Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Nov 1, 2022
Simple Summary Firefighters must endure extreme environments. Such exposure increases their body ... more Simple Summary Firefighters must endure extreme environments. Such exposure increases their body temperature, which can induce fatigue, reduce motivation, and impair their decision-making. This study set out to investigate the relationship between these factors. Nine firefighters were required to complete simulated firefighting tasks in a controlled structural fire for 15 min. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, memory recall, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded prior to, immediately after, and 20 min after the simulation. Results of this study identified that alongside a significant increase in firefighter tympanic membrane temperature post-task; (1) body weight loss was poorly correlated with post-task motivation and fatigue scores; (2) pre-task logical reasoning scores were predictive of change in tympanic membrane temperature. Abstract Firefighters work in strenuous conditions for prolonged periods wearing up to 20 kg of personal protective equipment. This often contributes to significant heat and cardiovascular strain. This study examined the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to undertaking a 15 min firefighting task, and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task. Nine qualified firefighters completed a 15 min “live burn” scenario designed to mimic a fire started by a two-seater couch in a lounge room and completed simulated tasks throughout the duration. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded pre-scenario, and at 0- and 20-min post-scenario. General motivation and fatigue scores at 0- and 20-min post-scenario were highly correlated with each other (rs = 0.90; p = 0.001). The general motivation and fatigue scores, at 0- and 20-min post-scenario, were also strongly related to pre-task logic/reasoning test scores (Post 0 rs = −0.77, p = 0.016; Post 20 rs = −0.87, p = 0.002). Firefighters with lower logical reasoning and speed and accuracy scores were more susceptible to fatigue and impaired cognition when exposed to rises in core temperature and heat stress.
Journal of acute care physical therapy, Jan 13, 2021
Purpose: The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify and synthesize available resea... more Purpose: The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify and synthesize available research evidence on the utility of Mayo Clinic's Early Screen for Discharge Planning (ESDP) tool to (1) identify adult patients early during their hospital stay who require referral to specialized hospital discharge planning services (SHDCPS) and (2) review its utility in predicting patient outcomes including hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission risk, and discharge destination. This review also begins by highlighting the important role of physical therapists in discharge planning. Methods: A critical narrative review was conducted of relevant studies identified through a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and ProQuest databases and subsequent systematic screening and selection process. Studies were included and critically appraised if they met eligibility criteria: studies investigating the development, predictive validity and utility of the ESDP in hospital patient populations, and studies comparing the ESDP with other discharge planning tools. Key data were then extracted and tabulated before a critical narrative synthesis of key findings was completed. Results: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, with 5 studies receiving a rating of “good” quality. The included studies investigated the ESDP tool in adults within acute inpatient hospital settings, including heart failure, colorectal surgery, general medical and surgical, and oncology wards. Conclusion: Five of the 7 included studies were of good quality and, together, studies provided evidence that the ESDP tool correctly identifies adults requiring referral to SHDCPS. However, further research of the ESDP tool is recommended to account for variations observed in special populations and expand knowledge of its utility to predict outcomes such as hospital LOS, readmission risk, and discharge destination.
Methods: A draft framework and associated resources were developed, based on the scholarly EBP li... more Methods: A draft framework and associated resources were developed, based on the scholarly EBP literature. Formative evaluation was then conducted, drawing on feedback from health academics, placementexperienced students, and placement supervisors, across multiple healthcare disciplines. Following further refinement, summative evaluation of the final resources took the form of an online survey, assessing the perceived value of the resources from the perspective of each stakeholder group.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Nov 1, 2022
Simple Summary Firefighters must endure extreme environments. Such exposure increases their body ... more Simple Summary Firefighters must endure extreme environments. Such exposure increases their body temperature, which can induce fatigue, reduce motivation, and impair their decision-making. This study set out to investigate the relationship between these factors. Nine firefighters were required to complete simulated firefighting tasks in a controlled structural fire for 15 min. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, memory recall, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded prior to, immediately after, and 20 min after the simulation. Results of this study identified that alongside a significant increase in firefighter tympanic membrane temperature post-task; (1) body weight loss was poorly correlated with post-task motivation and fatigue scores; (2) pre-task logical reasoning scores were predictive of change in tympanic membrane temperature. Abstract Firefighters work in strenuous conditions for prolonged periods wearing up to 20 kg of personal protective equipment. This often contributes to significant heat and cardiovascular strain. This study examined the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to undertaking a 15 min firefighting task, and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task. Nine qualified firefighters completed a 15 min “live burn” scenario designed to mimic a fire started by a two-seater couch in a lounge room and completed simulated tasks throughout the duration. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded pre-scenario, and at 0- and 20-min post-scenario. General motivation and fatigue scores at 0- and 20-min post-scenario were highly correlated with each other (rs = 0.90; p = 0.001). The general motivation and fatigue scores, at 0- and 20-min post-scenario, were also strongly related to pre-task logic/reasoning test scores (Post 0 rs = −0.77, p = 0.016; Post 20 rs = −0.87, p = 0.002). Firefighters with lower logical reasoning and speed and accuracy scores were more susceptible to fatigue and impaired cognition when exposed to rises in core temperature and heat stress.
Journal of acute care physical therapy, Jan 13, 2021
Purpose: The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify and synthesize available resea... more Purpose: The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify and synthesize available research evidence on the utility of Mayo Clinic's Early Screen for Discharge Planning (ESDP) tool to (1) identify adult patients early during their hospital stay who require referral to specialized hospital discharge planning services (SHDCPS) and (2) review its utility in predicting patient outcomes including hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission risk, and discharge destination. This review also begins by highlighting the important role of physical therapists in discharge planning. Methods: A critical narrative review was conducted of relevant studies identified through a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and ProQuest databases and subsequent systematic screening and selection process. Studies were included and critically appraised if they met eligibility criteria: studies investigating the development, predictive validity and utility of the ESDP in hospital patient populations, and studies comparing the ESDP with other discharge planning tools. Key data were then extracted and tabulated before a critical narrative synthesis of key findings was completed. Results: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, with 5 studies receiving a rating of “good” quality. The included studies investigated the ESDP tool in adults within acute inpatient hospital settings, including heart failure, colorectal surgery, general medical and surgical, and oncology wards. Conclusion: Five of the 7 included studies were of good quality and, together, studies provided evidence that the ESDP tool correctly identifies adults requiring referral to SHDCPS. However, further research of the ESDP tool is recommended to account for variations observed in special populations and expand knowledge of its utility to predict outcomes such as hospital LOS, readmission risk, and discharge destination.
Methods: A draft framework and associated resources were developed, based on the scholarly EBP li... more Methods: A draft framework and associated resources were developed, based on the scholarly EBP literature. Formative evaluation was then conducted, drawing on feedback from health academics, placementexperienced students, and placement supervisors, across multiple healthcare disciplines. Following further refinement, summative evaluation of the final resources took the form of an online survey, assessing the perceived value of the resources from the perspective of each stakeholder group.
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