Exploring peer tutoring from the peer tutor's perspective

IntroductionChanging working practices, student numbers, workforce demands, and deficits, have created a need to consider new ways of radiography student training. One suggestion could be to implement Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) during clinical placements. PAL utilises social constructivist theories, where peer tutors teach lower or same level tutees, reinforcing and practicing material formally taught. The aim of this study was to trial an intervention of PAL, co-designed between the university and students and evaluated to identify opportunities and challenges.MethodsUsing participatory action research 8 final year student volunteers trialled a 3-week intervention, where they delivered PAL to first years, tutoring on first year radiographic clinical practice. Focus groups were held pre and post intervention to gather qualitative data.ResultsFocus group discussions were transcribed and collectively thematically analysed. Two students and the primary researcher took part in the analysis.ConclusionStudents identified benefits and challenges to PAL. Issue around preparing for and being a peer tutor are also discussed.Further study involving experiences of first year students and clinical colleagues is required.Implications for practicePeer-tutoring has potential benefits to students to facilitate the development of skills related to image analysis and critique as well as radiographic anatomy and patient positioning.     

Patient and clinician experiences with cross-border reproductive care: A systematic review

ObjectivesThis review analyzes the experiences of patients and clinicians with regards to international cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) for the purpose of conception.MethodsElectronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched using ‘medical tourism’ AND ‘assisted reproductive technology’ from 1978 to 2020.ResultsPredominant patient motivators for CBRC were cost and legality of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in one's home country, followed by cultural factors like shared language, religion, and cultural familiarity. Clinicians suggested global laws for CBRC would reduce the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations but believed the enactment of international regulations unlikely and, even if enacted, difficult to enforce.ConclusionsWhile patient and clinician experiences with CBRC varied, patients frequently cited financial and legal reasons for pursuing CBRC, while many providers had concern for the patient’s safety.Clinical practice implicationsThis review recommends clinicians involved in family planning counsel patients seeking treatment abroad by: (i) informing patients of the risks and benefits of treatment abroad, (ii) establishing guidelines and standards for clinicians on resuming patient care post-CBRC, and (iii) creating a directory of reputable CBRC clinicians and experts.     

The role of hip arthroplasty in management of the hip fracture patient

Hip fractures are becoming increasingly common in a growing elderly population, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures are usually treated with either total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty, although the indication for each operation remains an area for debate. THA has been associated with longer operative time, increased risk of dislocation and a slight increase in general complications compared with hemiarthroplasty. However, it has also been associated with a modest improvement in functional outcomes and quality of life. Guidelines have been created within the UK to aid the decision-making process based upon current available literature. The principal focus of these has been to identify patients suitable for THA, and include patients who are cognitively intact, mobile outside their home with the use of no more than one stick, and who are medically fit enough for the procedure. However, implant selection must also be taken into consideration in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Options for implants include use of dual mobility cups and choice of femoral head size in THA, bipolar versus unipolar hemiarthroplasty, and cemented versus uncemented implants. Further research is required into this area to make additional recommendations.