scholarly journals Mapping, guiding, and assessing social prescription services in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Husk
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
System Specification ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Context Sensitive ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Prescription Services

Abstract Background The use of non-health service referral, or ’social prescribing’ interventions have been proposed as a cost-effective alternative to help those with long-term conditions manage their illness and improve health and well-being. We are generating theory through review and primary data collection relating to the social prescribing system, how to maximise the benefits of this system and how it might be implemented. Methods A realist synthesis and evaluation. Working with three UK case-sites who are all at various stages in the process of setting up social prescription services, we are conducting patient pathway analyses, focus groups, and interviews. An important component of this work is iterative, targeted reviews of the literature relating to these pathways and identified mechanisms to assess effectiveness and reach. Results The study is ongoing; however, we are testing prototype theory generated in a previous realist review (presented last year) and elaborating on which mechanisms within each pathway relate to suitable population types and aspects of wellbeing. Conclusions We aim to draw together service delivery practitioners, users, researchers and clinicians to create specified theory for setting up social prescription services. This guidance will be context sensitive and make recommendations for increasing acceptability and spread of complex system service delivery and interventions. Key messages We are building highly specified, context sensitive system specification and ‘lessons learned’ implementation guidance for social prescribing programmes in the UK. We are producing these outputs through collaborative partnerships with services delivering programmes as they develop, using realist evaluation and qualitative comparative methods.

E-government and transformation of service delivery in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noore Alam Siddiquee
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Intimate Knowledge ◽  
Secondary Information ◽  
High Level

Purpose Since 2009, e-government has been high on governmental agenda in Bangladesh. Seen as a vehicle for improving governance and service delivery, it is also presented as a key to fighting poverty and achieving the millennium development goals. Thus, the goals of e-government remain broad and ambitious. Can a developing country such as Bangladesh realize its e-government vision? The purpose of this paper is to explore this and other related questions seeking to draw lessons that the Bangladesh experience may offer. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws primarily on secondary information, complemented by primary data gathered from various sources. In addition to an extensive review of secondary sources, necessary information was derived from websites of relevant government departments/agencies and through interviews and conversations with selected government officials having intimate knowledge on e-government projects at the field and local levels. Findings The paper demonstrates the ways in which various e-initiatives have transformed traditional administrative systems and practices, notwithstanding the nation’s limited overall e-development. It also shows how e-innovations have helped tackle some complex challenges, thereby adding to convenience and benefits to service users. A major conclusion of the paper is that although e-government is yet to make a breakthrough in governance and service delivery, it has set the wheels of change in motion. Practical implications E-government must be seen as a long term project, it must attract high-level political support and it requires fruitful collaboration between the public, private and non-governmental actors. Originality/value This paper adds to the limited knowledge in the field. Lessons learned from the Bangladesh experience have much relevance to other developing countries with similar socioeconomic circumstances. The policymakers and practitioners are expected to benefit from the insights of the paper.

scholarly journals Virtual Consultations and the Role of Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic for People With Type 2 Diabetes: The UK Perspective

10.2196/21609 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. e21609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren M Quinn ◽  
Melanie J Davies ◽  
Michelle Hadjiconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Diabetes Clinic ◽  
The Uk

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges for people with diabetes, in addition to their high-risk stratification for infection. Supporting people with diabetes to self-care has been critical to reduce their risk of severe infection. This global pandemic has presented an opportunity to digitalize diabetes care and rapidly implement virtual diabetes clinics, with the aim of optimizing diabetes management and well-being, while keeping patients safe. We performed a rapid review of the literature to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual clinics in diabetes care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and have combined these findings with our own reflections in practice. We identified examples demonstrating safety and feasibility of virtual diabetes clinics, which aligns with our own clinical experience during the pandemic. The advantages of virtual clinics include reduced treatment burden, improved therapeutic alliances, societal and psychological benefits, and in our experience, innovative solutions to overcome the challenges presented by the transition from in-person to virtual care. We have provided three infographics to illustrate lessons learned and key recommendations, including steps to establish a virtual diabetes clinic, a checklist guide for health care professionals conducting virtual clinics, and a patient guide for making the most out of the virtual clinic. It is important to continue adapting to this pandemic and to make technology a sustainable option for the future of diabetes care.

scholarly journals Exploring student perceptions and awareness of social prescribing

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp19X703649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Mulligan ◽  
Daisy Kirtley ◽  
Claudia Santoni ◽  
Joel Chilaka ◽  
Bogdan Chiva Giurca
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Student Views ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk ◽  
New Strategies

BackgroundThe importance of social prescribing has been illustrated by the NHS Long Term Plan, as well as the GP Forward View published in 2016. Social prescribing is enabling healthcare professionals to refer patients to a link worker, to co-design a non-clinical social prescription to improve their health and well-being. A lack of awareness of social prescribing has been suggested in the past, although no studies have been formally conducted to date to provide the evidence basis for this statement.AimExploring perceptions, understanding, and awareness of social prescribing among medical students across the UK.MethodStudent views were collected using a survey delivered before and after teaching sessions as part of the NHS England National Social Prescribing Student Champion Scheme. A total of 932 responses were recorded from 27 different medical schools.ResultsPre-session surveys suggested that 91% (n = 848) of medical students have never heard of the concept of social prescribing before the teaching session. Post-session surveys highlighted that 98% (n = 913) of students regarded the concept as useful and relevant to their future careers following teaching on the subject.ConclusionSurvey findings confirm a significant lack of awareness regarding social prescribing among medical students from 27 different medical schools across the UK. New strategies are needed to ensure the doctors of tomorrow are equipped with the necessary tools to achieve the recent outcomes for graduates which highlight the importance of personalised care and social sciences.

scholarly journals Does a social prescribing ‘holistic’ link-worker for older people with complex, multimorbidity improve well-being and frailty and reduce health and social care use and costs? A 12-month before-and-after evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Elston ◽  
Felix Gradinger ◽  
Sheena Asthana ◽  
Caroline Lilley-Woolnough ◽  
Sue Wroe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Patient Activation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the impact of ‘holistic’ link-workers on service users’ well-being, activation and frailty, and their use of health and social care services and the associated costs. Background: UK policy is encouraging social prescribing (SP) as a means to improve well-being, self-care and reduce demand on the NHS and social services. However, the evidence to support this policy is generally weak and poorly conceptualised, particularly in relation to frail, older people and patient activation. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, an integrated care organisation, commissioned a Well-being Co-ordinator service to support older adults (≥50 years) with complex health needs (≥2 long-term conditions), as part of its service redesign. Methods: A before-and-after study measuring health and social well-being, activation and frailty at 12 weeks and primary, community and secondary care service use and cost at 12 months prior and after intervention. Findings: Most of the 86 participants achieved their goals (85%). On average health and well-being, patient activation and frailty showed a statistically significant improvement in mean score. Mean activity increased for all services (some changes were statistically significant). Forty-four per cent of participants saw a decrease in service use or no change. Thirteen high-cost users (>£5000 change in costs) accounted for 59% of the overall cost increase. This was largely due to significant, rapid escalation in morbidity and frailty. Co-ordinators played a valuable key-worker role, improving the continuity of care, reducing isolation and supporting carers. No entry-level participant characteristic was associated with change in well-being or service use. Larger, better conceptualised, controlled studies are needed to strengthen claims of causality and develop national policy in this area.

scholarly journals Understanding and Supporting Triple Transitions of International Doctoral Students: ELT And SuReCom Models

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Jindal-Snape ◽  
Richard Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Supervisory Relationships ◽  
Transition Experience ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
International Doctoral Students ◽  
The Uk

This paper presents two original conceptual models to explain the triple transitions ofinternational doctoral students and how these can be facilitated better through effective supervisory relationships. These models are based on primary data collected by authors and well known theories, namely the ABC model, Emotional Intelligence and Resilience. The data suggest that when international doctoral students moved to the UK,they had to deal with not only a new educational system and different level of studies; they also had to deal with the daily life issues of being in a new country. These educational and daily life issues were not mutually exclusive and had an impact on each other. However, if one was going exceptionally well,it could act as a buffer for any problems in the other area. Transparent supervisory relationships, where mutual expectations were clear, were seen tobe an effective way of enhancing the transition experience of international doctoral students. This study is the first to explore the triple transitions ofinternational students. The Educational and Life Transitions (ELT) andSupervision Remit Compatibility (SuReCom) models are significant in ensuring successful transition and well-being of international doctoral students.

The impact of changes in service delivery in patients with colorectal cancer during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Kamposioras ◽  
Kok Haw Jonathan Lim ◽  
Mark P. Saunders ◽  
Kalena Marti ◽  
Daniel Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Primary Care Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

28 Background: Increased levels of anxiety and distress in both patients and physicians have been reported in response to the significant impact COVID-19 has on cancer service delivery globally. We aimed to investigate how these changes have been perceived by patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and identify determinants of increased anxiety. Methods: Survey (32-item) of consecutive patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer attending a large tertiary comprehensive cancer centre in the United Kingdom (18 May to 1 July 2020). Self-reported GAD-7 (both paper/electronic forms) was used as a screening tool for anxiety. Statistical analyses of associations:Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and uni- and multi-variable analyses were performed using SPSS v19 and R. Results: A total of 143 patients (response rate 67%), 82% male, and median age of 61-70 years were included. Majority of patients had telephone consultation (78%), including 40% who had scan results discussed over the phone; with favourable feedback received with both respectively. Twenty-three patients (18%) were considered to have anxiety, with 7 (6%) scoring for moderate or severe anxiety. Three items asked patients if they had concerns about getting COVID-19, were worried that COVID-19 would have effect on mental health, and affect their experience of cancer care. Patients answering positively to any of these items were most likely to have anxiety; multivariate analysis – OR 2.361 (95% CI 1.187-4.694, p=0.014), 3.219 (95% CI 1.401-7.395, p=0.006) and 3.206 (95% CI 1.036-9.920, p=0.043), respectively. Majority of the patients did not feel that they needed support during the pandemic period and hence the available well-being services were not used. Patients felt that friends and family had been very supportive but less so the primary care services (p<0.05). However, they felt they were supported by the clinical team. Conclusions: At our centre, during the first-peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, patients with colorectal cancer did not display increased rates of significant anxiety. The findings of this survey suggests that some service changes implemented, including increased telephone follow-up, may have already improved the overall experience of cancer care. Importantly, patients were much more concerned about their cancer treatment than COVID-19, emphasising the need to continue to provide comprehensive cancer care even if we get a “2nd wave” of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Assessment of employees’ attitudes toward ongoing organizational transformations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Heim ◽  
Nibedita Sardar-Drenda
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Service

PurposeGlobal companies in the digital service industry are experiencing a pressing urgency for ongoing transformations caused by external factors driven by the need to change business models. This study aims to evaluate the willingness and ability to change as constructs of employee attitude toward change, assess their predictors and develop an approach to analyzing willingness and ability to change.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an abductive approach, building on the refinement of existing theories. The authors conducted 306 employees' surveys and nine interviews to collect primary data.FindingsThe result of this study suggests that the employees are willing to change when they have a sense of perceived control based on collaboration with management. Factors that have an impact on the willingness and ability to change include job function, age, years of job experience, knowledge of values, company background, understanding the current challenges, understating the urgency for change, positive attitude toward past changes and trust in leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThis is research is focused on one organization, and research in other industries or firms in the digital service industry would be beneficial.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the practice on the conduct of diagnostic investigation in an organization's readiness and risk for a planned change. The authors add to the existing literature the new dimensions related to the prior experience with change and understanding the need and urgency for change -specific factors that are relevant to individual ability to change. Managers can use findings in this study to learn how to plan and manage organizational change in the fast-paced business environment of digital service industries.Social implicationsThis research will help to understand work attitudes, emotions and behaviors and therefore will improve the well-being in the organizations experiencing transformation.Originality/valueIndividual readiness as a stand-alone concept was not enough explored in the literature, thus creating an opportunity for this study to fill the research gap. The lessons learned from this study are the following: ongoing change initiatives require longer time with a need to extend the organizational restructuring to behavioral and mindset change. This research suggests a practical approach to the assessment of change readiness in organizations. A simple model explaining factors affecting employees' willingness and ability to change has been suggested.

scholarly journals Virtual Consultations and the Role of Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic for People With Type 2 Diabetes: The UK Perspective (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren M Quinn ◽  
Melanie J Davies ◽  
Michelle Hadjiconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Diabetes Clinic ◽  
The Uk

UNSTRUCTURED The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges for people with diabetes, in addition to their high-risk stratification for infection. Supporting people with diabetes to self-care has been critical to reduce their risk of severe infection. This global pandemic has presented an opportunity to digitalize diabetes care and rapidly implement virtual diabetes clinics, with the aim of optimizing diabetes management and well-being, while keeping patients safe. We performed a rapid review of the literature to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual clinics in diabetes care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and have combined these findings with our own reflections in practice. We identified examples demonstrating safety and feasibility of virtual diabetes clinics, which aligns with our own clinical experience during the pandemic. The advantages of virtual clinics include reduced treatment burden, improved therapeutic alliances, societal and psychological benefits, and in our experience, innovative solutions to overcome the challenges presented by the transition from in-person to virtual care. We have provided three infographics to illustrate lessons learned and key recommendations, including steps to establish a virtual diabetes clinic, a checklist guide for health care professionals conducting virtual clinics, and a patient guide for making the most out of the virtual clinic. It is important to continue adapting to this pandemic and to make technology a sustainable option for the future of diabetes care.

scholarly journals Developing a smartphone app with UK migrants for UK migrants: lessons learned from focus group work

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Burns ◽  
G C G Hugenholtz ◽  
V Kirkby ◽  
N Elsay ◽  
R W Aldridge
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Migrant Population ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection ◽  
Real Time Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
App Design

Abstract Background In 2018, 14% of people living in the UK were born abroad, yet we have a limited understanding of the broader determinants of their health. To address this knowledge gap, the Health on the MovE (HOME) smartphone application (app) study was conceived. Through app-based surveys, the study will examine how risk factors for health and well-being are distributed among migrants and how these vary over time since migration to the UK. There is a lack of research addressing the development of apps for longitudinal data collection in the general population - and we did not find any in migrant groups. Methods To better inform the design of the HOME app study, three workshops were held in 2018 and 2019, involving both migrants and App development experts. We used a semi-structured interview schedule focused on five themes: smartphones, apps and research, HOME app wireframe (screen-by-screen review of the app), types of surveys and survey schedules, resource section content, and participant engagement strategies. The participants were purposively sampled to reflect the migrant population arriving in the UK from non-EU countries. Results Migrants reported high smartphone use and were positive about the app design and app-based research. Concerns around privacy and data protection were highlighted and limits were suggested for the frequency of surveys and the number of questions used. Mental health was identified as a key topic for research. Participants requested the inclusion of resources concerning asylum claim procedures and immigrant and labour laws. Migrants advised that study recruitment material should clearly state the purpose and scope of the research and requested regular feedback on study outcomes. Conclusions The workshops provided important feedback and facilitated the co-production of the HOME app. Overall findings suggest that the study would be both acceptable to the migrant population and feasible for real-time data collection. Key messages The process identified potential barriers to the acceptability and feasibility of an app-based study for real-time data collection in the UK migrant population. Organising workshops with migrants allowed for an iterative process of co-production of the HOME app. Their critical comments resulted in subsequent changes to the app design and study methodology.

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