Interprofessional Educational Experience to Assist in Student Readiness Toward Neurorehabilitation

ABSTRACT. Occupational and physical therapy professionals are natural partners in neurorehabilitation especially in the acute stages of recovery. To enhance student-learning experiences from both disciplines, we have developed an interprofessional (IP) learning unit that was embedded in neurorehabilitation tracks of each respective program. The primary goal of this project was to examine interprofessional attitudes and perception toward interprofessional learning and practice. A total of 117 occupational therapy (53) and physical therapy (64) students completed an IP case-based learning module with the goal of developing an IP care plan typically seen in neurorehabilitation. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, we collected data pre- and postintervention using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Survey (RIPLS). We also utilized a postintervention questionnaire and focus groups intended to solicit information regarding IP competencies. At pretest, students had high ratings on the RIPLS that led to minimal changes at posttest (p = .157). However, common threads from the questionnaire and focus groups showed positive effects on student learning and attitudes toward interprofessionalism. Students reported positive experiences with the IP module. An IP case-based educational module has the potential to facilitate professional development and readiness for future IP practice. Students from different disciplines appreciate the value of IP education (IPE) in reinforcing their professional identity and understanding the professional contributions of others. Our findings are consistent with literature on best practices for IPE.     

Postpartum depression in Mexican women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Clinical Rheumatology -     

Hyperthyrotropinemia in Mexican newborns

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the blood concentration levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone and their possible use as an indicator of iodine sufficiency, in a sample of Mexican newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1999 to August 2000, among 25,427 Mexican newborns in the Ministry of Health clinics from 5 states. A total of 8,095 heel-prick and 17,332 umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed. Blood samples were collected in filter paper and processed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Hyperthyrotropinemia was found in 9.95% of heel samples and in 24.27% of umbilical cord samples (TSH > 5 microUl/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of hyperthyrotropinemia observed in this study was higher than that expected in a population with sufficient iodine intake; these findings could be due to poor maternal iodine intake.