Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-03-03"
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- Use of the PRINCE2 methodology in the development of environmental physiotherapy education projectPublication . Lopes, António Alves; Noronha, Miguel; Almeida, Patrícia; Vieira, Ana Isabel; Santana, Duarte; Dias, MatildeIntroduction: The Physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum aims to develop graduates who are competent in their field and capable of tackling complex challenges autonomously and creatively. A key focus is also to promote sustainable environmental practices, ensuring that future physiotherapists are equipped to integrate these principles into their professional activities. To achieve this, an adapted pedagogical strategy using the PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) project management methodology has been implemented for community projects. PRINCE2 is a structured, process-based approach that enhances the organization, management, and control of projects from initiation to closure. Its core principles—such as flexibility, defined roles and responsibilities, and a focus on quality—are instrumental in fostering best practices in project execution. This study explores the use of PRINCE2 in a community-based health education project aimed at enhancing Portuguese physiotherapists' awareness and integration of sustainable environmental practices in their clinical work. Methodology: During the spring semester of 2023, students from Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão, were introduced to a series of challenges to enhance sustainable environmental practices. The PRINCE2 methodology was presented, and roles such as Project Manager, Team Members, and Customer were assigned, with support from Subject Matter Experts. The methodology follows several stages: starting up the project, directing it, initiating, controlling each stage, managing product delivery, overseeing stage boundaries, and closing the project. At each step, roles and responsibilities were clearly defined to ensure smooth progress. The structured process guided students from an initial project mandate through planning and execution to the final evaluation of deliverables. Results: The final product of this project was the translation and adaptation of environmental educational materials for the Portuguese context, resulting in a guide for environmental physiotherapy practices. This adaptation aimed to enable Portuguese physiotherapists to integrate sustainable principles into their clinical practice and work environments. By applying the PRINCE2 methodology, students developed a resource that met quality expectations and equipped physiotherapists with tools to positively influence environmental health through their professional activities. Conclusions: The implementation of the PRINCE2 methodology demonstrated its feasibility for structuring community-based health education initiatives. The approach proved effective and adaptable, making it suitable for similar future projects. The outcomes highlight its dual impact: empowering physiotherapists with sustainable knowledge and contributing to broader efforts for environmental health. This underscores the relevance of incorporating structured project management frameworks like PRINCE2 in health education, preparing future physiotherapists to contribute to sustainability efforts at both local and global levels.
- Understanding student and faculty perspectives on artificial intelligence in health educationPublication . Lopes, António Alves; Delgado, João; Santos, Hugo; Silva, CláudiaIntroduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in healthcare, but there is limited research on students' and faculty members' knowledge, usage, and attitudes towards AI in education. This study aimed to evaluate both students' and faculty members' knowledge of AI, their attitudes towards integrating AI into health professions education, and to identify their needs, concerns, and perceptions of potential risks related to incorporating AI into the curriculum. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted using an online survey administered to students and faculty members at the Alcoitão School of Health Sciences during the 2023-2024 academic year. The student survey assessed knowledge of AI, use of AI in learning, attitudes towards AI integration in health education, and needs and concerns regarding AI. Likert-scale questions were used for structured evaluation. The faculty survey aimed to assess AI usage, attitudes towards AI integration, and perceived needs and challenges. Results: Responses from 154 students in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy programmes showed that, although many possessed a basic understanding of AI concepts (49.4%), there were notable gaps in their knowledge. AI was primarily used to support productivity and learning, but usage remained limited. Students generally held positive views towards AI (65.6%) but expressed concerns about its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving skills (68.8%). Concerns were also raised about AI's effects on critical thinking (68.8%), practical skills (62.4%), privacy (59.7%), and data security (59.7%). Clear guidelines and curricular adjustments were highlighted as important for effective AI integration. Responses from 58 faculty members in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy revealed mixed engagement with AI. While many used AI for personal productivity (56.9%), fewer employed it in teaching (32.8%) or research (22.4%). Attitudes towards AI were moderate (average score of 3.76 out of 5), with concerns regarding privacy, data security, and impacts on critical thinking and practical skills. There was strong support for professional training and guidelines for effective AI adoption (average score of 4.63). No significant differences were found between faculty with less than 20 years versus more than 20 years of experience, although more experienced faculty reported slightly higher AI usage in teaching. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the need for educational strategies that integrate AI as a valuable tool in healthcare education. Institutions should revise curricula to include AI-related content and address concerns. Clear guidelines on ethical AI use and practical experiences could enhance understanding of AI and better prepare students and educators for its application. Incorporating AI-related content and addressing both student and faculty concerns could better equip healthcare educators and professionals to adapt to technological changes, supporting their AI readiness in working filed.