scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Innovations Utilizing Pet Robots to Meet Research, Education, and Care Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 981-981
Author(s):  
Meredith Troutman-Jordan ◽  
Boyd Davis
Keyword(s):  
Research Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Field Exposure ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Therapeutic Outcomes ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
Interviewing Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Studies of the impact of robotic companion pets are proliferating, authored by several disciplines, each with different concerns. Roboticists focus on technology design and artificial emotional intelligence as opposed to general preferences for soft, furry, interactive animals. Others worry that as people interact with potentially deceptive technology, they may think the pet is alive. While aware of these serious concerns, gerontologists have focused on how lonely older persons without cognitive impairment respond to social ‘helper’ robots. More recent studies emphasize the possible impact of animatronic pets on persons with dementia (PWD). Therapeutic benefits of these pets are just being established. Our current pilot study is timely in that it now involves semi-structured interviews with formal/ informal caregivers of PWD who have been given a robot pet. We are eliciting perceptions, opinions, and observations of the PWD’s response to robotic pets. We recruited 8 gerontology students as much-needed assistants for a research-driven topics course to afford them field exposure to PWD, caregivers, and direct research experience. Because students seldom have experience either with robotic pets or PWD, they read selected articles and received training/practice in semi-structured interviewing techniques. Students next conducted interviews with caregivers of PWD who have interacted with the pets. All interviews are audio-recorded, transcribed and deposited in the Carolinas Conversations Collection. Content and thematic analysis of transcriptions, student activity logs and bi-weekly reflective discussions will inform next steps in intervention research, testing therapeutic outcomes such as agitation reduction by pet robots for PWD.

The Student Experience of Video-Enhanced Learning, Assessment, and Feedback

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-40
Author(s):  
James McDowell
Keyword(s):  
Student Experience ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Learning Assessment ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Methodological Triangulation ◽  
Direct Interpretation ◽  
Interviewing Techniques ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Enhanced Learning

Evaluating the impact on the student experience of the integrated model of video-enhanced learning, assessment, and feedback discussed in the previous chapter, qualitative data collection employed anonymous online questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and dialogic interviewing techniques, drawing on summative results data to inform methodological triangulation of the findings. Data analysis combined thematic analysis, constant comparison, and direct interpretation within a grounded theory framework. Illustrative cases present the findings as thick descriptions of the influence of video-based interventions on the experience of six purposively and representatively selected participants. The chapter concludes that an integrated model of asynchronous video-enhanced learning, assessment, and feedback can promote increased reflexivity, enhance learner autonomy, and encourage meta-cognitive self-awareness, while affording greater inclusivity for students affected by dyslexia or Asperger's Syndrome.

scholarly journals Caregivers of children with diabetes mellitus: challenges of caring for and perceptions of consultations in a South African public sector context

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
B. L. Dhada ◽  
D. R. Blackbeard
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Adjustment Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Negative Feelings

Background: Understanding caregivers’ challenges in caring for children with diabetes mellitus (DM) and their perceptions of consultations with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) may be valuable in assisting in achieving control.Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, anonymised, transcribed recorded data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of caregivers were thematically analysed in three areas: (a) challenges experienced in caring for their child, (b) feelings around MDT consultations pertaining to helpfulness, support and diabetes education, and (c) suggestions for clinic improvement. University of KwaZulu-Natal ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained.Results: All caregivers (n = 14) were female with a mean age of 38 years. Total diabetes caring experience was 47.4 years. The primary caregiver was the mother in nine interviews. Ten interviewees were unemployed. The children’s ages ranged from 3 to 15 years with mean age at diagnosis of 6.7 years. Caregivers’ challenges in caring were reflected in two global themes: ‘DM care is difficult’ and needs a ‘process of adjustment’ over time to accept and meet demands. These included emotional, practical, financial, behavioural and social challenges. Caregivers’ feelings regarding overall consultations were mostly positive, including satisfaction. The MDT’s helpfulness and support were perceived as patient-centred and meeting education and care needs. Negative feelings were frustration and boredom. Clinic improvement suggestions included shorter waiting times and seeing the same doctor for continuity of care.Conclusion: Caregivers in South Africa experienced caring for children with DM as difficult, requiring an adjustment process. Perceptions of consultations were mostly positive. Relevant clinic improvements were suggested.

scholarly journals “Who Would Bother Getting a Degree When You Would Be on the Exact Same Pay and Conditions . . .?” Professionalism and the Problem With Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care: An Irish Perspective

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110318
Author(s):  
Ayooluwa Oke ◽  
Judith E. Butler ◽  
Cian O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Social Welfare Services ◽  
Childhood Care ◽  
Highly Skilled ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

Although the literature is replete with research that indicates the importance of qualified and highly skilled practitioners in the provision of quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), challenges to the retention of highly skilled graduates and the establishment of a professional ECEC workforce persist. This study investigates the barriers that hinder practitioners from obtaining higher level ECEC qualifications. It presents findings from the perspectives of practitioners ( n = 18) participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme using semi-structured interviews. This article is part of a doctoral study with practitioners and parents on quality in ECEC and the impact of technology on quality practice. Importantly, this article presents findings from the practitioner interviews as they relate to the barriers faced by practitioners in obtaining higher level qualifications. Findings indicate that practitioners value the role of qualifications in the provision of quality practice. Despite this, findings suggest that the likelihood of obtaining an ECEC degree is largely dependent on the practitioner’s financial situation. For example, in the absence of appropriate pay scales and occupational profiles, practitioners are forced to avail of social welfare services.

scholarly journals Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for improving outpatient neuropalliative care: A qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110173
Author(s):  
Zachary A Macchi ◽  
Roman Ayele ◽  
Megan Dini ◽  
Jensine Lamira ◽  
Maya Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
The Impact

Background: COVID-19 has impacted persons with serious illness, including those with chronic, neurodegenerative conditions. While there are several reports on COVID-19’s impact on inpatient palliative care, literature is limited about the impact on outpatient care which may be more relevant for these patients. Aim: To generate a person-centered description of the impact of COVID-19 from the perspectives of patients living with neurodegenerative disease and caregivers to improve outpatient palliative care delivery. Design: This qualitative study used rapid analysis via matrix design to identify emergent themes related to participant perspectives on the challenges of COVID-19. Data sources included semi-structured interviews, open-ended survey responses, medical record documentation and participant-researcher communications. Setting/Participants: Data was collected from 108 patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders and 90 caregivers enrolled in a multicenter, clinical trial of community-based, outpatient palliative care between March 20, 2020 and August 8, 2020 (NCT03076671). Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) disruptions to delivery of healthcare and other supportive services; (2) increased symptomatic and psychosocial needs; (3) increased caregiver burden; (4) limitations of telecommunications when compared to in-person contact. We observed that these themes interacted and intersected. Conclusions: Patients and caregivers have unmet care needs because of the pandemic, exacerbated by social isolation. While telemedicine has helped improve access to healthcare, patients and caregivers perceive clear limitations compared to in-person services. Changes in society and healthcare delivery in response to COVID-19 highlight ongoing and novel gaps that must be addressed to optimize future outpatient palliative care for neurologic illness.

Right brain to right brain therapy: how tactile, expressive arts therapy emulates attachment

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-96
Author(s):  
Melissa Urquhart ◽  
Fiona Gardner ◽  
Margarita Frederico ◽  
Rachael Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Play Therapy ◽  
Expressive Arts ◽  
Expressive Arts Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Right Brain ◽  
Therapeutic Outcomes ◽  
Therapy Technique ◽  
Relational Trauma ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe impact of a manipulative art therapy technique combined with an attuned therapeutic relationship which aims to replicate the experience of nurturing touch in infancy is explored in this paper. The current literature will be reviewed in relation to the interface between attachment-related trauma and the use of expressive art and play therapy in the context of relevant clinical experience. Specific experiences of clinical practice with children and associated therapeutic outcomes are used to illustrate the potential of this combination. In addition, we argue for further investigation of therapeutic benefits inherent in manipulative art and play in replication of the regulating role of touch with children who have experienced early relational trauma.

scholarly journals Love as an act of resistance: Ethical subversion in early childhood professional practice in England

2020 ◽  
pp. 146394912093229
Author(s):  
Lynette Morris
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Emotional Labour ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
The Individual

Challenging the conventional binary of morality and subversion as opposing forces, this article presents a new construct of ethical subversion in early childhood education and care professional practice. The conceptual framework combines constructs of emotional labour and care ethics, and theorising on power and subversive tactics. Text generated from focus group discussions and individual semi-structured interviews with graduate early childhood education and care practitioners provides the concrete corpus for Foucauldian discourse analysis. Critical analysis elucidates how, on the one hand, practitioners working in England experience ethical boundaries reflecting dominant discourses, while, on the other, they feel morally committed to care responsively even if it contravenes rule-based ethics. Ethical subversion is born from both reason and emotion: these are acts of loving disobedience by experienced practitioners who possess a deep understanding of risk and the critical implications of their rule-bending. Ethical subversion is relational and individualistic, supporting a care pedagogy focusing on the individual care needs of young children. Conceptualisation of ethical subversion raises important issues in the areas of ethics, management and professionalism: ethical subversion is constructed as a powerful phenomenon, with potential for effecting positive transformation in the lives of children and their families, while simultaneously augmenting constructs of professionalism in early childhood education and care in England.

scholarly journals Health and Access to Gender-Affirming Care During COVID-19: Experiences of transmasculine individuals and men assigned female sex at birth

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 155798832110626
Author(s):  
Alexa B. D’Angelo ◽  
Kira Argenio ◽  
Drew A. Westmoreland ◽  
Max N. Appenroth ◽  
Christian Grov
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global research has suggested that the pandemic has negatively affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) populations, including by limiting health care access. There is little research on the impact of COVID-19 among transmasculine persons and men assigned female sex at birth (AFAB) in the United States, who face unique health care challenges outside of the pandemic context. Between May and June of 2020, 20 transmasculine individuals and AFAB men who have sex with men participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked how the pandemic affected their access to health care, overall health, and well-being. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach. Participants reported reduced access to in-person health care, which in some cases meant overdue hormone-related bloodwork and unmet health care needs. Most participants reported that they were able to maintain their testosterone regimen, although some were concerned about future access, citing anxiety about potential shortages. Three participants reported canceled or deferred gender-affirming procedures, which they were uncertain would be rescheduled soon. Participants generally reported that the expansion of telehealth improved access to care, particularly for gender-affirming psychotherapy that was otherwise inaccessible or inconvenient prior to the pandemic. Other salient themes include the pandemic’s impact on health behaviors and daily routines. Although the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for maintaining health, it also expanded access to gender-affirming health care, largely through the expansion of telehealth. Our findings provide new insights for supporting the health of transmasculine individuals and AFAB men.

From a Death Sentence to a Disrupted Life

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weeam Hammoudeh ◽  
Dennis Hogan ◽  
Rita Giacaman
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Death Sentence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Palestinian Territory ◽  
The Impact

This study explores women’s experiences of breast cancer in the occupied Palestinian territory. We use an inductive qualitative design with a thematic analytical approach for conducting and analyzing 35 semi-structured interviews with breast cancer patients. The interviews focused on diagnosis, experiences and coping with breast cancer, social support and care needs, and the impact of illness on their families and social relationships. Three themes emerged: (a) the transition from initial shock to the daily struggles with disruptions caused by illness, (b) the role of social support in helping women cope with the burden of disease, and the importance of (c) faith and reliance on God (tawakkul). In the Palestinian context, women’s narratives highlighted the disruptive nature of breast cancer. Our findings underline the importance of social support provided by extended family members. Finally, faith is an important overarching theme that influences how women make sense of and cope with breast cancer.

scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring risk perception in congenital cardiac surgery: the perspective of UK surgeons

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Robyn R Lotto ◽  
Sarah E Seaton ◽  
Ian D Jones ◽  
Attilio A Lotto
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Care ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Moral Obligations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Managing Risk ◽  
Cardiac Surgeons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Abstract Introduction: Managing risk is central to clinical care, yet most research focuses on patient perception, as opposed to how risk is enacted within the clinical setting by healthcare professionals. Aim: To explore how surgical risk is perceived, encountered, and managed by congenital cardiac surgeons. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 congenital cardiac surgeons representing every unit across England and Wales. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, with analysis based on the constant comparative approach. Findings: Three themes were identified, reflecting the interactions between personal, institutional, and political context in which risk is encountered and managed. First, “communicating risk” highlights the complexity and variability in methods employed by surgeons to balance legal/moral obligations with parental need and expectations. Universally, surgeons described the need for flexibility in their approach in order to meet the needs of individual patients. Second, “scrutiny and accountability” captures the spectrum of opinion arising from the binary nature of the outcomes collated and the way in which they are perceived to be interpreted. Third, “nature of the job” highlights the personal and professional implications of conveying and managing risk and the impact of recent policy changes on the way this is enacted. Conclusion: Variations in approaches to communicating risk demonstrate a lack of consensus, compounded by insufficient evidence to determine or monitor a “best-care” approach. With current surgical outcomes suggesting little room for increasing survival rates, future care needs should shift to the “soft skills” in order to continue to drive improvements in parental and patient experience.

Impact and Challenges of Centres for Education and Community Action in Cameroon’s North West Region

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-74
Author(s):  
Fonteh Athanasius Amungwa
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
West Region ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines the impact of community education and challenges facing Centres for Education and Community Action as a rural development strategy in Cameroon. The study was conducted in the North-West Region of Cameroon, employing field observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants using a convenient sampling technique and through elaborate review of documents. These research instruments were blended into what is termed triangulation and the data collected was analysed descriptively. The main focus of qualitative analysis is to understand the ways in which people act and the accounts that people give for their actions. This paper posits that extreme dependence on the provision of Western formal education cannot solve the problems of a rapidly changing society like Cameroon, which is facing a long-term economic crisis and persistent unemployment issues of graduates. Consequently, education should be redefined in the context of the prevailing economic crisis to make it responsive to the aspirations of rural communities. Findings showed that community education had contributed towards rural development immensely but has suffered many challenges due to neglect of the field in the policy agenda. This paper recommends the integration of community education with formal education to facilitate group and community betterment in particular and rural transformation in general.

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