Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Historical Case Study ◽  
Joint Work ◽  
Community Capacity Building ◽  
Historical Case ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Two Stages

Abstract Background A range of services within Australia and internationally have been developed that are focused on the engagement of individuals who are of refugee background to work as a liaison between their communities and mental health services. The Community Liaison Worker (CLW) role at the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (VFST) was developed in 2008 in order to engage in such capacity-building initiatives. Aims To review and document the establishment, evolution and current status of the VFST CLW role, and examine the perspectives of CLWs on their role in trauma-informed community capacity-building. Methods The study comprised of two stages: a historical case study of the development of the CLW role, and a qualitative research study based on interviews with CLWs in order to identify key themes regarding various aspects of their role and understand the facilitators and barriers to their work of trauma-informed capacity-building with their respective communities. Results The CLW role has evolved from the provision of direct services through joint work with Counsellor Advocates at VFST to a broader role that is focused on building the capacity of community members. Thematic analysis of interviews with the seven current CLWs identified the complexity of their dual role as members of their community and employees of VFST, their role in addressing short-term goals to meet community needs, and the long-term objective of empowering their community to become integrated and self-sufficient. Conclusions CLWs at VFST demonstrate important work of Liaison Workers in facilitating trauma-informed capacity-building initiatives that are of benefit to members of their communities and also to service providers.

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