scholarly journals The Canadian National EMS Research Agenda: Impact and Feasibility of Implementation of Previously Generated Recommendations

CJEM ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 484-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Jensen ◽  
IE Blanchard ◽  
BL Bigham ◽  
AJE Carter ◽  
R Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Impact Score ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
State Of Emergency

AbstractBackgroundA recent mixed-methods study on the state of emergency medical services (EMS) research in Canada led to the generation of nineteen actionable recommendations. As part of the dissemination plan, a survey was distributed to EMS stakeholders to determine the anticipated impact and feasibility of implementing these recommendations in Canadian systems.MethodsAn online survey explored both the implementation impact and feasibility for each recommendation using a five-point scale. The sample consisted of participants from the Canadian National EMS Research Agenda study (published in 2013) and additional EMS research stakeholders identified through snowball sampling. Responses were analysed descriptively using median and plotted on a matrix. Participants reported any planned or ongoing initiatives related to the recommendations, and required or anticipated resources. Free text responses were analysed with simple content analysis, collated by recommendation.ResultsThe survey was sent to 131 people, 94 (71.8%) of whom responded: 30 EMS managers/regulators (31.9%), 22 researchers (23.4%), 15 physicians (16.0%), 13 educators (13.8%), and 5 EMS providers (5.3%). Two recommendations (11%) had a median impact score of 4 (of 5) and feasibility score of 4 (of 5). Eight recommendations (42%) had an impact score of 5, with a feasibility score of 3. Nine recommendations (47%) had an impact score of 4 and a feasibility score of 3.ConclusionsFor most recommendations, participants scored the anticipated impact higher than the feasibility to implement. Ongoing or planned initiatives exist pertaining to all recommendations except one. All of the recommendations will require additional resources to implement.

scholarly journals Development of a tool for identifying and addressing prioritised determinants of quality improvement projects led by healthcare professionals: a mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne van Tuijl ◽  
Hub C. Wollersheim ◽  
Cornelia R.M.G. Fluit ◽  
Petra. J. van Gurp ◽  
Hiske Calsbeek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Priority Score ◽  
A Priority

Abstract Background: Several frameworks have been developed to identify essential determinants for healthcare improvement. These frameworks aim to be comprehensive, leading to the creation of long lists of determinants that are not prioritised based on being experienced as most important. Furthermore, most existing frameworks do not describe the methods or actions used to identify and address the determinants, limiting their practical value. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a tool with prioritised facilitators and barriers supplemented with methods to identify and address each determinant. The tool can be used by those performing quality improvement initiatives in healthcare practice. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was used to develop the tool. First, an online survey was used to ask healthcare professionals about the determinants they experienced as most facilitating and most hindering during the performance of their quality improvement initiative . A priority score was calculated for every named determinant, and those with a priority score ≥ 20 were incorporated into the tool. Semi-structured interviews with implementation experts were performed to gain insight on how to analyse and address the determinants in our tool Results: The 25 healthcare professionals in this study experienced 64 facilitators and 66 barriers when performing their improvement initiatives. Of these, 12 facilitators and nine barriers were incorporated into the tool. Sufficient support from management of the department was identified as the most important facilitator, while having limited time to perform the initiative was considered the most important barrier. The interviews with 16 experts in implementation science led to various inputs for identifying and addressing each determinant. Important themes included maintaining adequate communication with stakeholders, keeping the initiative at a manageable size, learning by doing and being able to influence determinants. Conclusions: This paper describes the development of a tool with prioritized determinants for performing quality improvement initiatives with suggestions for analysing and addressing these determinants. The tool is developed for those engaged in quality improvement initiatives in practice, so in this ways it helps to bridging the research to practice gap of determinants frameworks. More research is needed to validate and develop the tool further.

scholarly journals Pilot Evaluations of Two Bluetooth Contact Tracing Approaches on a University Campus: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Shelby ◽  
Tyler Caruthers ◽  
Oren Y Kanner ◽  
Rebecca Schneider ◽  
Dana Lipnickas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Contact Interactions ◽  
University Campus

BACKGROUND Many have proposed the use of Bluetooth technology to help scale up contact tracing for COVID-19. However, much remains unknown about the accuracy of this technology in real-world settings, the attitudes of potential users, and the differences between delivery formats (mobile app vs carriable or wearable devices). OBJECTIVE We pilot tested 2 separate Bluetooth contact tracing technologies on a university campus to evaluate their sensitivity and specificity, and to learn from the experiences of the participants. METHODS We used a convergent mixed methods study design, and participants included graduate students and researchers working on a university campus during June and July 2020. We conducted separate 2-week pilot studies for each Bluetooth technology. The first was for a mobile phone app (“app pilot”), and the second was for a small electronic “tag” (“tag pilot”). Participants validated a list of Bluetooth-identified contacts daily and reported additional close contacts not identified by Bluetooth. We used these data to estimate sensitivity and specificity. Participants completed a postparticipation survey regarding appropriateness, usability, acceptability, and adherence, and provided additional feedback via free text. We used tests of proportions to evaluate differences in survey responses between participants from each pilot, paired <i>t</i> tests to measure differences between compatible survey questions, and qualitative analysis to evaluate the survey’s free-text responses. RESULTS Among 25 participants in the app pilot, 53 contact interactions were identified by Bluetooth and an additional 61 by self-report. Among 17 participants in the tag pilot, 171 contact interactions were identified by Bluetooth and an additional 4 by self-report. The tag had significantly higher sensitivity compared with the app (46/49, 94% vs 35/61, 57%; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), as well as higher specificity (120/126, 95% vs 123/141, 87%; <i>P</i>=.02). Most participants felt that Bluetooth contact tracing was appropriate on campus (26/32, 81%), while significantly fewer participants felt that using other technologies, such as GPS or Wi-Fi, was appropriate (17/31, 55%; <i>P</i>=.02). Most participants preferred technology developed and managed by the university rather than a third party (27/32, 84%) and preferred not to have tracing apps on their personal phones (21/32, 66%), due to “concerns with privacy.” There were no significant differences in self-reported adherence rates across pilots. CONCLUSIONS Convenient and carriable Bluetooth technology may improve tracing efficiency while alleviating privacy concerns by shifting data collection away from personal devices. With accuracy comparable to, and in this case, superior to, mobile phone apps, such approaches may be suitable for workplace or school settings with the ability to purchase and maintain physical devices.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

scholarly journals Engagement with and delivery of the ‘parkrun practice initiative’ in general practice: a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (697) ◽  
pp. e573-e580
Author(s):  
Joanna Fleming ◽  
Carol Bryce ◽  
Joanne Parsons ◽  
Chrissie Wellington ◽  
Jeremy Dale
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Staff ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Improve Patient

BackgroundThe parkrun practice initiative, a joint collaboration between parkrun and the Royal College of General Practitioners, was launched to encourage general practices to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and staff through participating in local 5 km parkrun events. Why and how practices engage with the initiative is unknown.AimTo investigate engagement with and delivery of the parkrun practice initiative in general practice.Design and settingMixed methods study conducted from April–July 2019 comprising an online survey of all registered parkrun practices, and interviews and a focus group with practice staff in the West Midlands.MethodThe designated contacts at 780 registered parkrun practices were invited to complete an online survey. A purposive sample of parkrun practice staff and non-registered practice staff took part either in semi-structured interviews or a focus group, with transcripts analysed thematically.ResultsOf the total number of parkrun practices, 306 (39.2%) completed the survey. Sixteen practice staff (from nine parkrun practices and four non-registered practices) took part in either semi-structured interviews (n = 12) or a focus group (n = 4). Key motivators for becoming a parkrun practice were: to improve patient and staff health and wellbeing, and to become more engaged with the community and enhance practice image. Practices most commonly encouraged patients, carers, and staff to take part in parkrun and displayed parkrun flyers and posters. Challenges in implementing activities included lack of time (both personal and during consultations) and getting staff involved. Where staff did engage there were positive effects on morale and participation. Non-registered practices were receptive to the initiative, but had apprehensions about the commitment involved.ConclusionPractices were keen to improve patient and staff health. Addressing time constraints and staff support needs to be considered when implementing the initiative.

scholarly journals User Experience Methods and Maturity in Academic Libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott W. H. Young ◽  
Zoe Chao ◽  
Adam Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Recommended Practices ◽  
Survey Responses

This article presents a mixed-methods study of the methods and maturity of user experience (UX) practice in academic libraries. The authors apply qualitative content analysis and quantitative statistical analysis to a research dataset derived from a survey of UX practitioners. Results reveal the type and extent of UX methods currently in use by practitioners in academic libraries. Themes extracted from the survey responses also reveal a set of factors that influence the development of UX maturity. Analysis and discussion focus on organizational characteristics that influence UX methods and maturity. The authors conclude by offering a library-focused maturity scale with recommended practices for advancing UX maturity in academic libraries.

Addressing Adoption in Counseling: A Study of Adult Adoptees' Counseling Satisfaction

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda L. Baden ◽  
Andrew Kitchen ◽  
Jonathan R. Mazza ◽  
Elliotte Sue Harrington ◽  
Ebony E. White
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Common Reason ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
Adoptive Identity ◽  
Counseling Satisfaction

In this mixed-methods study, 118 adult adoptees completed an online survey gathering information on (a) reasons for seeking therapy, (b) preferences for therapists, (c) perception of therapists' degree of emphasis on adoption during therapy, and (d) relationship satisfaction with adoptive and birth family members. The participants also completed the Satisfaction With Therapy and Therapist Scale–Revised (STTS-R), Adoptive Identity Questionnaire (AIQ), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Findings were that the therapists' adoption competence was the most important factor for adoptees in selecting therapists, adoption-related issues were the most common reason adoptees sought therapy, and adoptees reported being more satisfied with therapy if their therapists placed emphasis on adoption regardless of the amount of attention that was focused on adoption.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Definitions of and Approaches to Integrative Medicine: A Mixed Methods Study Examining China’s Integrative Medicine Development

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijun Zhang ◽  
Sonya E. Pritzker ◽  
Ka-Kit Hui
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Education Practice ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Aim. This study identifies existing definitions and approaches among China’s integrative medicine (IM) experts and examines relationships with key characteristics distinguishing individual experts.Methods. Snowball sampling was used to select 73 IM experts for semistructured interviews. In this mixed methods study, we first identified definitions and approaches through analyzing core statements. Four key factors, including age, education, practice type, and working environment, were then chosen to evaluate the associations with the definitions.Results. Four unique definitions were identified, including IM as a “new medicine” (D1), as a combination of western medicine (WM) and Chinese medicine (CM) (D2), as a modernization of CM (D3), and as a westernization of CM (D4). D4 was mostly supported by those working in WM organizations, while D3 was more prominent from individuals working in CM organizations (P=0.00004). More than 64% clinicians had D2 while only 1 (5.9%) nonclinician had D2. Only 1 clinician (1.8%) had D4 while almost 30% nonclinicians had D4 (P=0.0001). Among nonclinicians working in WM organizations, 83.3% of them had D4 (P=0.001).Conclusion. Findings indicate that institutional structure and practice type are factors affecting IM approaches. These results carry implications for the ways in which western countries move forward with the definition and implementation of IM.

scholarly journals ‘Maybe we can turn the tide’: an explanatory mixed-methods study to understand how knowledge brokers mobilise health evidence in low- and middle-income countries

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa C. Norton ◽  
Daniela C. Rodriguez ◽  
Catherine Howell ◽  
Charlene Reynolds ◽  
Sara Willems
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Newborn Health ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Promising Practices ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Knowledge Brokers ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background: Little is known about how knowledge brokers (KBs) operate in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to translate evidence for health policy and practice. These intermediaries facilitate relationships between evidence producers and users to address public health issues.<br />Aims and objectives: To increase understanding, a mixed-methods study collected data from KBs who had acted on evidence from the 2015 Global Maternal Newborn Health Conference in Mexico.<br />Methods: Of the 1000 in-person participants, 252 plus 72 online participants (n=324) from 56 countries completed an online survey, and 20 participants from 15 countries were interviewed. Thematic analysis and application of knowledge translation (KT) theory explored factors influencing KB actions leading to evidence uptake. Descriptive statistics of respondent characteristics were used for cross-case comparison.Findings: Results suggest factors supporting the KB role in evidence uptake, which include active relationships with evidence users through embedded KB roles, targeted and tailored evidence communication to fit the context, user receptiveness to evidence from a similar country setting, adaptability in the KB role, and action orientation of KBs.<br />Discussion and conclusions: Initiatives to increase evidence uptake in LMICs should work to establish supportive structures for embedded KT, identify processes for ongoing cross-country learning, and strengthen KBs already showing effectiveness in their roles.<br /><br />key messages<br /><br /><ol><li>Little is known about how knowledge brokers mobilise evidence in low- and middle-income countries.</li><br /><li>A multi-country study of knowledge brokers identified promising practices for evidence uptake.</li><br /><li>Embedded brokers who adapted messaging and evidence to context in active relationships worked well.</li><br /><li>Capacity building should use KB promising practices and facilitate multi-country evidence exchange.</li></ol>

scholarly journals Designing and Testing a Treatment Adherence Model Based on the Roy Adaptation Model in Patients With Heart Failure: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shabnam Shariatpanahi ◽  
Mansoureh Ashghali Farahani ◽  
Forough Rafii ◽  
Maryam Rassouli ◽  
Amir Kavousi
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Roy Adaptation Model ◽  
Adherence To Treatment ◽  
Adaptation Model

BACKGROUND Adherence to treatment is an important factor to decrease repeated and costly hospitalization owing to heart failure (HF). The explanation and prediction of medication adherence and other lifestyle recommendations in chronic diseases, including HF, are complex. Theories lead to a better understanding of complex situations as well as the process of changing behavior and explain the reasons for the existence of a problem. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to report a protocol for a mixed methods study setting out to investigate the empirical validity of the Roy Adaptation Model as a conceptual framework for explaining and predicting adherence to treatment in patients with HF in Iran. METHODS This mixed methods study consists of an exploratory sequential design to be conducted in 2 phases. The first phase involves identifying the factors associated with treatment adherence in patients with HF through content analysis of the literature and elucidating the perception of participants in the context of Iranian health care where the model of adherence to treatment is designed based on the Roy Adaptation Model. The second phase addresses the interrelationships among variables in the model through a descriptive study using structural equation modeling. Finally, following the summarization and separate interpretation of the qualitative findings and quantitative results, a decision is made about the extent to and ways in which the results of the quantitative stage can be generalized or tested for the qualitative findings. RESULTS Content analysis of the literature in part 1 of the first phase was completed in 2017. Collection and analysis of qualitative data in part 2 of the first phase will be completed soon. The results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2019. Then, the second phase—the quantitative study—will be conducted. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will provide valuable information about the empirical validity of the Roy Adaptation Model as a conceptual framework for explaining and predicting adherence to treatment in patients with HF, which, to date, have received little attention. The results can be used as a guide for nursing practice and care provision to patients with HF and also to design and implement effective interventions to improve treatment adherence in these patients. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/13317

scholarly journals Under Reporting of Abuse of Older Adults in the Canadian Prairie Provinces

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824402110532
Author(s):  
Kerstin Roger ◽  
Christine A. Walsh ◽  
Donna Goodridge ◽  
Stacey Miller ◽  
Marina Cewick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Canadian Prairie ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Reporting Recommendations ◽  
Prairie Provinces

This tri-provincial mixed methods study explores the reasons for under reporting abuse of older adults in the Prairie Provinces of Canada. Abuse of community-residing older adults, and specifically the reasons for not reporting such abuse, is poorly understood. This paper discusses the findings of the qualitative arm of the study that collected data through interviews with older adults having histories of abuse, their family members and service providers from related sectors. Content analysis was employed to identify three key themes: (1) recognizing and naming abuse; (2) barriers to disclosure; and (3) facilitators of reporting. Recommendations are made to improve awareness, education, and service provision in prevention and treatment of the abuse of community-residing older adults.

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