scholarly journals We’re in This Together, but . . . : Community-Engaged Research Process of an Arts Intervention With Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 815-815
Author(s):  
Sudha Sudha ◽  
Lia Miller
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Community Staff ◽  
Participatory Arts

Abstract Community engaged (CE) methods are used in health-related research, but few discuss methodological aspects among older adults. We describe the methodology and lessons learned from a CE study of whether ARTmail, a structured participatory arts program, benefited older adults aged 60+ with memory symptoms / cognitive impairment (MS/CI). Our study, conducted in 2015-2017 with support from the NEA, was a partnership between a non-profit organization in North Carolina that provides creative programming for older adults with varied abilities, and researchers in an area University. Older adults with MS/CI symptoms receiving care in area communities were recruited into either the art intervention or a control group, in collaboration with community staff. We reflect on the CE research process with a partnership among community organizations, researchers, care staff, and older adults. Asymmetries in priorities, resources, and decision-making power are described, and implications for the research process and findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Words, Camera, Music, Action: A Methodology of Digital Storytelling in a Health Care Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691986324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Lang ◽  
Catherine Laing ◽  
Nancy Moules ◽  
Andrew Estefan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Storytelling ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Health Care Setting ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Digital Formats

In this technological age, storytelling is moving from oral and written to digital formats, creating many methodological opportunities for researchers and practitioners. This article explores a specific genre of participatory media production, digital storytelling (DST), which could be a valuable research tool to describe, analyze, and understand the experiences of research participants. Digital stories (DS) are short movies that use images, videos, a voice-over, and various video editing techniques to share an important story from the participant’s life. In a health care setting, DS can be used as knowledge translation tools for education and advocacy, as data to be analyzed in the research process, or as a therapeutic intervention, in any combination, depending on the intent of the project. Although an increasing number of health-related research studies indicate using DST, or some variation of it, there is a glaring paucity of methodologically focused manuscripts in the health care literature. This article delineates and describes four primary phases of DST in a health care context as finding the story, telling the story, crafting the story, and sharing the story. Both the creative and technical considerations of DST facilitation are elucidated through specific examples and practical concepts. By drawing from diverse literature such as narratology, film, and psychotherapy, and exploring new creative tools and ideas to help research participants convey meaning, this article provides a starting point for qualitative researchers to explore the use of DST in their own contexts.

Health Benefits of Cobblestone-Mat Walking: Preliminary Findings

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuzhong Li ◽  
Peter Harmer ◽  
Nicole L. Wilson ◽  
K. John Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Reduction ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
Resting Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Related

This study examined the effect of cobblestone-mat walking on health-related outcomes in older adults. Participants (mean age 72.6,N=40) were randomized into either an 8-week cobblestone-mat walking activity (n= 22) or a control group (n= 18). Cobblestone-mat walking entailed three 45-min sessions per week. Primary outcomes included SF-12 (mental, physical), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), psychophysical well-being, daytime sleepiness, and pain. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and perceived control of falls. The walkers experienced significantly improved SF-12 scores, IADLs, and psychophysical well-being and significantly reduced daytime sleepiness and pain. They also reported significantly improved perceptions of control over falls. A significant between-groups difference in resting diastolic blood pressure was observed, with reductions in the walkers. A significant within-group reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed in the walkers only. The data indicate that cobblestone-mat walking can significantly improve health-related outcomes in older adults.

scholarly journals Effects of a person-centred and health-promoting intervention in home care services– a non-randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Lämås ◽  
Karin Bölenius ◽  
Per-Olof Sandman ◽  
Marie Lindkvist ◽  
David Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Promoting

Abstract Background Home care recipients have reported little self-determination and opportunity to influence their own care. Person-centred care focusing on involvement has improved the quality of life of older adults in health care and nursing homes; however, knowledge about the effects of person-centred interventions in aged care at home is sparse. The aim of this study was to study the effects of a person-centred and health-promoting intervention, compared with usual care, on health-related quality of life, thriving and self-determination among older adults, and on job satisfaction, stress of conscience and level of person-centred care among care staff. Methods This is a non-randomized controlled trial with a before/after design. Participants from five home care districts in one municipality in northern Sweden were recruited to an intervention or control group. We evaluated health-related quality of life, thriving and self-determination among older home care recipients, and job satisfaction, person-centred care and stress of conscience among care staff. Evaluation was performed by questionnaires and responses were analysed using parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses. Results Eighty-one older adults and 48 staff were included in the study. A clinically moderate and statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups was found in thriving and negative emotions among older adults. The intervention contributed to maintaining high thriving levels, in contrast to decreased thriving in the control group (intervention: + 1, control: − 4, p 0.026, CI: − 10. 766, − 0.717). However, the intervention group rated an increase in negative emotions, while the control group was unchanged (intervention: − 7 control: + − 0, p 0.048, CI: − 17.435, − 0.098). No significant effects were found among staff. Conclusions The intervention contributed to maintaining high levels of thriving in contrast to low levels found in the control group, and it seems reasonable to consider the intervention focus on staff as more person-centred and health-promoting. The finding that the intervention group had increase in negative emotions is difficult to interpret, and warrants further exploration. Even though the results are sparse, the challenges discussed may be of importance for future studies in the context of HCS. Trial registration NCT02846246. Date of registration: 27 July 2016.

scholarly journals Mixed Methods Research in Library and Information Science: A Methodological Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-125
Author(s):  
Richard Hayman ◽  
Erika E Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Methodological Review ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Objective - To review mixed methods research trends in the field of library and information science (LIS). In particular, we examine the extent to which research about or using mixed methods has been occurring in library and information science over the past decade (2008-2018), and how much of that mixed methods research is done in health contexts. Methods - We conducted a methodological review and analysis of mixed methods research (MMR) in LIS for published articles indexed in LISTA and Web of Science. After deduplication and verification for inclusion, we coded 417 articles to identify contributions using or about MMR. Given the connections between evidence based practice in health and LIS, we also identified whether articles about or using mixed methods were health-focused. Results - We found MMR to be a tiny proportion (less than 0.5%) of the overall LIS research literature. In terms of observable trends, while contributions about MMR remain fairly static, there has been an increase in articles using mixed methods. Of the 417 included articles, 373 (89.5%) primarily used mixed methods and 44 (10.5%) were primarily about MMR. Results also demonstrated that health-related research both using and about mixed methods has a strong presence in the LIS literature, with 136 published articles (32.6% of the total). Conclusion - Confirming findings of prior analyses of research methods in LIS, our methodological review shows current opportunities to adopt and expand the use of mixed methods research processes. Further contributions about mixed methods research, and ideally connecting research and practice in LIS, are needed. Despite the small proportion of MMR in LIS research, there is an observable increase in the number of publications using mixed methods during this timeframe. The LIS research community can promote additional growth by leveraging this momentum around using mixed methods, and look to translate lessons learned about mixed methods research and practice in health contexts to other LIS settings. Recommendations include developing educational opportunities and learning resources that facilitate wider engagement with MMR in LIS contexts.

scholarly journals From FAIR data to fair data use: Methodological data fairness in health-related social media research

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 205395172110103
Author(s):  
Sabina Leonelli ◽  
Rebecca Lovell ◽  
Benedict W Wheeler ◽  
Lora Fleming ◽  
Hywel Williams
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Data Practices ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Media Data

The paper problematises the reliability and ethics of using social media data, such as sourced from Twitter or Instagram, to carry out health-related research. As in many other domains, the opportunity to mine social media for information has been hailed as transformative for research on well-being and disease. Considerations around the fairness, responsibilities and accountabilities relating to using such data have often been set aside, on the understanding that as long as data were anonymised, no real ethical or scientific issue would arise. We first counter this perception by emphasising that the use of social media data in health research can yield problematic and unethical results. We then provide a conceptualisation of methodological data fairness that can complement data management principles such as FAIR by enhancing the actionability of social media data for future research. We highlight the forms that methodological data fairness can take at different stages of the research process and identify practical steps through which researchers can ensure that their practices and outcomes are scientifically sound as well as fair to society at large. We conclude that making research data fair as well as FAIR is inextricably linked to concerns around the adequacy of data practices. The failure to act on those concerns raises serious ethical, methodological and epistemic issues with the knowledge and evidence that are being produced.

scholarly journals The Six-Month and One-Year Outcome of a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Among Older Adults in Macao: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 237796082095823
Author(s):  
Sok Man Leong ◽  
Wai In Lei ◽  
Un Wa Chan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
One Year

Introduction Promoting older adults to self-manage their chronic conditions is a major focus of the Macao government and healthcare professionals since more than 80% of older adults have suffered chronic conditions. Objectives This study evaluated the effect of the Chronic Disease Self-management Program (CDSMP) on self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, health status, and healthcare services utilization among Macao older adults with chronic disease over six months, and assessed whether the intervention effect persisted for one year. Methods A longitudinal and quasi-experimental design was used in this study. A total number of 158 older adults with at least one chronic disease were recruited from three Macao community centers. Participants in the study group engaged in a six-session CDSMP in the community centers and participants in the control group received usual care. The Chronic Disease Self-management Questionnaire was used to assess the outcome measures for baseline, six-month and one-year assessment. Results The age of subjects ranged from 60 to 88, 64.6% had three or more chronic diseases. The results showed that the subjects in the study group had significant improvement in self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, and some health-related indicators at the point of six months, and these improvements were still observable at the point of one year when comparing to the control group. The results also showed that the study group had a decrease in healthcare services utilization, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion This study confirmed that the community-dwelling older adults in Macao can acquire positive outcomes in self-management and health-related indicators from the CDSMP. Hence, it is worth promoting this program as a health promotion activity in community.

scholarly journals Enhanced patient research participation: a Photovoice study in Blantyre Malawi

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Jane Bates ◽  
Jane Ardrey ◽  
Treza Mphwatiwa ◽  
Stephen Bertel Squire ◽  
Louis Willem Niessen
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Limited Participation ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Participatory Analysis

ObjectivesPatient involvement in palliative care research is a desirable if challenging goal. Photovoice is an action research method in which affected communities gather photographs to document and discuss their communities’ strengths and concerns. Engagement with policymakers is a separately stated goal. Photovoice is increasingly used in health-related research but has not been widely described in the palliative care literature. We report on experiences and lessons learnt using Photovoice in Blantyre, Malawi to encourage its wider use in research and practice.MethodsThirteen co-researchers (six patients and seven household carers, mean age 47 years) receiving community-based palliative care, attended nine half-day group sessions over a 4-month period. Co-researchers produced, selected and analysed photographs. On completion of data collection, they conducted an advocacy event, including a photographic exhibition, to which media representatives and community leaders were invited.ResultsProcedures to ensure safety of co-researchers and to obtain consent of individuals identified in the photographs were developed during the planning phase. Co-researchers engaged with the Photovoice process with enthusiasm, although frailty and physical disability (poor sight) limited participation for some older adults. Inclusion of palliative care staff within the research team helped to facilitate open dialogue and clinical review where appropriate.ConclusionsIn this Photovoice study, patients and family members receiving palliative care engaged in an exploration of household well-being using photography, participatory analysis and an advocacy event. With appropriate planning, Photovoice can be adapted to a range of settings to enhance patient participation.

scholarly journals Building on Lessons Learned in a Mobile Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health (MORPH): Protocol for the MORPH-II Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Amber K Brooks ◽  
Katherine L Hsieh ◽  
Kyle Kershner ◽  
Joy Furlipa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Improve Health

BACKGROUND Engaging in sufficient levels of physical activity, guarding against sustained sitting, and maintaining a healthy body weight represent important lifestyle strategies for managing older adults’ chronic pain. Our first Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health (MORPH) randomized pilot study demonstrated that a partially remote group-mediated diet and daylong activity intervention (ie, a focus on moving often throughout the day) can lead to improved physical function, weight loss, less pain intensity, and fewer minutes of sedentary time. We also identified unique delivery challenges that limited the program’s scalability and potential efficacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the MORPH-II randomized pilot study is to refine the MORPH intervention package based on feedback from MORPH and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this revised package prior to conducting a larger clinical trial. METHODS The MORPH-II study is an iteration on MORPH designed to pilot a refined framework, enhance scalability through fully remote delivery, and increase uptake of the daylong movement protocol through revised education content and additional personalized remote coaching. Older, obese, and low-active adults with chronic multisite pain (n=30) will be randomly assigned to receive a 12-week remote group-mediated physical activity and dietary weight loss intervention followed by a 12-week maintenance period or a control condition. Those in the intervention condition will partake in weekly social cognitive theory–based group meetings via teleconference software plus one-on-one support calls on a tapered schedule. They will also engage with a tablet application paired with a wearable activity monitor and smart scale designed to provide ongoing social and behavioral support throughout the week. Those in the control group will receive only the self-monitoring tools. RESULTS Recruitment is ongoing as of January 2021. CONCLUSIONS Findings from MORPH-II will help guide other researchers working to intervene on sedentary behavior through frequent movement in older adults with chronic pain. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04655001; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04655001 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/29013

Digital Storytelling for Health-related Outcomes in Older Adults: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Stargatt ◽  
Sunil Bhar ◽  
Jahar Bhowmik ◽  
Abdullah Al Mahmud
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Digital Storytelling ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Psychological Comorbidities ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Digital Stories ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Older adults face a unique set of challenges and may experience a range of psychological comorbidities. Digital storytelling is an emergent tool for sharing and recording lived experiences and may have the potential to support wellbeing but is yet to be systematically reviewed for use amongst older adults. OBJECTIVE This review examined the methods for creating digital stories, the health-related outcomes associated with creating digital stories, and potential for implementing digital storytelling with older adults. METHODS We systematically searched electronic databases to identify articles published in English that reported on at least one health-related outcome of digital storytelling for participants aged 60 and above. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach and summarized in tables. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS Eight studies were included in the review. Participants were primarily community-dwelling older adults living with dementia, involving family caregivers and/or professional care staff. Studies took various approaches to digital storytelling and reported diverse benefits associated with digital storytelling, including improvements in mood, memory, social engagement, and quality of relationships. Potential for implementation was not widely examined, although some studies presented evidence for acceptability and feasibility. Generally, studies were of high quality, despite the absence of comparator groups and confounder analyses. CONCLUSIONS The evidence reviewed suggests that despite various approaches taken, digital storytelling shows promise as an effective approach for supporting wellbeing in older adults. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO 2019: CRD42019145922; International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/15512 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/15512

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life and related factors among older adults with visual impairments

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi J Siira ◽  
Aura AK Falck ◽  
Helvi A Kyngäs
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mental Function ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Aim was to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors among older adults with visual impairment (VI). A total of 39 independently living subjects aged ⩾65 years (83 ± 6.5), referred to the Low Vision Center of the Oulu University Hospital, Finland during one year participated in the study. The participants had low vision or blindness as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 15D, a generic HRQoL instrument, was used to assess the HRQoL, and an ophthalmic examination was performed to assess vision. A population-based control group ( n = 1074) was available for comparison. The mean 15D index scores for the participants and the control group were 0.768 ( SD = 0.089) and 0.827 ( SD = 0.044), respectively, ( p < .002). In the dimensions of move ( p < .05), see ( p < .001), breath ( p < .05), usual activities ( p < .001), depression ( p < .05), and distress ( p < .05), the study participants scored statistically significantly lower than the control group. However, the participants had better mental function scores (0.856 vs 0.773, p < .05). Among the participants, there was no difference in the 15D by gender (men 0.755, women 0.774, p > .05), habitation (alone 0.768, with someone 0.770, p > .05), or age ( r = –.084), nor did the extent of low vision appear to affect the 15D index in this material. The older adults with VI had poorer 15D index score than Finnish population of equal age, but they scored better in the dimension of mental function. Mental skills may indeed be crucial for independent living despite VI.

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