Expert opinion on best practice guidelines and competency framework for visual screening in children

PURPOSE: Screening programs to detect visual abnormalities in children vary among countries. The aim of this study is to describe experts' perception of best practice guidelines and competency framework for visual screening in children. METHODS: A qualitative focus group technique was applied during the Portuguese national orthoptic congress to obtain the perception of an expert panel of 5 orthoptists and 2 ophthalmologists with experience in visual screening for children (mean age 53.43 years, SD ± 9.40). The panel received in advance a script with the description of three tuning competencies dimensions (instrumental, systemic, and interpersonal) for visual screening. The session was recorded in video and audio. Qualitative data were analyzed using a categorical technique. RESULTS: According to experts' views, six tests (35.29%) have to be included in a visual screening: distance visual acuity test, cover test, bi-prism or 4/6(Δ) prism, fusion, ocular movements, and refraction. Screening should be performed according to the child age before and after 3 years of age (17.65%). The expert panel highlighted the influence of the professional experience in the application of a screening protocol (23.53%). They also showed concern about the false negatives control (23.53%). Instrumental competencies were the most cited (54.09%), followed by interpersonal (29.51%) and systemic (16.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Orthoptists should have professional experience before starting to apply a screening protocol. False negative results are a concern that has to be more thoroughly investigated. The proposed framework focuses on core competencies highlighted by the expert panel. Competencies programs could be important do develop better screening programs.

Atividades de marketing e comunicação : a loja EXPERT em Ponta Delgada

O estágio decorreu na empresa Susiarte, mais precisamente numa das suas lojas, a de Ponta Delgada. A sua principal atividade é o comércio de eletrodomésticos, aparelhos de rádio e de televisão. O estágio teve duração de 12 meses, iniciando-se em 2 de janeiro de 2012 e com o termo a 31 de Dezembro de 2012. Os objetivos do estágio tiveram como finalidade a realização de atividades de marketing inerentes à empresa para obtenção do grau de mestre. Na última parte deste relatório são apresentadas algumas lacunas da loja. Após detetar questões a melhorar é feito todo um processo de planeamento e a realização de atividades de marketing na loja EXPERT, em Ponta Delgada, visando o aumento de vendas anuais.