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 Experiences of recovery from colorectal cancer surgery after hospital discharge among the oldest old: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 205715852199445
Author(s):  
Kristina Sundt Eriksen ◽  
Sissel Iren Eikeland Husebø ◽  
Hartwig Kørner ◽  
Kirsten Lode
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Surgery ◽  
Discharge From Hospital ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Colorectal cancer affects a large number of people aged ≥80 years. Little is known about how they manage after discharge from hospital. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals aged ≥80 years recovering from surgery for colorectal cancer, and the challenges they may encounter after discharge from hospital. Data were collected between January and March 2016 through in-depth interviews with ten participants approximately one month after surgery. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The COREQ checklist was used in reporting this study. Two themes were identified: Managing the recovery from CRC surgery, and Insufficient follow-up from the healthcare services after CRC surgery. The findings indicate that older people treated for colorectal cancer manage surprisingly well after discharge despite challenges in their recovery; however, there are seemingly areas of improvement in their follow-up healthcare.

scholarly journals A thematic analysis of smokers’ and non-smokers’ accounts of E-cigarettes

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532090987
Author(s):  
Georgia Louise Wilson ◽  
Sarah Grogan ◽  
Susan Powell ◽  
Ivan Gee ◽  
Lorna Porcellato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

This study explored smokers’ and non-smokers’ accounts of E-cigarettes. A total of 51 UK-based participants, 20 men and 31 women, responded to open-ended questions online. Inductive thematic analysis identified that the factors that influence E-cigarette behaviour and opinion in adult smokers and non-smokers are related to social context, informative sources, practical aspects and health implications. Participants presented varying accounts of E-cigarettes, suggesting that individual narratives regarding E-cigarettes are multi-faceted. This is important information for health professionals and policy makers tasked with advising on E-cigarette use.

scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking Sleep Solutions for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sacha Petersen ◽  
Dinah S. Reddihough ◽  
Sally Lima ◽  
Adrienne Harvey ◽  
Fiona Newall
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Background: Published evidence to date suggests that sleep problems are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This qualitative study is a follow up to a previously published quantitative phase on the experience and impact of sleep problems in this population.Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experience and impact of sleep disturbance and seeking of sleep solutions for parents of school aged children with CP.Materials and Methods: Semi-structured 19 qualitative interviews were conducted with parents of children with CP aged 6–12 years. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and the thematic analysis techniques by Braun and Clarke was used to identify themes.Results: Thematic analysis identified 7 themes: (1) My Child Doesn't Fit into the Box, (2) A Mother's Ears are Always On, (3) Sleep Disturbance is like Water Torture, (4) Sleep is One of Many Spot Fires, I Put it on the Backburner, (5) Luck, Money or Jumping Up and Down, (6) There is Never One Silver Bullet and (7) Help: The Earlier the Better. The key finding was that parents of children with CP often described their child's needs being distinct from what is provided by systems and services.Conclusion: Parents face significant challenges sourcing effective sleep solutions for their child with CP. Sleep is often not a priority for either the parent or the clinician as other health problems take precedence. Parents reflected that early sleep intervention for their child was or would have been helpful. The barriers and facilitators to sleep care identified in this study should be used to inform clinical change in care for children with CP. Sleep needs to be prioritized in healthcare for children.

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 Adapting ‘Tame Your Gut’ for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and co-morbid anxiety and/or depression

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532094500
Author(s):  
Inna Hanlon ◽  
Catherine Hewitt ◽  
Subhadra Evans ◽  
Jo Taylor ◽  
Christian Selinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Comorbid Anxiety ◽  
Online Psychotherapy ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

This qualitative study collected stakeholders’ views on adapting an existing online psychotherapy programme, ‘Tame Your Gut’, to the needs of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. Adult patients ( n = 13) and health professionals ( n = 12) participated in semi-structured focus groups or interviews, analysed with a thematic analysis. Patients had a generally positive attitude towards ‘Tame Your Gut’, while health professionals saw it as useful for selected patients only. Both groups indicated their preference for clinician-assisted online psychotherapy. ‘Tame Your Gut’ is acceptable to patients and health professionals but only when supported by clinicians.

scholarly journals Characterizing symptoms of e-cigarette dependence: a qualitative study of young adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey A. Simpson ◽  
Afton Kechter ◽  
Sara J. Schiff ◽  
Jessica L. Braymiller ◽  
Naosuke Yamaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
Nicotine Consumption ◽  
Cigarette Dependence

Abstract Background While rates of e-cigarette use (‘vaping’) continue to potentiate concern, there is limited data on common symptoms of e-cigarette dependence among young adults who vape. This study sought to critically explore how young adults experience, manifest, and conceptualize vaping dependence symptoms in their everyday lives. Methods Between June 2018 and 2019, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 62 young adults who use e-cigarettes (aged 18–25) and live in Southern California. We explored participants’ product preferences, daily e-cigarette use patterns, vaping history, withdrawal experiences, and quit attempts or periods of cessation. We used a thematic analysis approach to interpret the transcripts. Results Young adults discussed nine dimensions of vaping dependence that were organized into two categories: 1) general nicotine dependence symptoms, and 2) unique dependence symptoms related to vaping. Nicotine dependence symptoms included cravings and urgency to use, increased use to achieve desired effects, and unsuccessful quit attempts and withdrawal. Symptoms unique to vaping dependence included greater nicotine consumption due to accessibility and lack of restrictions, habitual vaping, inability to track vaping frequency, immediate gratification and comfort, social acceptability and norms, and awareness of vaping dependency. Conclusions In addition to nicotine dependence symptoms that have been characterized for other tobacco products, young adult e-cigarette users described unique symptoms of vaping dependence that necessitate the need for more refined measures. All dimensions of vaping dependence should be considered in discussions of policies as well as treatment and education efforts intended to protect young people from e-cigarette dependence.

scholarly journals Complexity and potential of synchronous computer mediated corrective feedback: a study from Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
pp. 367-372
Author(s):  
W. A. Piyumi Udeshinee ◽  
Ola Knutsson ◽  
Sirkku Männikkö-Barbutiu
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

This paper discusses a qualitative study which examines the complexity and potential of using Synchronous Computer Mediated Corrective Feedback (SCMCF) for adult learners in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms in Sri Lanka. Chat conversation was assumed as the medium through which the teacher provides corrective feedback to the students. Five ESL teachers were interviewed for the study. The data gathered were analysed qualitatively using an affinity diagram which is discussed under an inductive thematic analysis. Findings of the study suggest that there is potential for provision of SCMCF through chat conversations, for teachers believe that SCMCF will improve language skills of the students; moreover, this approach needs only a limited use of technology. However, it was revealed that there could be some complexities, mainly due to teachers’ existing workloads, some ethical aspects, and the low level of technology that is available in certain universities.

scholarly journals Home Healthcare Clinicians’ Perspectives on Electronic Health Records: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mollie Hobensack ◽  
Marietta Ojo ◽  
Kathryn Bowles ◽  
Margaret McDonald ◽  
Jiyoun Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Home Healthcare ◽  
Patient Risk ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Risk Detection ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Northeastern Usa

Clinicians’ perspectives on the electronic health records (EHR) in home healthcare (HHC) are understudied. To explore this topic, qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 HHC clinicians in the Northeastern USA. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes emerging from the interviews. While some EHR benefits were recognized, overall satisfaction with the EHR was low. The results suggest EHR limitations are tied to poor usability, restrictions, and redundancy in documentation leading to increased documentation workload. Clinicians have recommendations to mitigate these limitations via additional EHR functions and better patient risk detection. Future stakeholders should consider the results of this study when developing and updating the EHR in HHC.

scholarly journals The role of grandparents of children with cancer in the hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia Bottcher Dias ◽  
Ana Márcia Chiaradia Mendes-Castillo
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Spiritual Support ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
The Family ◽  
Hybrid Framework ◽  
Being There

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the role of grandparents of hospitalized children with cancer. Methods: In a qualitative study, we interviewed eleven grandparents of children with cancer hospitalized at a referral center for pediatric oncology in São Paulo. The data were analyzed using the Hybrid Framework of Thematic Analysis. Results: Six themes were found to describe the role of grandparents in this context: Being the family’s support, Sharing love to my child and my grandchild, Being there for my child and my grandchild, Offering spiritual support to my child and my grandchild, Making an effort to be able to manage my own feelings and Balancing the demands of hospitalization with available resources. Final considerations: The findings show the significance of the grandparents’ role in this experience and emphasize the value of being considered, by health professionals, as part of the family and care.

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