Knowledge In Practice In The Caring Professions

Knowledge-in-Practice in the Caring Professions explores the nature and role of knowledge in the practical work of the caring professions. It focuses on knowledge of the practical over the theoretical, looking at the application of theory and the implementation of skill, judgment and discretion. Containing contributions from experts in a variety of fields, the research within this book offers a unique perspective on professional practice as multi-disciplinary, illustrating shared and overlapping understandings in knowledge-in-practice between the different professions as well as understandings that are distinctive to each discipline. It underlines that in order to effectively address the range of social, psychological and health problems facing contemporary societies, professionals need to engage in cooperative models of practice.

Knowledge-in-Practice in the Caring Professions explores the nature and role of knowledge in the practical work of the caring professions. It focuses on knowledge of the practical over the theoretical, looking at the application of theory and the implementation of skill, judgment and discretion. Containing contributions from experts in a variety of fields, the research within this book offers a unique perspective on professional practice as multi-disciplinary, illustrating shared and overlapping understandings in knowledge-in-practice between the different professions as well as understandings that are distinctive to each discipline. It underlines that in order to effectively address the range of social, psychological and health problems facing contemporary societies, professionals need to engage in cooperative models of practice.

"This book trains students of the caring professions across health and social care in the basic philosophical skills and knowledge needed to deal with the ethical aspects of their profession, by showing why ethical education is required. Through teaching the skills of reasoning that equip professional to think critically about the theories and arguments used in ethical discussions, it shows how we can be confident that we can rely on common moral ground; but it also points out how we need to recognise the influence of different world-views and to note how, on some issues, these can lead us in starkly different directions. By explaining relevant philosophical theories and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses - particularly in relation to what is required for proper professional ethics, it demonstrates how to employ the commonly accepted framework of four ethical principles - beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice using two extended case studies - the problem of euthanasia, and the question of screening for disability and the value of human life. Ethical Basics for the Caring Professions is designed for use on all health and social care and human services courses on ethics and values. It will also be of interest to academics and professionals working within these fields"--

Health care professionals in the ever-changing world of contemporary medicine encounter challenges in the adequacy and capacity of their knowledge. This text explores these issues and helps the reader to develop their knowledge to meet the needs of the community. It provides a helpful reference to any kind of professional, whether from practice, education, or research backgrounds. The reader is able to develop a professional understanding of material in relation to the practice of epistemology in educational, research and practice/work-based learning. A wide variety of helpful information displays the impact of different settings on practice epistemology. Coverage of the expectations of society and employers in relation to professional knowledge and practice prepare the reader for real-world experiences. Important facts underpin the ethical and collaborative decision-making processes in clinical governance and effectiveness for both patients and caregivers. Using a comprehensive definition of evidence, this text shows the evidence base and its importance in research, policy making, educational programs and practice. Expansive coverage of different research paradigms on knowledge development provide the reader with a wide range of knowledge.

Giving clear guidance on the practice and theory of practice learning, this book draws on 15 years' experience and argues for a central role for practice learning in the education of the caring professions.

Health care systems worldwide are faced with the challenge of improving the quality of care. Providing evidence from health research is necessary but not sufficient for the provision of optimal care and so knowledge translation (KT), the scientific study of methods for closing the knowledge-to-action gap and of the barriers and facilitators inherent in the process, is gaining significance. Knowledge Translation in Health Care explains how to use research findings to improve health care in real life, everyday situations. The authors define and describe knowledge translation, and outline strategies for successful knowledge translation in practice and policy making. The book is full of examples of how knowledge translation models work in closing the gap between evidence and action. Written by a team of authors closely involved in the development of knowledge translation this unique book aims to extend understanding and implementation worldwide. It is an introductory guide to an emerging hot topic in evidence-based care and essential for health policy makers, researchers, managers, clinicians and trainees.

Phronesis is the Aristotelian notion of practical wisdom. In this collected series, phronesis is explored as an alternate way of considering professional knowledge. In the present context dominated by technical rationalities and instrumentalist approaches, a re-examination of the concept of phronesis offers a fundamental re-visioning of the educational aims in professional schools and continuing professional education programs. This book originated from a conversation amongst an interdisciplinary group of scholars from education, health, philosophy, and sociology, who share concerns that something of fundamental importance – of moral signi?cance – is missing from the vision of what it means to be a professional. The contributors consider the ways in which phronesis offers a generative possibility for reconsidering the professional knowledge of practitioners. The question at the centre of this inquiry is: “If we take phronesis seriously as an organising framework for professional knowledge, what are the implications for professional education and practice?” A multiplicity of understandings emerge as to what is meant by phronesis and how it might be reinterpreted, understood, applied, and extended in a world radically different to that of the progenitor of the term, Aristotle. For those concerned with professional life this is a conversation not to be missed.

The Institute of Medicine study Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001) recommended that an interdisciplinary summit be held to further reform of health professions education in order to enhance quality and patient safety. Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality is the follow up to that summit, held in June 2002, where 150 participants across disciplines and occupations developed ideas about how to integrate a core set of competencies into health professions education. These core competencies include patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. This book recommends a mix of approaches to health education improvement, including those related to oversight processes, the training environment, research, public reporting, and leadership. Educators, administrators, and health professionals can use this book to help achieve an approach to education that better prepares clinicians to meet both the needs of patients and the requirements of a changing health care system.