scholarly journals Exploring Interactions in the Sickness Insurance System in Terms of Power and Trust

Author(s):  
Elin A. Karlsson ◽  
Jan L. Sandqvist ◽  
Ida Seing ◽  
Christian Ståhl

AbstractPurpose Activation policies and efforts to reduce sick leave rates has influenced sickness insurance systems in Western countries, which has led to social security being more connected with work and attempts to expose malingering among the sickness absent. The aim of this study was to explore how power and trust are expressed by clients and stakeholders within the Swedish sickness insurance system. Methods This was a longitudinal qualitative study based on semi structured interviews and case files from 31 clients on sick leave in Sweden. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results The main theme ‘Acts of power and distrust’ illustrates how stakeholders’ express suspicions towards each other, and how clients need to demonstrate desire and efforts to return to work which other stakeholders verified. Conclusions The clients desire to prove themselves able to contribute to society was prominent in this study and power relations need to be acknowledged, in particular between client and the SIA. Further, to preserve citizens trust in the system, the system needs to demonstrate trust also in the clients.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Bennie ◽  
Courtney C. Walton ◽  
Donna O’Connor ◽  
Lauren Fitzsimons ◽  
Thomas Hammond

Research about the Olympic Games has primarily focused on preparing athletes for competition. Less attention has been paid to the post-Olympic-phase (POP) and athlete well-being during this time. This study explored Australian Olympic athletes’ experiences following the conclusion of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, including the factors that may have contributed to or challenged their well-being during this time. Eighteen athletes participated in semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis revealed that when Olympic performance appraisal met prior expectations, when athletes planned for a return to work or study, and when support from a variety of sources was readily available, this positively influenced athletes’ well-being during the POP. When these factors were not in place, more challenging post-Games experiences were present, and well-being was compromised. The findings contribute to the broader literature on elite athlete well-being and at an applied level, may be used to inform targeted programs that focus on supporting athletes after an Olympic campaign.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2299
Author(s):  
Rachael M. McLean ◽  
Zhengxiu Xie ◽  
Vicky Nelson ◽  
Vili Nosa ◽  
Hla Thein ◽  
...  

People receiving haemodialysis have considerable and complex dietary and healthcare needs, including co-morbidities. A recent New Zealand study has shown that few patients on haemodialysis are able to meet nutritional requirements for haemodialysis. This study aims to describe the perspectives and experiences of dietary management among patients on haemodialysis in New Zealand. This exploratory qualitative study used in-depth semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from different ethnic groups. Forty interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive approach was taken using thematic analysis. Forty participants were interviewed. Participants spoke of major disruption to their lives as a result of their chronic kidney disease and being on haemodialysis, including loss of employment, financial challenges, loss of independence, social isolation and increased reliance on extended family. Most had received adequate dietary information, although some felt that more culturally appropriate support would have enabled a healthier diet. These findings show that further support to make the recommended dietary changes while on haemodialysis should focus on socio-cultural factors, in addition to the information already provided.


Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Altahtooh ◽  
Thamir Alaskar

Despite the importance of milestone as a key knowledge in project management, there has been lack of research to understand the relationship between milestones and decision-making. This paper presents a pragmatic research context that aims understanding the nature of milestones and their relationship with different decision-making structures and responsibilities across projects. Data were collected through 14 semi-structured interviews with project managers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings explore the concepts of project milestones among project managers in Saudi Arabia. The paper finds that there is a relationship between milestones and the impact on decision-making.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 2464-2474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marthe R Egberts ◽  
Rinie Geenen ◽  
Alette EE de Jong ◽  
Helma WC Hofland ◽  
Nancy EE Van Loey

A burn injury event and subsequent hospitalization are potentially distressing for children. To elucidate the child’s experience of pediatric burn injury, children’s reflections on the burn event and its aftermath were examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight children (12–17 years old). Using thematic analysis, interview transcripts were coded and codes were combined into overarching categories. Three categories were identified: vivid memories; the importance of parental support; psychosocial impact and coping. Implications for care are discussed in terms of assessing children’s appraisals, paying attention to the parent’s role, and preparing families for potential psychological barriers after discharge.


Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 776-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Hobden ◽  
Mary Swallow ◽  
Charlotte Beer ◽  
Tom Dening

Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N = 4), carers or companions (N = 4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N = 6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants, (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience, (3) the impact of dementia and (4) how participants valued being part of a group ‘all in the same boat’. ‘Dementia friendly swimming’ appears to be a valuable form of exercise, but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen.


Author(s):  
Viviana Dávalos-Batallas ◽  
Vinita Mahtani-Chugani ◽  
Carla López-Núñez ◽  
Víctor Duque ◽  
Fatima Leon-Larios ◽  
...  

Background: The worldwide need for palliative care is high, especially in mid- income countries like Ecuador, where the percentage of patients receiving such care is very small due to the scarcity of infrastructure and specialized personnel and to the unequal distribution in the country. The objective of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes and expectations related to palliative care of the physicians in Ecuador. Methods: A qualitative study based on 28 semi-structured interviews, from March 2014 to November 2016, with physicians working in four cities in Ecuador recruited through the snowball technique. Thematic analysis was developed supported by the ATLAS.ti software. Results: Five core themes were identified: (1) training, (2) health policy, (3) professionals’ activities, (4) health services and (5) development of palliative care in Ecuador. Conclusions: Strategies are needed which intensify the training of medical professional in palliative care, as well as avail the human resources and materials for providing it.


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp19X702809
Author(s):  
Ben Bowers ◽  
Kristian Pollock ◽  
Sam Barclay ◽  
Stephen Barclay

BackgroundGPs have a central role in decisions about prescribing anticipatory medications (AMs) to help control symptoms at the end of life. Little is known about GPs’ decision-making processes in prescribing AMs and the subsequent use of prescribed drugs.AimTo explore GPs’ decision-making processes in the prescribing and use of AMs for patients at the end of life.MethodA qualitative interpretive descriptive enquiry with a purposive sample of 13 GPs working across one English county. Data was collected in 2017 via semi-structured interviews and analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were constructed from the data: 1) ‘Something we can do’: AMs were a tangible intervention GPs felt they could offer to provide symptom relief for patients approaching death. 2) ‘Getting the timing right’: the prescribing of AMs was recognised as a harbinger of death for patients and families. GPs preferred to prescribe drugs weeks before death was expected, while recognising this meant that many prescribed AMs were never used. 3) ‘Delegating care while retaining accountability’: GPs relied on nurse to assess when to administer drugs and keep them updated about their use.ConclusionGPs view AMs as key to symptom management for dying people. AMs are routinely prescribed even though they are often not used. In order to feel comfortable delegating care, GPs need regular access to nurses and trust in their skills to administer drugs appropriately. Patient and family experiences of AMs, and their preference for involvement in decision-making about their use warrant urgent investigation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Maddineshat ◽  
Efat Sadeghian ◽  
Ali Ghaleiha ◽  
Mitra Khalafbeigi ◽  
Fatemeh Cheraghi

Abstract Background: Many factors affect return to work (RTW) in employees and workers (hereinafter referred to as working people) with serious mental illness (SMI). Identifying these factors can prevent long-term sick leave absence and work disability. Aim: The current study was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers RTW in working people with SMI admitted to a psychiatric hospital and clinic affiliated with the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2020 on 27 participants with SMI, families, supervisors, managers, and mental health team members. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. A total of 40 interviews were conducted face-to-face and fallow-up by the telephone. The interviews were based on a conventional content analysis approach.Results: Two main themes emerged, including social support and RTW's challenges. Social support consisted of four main categories: emotional support, information support, instrumental support, and supervisor's flexibility. RTW's challenges consisted of two main categories: personal obstacles and general issues.Conclusion: We found that two facilitator and barrier factors including social support and RTW's challenges affected the RTW process in working people with SMI. Identifying facilitator and barrier factors gives us comprehensive information to use in RTW programs and developing policies RTW in working people with SMI.


Author(s):  
Oscar A. Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Javier Reyes ◽  
Eder Noda

Although Mexico presents high levels of poverty and marginalization, it is the second happiest nation in Latin America. This raises several questions about what factors are associated with happiness at each level of marginalization and how these factors vary according to marginalization levels. We conducted a qualitative study in urban municipalities in four Mexican states, using 184 semi-structured interviews and employing a thematic analysis approach. Results suggest that happiness is a multifactorial phenomenon. Factors such as the family, health, religion, friendships, economic conditions, and fulfillment of basic needs contribute to happiness, but each of these aspects has different importance and meaning based on the level of marginalization. Evidence also shows that unhappiness is more homogeneous, regardless of the level of marginalization; thus, we can find people in both low marginalized and high-marginalized contexts that are unhappy. The research findings are relevant for the design of public policies, because they show various unsatisfied needs by level of marginalization and how not having them may affect happiness in each social stratum.


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