The Philippine Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (PhIPEC) Conference is the first-ever national program held in the Philippines on interprofessional education and collaboration (IPEC). This project, initiated through an inter-university partnership between University of Santo Tomas and Angeles University Foundation, aimed to facilitate uniform understanding of IPEC across higher education institutions and health facilities as well as to instigate IPEC related researches in the country. The two-day conference was able to gather over 80 participants from more than 10 health and social care professions and 15 speakers who shared their expertise in health education and practice. Aside from these, the initiative has also gathered more than 500 followings in Facebook Page and 161 members in the mailing list. With the turn-out of this initiative, there was a move to rename the group into PhIPEC Network. The network has been agreed upon to serve as an informal entity that represents a collective of Filipino health and social care professionals towards advocating collaborative learning and health care services. Future directions were also determined focused on considering IPEC initiatives in education, practice, research, and policies.
Interdisciplinary Placement

Feeding Behavior ; Obesity ; Overweight

Objective: This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and discriminant validity of the Filipino Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (F-KOOS) among community-dwellers with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study also examined the suitability of the F-KOOS in terms of relevance and ease of understanding Methods: This psychometric study utilized a cross-sectional design. Participants (>50 years old) with knee pain and soreness were recruited from the community and were medically diagnosed with knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria. Participants were instructed to report for two sessions approximately two weeks apart. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of participants and suitability in answering F-KOOS. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were determined through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Cronbach alpha, respectively. Discriminant validity was examined by comparing those with and without knee OA using independent t-test (p<0.05) per F-KOOS subscale. Results and Discussion: A total of 53 participants (35 females, 18 males) with a mean age of 69.67+5.83 years old were included in the study. The domains of the KOOS in the pre-test and re-test range from 0.30 to 0.78 (p<0.05), indicating good test-retest reliability between two assessment points. All domains of the F-KOOS had high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha of > 0.7) ranging from 0.87 to 0.96. Discriminant validity of all domains of F-KOOS between participants diagnosed with and without knee OA showed p-values <0.01 which indicate a significant difference between both groups. In terms of preference, out of 40 participants who answered the survey, 55-85% expressed ease and satisfaction in answering F-KOOS. Conclusion The study demonstrated that the F-KOOS has an acceptable test-retest reliability, good internal consistency, and discriminant validity in individuals with knee OA. The study further determined that the use of the F-KOOS is appropriate, relevant, and easy to understand in the community setting.
Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care

Introduction: The bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is used for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Evidence reports a much lower incidence of COVID-19 in TB-endemic areas implying a possible protective mechanism of BCG in countries with mandated BCG policies. The objective of the study is to synthesize and critically evaluate the effectiveness of national BCG vaccination policies in reducing infection and severity of COVID-19 in their native population.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search using pre-identified keywords will be done in PubMed, Cochrane, HERDIN Plus, WPRIM, Web of Science and EBSCO databases. After the initial selection of studies based on eligibility criteria, methodological appraisal will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal instruments and an adapted quality assessment checklist for ecologic studies. Relevant data will be extracted and synthesized including reporting descriptive and inferential statistics to interpret results.

Results: The study will generate a systematic review synthesizing evidence regarding the effects of BCG in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion: The battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and as such, further studies must be undertaken to verify the evidence behind initial strategies in battling it. This includes the use of BCG in decreasing COVID-19 incidence and mortality. The results of the review can ultimately guide health authorities and policy makers create evidence-based decisions regarding BCG vaccination policies and clinical trials related to COVID-19 control and prevention.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42021244060

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic greatly affected the educational system. Schools and universities were necessitated to adapt from a traditional classroom set-up to an online virtual mode of learning. The University of Santo Tomas – College of Rehabilitation Sciences adapted Blackboard as its primary learning management system, bringing new perceptions and opinions among its primary users- the faculty and students. OBJECTIVE: The study’s objective is to determine the perception of students and faculty from the CRS on using Blackboard as a medium for enhanced virtual learning during the pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Researchers will utilize phenomenological qualitative research for this study as it seeks to study the living experiences of students and faculty members during the pandemic concerning online classes compared to face-to-face courses. Purposive sampling via maximum variation will be used to recruit 3rd year and 4th-year students and faculty members who experienced both face-to-face and online classes. The researchers will employ guide questions during the focus group discussions (FGD) conducted via Zoom. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic analysis through Nvivo following Hancock’s guidelines. The researchers will use the CORE-Q checklist to appraise the paper and affirm its validity. EXPECTED RESULTS The findings will include the varied perceptions of students and faculty about using Blackboard for online learning during the pandemic. Results are expected to help the education stakeholders better understand the perceptions of faculty and students to evaluate the use of the learning management system, amend necessary changes, and create relevant policies for the betterment of online learning delivery. Transcripts are expected to result in themes and subthemes that will help researchers identify the features of Blackboard that aid in the delivery of faculty lessons and students’ learning process.

BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden transition to online learning, students experience academic difficulties, which are correlated to physical and mental health. The need for implementation of an online wellbeing intervention program for students may lead to better health and improved academic performance. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a six-week online educational wellbeing program for University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) students on their physical and mental health. METHOD: This will utilize a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, with purposive sampling of at least 40 participants with no physical and/or mental condition. Participants’ eligibility will be screened using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms. Wix platform will be used to assess participants’ well-being, which encompasses psychological and physical activities including physical activity tracking, virtual group exercises, Positive Psychological Intervention, walking, motivational interviewing, mindfulness exercises, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and World Health Organization-Five WellBeing Index will be used as pre and post-tests. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize data and inferential statistics for Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon. EXPECTED RESULTS The findings will include the participants’ responses on the feasibility of the physical and mental wellbeing components of the proposed online program. Results are expected to be beneficial to students and university personnel for promoting a conducive learning environment and may be recommended for college-wide online program implementation.
online ; feasibility