scholarly journals Public engagement and crowdfunding for health research: A global qualitative evidence synthesis and TDR pilot

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eneyi E Kpokiri ◽  
Clarisse Sri-Pathmanathan ◽  
Priyanka Shrestha ◽  
Sana Navaid ◽  
Teerawat Wiwatpanit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Engagement ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Pilot Programme ◽  
The Public ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

Background: Many exceptional researchers, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) face structural disadvantages in applying for research grants. Public engagement and crowdfunding make it possible for researchers to directly seek support from the public, by engaging large groups of people who make small contributions to support a project. This manuscript synthesizes global qualitative evidence and describes a WHO-TDR public engagement and crowdfunding pilot programme. Methods: We searched six databases for primary qualitative and mixed-methods research. We used a thematic synthesis approach and assessed our findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. A crowdfunding approach to finance research studies was tested through a pilot programme, with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. TDR Global mentors provided support for five finalists to engage the public and develop crowdfunding campaigns. Results: Nine studies were included in the qualitative evidence synthesis. Themes were developed into seven key findings, including the need for extensive public engagement, the potential for crowdfunding to open a communication channel between researchers and the public, key correlates of crowdfunding success and the risks of crowdfunding health research with associated mitigation strategies. The TDR pilot programme received 121 entries from 37 countries. Five LMIC-based researchers received training and joined a working group. Three researchers launched their crowdfunding campaigns, met their goals and received substantial monetary and non-monetary contributions. Conclusion: Public engagement provides a foundation for effective crowdfunding for health research. Our evidence synthesis and pilot data provide practical strategies for LMIC researchers to engage the public and conduct crowdfunding campaigns.

scholarly journals It’s crunch time: Exploring the sensibility of food textural acoustics for individuals with dysphagia

2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasneem F. Karani ◽  
Mershen Pillay
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Review Analysis ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Complex Process

Background: Various fields of study have alluded to food textural, and its associated acoustic, properties (i.e. food textural acoustics). However, because of the challenging nature of the inclusion of acoustic properties in diet textural modifications in dysphagia (swallowing disorders), this construct has not been sufficiently considered in the field.Objective: To investigate the sensibility of food textural acoustics as a construct to understand eating for individuals with dysphagia.Method: The study design was based on qualitative evidence synthesis methodologies. This involved revised scoping review methods (peer-reviewed published articles from 1980 to 2020 over seven databases), with an adapted consultation phase through online focus group discussions with six world experts. The data was analysed using frequency and thematic analysis, and ideology critique.Results: A total of 11 articles were included in the revised scoping review analysis (seven research studies and four review articles). The analysis of these articles revealed a lack of diversity in geography, discipline and perspective exploring the construct of food textural acoustics. A total of three themes with three associated core arguments emerged from the revised scoping review and the consultation phase. These arguments highlighted (1) the need to study food textural acoustics because of its salience and pleasure responses, (2) possible methodological dilemmas in studying food textural acoustics due to the complexity of eating, and (3) considerations with regard to the approach and positioning adopted when studying the construct.Conclusion: Food textural acoustics may be a sensible construct to understand eating for individuals with dysphagia. As eating is a complex process, there is a need to challenge the methods we use when studying this construct of food textural acoustics. We hope that this article inspires researchers and practitioners to think differently by using textural, and its associated acoustic, properties as a way to reimagine dysphagia practice, especially for those from low- to middle-income contexts such as South Africa and Brazil.

scholarly journals Interventions targeted at health professionals to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections: a qualitative evidence synthesis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e025073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Kingdon ◽  
Soo Downe ◽  
Ana Pilar Betran
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
High Income ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

ObjectiveTo establish the views and experiences of healthcare professionals in relation to interventions targeted at them to reduce unnecessary caesareans.DesignQualitative evidence synthesis.SettingStudies undertaken in high-income, middle-income and low-income settings.Data sourcesSeven databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, Global Index Medicus, POPLINE and African Journals Online). Studies published between 1985 and June 2017, with no language or geographical restrictions. We hand-searched reference lists and key citations using Google Scholar.Study selectionQualitative or mixed-method studies reporting health professionals’ views.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently assessed study quality prior to extraction of primary data and authors’ interpretations. The data were compared and contrasted, then grouped into summary of findings (SoFs) statements, themes and a line of argument synthesis. All SoFs were Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) assessed.Results17 papers were included, involving 483 health professionals from 17 countries (nine high-income, six middle-income and two low-income). Fourteen SoFs were identified, resulting in three core themes: philosophy of birth(four SoFs); (2)social and cultural context(five SoFs); and (3)negotiation within system(five SoFs). The resulting line of argument suggests three key mechanisms of effect for change or resistance to change: prior beliefs about birth; willingness or not to engage with change, especially where this entailed potential loss of income or status (including medicolegal barriers); and capacity or not to influence local community and healthcare service norms and values relating to caesarean provision.ConclusionFor maternity care health professionals, there is a synergistic relationship between their underpinning philosophy of birth, the social and cultural context they are working within and the extent to which they were prepared to negotiate within health system resources to reduce caesarean rates. These findings identify potential mechanisms of effect that could improve the design and efficacy of change programmes to reduce unnecessary caesareans.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017059455.

scholarly journals Developing a reporting guideline to improve meta-ethnography in health research: the eMERGe mixed-methods study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggie Cunningham ◽  
Emma F France ◽  
Nicola Ring ◽  
Isabelle Uny ◽  
Edward AS Duncan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundMeta-ethnography is a commonly used methodology for qualitative evidence synthesis. Research has identified that the quality of reporting of published meta-ethnographies is often poor and this has limited the utility of meta-ethnography findings to influence policy and practice.ObjectiveTo develop guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnography reporting.Methods/designThe meta-ethnography reporting guidance (eMERGe) study followed the recommended approach for developing health research reporting guidelines and used a systematic mixed-methods approach. It comprised (1) a methodological systematic review of guidance in the conduct and reporting of meta-ethnography; (2) a review and audit of published meta-ethnographies, along with interviews with meta-ethnography end-users, to identify good practice principles; (3) a consensus workshop and two eDelphi (Version 1, Duncan E, Swinger K, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK) studies to agree guidance content; and (4) the development of the guidance table and explanatory notes.ResultsResults from the methodological systematic review and the audit of published meta-ethnographies revealed that more guidance was required around the reporting of all phases of meta-ethnography conduct and, in particular, the synthesis phases 4–6 (relating studies, translating studies into one another and synthesising translations). Following the guidance development process, the eMERGe reporting guidance was produced, comprising 19 items grouped into the seven phases of meta-ethnography.LimitationsThe finalised guidance has not yet been evaluated in practice; therefore, it is not possible at this stage to comment on its utility. However, we look forward to evaluating its uptake and usability in the future.ConclusionsThe eMERGe reporting guidance has been developed following a rigorous process in line with guideline development recommendations. The guidance is intended to improve the clarity and completeness of reporting of meta-ethnographies, and to facilitate use of the findings within the guidance to inform the design and delivery of services and interventions in health, social care and other fields. The eMERGe project developed a range of training materials to support use of the guidance, which is freely available atwww.emergeproject.org(accessed 26 March 2018). Meta-ethnography is an evolving qualitative evidence synthesis methodology and future research should refine the guidance to accommodate future methodological developments. We will also investigate the impact of the eMERGe reporting guidance with a view to updating the guidance.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015024709 for the stage 1 systematic review.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

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