Browsing by Author "Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah"

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    Achieving universal health coverage for people with stroke in South Africa : protocol for a scoping review
    (BMJ Publishing, 2020-10) Van Niekerk, Sjan-Mari; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah; Kamalakannan, Sureshkumar; Fernandes, Silke; Webster, Jayne; English, Rene; Smythe, Tracey; Louw, Q. A.
    Introduction Stroke is the second most common cause of death after HIV/AIDS and a significant health burden in South Africa. The extent to which universal health coverage (UHC) is achieved for people with stroke in South Africa is unknown. Therefore, a scoping review to explore the opportunities and challenges within the South African health system to facilitate the achievement of UHC for people with stroke is warranted. Methods and analysis The scoping review will follow the approach recommended by Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien, which includes five steps: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting the studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results. Health Systems Dynamics Framework and WHO Framework on integrated people-centred health services will be used to map, synthesise and analyse data thematically.
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    An analysis of trunk kinematics and gait parameters in people with stroke
    (AOSIS, 2018) Titus, Adnil W.; Hillier, Susan; Louw, Quinette A.; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah
    Background: Approximately two out of three people with stroke experience gait problems. Trunk movement control and symmetry is an important prerequisite for functional walking gait. Movement control, measured objectively as kinematics during walking gait, is rarely investigated. Objective: To describe the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the trunk during gait in people with stroke, including key spatiotemporal characteristics. Methodology: A total of 17 adults with stroke who met the inclusion criteria were selected to participate in this cross-sectional pilot study. An eight-camera T-10 Vicon system with Nexus 1.8 software (Vicon Motion System Limited, Oxford, UK) was used to analyse the 3D kinematics of the trunk during self-selected walking speed. Trunk kinematics throughout the gait cycle and spatiotemporal parameters were extracted using custom-built scripts in MATLAB used at the Stellenbosch University Movement Analysis Laboratory. Stata Version 12.1 software was used to assess differences in trunk kinematics between the affected and unaffected sides during gait using the Sign test (statistical significance level p < 0.05). Results: Participants achieved functional gait speeds although they presented with asymmetrical trunk kinematics. During the full gait cycle, there were statistically significant differences of trunk motion between the affected and unaffected sides in the coronal plane (p < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the trunk kinematics between the affected side and unaffected sides at initial contact (p < 0.001) and foot off (p < 0.049) in the coronal plane as well as at initial contact (p < 0.000) and foot off (p < 0.013) in the transverse plane. Conclusion: This pilot study found significant asymmetry in trunk motion between the affected and unaffected sides that varied across the gait cycle. This suggests the trunk may need to be targeted in clinical gait retraining post-stroke.
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    Does a problem-based learning approach benefit students as they enter their clinical training years? : lecturers’ and students’ perceptions
    (Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2014-10) Statham, Sue B.; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah; Hanekom, Susan D.; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Physiotherapy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper presents the findings of a study completed to establish the differences between the lecturers’ and students’ perceptions of a hybrid problem-based learning (PBL) approach in successfully completing a PBL module in the third year of physiotherapy training at Stellenbosch University. Objectives. To assess the perception of the achievement of the PBL benefits, the module outcomes, the barriers to learning and positive aspects of the module. Methods. A theory-based evaluation approach using both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. All students and lecturers involved with the new module were invited to participate in the study. The participants consisted of 37 students and 11 lecturers. The data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions for both groups. The different components of the theory (PBL methods) were used as the guiding themes for the analysis of the qualitative data. The quantitative (ordinal) data are presented using descriptive statistics. Results. The results indicated that the module was enjoyed by both groups. The achievement of the generic outcomes for the module produced mixed results. Areas of agreement and areas of differences in perceptions relating to the achievement of the expected PBL benefits are discussed. Conclusion. PBL as a new methodology presents challenges for both groups; however, many of the benefits of PBL, in particular self-directed learning, were achieved. Some areas of shortfall are discussed.
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    Functional outcome of stroke inpatients according to human immunodeficiency virus status : a feasibility study
    (AOSIS, 2020) Hartley, Tasneem; Burger, Marlette; Esterhuizen, Tonya M.; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah
    Background: Stroke in human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) individuals is becoming an increasing concern. Being significantly younger than typical stroke patients, the impact of functional challenges on quality of life and burden on society becomes more eminent. Objectives: This feasibility study aims to determine the requirements for a large descriptive cohort, to adequately describe the functional outcome of stroke patients with varying HIV status. Method: All stroke patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited over a 6-month period at a South African inpatient rehabilitation centre. Data were collected on admission and discharge using outcome measures including the Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the use of assistive devices used to describe independence with activities of daily living (ADL), mobility and safety post-stroke. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.2. Results: The feasibility study identified appropriate procedures and barriers to a successful study in addition to describing preliminary data on participant demographics, relevant medical history and functional outcomes post-stroke. Limitations that affected feasibility included minimal recruitment sites, length of data collection period, timely communication of participant discharge plans and dates, and confirmation of participant HIV status. An appropriate comparison between sub-groups could not be made because of disproportionate group sizes, median age differences and no assessor blinding. Conclusion: To increase generalisability and the understanding of the unique HIV+ stroke profile, multiple recruitment sites, longer data collection periods, assessor blinding and age-matched groups with HIV status confirmation are recommended.
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    Low-level laser therapy and exercise for patients with shoulder disorders in physiotherapy practice : a systematic review protocol
    (BioMed Central, 2015-04-30) Awotidebe, Adedapo W.; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah; Young, Taryn
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Low-level laser therapy is one of the adjunct treatments of choice with exercise therapy for shoulder rehabilitation in physiotherapy clinical practices. Although previous reviews have found little use of low-level laser therapy, there are recent trials whose findings are yet to be systematically reviewed. Methods: We plan to do a systematic review to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy with exercise and exercise alone in participants who are 18 years and above, with a clinical or radiological diagnosis of various shoulder pathologies. We will search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, Science Direct, Scopus and Physiotherapy Choices regardless of publication status. We will hand search for subject-specific journals (PhotoMedicine and Laser Surgery, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine and Journals of Lasers in Medical Science) and conference proceedings of World Association for Laser Therapy. Two review authors will independently screen, select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias based on a priori criteria. Disagreements between review authors will be resolved either through discussion or consultation with a third review author. If there are at least two clinically homogeneous studies, we will perform meta-analysis. Discussion: The findings will shed more light on the benefit of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct treatment to exercise in the management of shoulder disorders. The findings may also inform decision makers in the review and development of guidelines for shoulder rehabilitation in physiotherapy practices.
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    Teaching my peers : perceptions of tutors in physiotherapy practical skills training
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2014-10) Unger, Marianne; Keiller, Lianne; Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah; Hanekom, Susan D.
    Background. A near-peer tutorial system was introduced and implemented as part of a second-year module to assist physiotherapy students with the practising of manual techniques. Although not the primary drive for initiating this system, there are potential added benefits for the tutor reported in the literature. Objective. To determine the effect of near-peer teaching on the perceptions undergraduate physiotherapy students have of their own learning. Methods. A descriptive study utilising mixed methods was used. A pre-tutorial focus group discussion (FGD) format explored the expectations and perceptions of tutors’ own abilities and the proposed tutorial system. The researchers conducted a post-tutorial FGD to explore the experiences and perceptions of the tutors’ learning experiences. The responses were transcribed and analysed using deductive thematic analysis. A questionnaire was used to quantify which competencies or skills student tutors thought they had obtained through the facilitation of the tutorial sessions. The results were explored using a competency framework. Results. All ten tutors in the 2012 programme participated in the study. Students moved from unconscious incompetence to conscious incompetence, and seemed to have reached the phase of conscious competence by the end of the programme. Unconscious competence was not observed. More than half of the tutors agreed that the programme had a positive impact on their communication, ability to transfer skills and their own understanding of techniques and underlying theory, while two tutors felt that the programme did not improve their own theoretical basis of techniques. Conclusion. Participating and functioning as near-peer tutors had a positive influence on physiotherapy students’ perceptions of their own learning both in terms of own clinical technique competency, but also as teachers and facilitators of learning. It is hypothesised that these students will transition effectively between clinician and health advocator/teacher.
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    What does an enquiry-based approach offer undergraduate physiotherapy students in their final year of study?
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2014-10) Inglis-Jassiem, Gakeemah; Statham, Sue B.; Hanekom, Susan D.
    Background. Physiotherapy students in their final year at Stellenbosch University (SU) complete a module that follows an enquiry-based learning (EBL) approach. This module exposes them to higher-order problem solving and was developed to facilitate independent self-directed learning and improved higher-order thinking skills. Objective. To describe the perceptions of undergraduate physiotherapy students on the impact of this EBL approach on their learning. Methods.A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with three consecutive cohorts of final-year undergraduate physiotherapy students. A questionnaire was used to obtain information related to the students’ perception of this module. Coding and identification of themes were done independently using an inductive approach. Initial themes were compared and discussed to achieve consensus regarding the final themes reported. Results.Students reported the development of skills such as the ability to source relevant information and problem-solving abilities. Students attributed improvements in their clinical reasoning and performance during clinical work to the skills they developed during this module. The main themes identified as barriers to learning during this module were availability of learning materials, quality assurance and time constraints. Group work was identified as both a facilitator and a barrier to their learning. Conclusion. Physiotherapy students at SU perceived the introduction of a module following an EBL approach positively. They developed skills such as sourcing information and problem-solving, which they perceived improved their clinical work. The main barriers to learning were time constraints and concerns regarding quality assurance of learning material. Group work was regarded as both facilitatory and a barrier to learning. Programmes considering the implementation of EBL should ensure sufficient resource material and that quality assurance mechanisms are in place to address students’ anxiety regarding learning material. Guidance and support to students during the initial implementation phase of an EBL approach are necessary to allay fears and frustrations.