scholarly journals Implementing the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) in universal services: Qualitative interviews with health visitors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa K Bird ◽  
Zoe Hindson ◽  
Abigail Dunn ◽  
Anna Cronin de Chavez ◽  
Josie Dickerson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Routine Assessment

A secure parent-infant relationship lays the foundations for childrens development, however there are currently no measurement tools recommended for clinical practice. We evaluate the clinical utility of a structured assessment of the parent-infant relationship (the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale, MPAS) in a deprived, multi-ethnic urban community in England. This paper answers the question: what are health visitors views on the parent-infant relationship, and experiences of piloting the MPAS? It explores the barriers and facilitators to implementation, and complements the paper on psychometric properties and representativeness reported in Dunn et al (submitted). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 health visitors and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Health visitors stressed the importance of the parent-infant relationship and reported benefits of the MPAS, including opening conversation, and identifying and reporting concerns. Challenges included timing, workload, the appropriateness and understanding of the questions and the length of the tool. Suggestions for improvements to the tool were identified. Our findings help to explain results in Dunn et al, and challenges identified would hinder routine assessment of the parent-infant relationship. Further work with health professionals and parents has been undertaken to co-produce an acceptable, feasible and reliable tool for clinical practice.

Asking the Hard Questions: Psychologists’ Discomfort With Inquiring About Sexual Abuse Histories

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110145
Author(s):  
Belinda Nixon ◽  
Elly Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Early Career Psychologists ◽  
University Training

The literature on sexual abuse indicates low rates of inquiry by mental health professionals. This study explores early career psychologists’ experiences of inquiry into their clients’ sexual abuse histories. Twelve Australian psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews with transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. The vast majority of participants reported that they did not routinely inquire about sexual abuse with barriers including not knowing what to do, discomfort, stigma, and fear of negative outcomes. Participants asserted that their university training in sexual abuse inquiry was inadequate. Findings emphasize the need for the development of an evidence-based framework for sexual abuse training.

scholarly journals Use of symptom checkers for COVID-19-related symptoms among university students: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjinnov-2020-000498
Author(s):  
Stephanie Aboueid ◽  
Samantha B Meyer ◽  
James R Wallace ◽  
Shreya Mahajan ◽  
Teeyaa Nur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Perceived Credibility ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

ObjectiveSymptom checkers are potentially beneficial tools during pandemics. To increase the use of the platform, perspectives of end users must be gathered. Our objectives were to understand the perspectives and experiences of young adults related to the use of symptom checkers for assessing COVID-19-related symptoms and to identify areas for improvement.MethodsWe conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 22 young adults (18–34 years of age) at a university in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified six main themes related to the decision of using a symptom checker for COVID-19 symptoms: (1) presence of symptoms or a combination of symptoms, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms, (3) fear of seeking in-person healthcare services, (4) awareness about symptom checkers, (5) paranoia and (6) curiosity. Participants who used symptom checkers shared by governmental entities reported an overall positive experience. Individuals who used non-credible sources reported suboptimal experiences due to lack of perceived credibility. Five main areas for improvement were identified: (1) information about the creators of the platform, (2) explanation of symptoms, (3) personalised experience, (4) language options, and (5) option to get tested.ConclusionsThis study suggests an increased acceptance of symptom checkers due to the perceived risks of infection associated with seeking in-person healthcare services. Symptom checkers have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and health professionals, especially during pandemics; however, these platforms could be improved to increase use.

scholarly journals A Digital Innovation for the Personalized Management of Adherence: Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Elisa Hein ◽  
Bernard Vrijens ◽  
Mickael Hiligsmann
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Personalized Management

Introduction: Personalized medicine and management of adherence are potential solutions for the suboptimal use of medicines. Digital medication management innovations currently under development combine both aspects. This research aims to investigate facilitators for and barriers to the translation of digital innovations for personalized medicine and adherence management into clinical practice from the policymaker and regulator perspective.Methods: A mixed-method study was used combining a scoping review to identify main interests, semi-structured interviews (n = 5) with representatives of European health policymaking and regulatory organizations, and a supplementary literature review to investigate key subthemes. The SWOT analysis was used for the qualitative analysis.Results: The literature reviews and the qualitative interviews suggested that digital solutions can facilitate the personalized management of medications and improve quality and safety, especially as the openness for digital health solutions is increasing. Digital solutions may, on the other hand, add complexity to the treatment, which can be perceived as a potential barrier for their uptake. As more multidisciplinary and participative structures are emerging, digital solutions can promote the implementation of new services. Nevertheless, change progresses slowly in the task-oriented structures of health systems. Integration of digital solutions depends on all stakeholders' willingness and abilities to co-create this change. Patients have different capabilities to self-manage their medical conditions and use digital solutions. Personalization of digital health solutions and integration in existing service structures are crucial to ensure equality among population segments. Developments in the digital infrastructure, although they are partly slow and not well-aligned, enable the implementation of innovations in clinical practice leading to further advances in data generation and usage for future innovations.Discussion: This study suggests that digital solutions have the potential to facilitate high-quality medication management and improve adherence to medications, enable new service structures, and are essential to drive further innovations in health care. Nevertheless, increasing the self-responsibility of patients can have undesirable effects on health outcomes, especially within vulnerable population segments. Digital health solutions can be an opportunity to optimize the use of medicines and thus their efficiency. Well-conceived development and implementation processes are needed to also realize improvements in equality and solidarity within health systems.

Assessments of Upper Limb Ability following Stroke: A Review

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 427-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tennille J Rowland ◽  
Louise Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Test Items ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Set Up

The aim of this paper was to review the psychometric properties and clinical utility of assessments of upper limb ability following stroke. Upper limb ability was defined as the use of the arm in meaningful activity. The database searches identified 13 assessments of upper limb ability. The inclusion criteria were (a) an evaluation of upper limb ability post-stroke, (b) a quantitative assessment yielding a numerical score, (c) able to be administered by an occupational therapist and (d) published information building on the results of a review in 2001. The assessments included were reviewed with respect to the ability measured, equipment required, evidence of reliability and validity, and advantages and disadvantages of use. Seven assessments satisfied the inclusion criteria. These assessments have undergone varying degrees of psychometric testing as outcome measures for upper limb recovery and all demonstrate at least adequate levels of reliability and validity. There is variation in the availability of instruction manuals and time commitments for test administration. All test items are generally available and inexpensive, enabling departments to set up the assessments with minimal financial outlay. The assessments described are regularly used in research and all demonstrate psychometric properties that suggest that they could be incorporated into clinical practice. Occupational therapists are encouraged to consider how they may include these assessments into their own clinical practice. An important step in this process may be further research into the clinical utility of these assessments.

scholarly journals Exploring utilisation of the allied health assistant workforce in the Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Huglin ◽  
L. Whelan ◽  
S. McLean ◽  
K. Greer ◽  
D. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Health Assistant

Abstract Background Allied health assistants (AHAs) support allied health professionals (AHPs) to meet workforce demands in modern healthcare systems. Previous studies have indicated that AHAs may be underutilised in some contexts. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the effective utilisation of AHAs across health, aged care and disability sectors and possible pathway elements that may optimise AHA careers in Victoria. Methods Using an interpretive description approach data collection included a workforce survey and semi structured interviews (individual and group). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and thematic analysis. Participants included allied health assistants, allied health professionals and allied health leaders in the health, aged care or disability sectors; educators, managers or student of allied health assistance training; and consumers of Victorian health, disability or aged care services. Results The literature scan identified numerous potential barriers to and enablers of AHA workforce utilisation. A total of 727 participants completed the survey consisting of AHAs (n = 284), AHPs & allied health leaders (n = 443). Thirteen group and 25 individual interviews were conducted with a total of 119 participants. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified four interrelated factors (system, training, individual and workplace) in pre-employment training and workplace environments. These factors were reported to contribute to effective utilisation of the AHA workforce across health, aged care and disability sectors. Study findings were also used to create a conceptual diagram of potential AHA career pathway elements. Conclusion This study identified pre-employment and workplace factors which may contribute to the optimal utilisation of the AHA workforce across Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors. Further study is needed to investigate the transferability of these findings to national and global contexts, and testing of the conceptual model.

scholarly journals On the Question of Integrating Spirituality with Counselling in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Thomas Joseph Parayil ◽  
Tony Sam George
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews

This paper explores the therapists’ views and experience on spiritual components in counselling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis used. The participants were nine mental health professionals from different backgrounds with 15 to 30 years of experience in the field. The four main themes that emerged are faith in God, the power of prayer, forgiveness and wholesome treatment process  

Health visitors' experiences supporting families with a child who has a congenital syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
Rebecca Ingleby ◽  
Marianne Piano ◽  
Pat Colliety
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
South East England ◽  
Families With Children ◽  
Training Professional ◽  
Congenital Syndrome

It is important for practitioners involved in a child's early years, such as health visitors, to feel confident in caring for families with a child who has a named syndrome or syndrome without a name (SWAN). Health visitors' perspectives on their capacity to support these families are yet to be examined in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to explore health visitors' perceived roles and confidence when caring for families with children who have a named syndrome or SWAN. Semi-structured interviews involving 10 health visitors, working across three community teams in south-east England, fulfilled the research aims. Interviews were transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Perceived lack of training, professional support and subsequently practitioner confidence were contributing factors to health visitors' feelings when supporting these families.

Student experiences of a return to practice programme: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (15) ◽  
pp. 900-908
Author(s):  
Maggie Coates ◽  
Ann Macfadyen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Previous Knowledge ◽  
Allied Health Students ◽  
Professional Registration ◽  
Collection Methods

Background: Nurses, midwives and other health professionals who return to practice come from a range of backgrounds and return for a variety of reasons. Much of the research on return to practice concerns programme provision rather than returnee experience. Aim: This qualitative study focused on the experiences of nursing, midwifery and allied health students undertaking a return to practice programme at a higher education institute. It interpreted the perceptions of the student experience of returning to clinical practice following a lapse in professional registration. Methods: Data collection methods were qualitative and involved focus groups. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Several themes and subthemes emerged from the data, including ‘the importance of returnee identity’ and ‘challenges and barriers’. Findings demonstrated different approaches to and influences on returnees' learning journeys. Conclusion: Previous knowledge, skills and experience were often hidden from view and hard to explain although crucial to returnee success.

scholarly journals Expertise, advocacy and activism: A qualitative study on the activities of prostate cancer peer support workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjaana Jones ◽  
Ilkka Pietilä
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Individual Level

Peer support workers are now working with patients in a variety of settings, coming into close contact and even work alongside health professionals. Despite the potentially influential position peer support workers hold in relation to those engaged in support activities, their role, duties and their relationship to peers and health professionals lack clarity and is often defined by other actors. This study explores how peer support workers interpret and define the activities, responsibilities and knowledge associated with their work. Using methods of membership categorisation analysis, we analysed interview materials generated by conducting individual semi-structured interviews during the autumn of 2016 with prostate cancer peer support workers ( n = 11) who currently volunteer as support workers in Finland. Although the peer support workers acknowledged the psychosocial aspects of the work, we argue that their interpretations extend far beyond this and encompass expertise, advocacy and activism as central features of their work. These can be used to strengthen their position as credible commentators and educators on issues relating to cancer and men’s health; raise awareness and represent the ‘patient’s voice’ and attempt to influence both policy and clinical practice. These findings suggest that by categorising their work activities in different ways, voluntary sector actors such as peer support workers can attempt to portray themselves as legitimate authorities on a range of issues and influence decision-making ranging from individual level treatment decisions all the way to health policy.

scholarly journals Consumption of psychiatric drugs by patients of medical and surgical clinics in a general hospital

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Hiroshi Shirama ◽  
Adriana Inocenti Miasso
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Roman Catholicism ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychiatric Drugs ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Benzodiazepine Drugs

PURPOSES: to identify the prevalence of the use of psychiatric drugs among patients admitted to medical and surgical clinics of a general hospital, and also the factors related to the consumption of this type of medication. METHOD: this is a transversal, descriptive, correlational study with quantitative analysis. For the collection of data, there was use of structured interviews and also reference to medical files. RESULTS: there was confirmation of a high prevalence of users of psychiatric drugs, which was associated to the female sex, to people who do not practice Roman Catholicism, and admittance to the clinic not covered by the Single Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), as well as the presence of common mental disorders. Benzodiazepine drugs were the most commonly used psychiatric drugs. Among the total number of users, there has been the identification of patients who were not aware that they were receiving such medication. Doctors who are not psychiatrists were responsible for most prescriptions of psychiatric drugs. CONCLUSIONS: this signals the need to prepare health professionals to deal with psychological and social problems commonly found in clinical practice, in order to promote the rational use of psychiatric drugs.

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