Strengthening research integrity: which topic areas should organisations focus on?

AbstractThe widespread problems with scientific fraud, questionable research practices, and the reliability of scientific results have led to an increased focus on research integrity (RI). International organisations and networks have been established, declarations have been issued, and codes of conducts have been formed. The abstract principles of these documents are now also being translated into concrete topic areas that Research Performing organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding organisations (RFOs) should focus on. However, so far, we know very little about disciplinary differences in the need for RI support from RPOs and RFOs. The paper attempts to fill this knowledge gap. It reports on a comprehensive focus group study with 30 focus group interviews carried out in eight different countries across Europe focusing on the following research question: “Which RI topics would researchers and stakeholders from the four main areas of research (humanities, social science, natural science incl. technical science, and medical science incl. biomedicine) prioritise for RPOs and RFOs?” The paper reports on the results of these focus group interviews and gives an overview of the priorities of the four main areas of research. The paper ends with six policy recommendations and a reflection on how the results of the study can be used in RPOs and RFOs.

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Making Research More Ethical for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Research Involving Participants with Cognitive Disability and Difference ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198824343.003.0015 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 173-184

Author(s):

John Aspler

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

In Utero ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Fetal Alcohol ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

In this chapter, the author reflects on challenges associated with conducting focus group interviews with adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—a complex neurodevelopmental disability caused by alcohol exposure in utero. Given the heterogeneity of this diagnosis, people with FASD have different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, for effective and ethical research inclusion, each person with FASD may need unique accommodations, which can help to both minimize concerns about unjust research exclusion and mitigate sources of vulnerability. To explore these issues, the author describes the focus group study, presents anticipated risks and challenges, explores critical stakeholder feedback, and addresses ethical tensions arising from the resulting protocol adjustments. This chapter demonstrates the importance of researchers remaining open to criticism and being willing to work through their moral discomfort.

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Coping Processes of Patients with Ostomies in South Korea: A Focus Group Study

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9010021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 21

Author(s):

Heesook Son ◽

Youngmi Kang

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

South Korea ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Coping Process ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Negative Coping ◽

Group Interviews

Despite the adverse effects of negative coping after receiving a stoma, there is a lack of information on how patients cope with ostomies and on their families’ experiences throughout the coping process. We aimed to explore the coping experiences of individuals with ostomies throughout their illness, applying the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework, using exploratory qualitative methods involving focus group interviews. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit 19 participants (split across three groups) through an ostomy association in South Korea. Two focus group interviews were separately conducted from March through to May 2017 until data saturation was achieved. Using qualitative content analysis, we analyzed the transcribed interviews and identified words and themes to interpret the results. The coping experiences of patients with ostomies were expressed through three interrelated themes: struggling and suffering, learning how to live with ostomy, and living with ostomy. We found gender differences in spousal support and a struggle among older patients regarding social coping. The themes identified suggest that gender should be considered when designing interventions to help patients cope with ostomies.

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Healthcare professionals’ experience of using in situ simulation training in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative focus group study from a Danish hospital

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056599 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. e056599

Author(s):

Joachim Juelsgaard ◽

Bo Løfgren ◽

Neel Toxvig ◽

Gitte Valsted Eriksen ◽

Lotte Ebdrup ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Task Force ◽

Educational Activity ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

In Situ Simulation ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Simulation Task

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital organisation and healthcare professionals to prepare for large quantities of patients in isolation rooms. In situ simulation may seem promising in order to manage the organisational changes that the pandemic require. This study aims to investigate in situ simulations influence on healthcare professional’s self-perceived preparedness to face the pandemic.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingWe conducted full scale in situ simulations over a 3-week period in April 2020, including 277 healthcare professionals, at a Danish University Hospital. Subsequently, six semistructured focus group interviews, including 22 participants from the simulations, were conducted in May 2020.Participants22 healthcare professionals participated in the focus group interviews.MethodsThe simulations consisted of a briefing, two scenarios focusing on acute respiratory insufficiency and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a debriefing. We conducted six focus group interviews using comparable semistructured interview guides focusing on the organisational restructuring of the departments and outcomes of the needs-driven simulation-based programme. We used thematic analysis to identify main themes.ResultsThe informants perceived that the simulations resulted in positive experiences for the healthcare professionals and perceived the organisational changes as effective. They highlighted that simulation enhanced teamwork, demystified the COVID-19 disease, and improved skills, in correct use of PPE and acute treatment of COVID-19 patients. Data revealed that a predefined simulation task force including both experienced simulators and medical experts for facilitation of in situ simulation would be beneficial.ConclusionIn situ simulation may be useful to enhance learning on organisation and individual level during a pandemic. This educational activity could serve an important role in facilitating hospital preparation and education of large numbers of healthcare professionals during a healthcare crisis. Introduction of a simulation task force is suggested to handle coordination and rapid enrolment across the hospital.

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Attitudes and Perspectives of Older Adults on Technologies for Assessing Frailty in Home Settings: A Focus Group Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-126089/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chao Bian ◽

Bing Ye ◽

Anna Hoonakker ◽

Alex Mihailidis

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Focus Group ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Consumer Involvement ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Attitudes And Perceptions ◽

Group Interviews

Abstract Background The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement with the technologies. This study aims to understand older adult’s perceptions and preferences of technologies that can be potentially used to assess frailty in home settings. Methods This study is a qualitative study in which data were collected through focus group interviews. We recruited 15 older participants. Questions were asked to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include 1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, 2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, 3) what makes a particular technology more acceptable, and 4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies.Results A total of 15 older adults aged 65 and older were recruited. Three focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were presented in four areas: A) general attitude towards using the technologies, B) concerns about the technologies, C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies.Conclusions This study focuses on understanding the attitudes and perceptions of older adults on several technologies that could potentially be used to assess frailty in home settings. Participants generally have positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their home. Some technologies were found to be more acceptable if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns still remain. The study also found the living habits or patterns of older adults could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants.

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Experiences of interventions and rehabilitation activities in connection with return-to-work from a gender perspective. A focus group study among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0253049

Author(s):

Lotta Nybergh ◽

Gunnar Bergström ◽

Irene Jensen ◽

Therese Hellman

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Sick Leave ◽

Return To Work ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Main Category ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Group Interviews

Background Common mental disorders present the main reason for registered sick leave in Sweden today, and women are at a higher risk of such sick leave than men. The aim of this paper is to explore how employees on sick leave for common mental disorders experience interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work, as well as to explore similarities and differences between the experiences of the interviewed women and men. Material and methods A qualitative design was applied with semi-structured focus group interviews. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 28 participants (13 women and 15 men). The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and data analyzed with conventional content analysis. Similarities and differences in the women’s and men’s experiences were written down in reflective notes during all steps of the analysis. Results The results comprise of one main category, “To be met with respect and recognition”, and subcategories at two levels. Both similarities and differences emerged in how women and men sick-listed because of common mental disorders experienced return-to-work interventions and rehabilitation activities. It was important for both women and men to be met with respect and recognition, which was essential to all forms of help that the participants discussed during the focus group interviews. Women expressed a need for home-related interventions, whereas men expressed a need for organizational interventions to counter feelings of resignation at work. Women could also more easily understand their mental health condition as compared with men. Conclusion A key implication of this study is that research on interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders should consider whether the findings are relevant equally to both women and men. Similarly, return-to-work professionals may need to consider possible differences among women and men on sick leave for common mental disorders, and to further customize offered interventions and rehabilitation activities. Doing so may help enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.

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Nursing supervisors’ perspectives on student preparedness before clinical placements- a focus group study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0252483 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0252483

Author(s):

Ann-Chatrin L. Leonardsen ◽

Siri E. Brynhildsen ◽

Mette T. Hansen ◽

Vigdis A. Grøndahl

Keyword(s):

Nursing Education ◽

Focus Group ◽

Shared Responsibility ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Clinical Placements ◽

Student Preparedness ◽

University College ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Hospital Wards

Clinical placements and supervision is an integral part of nursing education internationally. There are significant differences between students’ expectations of clinical learning and their fulfillment. Few studies have focused on supervisors’ perspectives on clinical placements. The objective of this study was to explore nursing supervisors’ perspectives on students’ preparedness for clinical placements. Methods The study was conducted in a county in Southeastern-Norway, with 317.000 inhabitants, and within one hospital and one university college catchment area. Focus group interviews were conducted in the periode August to December 2018. Data were analyzed using Hsieh and Shannon’s conventional content analysis. Results 34 nursing supervisors participated, three intellectual disability nurses and 31 registered nurses, working in four different primary healthcare wards and four different hospital wards. Participants’ age ranged from 23 to 58 years, one male only. Through the analysis we derived the category ‘Shared responsibility for preparation’ with subcategories a) Individual initiative, and b) University college facilitation. Conclusions Findings indicate that there is a gap between nursing supervisors’ expectations and reality regarding students’ preparedness for clinical placements. Moreover, nursing supervisors did not seem to focus on their own role in student preparedness.

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Pandemic Language Teaching: Insights from Brazilian and International Teachers on the Pivot to Emergency Remote Instruction

Journal of language and Education ◽

10.17323/jle.2021.11676 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 127-138

Author(s):

Ana Sevilla-Pavón ◽

Kyria Rebeca Finardi

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Online Education ◽

Online Teaching ◽

Language Teaching ◽

Research Question ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Institutional Support ◽

Language Teachers ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Group Interviews

This article reflects on the experiences of language teachers from Brazil, Spain, France, Cyprus, Costa Rica and Taiwan during the pivot to emergency remote/online instruction during the 2020 pandemic. The research question motivating the study was what language teachers’ perceptions regarding online teaching during the pandemic were. Data were analyzed qualitatively, contrasting data from a questionnaire shared in an asynchronous online form with data from focus group interviews carried out via videoconferencing. The analysis of the questionnaire data showed that the vast majority of respondents used different digital technologies to teach online, both synchronously and asynchronously, but felt unprepared to work in this modality, mostly because of lack of institutional support and training. The analysis of the focus group interviews suggested that most teachers expressed concerns as to the limitations of online teaching for interaction and exams. In addition, some teachers displayed negative attitudes towards online teaching due to the lack of preparation and institutional support. This was aggravated by political implications of migrating to online education that could result in precariousness of the teacher profession. The positive aspects highlighted were the possibility of developing more self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as experimenting with different technologies and approaches. Overall, the analysis of the data suggests that, after the pandemic and with due preparation and support, some of the digital technologies and approaches experimented with will be incorporated into pedagogical practices in blended approaches, which represent a real trend and possibility for language teaching in the post-pandemic context.

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Deaf and refugee – a different situation

BORDER CROSSING ◽

10.33182/bc.v8i1.737 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 237-254

Author(s):

Elisabet Trengereid Olsen

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Cultural Differences ◽

Research Question ◽

Language Barriers ◽

Deaf People ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Master Thesis ◽

The Subject ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Empirical Material

This article elaborates on the subject; Deaf and refugee - a different situation, and is based on theoretical- and empirical material collected for the master thesis Mediated Interaction. The thesis’ data was collected by focus group interviews, answering the following research question: What do interpreters do when they interpret between deaf and hearing people? - with emphasis on deaf immigrants. With information about Deaf People and Sign Language as a backdraft, the article aims to describe the situation for deaf refugees in Norway. The focus is on access to communication, and how elements such as trust, cultural differences and continuous language barriers influence interpreted situations and deaf refugees’ inclusion into society. Findings show that language is the key to autonomy in a new land. In this process, the national Deaf Community plays an important role for deaf refugees. In addition, do both hearing and deaf interpreters reduce language barriers? In this process, they need flexibility when facilitating communication between hearing- and deaf interlocutors

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Experiences of registered nurses caring for patients with an open abdomen in an intensive care unit in Gauteng

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v22i0.981 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Mpho G. Chipu ◽

Irene Kearns ◽

Wanda E. Nel

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Focus Group ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Open Abdomen ◽

Research Question ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Contextual Design ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Taking Care

The researcher observed that nurses prefer not to nurse patients with an open abdomen as they fear that the abdominal contents will protrude. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses taking care of patients with an open abdomen in intensive care in an academic hospital in Gauteng, and to provide recommendations for registered nurses when taking care of patients with an open abdomen. The research design used was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. Focus group interviews were conducted with each group comprising six participants. The research question was: What are the experiences of registered nurses caring for patients with an open abdomen in an intensive care unit? What recommendations can be made to assist registered nurses in taking care of patients with an open abdomen in an intensive care unit? The data was analysed using Tesch's method. Three themes emerged: Difficulty in nursing care, complications such as fistula and infections, and poor hospital administration. Recommendations for assisting registered nurses in taking care of patients with an open abdomen were then made based on the findings of the four focus group interviews. Ethical principles and measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the research study.

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Perspectives of non-attenders for cervical cancer screening in Norway: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029505 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e029505 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gunvor Aasbø ◽

Kari Nyheim Solbrække ◽

Jo Waller ◽

Ameli Tropé ◽

Mari Nygård ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Focus Group ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Focus Group Interviews ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Personal Initiative ◽

Group Interviews ◽

Screening Attendance

ObjectiveThe attendance rate for cervical cancer screening in Norway is currently suboptimal at 69%, and an in-depth understanding of postponement of cervical cancer screening from the perspective of non-attenders is lacking. This study aims to generate knowledge about how non-attenders for cervical cancer screening reflect on booking a screening appointment.MethodsUsing the Norwegian cervical cancer screening registry, we identified and recruited women who were non-attenders to screening. Nine focus group interviews were carried out, with 41 women participating in the interviews.ResultsFour main themes were generated, which provide a comprehensive understanding of how women who are overdue for screening reflect on their hesitancy to book a screening appointment: ‘It’s easy to forget about it’, ‘Women have to arrange their own appointment’, ‘It has to be a ‘must’’ and ‘It’s a humiliating situation’.ConclusionThe degree to which women regard screening as important is affected by the nudging strategies employed in the screening programme and the facilitation of attendance provided by healthcare services. Dependence on one’s personal initiative to schedule a screening appointment and perception of a lack of responsibility on the part of healthcare services to attend screening may undermine informed and shared decision-making about screening attendance.

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