Podiatry
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Item Evaluating World Wide Web-based foot care information(2006) Ellis, Mairghread JH; Ellis, B. M.Item Latex glove sensitivity: An overview for podiatrists(Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists, 2000-10) Ellis, Mairghread JHLatex sensitivity has become recognised as an international public health issue. It is especially serious for those in the healthcare professions, due to the regular use of latex gloves. It is vital that gloves do not impart any harm either to the person wearing them or to the patient being touched. However, evidence in the podiatry profession suggests that skin problems associated with glove use and sensitivity to latex may be a significant problem.Item Presentation of doctoral research(2008) Ellis, Mairghread JHItem Patients' experiences of post radiotherapy skin reactions(2009) Ellis, Mairghread JH; Blyth, Christine; Boyle, Louise; Dunphy, Michelle; Hornsby, C.; Fletcher, J.Item Consumer health information on the WWW: An evaluation of information on verrucae(2003-07-19) Ellis, Mairghread JH; Thomson, Colin E.Background: Increasingly the World Wide Web (WWW) is used as a first source by individuals seeking health information, and it is actively promoted as an information source by the NHS. Objective: This study evaluated the accessibility and quality of WWW-based information about verrucae, a condition where podiatrists often encourage self-treatment. Method: Using the term verruca- a variety of searches were undertaken. Outcome measures- - quality scores for information according to developed criteria; - presence of the Health on the Net Foundation (HONcode logo), to indicate quality of website. Results: Twenty-three sites were evaluated. Overall, quality of information was low, due to lack of information, rather than inaccuracy. Consumer health websites returned the highest mean scores for information quality. Sites of academic/professional and commercial ownership contained a higher quality of information than privately owned, or NHS-owned. Three sites (13%) displayed the Health on the Net Foundation logo, indicating adherence to their ethical standards. Conclusions: Results suggest that while relevant information is available on the WWW, it is not always easy to locate. It is essential to use appropriate search terms, and to appraise every site. Healthcare practitioners may have a role to play in guiding consumers towards effective search strategies, thus ensuring safe, relevant information is accessed.Item The Professional Doctorate - a doctoral journey with a difference(2009) Ellis, Mairghread JHThis paper aims to give an overview of the 'professional doctorate' and its special characteristics. Some of the differences between this and a traditional Doctor of Philosophy are considered, and a short reflection gives insight into the author's personal doctoral journey. The professional doctorate as a structured programme for experienced practitioners to develop and advance their practice is explored, with the interprofessional aspect of a cohort-based programme stressed as a positive factor in the student's journey. As reflection and reflexivity are embedded within the professional doctorate, it is seen as especially appropriate for current healthcare practice.Item Professionalism within Podiatric practice(2009) Ellis, Mairghread JHBackground: Podiatry aims and professes to undertake patient-centred practice. However, no podiatric literature was sourced that examines or discusses that most central component of our practice - the nature of our relationship with our patients; nor has any published research specifically focussed on this area. Aim: This study aimed to explore the nature of the patient-podiatrist relationship from the perspective of both private and National Health Service practitioners. Methodological approach: A phenomenological approach, with a hermeneutic focus, was utilised to construct meaning and understanding from the data of semi-structured interviews with eight participants. The researcher acknowledges herself as situated within the research, and a reflexive approach is demonstrated throughout. Iterative thematic analysis was undertaken to enable development of meaning and understanding. Findings: Findings were developed into six categories - relationship, engagement, role, image, reward and personal development, coming together in one overarching theme, that of professionalism. Discussion and application: Professionalism is discussed through the concept of macro- and micro-professionalism. The patient-podiatrist relationship can be a lens through which to consider aspects of micro-professionalism. This research proposes that professionalism be redefined from an explicit and public corporate concept, to its demonstration at an individual level - accepting that it is indeed professional to 'care', both for and about the patient, and that caring is beneficial to both patient and practitioner.Item The patient podiatrist relationship - contextualising professionalism within the clinical encounter(2007) Ellis, Mairghread JHIntroduction Patients are the key resource of health care practitioners, and much emphasis is laid on partnerships of care, with the patient being informed, autonomous and empowered. Many questions arise from current practice - are podiatrists fully embracing this model of practice? Do patients fully engage with their practitioner? How do podiatrists feel that patients perceive us? Research in nursing and occupational therapy stresses that practitioners must 'connect' with patients, and at times act as chameleons, changing to match the environment of each patient encounter (Aranda and Street, 1999; Rosa and Hasselkus, 1996). This study aimed to explore podiatrist's perceptions and experiences of the relationship they hold with their patients. Methods A phenomenological approach, informed by Gadamers's hermeneutic philosophy for gaining meaning and understanding was utilised, with the researcher's influence as 'native' being accepted in co-construction and interpretation of data from 8 Podiatrists in Central Scotland (4NHS, 4 private practitioners). Corec and QMU granted ethical permissions. Results Six categories of meaning emerged: relationship, engagement, role, image, reward and personal development. This fed into one overarching theme - Professionalism. Discussion Theories of dramaturgy (Goffman, 1959) and Liminality (Turner, 1969) are used to interpret and explain the findings. Baldwin's (2006) model of professionalism is utilised to demonstrate that phronesis (practical wisdom) and tacit knowledge are important and undervalued aspects of professionalism, alongside episteme (knowledge) and techne (profession specific skills). The study findings suggest a model of professionalism which focuses on the individual patient - practitioner interaction, with phronesis being a more important element of professionalism than traditional models have accepted.Item A journey's end, and new roads beckoning(2008) Ellis, Mairghread JH