Action learning as a cost-effective organisational development tool

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-332
Author(s):  
Sue Smith ◽  
Kath Aspinwall ◽  
Cheryl Brook ◽  
Kathryn Winterburn
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-153
Author(s):  
Kath Aspinwall ◽  
Christine Abbott ◽  
Sue Smith ◽  
Kathryn Winterburn

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailís Ní Riain ◽  
Claire Collins ◽  
Tony O’Sullivan

Purpose Carrying out minor surgery procedures in the primary care setting is popular with patients, cost effective and delivers at least as good outcomes as those performed in the hospital setting. This paper aims to describe the central role of clinical leadership in developing an accreditation system for general practitioners (GPs) undertaking community-based surgery in the Irish national setting where no mandatory accreditation process currently exists. Design/methodology/approach In all, 24 GPs were recruited to the GP network. Ten pilot standards were developed addressing GPs’ experience and training, clinical activity and practice supporting infrastructure and tested, using information and document review, prospective collection of clinical data and a practice inspection visit. Two additional components were incorporated into the project (patient satisfaction survey and self-audit). A multi-modal evaluation was undertaken. A majority of GPs was included at all stages of the project, in line with the principles of action learning. The steering group had a majority of GPs with relevant expertise and representation of all other actors in the minor surgery arena. The GP research network contributed to each stage of the project. The project lead was a GP with minor surgery experience. Quantitative data collected were analysed using Predictive Analytic SoftWare. Krueger’s framework analysis approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings A total of 9 GPs achieved all standards at initial review, 14 successfully completed corrective actions and 1 GP did not achieve the required standard. Standards were then amended to reflect findings and a supporting framework was developed. Originality/value The flexibility of the action-learning approach and the clinical leadership design allowed for the development of robust quality standards in a short timeframe.


2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (02/03) ◽  
pp. 110-116
Author(s):  
Edwin Gamboa ◽  
Andres Serrato ◽  
Juan Castro ◽  
Diana Toro ◽  
Maria Trujillo

Abstract Background Physical rehabilitation exergames (PREGs) are suitable for motivating patients toward completing treatments. Leap Motion (LM) is a motion sensor that may be useful for developing PREGs targeted at hands and fingers rehabilitation. Therefore, knowing the advantages and limitations of LM is relevant to understand under which conditions this sensor may be suitable. Objective In this article, we present a qualitative study to identify the main advantages and limitations of LM for PREGs. Methods We collect data using interviews with a group of PREGs developers, physical therapy experts, and patients. We employ the thematic analysis method to analyze the collected data. Results We found that the advantages and limitations of LM are related to (1) the role as PREG development tool that enables hand movements detection, (2) the capability to be a mobile and easy-to-use capturing technology, and (3) the contribution to add value in rehabilitation therapy by motivating physical therapists and patients to use PREGs. Conclusion The analysis shows that LM is a suitable and cost-effective solution for developing usable PREGs for some hand and finger rehabilitation movements with a moderate development effort. However, the development maturity of LM poses limitations related to reliability and robustness, preventing the use of LM as a standalone physical rehabilitation tool. Our findings serve as guidelines for developers and physical therapists during the development and use of PREGs targeted at hands and fingers, guiding the decision-making process during feasibility analysis and design stages.


Author(s):  
Luis Enrique Ramos-Santiago ◽  
Jeffrey R. Brown ◽  
Hilary Nixon

This study examined the transit performance of streetcars in five U.S. cities: Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida. The study documented strong and weak performing streetcars and identified the factors that might explain variation in streetcar performance. Portland emerged with the highest ridership and was the most productive and second-most cost-effective streetcar city. Portland's stronger transit performance was attributed to its local setting and to its planning and operating decisions, which emphasized the streetcar's role as a transportation investment and development tool. This approach contrasted with the other cities, where development and tourism objectives were the dominant factors in streetcar decision making.


Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.


Author(s):  
James F. Mancuso

IBM PC compatible computers are widely used in microscopy for applications ranging from control to image acquisition and analysis. The choice of IBM-PC based systems over competing computer platforms can be based on technical merit alone or on a number of factors relating to economics, availability of peripherals, management dictum, or simple personal preference.IBM-PC got a strong “head start” by first dominating clerical, document processing and financial applications. The use of these computers spilled into the laboratory where the DOS based IBM-PC replaced mini-computers. Compared to minicomputer, the PC provided a more for cost-effective platform for applications in numerical analysis, engineering and design, instrument control, image acquisition and image processing. In addition, the sitewide use of a common PC platform could reduce the cost of training and support services relative to cases where many different computer platforms were used. This could be especially true for the microscopists who must use computers in both the laboratory and the office.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Alliano ◽  
Kimberly Herriger ◽  
Anthony D. Koutsoftas ◽  
Theresa E. Bartolotta

Abstract Using the iPad tablet for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) purposes can facilitate many communicative needs, is cost-effective, and is socially acceptable. Many individuals with communication difficulties can use iPad applications (apps) to augment communication, provide an alternative form of communication, or target receptive and expressive language goals. In this paper, we will review a collection of iPad apps that can be used to address a variety of receptive and expressive communication needs. Based on recommendations from Gosnell, Costello, and Shane (2011), we describe the features of 21 apps that can serve as a reference guide for speech-language pathologists. We systematically identified 21 apps that use symbols only, symbols and text-to-speech, and text-to-speech only. We provide descriptions of the purpose of each app, along with the following feature descriptions: speech settings, representation, display, feedback features, rate enhancement, access, motor competencies, and cost. In this review, we describe these apps and how individuals with complex communication needs can use them for a variety of communication purposes and to target a variety of treatment goals. We present information in a user-friendly table format that clinicians can use as a reference guide.


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