ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6949-9207
Current Organisation
University of Tasmania
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Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2016
Abstract: This paper presents findings from an exploratory study in which undergraduate paramedic students’ trialled the use of two pain assessment tools as part of an interprofessional learning experience in residential aged care facilities. The research sought to identify the potential utility of the Abbey Pain Scale and PAINAD tools for use by paramedics with people with advanced dementia who have limited ability to communicate. Thirty-one final year undergraduate paramedic students completed a 5-day clinical placement in in four residential aged care facilities in Tasmania, Australia. While on placement students used the two tools to assess pain in residents with known pain issues, under the supervision of nursing staff and paramedic tutors. A mixed methods approach, utilising a quantitative survey and a qualitative open-ended questionnaire, was adopted to ascertain students’ views on the potential for the tools to be used in paramedic practice. The research found both tools had potential for use in paramedic practice. Feedback from students indicated both pain assessment tools had strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were made for how each of the tools could be adapted to make them suitable for use by paramedics. Forecast increases in the number of people living with dementia, and the changing nature of paramedic practice, means that paramedics are more likely to be called on to assess pain in this population in community settings. Further research is needed to inform the development of pain assessment tools specifically for use by paramedics in these settings.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-06-2016
DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2016.1192995
Abstract: This article examines the reflective discourses of medical, nursing, and paramedic students participating in interprofessional education (IPE) activities in the context of aged-care clinical placements. The intent of the research is to explore how students engage with their interprofessional colleagues in an IPE assessment and care planning activity and elucidate how students configure their role as learners within the context of a non-traditional aged-care training environment. Research participants included cohorts of volunteer medical (n = 61), nursing (n = 46), and paramedic (n = 20) students who were on clinical placements at two large teaching aged-care facilities in Tasmania, Australia, over a period of 18 months. A total of 39 facilitated focus group discussions were undertaken with cohorts of undergraduate student volunteers from three health professions between February 2013 and October 2014. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was assisted by NVIVO software and verified through secondary coding and member checking procedures. With an acceptable level of agreement across two independent coders, four themes were identified from student focus group transcripts that described the IPE relations and perceptions of the aged-care environment. Emergent themes included reinforcement of professional hierarchies, IPE in aged care perceived as mundane and extraneous, opportunities for reciprocal teaching and learning, and understanding interprofessional roles. While not all students can be engaged with IPE activities in aged care, our evidence suggests that within 1 week of clinical placements there is a possibility to develop reciprocal professional relations, affirm a positive identity within a collaborative healthcare team, and support the health of vulnerable older adults with complex care needs. These important clinical learnings support aged-care-based IPE as a potentially powerful context for undergraduate learning in the 21st Century.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1996
DOI: 10.1080/09595239600186041
Abstract: An examination was conducted of three Tasmanian cohorts of injecting drug users interviewed before the introduction of needle exchanges, during the operation of illegal exchanges and after the introduction of legal exchanges. The drugs reported as used were comparable with reports from Perth and Sydney s les. There are clear downward trends for both males and females toward reduced sharing of injecting equipment and increased use of new equipment which begin when the illegal exchanges were operating and accelerate when the number of exchanges increased and became legal. The use of bleach to clean equipment also increases in the 4-year period. There was a much higher use of open fires to dispose of equipment than has been reported elsewhere. These results strongly suggest that needle exchanges do lead to reduced sharing and to less needles in public places vital outcomes if AIDS and hepatitis are to be contained.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-07-2019
DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2018.65
Abstract: This paper reports on undergraduate health care students' perception of societal vulnerability to disasters in the context of population aging. Forecast increases in extreme weather events are likely to have a particularly devastating effect on older members of the community. Undergraduate paramedicine and nursing students were surveyed using the Perceptions of Ageing and Disaster Vulnerability Scale (PADVS) to determine their views on the risks posed to older members of the community by disasters. Data analysis included a comparison of subscales relating to isolation, health system readiness, declining function, and community inclusiveness. Students reported a moderate level of concern about disaster vulnerability. Students who had previously completed another university degree reported significantly higher levels of concern than those without a prior degree. Australian students reported lower concern about societal vulnerability compared to a previously reported cohort of Japanese students. Our study suggests current education of future health care students does not promote adequate levels of awareness of the health-related challenges posed by disasters, particularly among older members of the community. Without addressing this gap in education, the risk of negative outcomes for both unprepared first responders and older members of the community is significant. (Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2019 :449-455).
No related grants have been discovered for Peter Lucas.