scholarly journals Resources and Relationships in Disasters: Differences Among Small and Large Assisted Living Communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 285-285
Author(s):  
Debra Dobbs ◽  
Joseph June ◽  
David Dosa ◽  
Kathryn Hyer ◽  
Lindsay Peterson

Abstract Disaster preparedness among assisted living communities (ALCs) has not been widely researched, despite the growth of ALCs and evidence of disability in this population. An additional issue of concern is the way in which ALCs vary, including variation by size. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of ALCs in Florida that experienced Hurricane Irma in 2017 and how experiences varied by ALC size. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with representatives of small ALCs (<25 beds; n=32) and large ALCs (25+; n=38). Transcripts were analyzed using Atlas.ti version 8, and research team members collaborated to reach consensus on codes and further analyze differences based on ALC size. Results suggest there are differences among ALCs in their disaster preparedness and response, and these differences are related to size (e.g., access to resources, organizational characteristics). Implications for ALC resident wellbeing and future disaster planning will be discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 734-735
Author(s):  
Kathryn Hyer ◽  
Lindsay Peterson ◽  
David Dosa ◽  
Joseph June ◽  
Debra Dobbs

Abstract Little is known about the effects of disasters on assisted living community (ALC) residents. This is a concern given the growth of the AL industry and the increasing numbers of AL residents with functional limitations and chronic health conditions. This research examined the experiences of AL administrative staff to better understand the impact of Hurricane Irma. Qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives of ALCs across Florida (N=70), and transcripts were analyzed using Atlas.ti version 8. Research team members met regularly to reach consensus on codes, identifying five major themes across the interviews, 1) planning and preparation, 2) leadership, including plan execution and managing the unexpected, 3) effects/consequences of the storm, including effect on residents and staff, 4) lessons learned, and 5) electrical power. Results provide a broad view of ALC preparedness, how it varies across different types of ALCs and implications for resident wellbeing and future emergency planning.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neena Chappell ◽  
Alan Cassels ◽  
Linda Outcalt ◽  
Carren Dujela

Purpose – There is much evidence of bias in research on the effectiveness and efficacy of drugs as a result of the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this paper is to present the views of those involved in a major evidence-based policy initiative from Canada and examine the adequacy of existing academic conflict of interest (COI) rules. Design/methodology/approach – Data came from the Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative in British Columbia, a coverage with evidence development (CED) initiative, where a form of action research collected insights from the authors’ experiences, combined with qualitative interviews with members of the research team. Findings – The majority of researchers perceive the influence of pharmaceutical manufacturers as problematic. Even when the strictest of COI rules are followed, extending well beyond disclosure, the reach of industry is so great that existing COI rules lag far behind their expanding influence. Practical implications – The authors support others who call for the funding of independent research, enforcement of existing disclosure rules, and unfettered publication rights. In addition, the authors urge the education of all research team members, including clinicians, on the evidence indicating the variety of forms through which industry influence is exerted. The authors believe that this awareness-raising can help toward minimizing that influence in the analyses that are conducted. Originality/value – Consideration of pharmaceutical influence on CED research is important. There may be an untrue assumption that CED is functioning at arms-length from the drug companies.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex R. Robison ◽  
Mary E. Ryan ◽  
I. Diane Cooper

Objective – The goal of this study is to explore the impact of an informationist program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Library and to provide a basis for further program assessment. In 2001 the NIH Library began its informationist program, where librarians with training in both biomedicine and information science work alongside researchers. The goal of the program is to facilitate researchers’ access to and usage of information resources. Methods – The researchers used qualitative interviews with key informants to characterize the current informationist services of user groups. Subjects were selected to capture a variety of activities that would show patterns of how the program assists the researchers of various NIH groups. Following the interviews, the authors extracted recurring and significant themes from the subjects’ comments. Results – Interview subjects provided their views on the informationists’ skills, impact, and team participation. Research results documented that informationists helped find resources, provided instruction, and worked as part of the research team. The NIH groups currently using this service value their informationists’ knowledge of library resources and their ability to access information needs quickly. The informationists’ skills in finding information save the researchers time, increase the efficiency of the research team, and complement the contributions of other team members. Training by informationists was found useful. Informationist services led to increased self-reported library use, albeit in some cases this use was entirely via the informationist. Conclusions – Informationists saved researchers time by obtaining requested information, finding esoteric or unfamiliar resources, and providing related training. These activities appeared to be facilitated by the acceptance of the informationist as part of the research team. This exploratory study provides background that should be useful in future, more extensive evaluations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay J Peterson ◽  
Debra Dobbs ◽  
Joseph June ◽  
David M Dosa ◽  
Kathryn Hyer

Abstract Background and Objectives Protecting nursing home and assisted living community residents during disasters continues to be a challenge. The present study explores the experiences of long-term care facilities in Florida that were exposed to Hurricane Irma in 2017. Research Design and Methods We used an abductive approach, combining induction and deduction. Interviews and focus groups beginning in May 2018 were conducted by telephone and in person with 89 administrative staff members representing 100 facilities (30 nursing homes and 70 assisted living communities). Analyses identified themes and subthemes. Findings were further analyzed using the social ecological model to better understand the preparedness and response of nursing homes and assisted living communities to Hurricane Irma. Results Three main themes were identified including: 1) importance of collaborative relationships in anticipating needs and planning to shelter in place or evacuate, 2) efforts required to maintain safety and stability during an unprecedented event, 3) effects, repercussions, and recommendations for change following the disaster. Discussion and Implications Preparing for and managing disasters in nursing homes and assisted living communities involves actions within multiple environments beyond the residents and facilities where they live. Among these, community-level relationships are critical.


2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Shaw ◽  
Fraser Macfarlane ◽  
Yvonne H. Carter ◽  
Louise Letley

Few studies have explored the development of practices as research organisations. This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the development of UK research practices and the impact of practice roles on research. Twenty-eight qualitative interviews were undertaken with research team members in a maximum variety sample of 11 research practices. All interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an adaptation of Framework, a systematic method for qualitative data analysis. Research practice development was influenced by motivations to participate in research and by team roles and activity. General practitioners (GPs) regarded their "research role" as one of generating new knowledge, whereas nurses were motivated by the potential for improving care for their specific patient populations. "Research hierarchies" were revealed in practices hosting research, with GPs often leading decision-making and nurses undertaking much of the groundwork. Lack of coordination across research team/s appeared to hinder development, with shared decision-making helping to foster activity. Tensions were evident in managing the interface between research and other practice roles. Findings raise important issues in relation to assumed practice roles. Role issues must be fully addressed in order for research capacity building to be effective, particularly where the role of nursing is being extended.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Ivanova ◽  
Tianyu Tang ◽  
Nassim Idouraine ◽  
Anite Murcko ◽  
Adela Grando ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Granular information sharing studies rarely use actual patient electronic health record (EHR) information. In a previous study, behavioral health patients categorized their own EHR data into sensitive categories (e.g. mental health) and chose which care team members (e.g. pharmacists) should have access to those records. In this study, behavioral health professionals are provided access to the outcomes of a previous patient study to better understand the perspectives of health professionals on patient-controlled granular information sharing. OBJECTIVE Assess behavioral health professionals’: (1) perspectives on understanding and opinions about granular information sharing; (2) accuracy in assessing redacted medical information; (3) reactions to patient rationale for health data categorization, assignment of sensitivity, and sharing choices; and (4) recommendations on how to improve the process of granular health information sharing. METHODS Four two-hour focus groups and a pre- and post-survey were conducted at two integrated health facilities. During the focus groups, outcomes from a previous study on patients’ medical record sharing choices were shared. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS Twenty-eight professionals were initially unaware of or provided incorrect definitions of granular information sharing (56.0%). After having access to outcomes from a previous patient study, professionals increased their mixed perspectives (21.4% to 37.1%) on granular information sharing. A majority (81.3%) identified that key medical data had been redacted from the study case. Many (66.1%) stated they did not understand patient rationale for categorization or medical sharing preferences. Finally, participants recommended that a variety of educational approaches be incorporated to inform patients about granular information and health record sharing processes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights from behavioral health professionals on patient-controlled granular information sharing. Health professionals accurately identified information gaps resulting from patient-directed data redaction, improved in their overall concept comprehension, underscored the fine line between patient safety and patient rights, and expressed a commitment to help patients appreciate the risks and benefits associated with granular information sharing. Outcomes will inform the development, deployment and evaluation of an electronic consent tool for granular health data sharing.


Author(s):  
Ruth Lowndes ◽  
Palle Storm ◽  
Marta Szebehely

This chapter discusses the taking, writing up, and analyzing of fieldnotes as part of the rapid ethnographic methodology. It describes the preparatory process the team members went through to learn how to conduct observations, and the guiding documents/principles used by the research team throughout the site visits. We explain how observations were carried out and how fieldnotes were captured in our project, comparing this process to that of traditional ethnographic research. It compares the process of writing up and analyzing fieldnotes in traditional ethnography with the process used in the team-based rapid ethnography, drawing on our individual experiences in conducting both types. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the team-based approach.


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