As practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of children through speech-language pathology, we understand the importance of data-driven decisions. The research presented at the Doctoral School Day in Public Health offers valuable insights that can enhance our practice, particularly in the context of online therapy services provided by TinyEYE. This blog will explore how we can leverage the outcomes of this research to improve our skills and encourage further research.
Understanding Turning Points in Changing Attitudes Towards Harmful Practices
One of the studies presented at the Doctoral School Day focused on understanding turning points in changing attitudes towards Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among migrant women in Belgium (Agboli et al., 2019). The researchers identified six significant turning points that contributed to a change in attitude towards FGM. These included:
- Change in the perception of pain
- Sense of responsibility to protect daughters
- Confrontation with the anatomy of an intact female external genitalia
- Awareness through the confrontation with other women’s cultures
- Awareness that they are not defined exclusively by FGM
These turning points can be leveraged in our practice to foster awareness and encourage positive change. For example, we can create educational modules that address these specific areas, helping children and their families understand and navigate their challenges more effectively.
Addressing Self-Esteem Decline in Nursing Students
Another study explored the decline in self-esteem among nursing students and identified key factors and mechanisms involved (Dancot et al., 2019). The study highlighted two critical 'self-esteem moments': the training period and receiving exam results. These moments significantly influenced students' professional behavior, leading to either proactive engagement or defensive withdrawal.
In the context of online therapy, we can apply these findings by providing consistent and constructive feedback to children. By identifying and addressing critical moments that impact their self-esteem, we can foster a more supportive and encouraging environment, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Improving Awareness and Clinical Practices Regarding Omega-3 PUFA During Pregnancy
A study on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pregnant women and gynecologists-obstetricians regarding omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) consumption during pregnancy revealed significant discrepancies between the two groups (Hoge et al., 2019). While 82% of pregnant women gave high importance to omega-3 PUFA, only a third of health providers did the same.
To bridge this gap, we can develop targeted educational materials and workshops for both healthcare providers and patients. This approach will ensure that both parties are well-informed and can make evidence-based decisions that benefit maternal and child health.
Enhancing Male Partners' Involvement During Pregnancy
Research on the information needs and decision-making behavior of male partners during the first-time pregnancy of their female partners in Nigeria highlighted the importance of informed male involvement (Onyeze-Joe et al., 2019). The study found that decision-making was influenced by factors such as financial cost of care and trust in professional caregivers.
Incorporating these findings into our practice, we can develop resources and support systems that engage male partners in the therapy process. This involvement can lead to more comprehensive support for children and their families, enhancing overall outcomes.
Comparing Data Sources for Chronic Disease Prevalence
A study comparing administrative and survey data for ascertaining chronic disease prevalence demonstrated that billing data could yield similar results to health surveys for certain chronic diseases (Berete et al., 2019). This finding underscores the importance of utilizing diverse data sources to inform our practice.
By integrating multiple data sources, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the prevalence and impact of various conditions. This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor our online therapy services to meet the specific needs of children more effectively.
Conclusion
The research presented at the Doctoral School Day in Public Health offers valuable insights that can enhance our practice as speech-language pathologists. By understanding and implementing these findings, we can improve our skills and create better outcomes for children. We encourage practitioners to delve deeper into this research and consider how these insights can be applied in their own practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Doctoral School Day in Public Health.
