Prison health service directors’ views on research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research in prison: outcomes of a national deliberative roundtable

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Leslie Simpson ◽  
Jill Guthrie ◽  
Tony Butler

Purpose Given that prisoners have significant health needs across most areas, the paucity of prisoner health research, and the difficulties involved in the conduct of research in this setting, there is a need to develop research priorities that align with key stakeholder groups. One such group are those responsible for health service provision in prisons – prison health service directors. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Prison health service directors in each Australian state and territory were invited to participate in a national (deliberative) roundtable where the consensus building nominal group technique was utilized. This involved the identification of research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research with prisoners, and ranking research priorities. A thematic analysis was conducted on organizational issues. Findings In total, 13 participants attended the roundtable. Participants identified 28 research priorities and 12 organizational issues. Top ranked research priorities were mental health, cognitive and intellectual disability, post-release health maintenance, ageing prisoners, chronic health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Themes identified from the organizational issues included prisoner access to research participation, health and research literacy of custodial staff, and institutional protectionism in response to research that may discover negative information about the custodial setting. Research limitations/implications These findings should inform future efforts to improve research infrastructures to undertake research to improve the health of people in Australian prisons, and help to align researchers’ efforts with those of a key organizational stakeholder. Originality/value This is the first paper to determine the research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research in prisons of prison health service directors.

1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-30
Author(s):  
R Sogarwal ◽  
D Bachani

Introduction: During the fi rst 2 years of the fi ve year plan of India’s National AIDS Control Programme Phase-III (NACP-III; 2007-12), various interactive consultative workshops were organized in collaboration with development partners with the objective of identifying priority areas for operational research and further development of research protocols adopting mentorship approach. Methodology: This article is an attempt to present the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) which was used to identify a set of fundable and practically feasible research priorities under NACP-III specifi cally focusing on Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) and Pediatric HIV Care in India. The activity was undertaken with support of UNICEF in the year 2010. A total of 110 persons participated in the consultation clustering into 37, 36 and 37 members in Group A, B and C, respectively. The participants refl ected the mix of policy makers / decision makers (8), programme managers (12), implementers (36), subject experts / researchers (28), other stakeholders (16). Results: A total of nine highest priority research questions were identifi ed by all the groups in the assigned themes. The value of Kendall’s W coeffi cient of concordance was 0.68, which shows signifi cant agreement among raters on priority research questions (chi-square=16.35; p=0.03). Conclusion: Based on our experience, we can conclude that NGT was found to be an important tool for setting research priorities that is more democratic and transparent than the traditional methods. By applying various stages of the group sessions, participants can experience the rethinking process with reference information to enhance their judgment. The results of our experience may help programme managers / policy makers to plan similar and more improved method in other element of NACP as well as other health programmes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v8i1.5888 SAARCTB 2011; 8(1): 20-30


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhairab Chandra Patra ◽  
Usha Lenka

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of women to better understand the cognition process of women which will help to identify the reason for their inadequate participation in the field of entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach This study follows the method of a traditional literature survey followed by scientometric analysis to identify the primary factors to the EI of women. The factors obtained from the literature review were provided to the nominal group, and the process of nominal group technique (NGT) was carried out to frame a research framework. The factors were then ranked based on their significance using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), taking into consideration the review of experts. Findings Among the primary factors, personal factors were found to be the most influential factors and weighted 54%. Self-efficacy was found to be the most prominent secondary variable and had a global weight of 22.14%. Research limitations/implications The research outcome has implications for policymaking bodies, investors, academicians and potential women entrepreneurs. Future researchers can apply exploratory research methods and confirmatory research methods to test the research framework. Originality/value Very few researchers have used the technique of scientometric analysis for the review of literature on EI of women, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no earlier researcher has attempted to use the technique of NGT or AHP after scientometric analysis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 925-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mervi Vähätalo ◽  
Tomi Juhani Kallio

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the way in which the factors influencing a transformation towards or away from modularity, according to general modular systems theory, appear in the context of health services, and the extent to which the special characteristics of health services might support or prevent its application. Design/methodology/approach – The arguments constructed in the study are based on the theme of modularity, reflected against the special characteristics of health services identified in the context of health economics. Findings – The results include 11 proposition pairs that direct health services both towards and away from modularity. Research limitations/implications – Health services are highly heterogeneous in nature and the authors illustrate this with a wide range of examples from elderly care as the authors discuss the application of modularity in this context. Nevertheless, the authors recognise that modularity might suit some health services better than others. The findings provide potentially important information to health service managers and providers, enabling them to understand how modularity would benefit health service provision and where contradictions are to be expected. Originality/value – This study contributes to the discourse on service modularity in general, and complements the literature on modularity with reference to both public and private health services.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneetha Vilventhan ◽  
Satyanarayana N. Kalidindi

Purpose Utility relocation issues are unfortunately frequent and recurring problems in several countries’ highway projects. Very few studies have addressed the utility relocation issues in highway projects. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, this paper explores how the utility relocation issues are managed in highway projects. Second, this paper systematically identifies the prioritized technical and coordination strategies to be adopted to avoid delays in utility relocation. Design/methodology/approach Multiple case-based research methodology was used to explore how the utility relocation issues are managed in highway projects. Empirical evidences from 11 road and bridge projects in India were used to develop the descriptive storyline for each of the project. The strategies used to manage the utility relocation issues were identified from three sources namely literature review, case studies and nominal group technique (NGT). The strategies were then evaluated quantitatively using NGT. Findings The analysis of the case studies showed that the delays in utility relocation were in the range of 5-52 months. It was found that the duration of relocation of utilities is impacted more significantly by the complexity of underground utilities rather than the size of the projects. Strategies that are used to manage utility relocation were identified across two groups namely; technical and coordination strategies. Practical implications Recommendations are provided for the practical use and policy changes. Originality/value The prioritized technical and coordination strategies can be used systematically to avoid delays in utility relocation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-259
Author(s):  
Zoe Posner ◽  
Jessie Janssen ◽  
Hazel Roddam

Purpose Burnout in mental health staff is acknowledged as a major problem. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of mental health staff views on improving burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff. Design/methodology/approach Ten participants from two mental health rehabilitation units across the north-west of England took part in a Nominal Group Technique. Participants consisted of mental health workers from varied roles in order to capture views from a multidisciplinary team. The main question posed to the staff was “What strategies and techniques do you think could help improve burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff”. Findings The study revealed that the top three ideas to take forward to help improve burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff were improving the culture/organisation, improving staff wellbeing and education. Additionally, staff were highly motivated and enthusiastic about engaging in discussion about what could be done to improve their wellbeing and the importance of taking this forward. Originality/value This study is unique in involving mental health staff in discussing their ways of improving their mental health. It is also unique as it has found the nine strategies to do this and these could be used in targeted training for mental health staff.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolisha Singh ◽  
John Kasinathan ◽  
Andrew Kennedy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe physical and mental health characteristics of incarcerated youth both internationally and in New South Wales (NSW) Australia. To outline current practices in the provision of mental and physical healthcare for incarcerated youth internationally and in NSW. Design/methodology/approach Population relevant literature will be outlined as applicable. Health service delivery will be discussed, with an emphasis on the experiences of NSW physical and mental health service provision for incarcerated youth. Findings This paper illustrates that in NSW there was a parity of provision between physical and mental healthcare, though there were deficits in what should ideally be provided. Internationally there was clear evidence that current minimum standards of healthcare in both physical and mental healthcare domains remain unmet. Practical implications Provision of physical and mental healthcare for incarcerated youth warrants global improvement. Further research into current provisions, across jurisdictions and subsequent standardisation of practice, will improve health outcomes for this vulnerable group. Originality/value This is the first paper to describe mental and physical healthcare provision in NSW for incarcerated youth framed within the broader context of international health service provision for similar populations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulistyo Prabowo ◽  
Azmawani Abd Rahman ◽  
Suhaimi Ab Rahman ◽  
Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah

Purpose – This study aims to explore various factors that hamper halal certification in food service industries in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. World halal business as well as awareness in halal products and services consumption has been growing rapidly for the past few years. However, many industry players have not yet realized those huge potential concepts of halal business. Food service industries such as restaurants and caterings show less concern in putting priority on the issue of halal certification. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative data collection technique called nominal group technique (NGT) was used in this study. Four categories of stakeholders participated in this NGT to represent certifying body, consumers, industry player and government. Each category was given a fundamental question: “What factors are hindering restaurant and catering in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, in obtaining halal certification?” Findings – The authors found that through NGT, the authors can obtain top priority issues to be followed up by the respecting institutions which are concerned. The lack of socialization and information have led to the lack of knowledge and awareness. This is the most important issue addressed by the participants. Research limitations/implications – This research was conducted to collect data from various stakeholders in East Kalimantan Province of Indonesia. Considering the vast expanse of Indonesia and different level of development in each province, results of this study could not be generalized as Indonesia situation in general. Practical implications – Halal certification in food service industry gains low interest from industries. This research presents hampering factors in various perspectives and offers some suggestions to overcome those issues accordingly. Originality/value – It is hard to find research paper discussing halal management from the Indonesian perspective. This paper extends the use of NGT in halal management with the perspectives from many stakeholders in food service industries. It provides a relatively new finding from the Indonesian point of view.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marita Hennessy ◽  
Molly Byrne ◽  
Rachel Laws ◽  
Jenny Mc Sharry ◽  
Grace O’Malley ◽  
...  

Abstract Childhood obesity is a significant public health challenge, yet research priorities for childhood obesity prevention are not established. Coproduction of priorities leads to research which may be more translatable to the domains of policy and practice. The aim of the present study was to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in addition to facilitators and barriers to knowledge translation in childhood obesity prevention. The nominal group technique involving consensus building with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners was employed during workshops at a national obesity conference held over 2 days in May 2017. Seventy-seven people participated in the first round of research prioritization on Day 1, while 14 stakeholders participated on Day 2. The top five research priorities identified were as follows: (i) Evaluate (including economic evaluation) current programs to inform practice and policy; (ii) How to change culture toward addressing the determinants of health; (iii) Implementation science: process; (iv) How to integrate obesity prevention into existing service structures; (v) How to enhance opportunities for habitual physical activity, including free play and active travel. Key themes emerging from this research prioritization exercise were the importance of funding and resources, coproduction of research, and a focus on both implementation research and social determinants within the field of childhood obesity prevention. The coproduced research priorities may help to shape the research agendas of funders and researchers, and aid in the conduct of policy-relevant research and the translation of research into practice in childhood obesity prevention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 369-389
Author(s):  
Nuria Gisbert-Trejo ◽  
Eneka Albizu ◽  
Jon Landeta ◽  
Pilar Fernández-Ferrín

Purpose Inter-organizational mentoring (IOM) is a human resource development tool that is used when the mentor and mentee belong to different organizations. As mentees are the focus of the IOM process, the success of this type of program is highly reliant on their characteristics. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to derive the most desirable characteristics for mentees in IOM. Design/methodology/approach An intensive review of the literature on mentoring for managers and business professionals was carried out to identify mentee characteristics. These characteristics were then ranked for their importance to IOM using the Hybrid Delphi method (with 130 informants taking part in a Delphi survey and 19 expert IOM practitioners taking part in Focus Group and Nominal Group Technique sessions). An exploratory factor analysis identified the three main underlying factors behind the listed mentee characteristics. Findings In total, 17 relevant mentee characteristics were identified and ranked and then synthesized into three essential factors for the mentee. The results were discussed in the light of existing studies. Originality/value The mentee characteristics and factors identified in this study will be of great practical value to coordinators of IOM programs. Also, the review of the literature and the obtained results will help other researchers who wish to expand on this topic.


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