Rangahau Aranga: AUT Graduate Review
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Do oral health therapists need to collaborate?
It is imperative oral health therapists (OHTs) collaborate with peers from other disciplines. Interprofessional collaboration contributes to improved health outcomes, improvements in health systems, and increased patient and practitioner satisfaction (World Health Organisation, 2010). The legislation provides a clear mandate for interprofessional collaboration. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2019) clause 118 states professional regulatory authorities have a responsibility to promote collaboration across, and between health professionals in the delivery of health services. The World Health Organization (2010) explains that embedding interprofessional education (IPE) enables health graduates to develop the capability necessary to practice confidently as interprofessional collaborative practitioners. Despite these factors, IPE is not immersed within the AUT OHT curriculum. To inform and guide sustainable change in line with the evidence and legislative requirements, this study uses a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to draw on AUT OHT educators lived experiences of interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP), and applies an interpretative lens to understanding these experiences, informed by van Manen (1990). The findings from the research will provide insights that aim to inform future IPECP curriculum development. Taking an informed approach to developing IPE for AUT OHT students, it aims to prepare collaborative and practice-ready graduates, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of those they serve. In this presentation, I will highlight the importance of IPECP for OHT at AUT, share some of the stories told during the semi-structured interviews with AUT OHT educators on their lived experiences of IPECP and summarise my research to date
Examining a Regulatory Pathway for 3D Bioprinting: An Investigation into its Relationship with Intellectual Property and Human Rights
3D bioprinting comprises printing of organic material like bones, organs, and skin using one’s own cells as bioink. These synthetic replicas have the potential to cure disease or illness, provide an alternative to live donor transplantation, and increase the accuracy of research on the human body (Vermeulen et al., 2017; Murphy & Atala, 2014). Although a recent and still emerging technology as a derivative of 3D printing, research into the potential benefits and disadvantages of 3D bioprinting is growing. As a new and beneficial innovation, 3D bioprinting is arguably subject to intellectual property protection. Research in the field of biotechnology highlights the need to strike a balance between encouraging scientific research and development, while protecting the rights of the public (Andrews & Nelkin, 1998). However, studies that have examined the patentability of 3D bioprinting rarely address specific human rights concerns. Furthermore, investigation around the interaction of 3D bioprinting with other forms of intellectual property is lacking. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the science of 3D bioprinting and how it affects numerous human rights. This will be followed by an examination of whether the current intellectual property system is suitable for regulation of this invention. Doctrinal methodology is the primary research method employed to examine applicable law and legal regimes relating to 3D bioprinting, intellectual property and human rights. This research expands on existing literature and contributes to addressing the gap in the knowledge base. By analysing the interface of 3D bioprinting, intellectual property and human rights, this study aims to shed light on potential implications of intellectual property protection for 3D bioprinting technology and to offer potential pathways for ensuring that any regulatory measures prioritise and support human rights
Diagnostic accuracy and reliability of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) provocation tests: a systematic review
Provocation tests are routinely used in the diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) injuries by medical practitioners including physiotherapists and hand therapists. The accuracy and reliability of these tests are essential to ensure a correct diagnosis of injury. Despite their extensive clinical use, the current evidence on these tests is limited. The purpose of this review was to evaluate studies that examined accuracy and reliability of provocation tests for TFCC injuries. A systematic search was undertaken across six databases. Studies were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool, and the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) scale. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy metrics including reliability, sensitivity specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values were extracted. A total of 13 eligible studies were retrieved. Of this, five studies investigated reliability; this included three different provocation tests assessing both inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Eight studies investigated diagnostic accuracy, which included five different TFCC provocation tests. The majority of the diagnostic accuracy studies showed a lower risk of bias, and the reliability studies were of moderate to high quality. This review indicated that a small number of studies showed high reliability, which indicated consistency of the test both between different raters, and between the same rater at different times. However, reported estimates of accuracy indicated limited diagnostic utility. Only a few studies reached acceptable threshold values to determine its clinical usefulness, and there were large inconsistencies of findings between studies that investigated the same test. In this presentation, I will discuss the findings of this systematic review including the usefulness of individual provocation tests for the TFCC, the recommendations and application for clinical practise, and direction needed for future research
Will you listen to us?: A study highlighting the voice of Kashmiri youth to understand what influences their moral decision making
The world today faces varying forms of crises in every country – be it the global pandemic, religious conflict, or political instability. The impact of such crises is evident in learning spaces and lived experiences of youth in conflict regions. In this presentation, I highlight the influence of conflict and an unstable education system on the moral decision-making of Kashmiri youth. Based on a phenomenological framework and narrative methodology, preliminary findings from interviews on the experiences and opinions of Kashmiri youth, indicate that young people are leaving Kashmir in search of better education and a safer space to express themselves freely. The participants in my study highlight the impact of religion and biased governance in Kashmir that have exacerbated the social challenges faced by the youth. Echoing the findings of similar conflict studies, the Kashmiri youth emphasise that the discouraging education system, an uncertain future, and lack of avenues to express themselves have led to the active participation of youth in the fight for freedom and peace. There is added agitation in the youth due to their disconnect with the rest of the country and world. Studies suggest that educational instability and prolonged exposure to violence influence moral decision-making of youth (Ahad et al., 2019; Majumdar, 2019; Zucchelli & Ugazio, 2019). This research foregrounds the otherwise marginalised and silenced perspectives and voice of Kashmir’s youth. I suggest implications of this study for youth in other conflict regions
A pilot study to test the effect of the autoimmune protocol diet in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic auto-immune disease characterised by severe inflammation of the synovial lining of joints and affects mobility and quality of life. In New Zealand, RA affects an estimated 101,000 adults (1). A popular diet on social media is the Auto-Immune Protocol (AIP), an elimination diet that removes food groups proposed to have a negative impact on autoimmune diseases. Small studies have shown its efficacy in several chronic conditions including multiple sclerosis (2) and inflammatory bowel disease (3). Anecdotally many with RA report alleviation of symptoms using the AIP diet. To date, it has not been clinically tested on RA patients. I am presently conducting a 12-week pilot study, which incorporates quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the AIP diet for alleviating symptoms of RA. It comprises 2 phases: an initial 4-week control phase in which participants eat as usual, followed by an 8-week intervention in which subjects follow the AIP diet. Primary quantitative measures include changes in Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) questionnaires on quality of life, fatigue, pain, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Three-day diet diaries will be analysed for nutrient intakes. Semi-structured interviews provide feedback on the experiences of the participants of the diet. Eleven participants with RA were recruited. Two withdrew at 4 weeks. Four have completed all 12 weeks of the study, with all completing by 14th November. This presentation shows preliminary findings. Results to date show, of four participants, three have improved PRO scores for pain, sleep, and fatigue, compared to the control period. The other started with a low score and remained unchanged. These results will give both RA patients and health professionals information on the efficacy of AIP as an adjunct treatment for RA
Development of Employee Retention Strategies for the New Zealand Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the major employers in New Zealand and a significant contributor to economic growth. One of the main problems surrounding the construction sector is employee turnover. Voluntary employee turnover is costly and adversely impacts construction organizations. The long-term skill shortage issue within the industry and voluntary turnover, necessitate the retention of a qualified workforce. The development of effective employee retention strategies requires an understanding of turnover. Although the employee turnover phenomenon has been studied in different occupational groups and sectors, construction employee turnover has yet to be extensively investigated. Given the importance of the construction sector in New Zealand and the long-term difficulty of filling vacancies in professional roles, this research aims to develop retention strategies for professionals in the New Zealand construction industry. A mixed-methods approach will be applied. The qualitative stage using semi-structured interviews will identify the impact of employee turnover on construction organizations. It will provide practical implications about the importance of addressing turnover issues within construction organizations. During the next stage, a conceptual framework will be developed and tested using quantitative data from professionals in the New Zealand construction sector. This research will indicate the interaction effect of various factors on professionals’ turnover intention and further provide strategy implications for the retention of professionals within construction organizations. It makes practical and theoretical contributions to construction practices and literature. In practice, generated knowledge will ascertain the relative importance of different constructs on employees’ quitting decisions. It will help organizations to understand the underlying constructs of intention to quit and implement effective retention strategies. Theoretically, this research examines the possible mechanisms in which the integration of various factors leads to turnover intention. Further, it expands previous research to address repeated calls on studying employee turnover in different contexts
The role of intimate partner relationships on suicide risk among men in the construction sector in New Zealand (NZ): Understanding the interplay between work, family, and employee mental health
This oral presentation aims to illustrate a comprehensive literature review and methodology used in my study. The main purpose of this study is to explore the role of intimate partner relationships on suicide risk among men in the construction sector in NZ. The focus of my research is on relationship breakdown which is a predominant theme preceding suicide by men in the industry (Bryson et al., 2019). Several studies have investigated specific elements of intimate partner relationships associated with suicidality, including intimate partner violence and abuse (Devries et al., 2013; McLaughlin et al., 2012). There is currently no research within NZ that has explored the interplay between men’s work, family, and mental health. The underlying theoretical paradigms for this study will be interpretivism and critical theory. For this study, I will use qualitative research methodology because I seek to capture the experiences, perceptions and perspectives of construction workers, their spouses, and key stakeholders. My data collection for Study 1 will comprise of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders in the construction sector. Study 2 will comprise of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with construction workers across a range of occupations and their intimate partners. Recruitment of participants for Study 1 will be based on each participant having direct and current connection to the construction sector in NZ. Study 2 recruitment will be through the MATES in Construction Programme where participants will be selected from across a range of occupations within the sector. Furthermore, their partners will be invited to participate in the research. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the transcripts from the interviews. NVivo software will be used for data analysis to deduce the main themes and subthemes in the data coding. Currently, I am finalizing my confirmation of candidature; after which I intend to apply for ethical approval and plan to conduct fieldwork in NZ once this is received
What do women SIE careers look like?
This presentation aims to highlight the existing literature around self-initiated expatriation (SIE), gender and careers. One novel way of viewing these distinctive areas of literature is through a ‘going gender’ lens. SIE women are increasingly using expatriation as a source of career and lifestyle development. However, little detail is known for the career aspirations and expectations of these highly autonomous women, with a particular focus on the diverse, multi-dynamic factors influencing and impacting these individuals’ decision-making processes. Academics within the international mobility and gendered careers research spaces have identified the value of looking at the multidimensional nature of decision-making, career strategies, and experiences of internationally mobile individuals. Furthermore, recently, a ‘going gender’ framework is designed, an extension of the traditional ‘doing’ and ‘undoing’ gender theory, aiming to conceptualise the dynamic impact on gender that is experienced by women moving between different contextual spaces (Stenbacka & Frosberg, 2020). In this research study, I have adapted this framework to look specifically at the multi-dynamic factors influencing women SIEs and their careers, choosing to unpack the different layers of influence using a network thematic analysis. Using a life story approach, through a narrative inquiry methodology, this research study looks at the live stories of 15 self-identified SIEs. Initial findings align well with the framework identified, going far beyond the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, taking into consideration the impact that mobility has on their gender role identification and finally, how these together, have influenced their career aspirations and experiences between different geographic contexts. The outcome of this research study is to contribute to the ever-growing literature surrounding women SIEs and their diverse experiences, impact on identity, multi-faceted decision making, and lifestyle changes made, in order to pursue their career aspirations in different geographic spaces.  
When I Cry Into My Icosahedral Mermaid Womb, The Sea Cradles Me: Creating Imaginary Water Worlds For Suicidal Depression and Healing Through Multisensory Environments
Imagine a future where technology is liquid, where the human senses are entirely wet, foggy, mushy, and gooey. Where everything and everywhere is liquefied and watery. Where humans evolve into pluviophile (love of rain) and hydrophile species. Imagine what state our depressed and suicidal bodies would react to and sustain in this hyper-watery world. This thesis set out to reimagine and recreate my personal experiences with depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviours through a wet, watery, emotional, and hyper-futuristic narrative. The project aimed to design and create a series of immersive multi-sensory environments that provide therapeutic and healing spaces for mental health and well-being. Thus I have been informed by my personal story through imaginary water worlds and speculative fiction writing as a method of inquiry. These immersive multi-sensory works explore various emerging creative technologies to help realise my thesis project, such as using sound, interactive installation, digital, and extended reality (XR) technologies. I have used my own body, bodily experience, and personal feelings as a storytelling tool and primary material for my master's project. Water plays a significant role in my creative research and practice. Also, it hugely influences my writing, providing therapeutic and healing qualities. The approach to my research has drawn from methodological perspectives, including autophenomenography, first-person narrative, sensory ethnography, and speculative fiction through creative practice. I am using 'water' as a metaphorical guideline for methodological approaches to tie together as one, connecting these bodies of watery perspectives into an oceanic methodology. The significance of the research is the engagement and immersion of the multi-sensory environments through creating imaginary water worlds that offer a space for others to swim, dive, and acknowledge these critical issues relating to mental health by sharing personal stories and connections to their own experiences
Drawing on grief: Adapting heuristic inquiry in a practice led thesis
In this presentation, I consider the role and the nature of heurisitic inquiry in the creation of hybrid documentaries. These hybrid documentary artefacts combine interviews, observational video and various applications of animation to translate the narratives of grief into visual and sonic stories. In this research study, it is the grief we experience due to the loss of a loved one which is investigated. I am positioned as an ‘inside researcher’ (Kirpitchenko & Voloder, 2014) who examines a question that is both personally significant and existential. Using a heuristic inquiry through a self-investigation, a self-dialogue and a reflection, I build on my knowledge about the understanding of loss. This presentation uses my initial case studies of a practice-led inquiry to examine how a heuristic inquiry can be employed to enable a documentary maker to navigate internal pathways of the self, while interpreting other people’s shared, reflective narratives of grief. I will demonstrate how a heuristic inquiry can activate plasticity in exploration and heighten the potentials for discovery in the pursuit of a creative practice. Building on Wood’s (2004) assertion that heuristics is more concerned with discovery than the pursuit of proof, this research study considers a heuristic inquiry as a conceptual framework (Douglass & Moustakas, 1990), that engages intuitive questioning which enables similarities, analogies or homologies to surface while artistic data is being generated (Kleining and Witt, 2000). In the session, four novel processes of heuristic engagement will be discussed: maintaining a consciously poetic sensibility that embraces the vulnerability of the practitioner whilst protecting the interviewee; extending periods of indwelling and reflection on the artefacts produced; practicing aroha (showing consideration, connection, love and respect); and pursuing and embracing serendipity as a means of enhancing the possibilities for discovery and novel approaches to practice