Research and Publications

Research

• Nursing research areas in U21 Health Sciences member universities

• Health and Rehabilitation Sciences research areas in U21 Health Sciences member universities
  

Publications

Papers:

• The interactions between universities and hospitals: Problems and possibilitie [PDF 272 kB]
  Universitas 21 Working Party on University-Healthcare Systems Interactions

Articles in Journals:

Dentistry

• International peer review in undergraduate dentistry: enhancing reflective practice in an online community of practice
  Gardner, Karen; Bridges, Susan; Walmsley, Damien. European Journal of Dental Education, 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0579.2012.00743.x.
  Abstract: To stimulate and enhance student learning in the areas of global citizenship, critical reflection and e-learning, an online international peer review using a purpose-built web platform, has been developed between international dental schools. Since its inception in 2007, n = 6 dental schools from six different countries have participated with n = 384 dental students engaged in online peer review. Project development was conceptually analysed utilising Lave and Wenger’s notion of a community of practice (CoP). Analysis drew on the three core components within the CoP organising framework: domain, community and practice. All three components were evident in building project identity. The domain focused on both curriculum and institutional co-operation. The community was evident for both educators and students. Finally, analysis of practice was found to be significant in terms of sustained interaction and collaboration. Empirical evaluation is recommended as the next phase of project design.

E-health

• E-health and the Universitas 21 organization: 1. Global e-health through synergy
  Ho, Kendall; Sharman, Zena. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2005; 11: 218-220
  Abstract: The Universitas 21 (U21) organization funded a one-year project to examine global e-health. An e-health steering committee surveyed the opinions of e-health researchers at U21 member schools and conducted a literature review. Information about key themes was analysed and the findings were summarized. The steering committee recommended an eight-step strategy to establish a sustainable endeavour in global e-health. This included implementing a dissemination strategy within the U21 organization to engage a progressively larger community of faculty members and others, and translating e-health knowledge into global practice in those areas in which the U21 has special expertise. While the recommendations in the discussion paper are specific to the U21 organization, the e-health steering committee believes they can be generalized and applied to any globally minded educational or research institutions seeking to contribute to e-health.

• E-health and the Universitas 21 organization: 2. Telemedicine and underserved populations
  Wootton, Richard; Jebamani, Laurel; Dow, Shannon. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2005; 11: 221-224
  Abstract: Telemedicine activities in underserved communities were reviewed as part of the Universitas 21 (U21) e-health project. A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) was conducted on 12 articles identified in a literature review, supplemented by expertise from U21 members. The analysis showed that threats include the reluctance of populations to use telemedicine services, and a general absence of infrastructure and resources to sustain them. Opportunities centre around potential research, including cost-effectiveness analyses and quantitative assessments of existing telemedicine services. The great strength of telemedicine is that it can improve access to health services among those most in need. However, its greatest weakness is the lack of evidence supporting its clinical and cost advantages relative to traditional services. This represents an important opportunity for research on telemedicine initiatives among underserved populations.

• E-health and the Universitas 21 organization: 3. Global policy
  Scott, Richard; Lee, Anna. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2005; 11: 225-229
  Abstract: There is an urgent need to develop global e-health policy in order both to facilitate and to manage the potential of e-health. As part of the Universitas 21 (U21) project in e-health, an evaluation of the status of global e-health policy was performed using a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). The analysis showed that the greatest threat to global e-health policy is the autonomous nature of domestic health-care systems. The greatest opportunity may be the prospect for nations and individuals to work together in establishing mechanisms necessary to offer health-care access through global e-health--a new 'global public good'. Full integration of e-health into existing health-care systems could be achieved in both a practical and a policy sense through global e-health policy initiatives that facilitate integration across jurisdictions. There is a pressing need to resolve a range of e-health policy issues, and a concomitant need for research that will inform and support the process. A process that adopts a global approach is recommended.

• E-health and the Universitas 21 organization: 4. Professional portability
  Goldberg, Michael; Zharman, Zena; Bell, Brandi; Ho, Kendall, Patil, Niv. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2005; 11: 230-233
  Abstract: Professional portability is the ease with which health-care professionals can move in person or virtually across barriers, and among and between jurisdictions, to transfer their knowledge, skills and care. As part of the Universitas 21 (U21) project on e-health, professional portability was examined using a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). The analysis showed that many factors hamper the development of global professional portability; on the other hand, the potential exists to substantially improve access to health care and its quality around the world. The study suggests that professional portability can be advanced in a number of ways. These include exploring policy, technology and medical training. The field of professional portability, while of considerable relevance to health and other professions, is undeveloped and is clearly an area that would benefit from discussion, research and global collaboration.

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

• Clinical Education and Practice Placements in the Allied Health Professions: An International Perspective
  Rodger, Sylvia; Webb, Gillian; Devitt, Lorraine; Gilbert, John; Wrightson, Pat; McMeeken, Joan . Journal of Allied Health, 2008; Volume 37, Number 1, 53-62(10)
  Abstract: This report describes the outcomes of extensive discussions surrounding clinical education and practice placement issues undertaken by an international group of allied health educators (in audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology) who have met since 2001 as part of Universitas 21 Health Sciences annual meetings. The report outlines key issues associated with clinical education and practice placements from an international perspective and across these four allied health professions. The allied health practice context is described in terms of the range of allied health educational programs in Universitas 21 and recent changes in health and tertiary education sectors in represented countries. Some issues and benefits related to supervision during allied health students' practice placements are addressed. A new approach is proposed through partnership such that frameworks for the provision of practice placements can be created to facilitate student learning and educate and support clinical educators. A set of guidelines that can enhance partnerships and collaborative practice for the benefit of clinical education within complex and changing health/human service and educational environments is proposed.