Emer M. Barrett

Purpose: Performance-based assessment (PBA) plays a pivotal role in evaluating allied health and nursing students' readiness for independent clinical practice. Despite its importance, training for clinical educators in PBA is often ad hoc and inconsistent. This scoping review aimed to map the landscape of existing PBA education programmes for allied health and nursing educators and describe their content, format and educational impact. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidance. Searches of five electronic databases and three grey literature collections were performed for publications from 2000 to 2025. Articles were included if they reported on design, implementation or evaluation of PBA educator programmes. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by three reviewers using a standardized tool to chart programme characteristics, instructional strategies, outcome measures and educational impact. Data were synthesized descriptively. Findings: Of 5,306 records screened, nine studies met inclusion criteria. Programme durations ranged from 1–15 h, primarily delivered via in-person workshops (n = 8/9). Instructional strategies frequently included interactive workshops, video-based simulation of student's performance and guided practice. Outcome measures focused on educators' self-reported confidence, knowledge gains and rating accuracy, with most studies reporting improvements. Practical implications: Results indicated that interactive, simulation-based workshops enhance educators' assessment skills, knowledge and confidence. However, important gaps remain regarding optimal programme length, pedagogical frameworks, translational of training into the work environment and longitudinal outcomes. Originality/value: Standardized, evidence-informed training is needed to ensure reliable PBA practices and maintain the integrity of competency-based education.

Background: Globally, adolescent girls are one of the least active populations, with ~ 15% meeting WHO physical activity (PA) guidelines. This review offers the first quantitative synthesis of recruitment rates into PA randomised controlled trials targeting adolescent girls and identifies strategies which appear most promising, providing actionable guidance for PA providers and researchers. Methods: Five databases were searched, supplemented by citation hand-searches. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of girls aged 10–19 years with PA interventions lasting ≥ 4 weeks that reported recruitment rates or pre-determined recruitment goals; studies limited to clinical populations or athletes were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean recruitment rates overall and by subgroups such as age, socioeconomic status, and programme setting, while correlation and regression analyses examined associations between recruitment strategies and recruitment outcomes. Results: Fifteen thousand one hundred records were identified; 37 through citation search. After removing duplicates ( n = 8,603), 6,407 records were screened by title and abstract and 134 full texts assessed. Following consensus, 27 studies were included; 23/27 were school-based. The mean recruitment rate was 62.6% (± 27.8), decreasing to 56.5% (± 35.0) in low-SES populations. Incomplete reporting of the recruitment funnel was common. Recruitment was higher amongst younger (65.9% ± 26.7) versus older (51.2% ± 32.1) girls. Teacher involvement was associated with improved recruitment: when teachers were financially supported to organise activities (R ² = 0.44, p = 0.005) or followed up for consent with absent girls (R ² = 0.25, p = 0.048). Recruitment goals were achieved in 68% of studies, particularly those using researcher presentations or PA taster sessions ( r = 0.52, p = 0.041). School-based programmes during class time recruited more effectively (62.3% ± 28.1) than those offered at optional times (54.9% ± 30.9). Incentives for girls was associated with the lowest recruitment rates (51.2% ± 32.1) and reduced retention (R ² = 0.39, p = 0.024). Mean retention was high (84.9% ± 13.3); better in school-based (86.0% ± 12.6) versus non-school-based (81.2% ± 16.3) programmes and improved when fitness assessments were included (R ² = 0.24, p = 0.020). Conclusion: Recruiting adolescent girls into PA programmes is feasible but challenging. Teacher engagement, integrating PA into school timetables, and interactive approaches (presentations, tasters) emerged as potentially promising strategies for recruiting girls, though the evidence base was predominantly school-based and reporting of recruitment strategies was often incomplete.

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, placing substantial demands on health systems and economies. Social prescribing (SP), a means to link individuals to non-medical, community-based supports and activities, is a promising strategy to address social determinants of health and support self-management among people living with NCDs, potentially decreasing the demands on the healthcare system and improve well-being. Despite its growing implementation worldwide, evidence on clinical outcomes of SP remains inconsistent, and economic data are scarce. Given the rapid global expansion of SP there is a need for timely, policy-relevant evidence, that considers the diversity of SP models implemented worldwide. This rapid systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of SP interventions for people living with NCDs on clinical-, social- and cost-related outcomes. Methods We will follow Cochrane Rapid Reviews recommendations. Eligible studies will include adults (=18 years) with at least one physical NCD, referred to community-based SP activities through any SP model. Quantitative studies with a comparison group, as well as economic evaluations, will be included. Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL, limited to English-language, peer-reviewed publications from the last ten years. Two independent reviewers will screen data, and one reviewer will extract data with verification by a second reviewer. Risk of bias will be assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. Where appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model, otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be undertaken. Certainty of evidence will be evaluated using GRADE. Conclusion This review will provide timely evidence on the effectiveness and economic implications of SP for people living with NCDs. Findings may inform future research and health policy, on the development of sustainable, person-centred models of care integrating community sectors and health systems.

Background Physical activity is essential for youth physical and mental health, yet just 15% of adolescent girls versus 22% of adolescent boys worldwide meet the World Health Organization guideline of at least an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. As activity patterns established in adolescence often persist into adulthood, there is a looming risk of adverse health outcomes due to insufficient physical activity. A persistent challenge faced by physical activity providers, however, is recruiting adolescent girls into their programmes. This systematic review will quantitatively synthesise existing knowledge surrounding the recruitment of adolescent girls into physical activity interventions and aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal recruitment practices. Methods Five electronic databases will be searched to identify randomised controlled trials of physical activity interventions for adolescent girls worldwide. Hand-searches of reference lists of included randomised controlled trials, relevant systematic reviews, and author publications will also be conducted. Data will be extracted regarding study, participant, and intervention characteristics, pre-determined recruitment goals, recruitment strategies employed, and the number of participants screened, eligible, approached, randomised, and retained. Outcomes will include whether pre-determined recruitment goals were met, recruitment rate, and any adapted or extended recruitment measures required mid-study. Descriptive statistics, including the median recruitment rate for all included studies, will be calculated and stratified by subgroups such as the type or setting of physical activity. Recruitment strategies will be categorised, and the percentage of studies using each category, along with their associated recruitment rates, will be documented. If sufficient studies are found, multi-variable regression will be employed to determine if the use of a specific recruitment strategy increases enrolment. Discussion Application of the findings of this review by physical activity programme providers may enhance their recruitment processes, potentially increasing teenage girls’ physical activity enrolment worldwide. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD#42023475858

Intermediaries facilitate connections to community-based services and supports, including physical activity and exercise groups, and are an emerging method to promote physical activity participation. However, their processes when establishing connections to community-based physical activities are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the processes, practices, and procedures of Irish intermediaries when connecting people to community-based physical activity. This was a qualitative descriptive design study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with n = 27 intermediaries from a variety of sectors—Health Promotion and Improvement [HPO], Local Sports Partnerships [LSO] and Social Prescribing [SP]. Four themes were identified using qualitative content analysis; 1) the processes of connecting to an intermediary, 2) connecting individuals to physical activity, 3) exiting from the intermediary service and 4) working in the local context. Intermediaries reported that they received referrals for individuals with physical, mental, and social health needs, but that referrals to improve physical activity specifically were low. They used a person-centred approach throughout their process, often addressing barriers to physical activity. However, only LSO and SP facilitated connections to physical activity, as HPO mainly focused on delivering smoking cessation support and services. Levels of support given and length of follow-up varied between LSO and SP, with the latter providing more intensive support. To facilitate their work, they developed extensive local knowledge and networks of partners, which enabled connections to a variety of community-based physical activities. Intermediaries may be an under-utilized resource to promote physical activity. Understanding the processes used in their interventions can inform future research, which is needed to investigate the effectiveness of intermediaries in improving physical activity levels and to inform future referral pathways.

Background Physical activity is essential for youth physical and mental health, yet just 15% of adolescent girls versus 22% of adolescent boys worldwide meet the World Health Organization guideline of at least an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. As activity patterns established in adolescence often persist into adulthood, there is a looming risk of adverse health outcomes due to insufficient physical activity. A persistent challenge faced by physical activity providers, however, is recruiting adolescent girls into their programmes. This systematic review will quantitatively synthesise existing knowledge surrounding the recruitment of adolescent girls into physical activity interventions and aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal recruitment practices. Methods Five electronic databases will be searched to identify randomised controlled trials of physical activity interventions for adolescent girls worldwide. Hand-searches of reference lists of included randomised controlled trials, relevant systematic reviews, and author publications will also be conducted. Data will be extracted regarding study, participant, and intervention characteristics, pre-determined recruitment goals, recruitment strategies employed, and the number of participants screened, eligible, approached, randomised, and retained. Outcomes will include whether pre-determined recruitment goals were met, recruitment rate, and any adapted or extended recruitment measures required mid-study. Descriptive statistics, including the median recruitment rate for all included studies, will be calculated and stratified by subgroups such as the type or setting of physical activity. Recruitment strategies will be categorised, and the percentage of studies using each category, along with their associated recruitment rates, will be documented. If sufficient studies are found, multi-variable regression will be employed to determine if the use of a specific recruitment strategy increases enrolment. Discussion Application of the findings of this review by physical activity programme providers may enhance their recruitment processes, potentially increasing teenage girls’ physical activity enrolment worldwide. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD#42023475858

Connecting inactive individuals to local physical activity (PA) and exercise, via intermediaries (professionals who can facilitate and support connections to non-medical services) may be an effective method to tackle physical inactivity. Evidence regarding the processes of intermediaries, the profile of people referred, how connections to local PA and exercise are made and outcomes of these connections is lacking. This scoping review followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches of four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL) and an extensive grey literature search were conducted from inception to June 2022. Full-text studies which reported on community-dwelling adults (population), and the processes of intermediaries (concept) when connecting to local PA and exercise (context) were considered for inclusion. A logic model was created to map processes to outcomes. Evidence advances and gaps were identified. N = 28 studies were identified. Participants referred to an intermediary were older, female, and with poorer health. Where possible, the processes of referral, assessment, follow-up and discharge by intermediaries were described, as well as the local PA and exercise services used. Short-term PA outcomes appeared positive after working with intermediaries, but many studies were poorly described, and the review was not designed to examine effectiveness of this intervention. Many aspects of the processes were poorly described. More robust studies evaluating the processes of intermediaries are needed, as well as further exploration of the optimum processes in improving PA outcomes.

Background Physical activity is essential for youth physical and mental health, yet just 15% of adolescent girls versus 22% of adolescent boys worldwide meet the World Health Organization guideline of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. As activity patterns established in adolescence often persist into adulthood, there is a looming risk of adverse health outcomes due to insufficient physical activity. A persistent challenge faced by physical activity providers, however, is recruiting adolescent girls into their programmes. This systematic review will quantitatively synthesise existing knowledge surrounding the recruitment of adolescent girls into physical activity interventions and aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal recruitment practices. Methods Five electronic databases will be searched to identify randomised controlled trials of physical activity interventions for adolescent girls worldwide. Hand-searches of reference lists of included randomised controlled trials, relevant systematic reviews, and author publications will also be conducted. Data will be extracted regarding study, participant, and intervention characteristics, pre-determined recruitment goals, recruitment strategies employed, and the number of participants screened, eligible, approached, randomised, and retained. Outcomes will include whether pre-determined recruitment goals were met, recruitment rate, and any adapted or extended recruitment measures required mid-study. Descriptive statistics, including the median recruitment rate for all included studies, will be calculated and stratified by subgroups such as the type or setting of physical activity. Recruitment strategies will be categorised, and the percentage of studies using each category, along with their associated recruitment rates, will be documented. If sufficient studies are found, multi-variable regression will be employed to determine if the use of a specific recruitment strategy increases enrolment. Discussion Application of the findings of this review by physical activity programme providers may enhance their recruitment processes, potentially increasing teenage girls’ physical activity enrolment worldwide. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD#42023475858

Background Performance-based assessment (PBA) is a complex process undertaken in the workplace by healthcare practitioners known as clinical educators, who assist universities in determining health professional students’ readiness for independent practice. Preparing healthcare professionals for PBA is considered essential to ensuring the quality of the assessment process in the clinical learning environment. A preliminary search of the literature indicated a paucity of research guiding the development of education programmes that support practice educators to understand and implement PBA. Objective The aim of this scoping review is to investigate and describe education programmes delivered to allied health and nursing clinical educators, to develop PBA knowledge and skills. Methods This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for conducting scoping reviews. Electronic databases relevant to this research topic will be searched including, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science and CINAHL and other targeted databases for grey literature. Studies that include PBA as the main focus or a component of the education programmes, of any format, delivered to clinical educators in allied health and nursing will be included. Studies may report the design and/or implementation and/or evaluation of PBA education programmes. Relevant English language publications will be sought from January 2000 to October 2022. Two reviewers will screen all titles and abstracts against the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and publications deemed relevant will be eligible for full text screening, confirming appropriateness for inclusion in the scoping review. Data will be charted to create a table of the results, supported a by narrative summary of the findings in line with the review objectives.