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Faculty of Health Sciences

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    A practice framework to enhance the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning : a case study of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology
    (2021-12-01) Shelembe, Thobile Namsile Vina; Sibiya, Nokuthula M.; Nkosi, B. P.
    Background The South African Department of Education promulgated the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a transformation strategy. However, a gap has been identified between the promise, the rhetoric of RPL and reality. An inconsistency in RPL assessments is also a problem as programmes are assessed differently. Aim The aim of this study was to explore and review the extent of RPL in the Faculty of Health Sciences and ultimately, develop a practice framework to enhance the RPL implementation. Methodology This study employed a multistage mixed method approach, using a case study framework. The first stage utilized the collection of qualitative data through semistructured interviews. The second stage utilized quantitative data collection through candidate’s portfolios of evidence, checking availability of documents required as evidence of prior experiential learning and competencies. The third stage also utilized the collection of quantitative data through reviewing the selection criteria, learner profiling and approval process, using the flow chart for RPL application and approval process. At each stage, the researcher drew upon strengths in the data collected which provided innovative approaches for addressing contemporary issues and ultimately achieving the goal of developing a theoretical model to enhance RPL implementation in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. Findings The findings in this study revealed that RPL selection criteria in the Faculty of Health Sciences were in place. However, the findings further revealed that only one department had adequate profiling, support and mentor of candidates before development of portfolios of evidence. In all other departments, there was no evidence of learner profiling. Conclusion The Faculty of Health Sciences needs to put strategies in place to enhance the implementation of RPL. Several factors that influenced the implementation of RPL were identified, thus highlighting the need to develop a tailored practice framework for the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT. The findings of the study, in relation to its objectives, highlight the focus areas for developing a tailored practice framework.
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    Upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries among chiropractic students at the Durban University of Technology
    (2021-05-27) Singh, Kyle Andrew; Padayachy, Keseri
    Background: Chiropractic students the world over undergo rigorous training in manual therapy, specifically musculoskeletal manipulation and adjustment. These therapeutic modalities involve the use of the upper extremity to deliver its effects, usually with high velocity and force. This leaves the upper extremity vulnerable to injury, as a result of the repetitive and forceful nature of these manual techniques. Despite this risk, the research available on work-related musculoskeletal injuries of chiropractic students in South Africa is limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries among chiropractic students at the Durban University of Technology, and selected risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Method: The study design was a quantitative, descriptive, self-administered questionnaire study that used the total available population. The questionnaire was adapted from a similar study and included the use of a pilot study. The questionnaire had three sections: the first for demographic data, the second was applicable for any new injury to the upper extremity from work-related tasks, and the third was applicable for any old injuries to the upper extremity that were aggravated by work-related tasks. Prevalence was estimated using 95% confidence intervals. Factors associated with injury were assessed at univariate level, using Pearson’s chi-square tests and t-tests, and factors associated at the <0.1 level were selected as independent variables in a multiple logistic regression model to predict risk of injury. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. A stepwise backward selection method, based on likelihood ratios, was used to arrive at a final model consisting only of statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05). Chi-square testing and cross-tabulations were performed on the use of dominant hand and injury. Results: Eighty-six chiropractic students (n=86) were eligible for the study, seventy-seven elected to participate in the study, giving a response rate of 93.9%. The period prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries was 59.7% (95% CI 47.93 to 70.57%). The most commonly injured areas were the wrist (60%), shoulder (20%) and hand (17%), with majority of the injuries involving the soft tissue structures: muscle/ tendon strain (42%), ligament sprain (17%) and tendinitis (17%). Most injuries occurred during adjustive procedures (74%) and ischemic compression (19%). None of the demographic variables showed a significant association with prevalence of injury, apart from a moderately non-significant association with year of study (p=0.080). The frequent use of electro-modalities (p=0.073) and temperature therapy (p=0.077) were suggestive of possible associations, however, were not statistically significant. The results showed no significant differences between frequency of adjustments and injury. Despite an absence of statistical significance, a trend was noted showing an increased likelihood of injury when adjusting with the dominant hand. Conclusion: The study findings are consistent with those of similar international and local studies on the chiropractic profession (both academic training and professional), determining a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The wrist was most commonly injured when performing adjustive procedures with the dominant hand. This study is in response to a call for further investigation and will help in future efforts to develop an injury preventative strategy for chiropractic training institutions.
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    The development of a training programme for child and youth care student volunteers at the Durban University of Technology
    (2020-11-30) Chetty, Kimberly Ellen; Bhagwan, Raisuyah
    Many universities have recruited student volunteers to become involved in community outreach and service activities to assist non-governmental organisations and communities. Student volunteers have become important intermediaries, establishing and embedding bridges between universities and communities, helping build local communities. Students within the Child and Youth Care Programme at the Durban University of Technology volunteered at different organisations such as schools, community centres, children‘s homes and development centres to initiate volunteer projects that would contribute to these community partners. These projects included creating food gardens, fundraising initiatives, conducting skills workshops and assistance with local food drives. Hence, this study sought to understand the nature of their student volunteer experiences as well as explore the values, principles and skills used in undertaking their volunteer work. Furthermore, it sought to determine aspects that underpin a training programme for student volunteers. A qualitative research methodology was used to guide the study and collect data from one purposively selected sample, namely the BTech students within the Child and Youth Care programme at the Durban University of Technology. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion was held with these fourteen participants. The data was then analysed thematically. Findings from the study showed that students valued their volunteer projects and made a connection with the experience they had, being that it enabled social responsibility and heightened their levels of altruism. In addition, students viewed themselves as change agents within the community and found volunteering to be a process of co-learning. The interviews with participants also reinforced the need for ongoing partnerships between universities and communities and the role each of these stakeholders play in eliciting and strengthening community engagement. Furthermore, students highlighted that volunteerism enhances graduate attributes and prepared them for working in the field. As students ventured into communities, it was pertinent to discover how these students could be further supported, equipped and managed, to fulfil their volunteer role purposively but also to represent the university meaningfully. Together with the data collected, a review of international and local university volunteer programmes was compiled in order to deduce the most crucial and relevant information needed for sufficient student training. This facilitated the development of a student volunteer training handbook which can be used to empower, motivate and recruit future volunteers within the university.