scholarly journals A randomised controlled pilot trial evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based tool to identify and reduce harmful and hazardous drinking among adolescents with alcohol-related presentations in Canadian pediatric emergency departments

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e015423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda S Newton ◽  
Nadia Dow ◽  
Kathryn Dong ◽  
Eleanor Fitzpatrick ◽  
T Cameron Wild ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Research Staff ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Intervention Acceptability ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveThis study piloted procedures and obtained data on intervention acceptability to determine the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of a computer-based brief intervention in the emergency department (ED).DesignTwo-arm, multi-site, pilot RCT.Setting and participantsAdolescents aged 12–17 years presenting to three Canadian pediatric EDs from July 2010 to January 2013 for an alcohol-related complaint.InterventionsStandard medical care plus computer-based screening and personalised assessment feedback (experimental group) or standard care plus computer-based sham (control group). ED and research staff, and adolescents were blinded to allocation.OutcomesMain: change in alcohol consumption from baseline to 1- and 3 months post-intervention. Secondary: recruitment and retention rates, intervention acceptability and feasibility, perception of group allocation among ED and research staff, and change in health and social services utilisation.ResultsOf the 340 adolescents screened, 117 adolescents were eligible and 44 participated in the study (37.6% recruitment rate). Adolescents allocated to the intervention found it easy, quick and informative, but were divided on the credibility of the feedback provided (agreed it was credible: 44.4%, disagreed: 16.7%, unsure: 16.7%, no response: 22.2%). We found no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between which interventions adolescents were allocated to and which interventions staff thought they received. Alcohol consumption, and health and social services data were largely incomplete due to modest study retention rates of 47.7% and 40.9% at 1- and 3 months post-intervention, respectively.ConclusionsA computer-based intervention was acceptable to adolescents and delivery was feasible in the ED in terms of time to use and ease of use. However, adjustments are needed to the intervention to improve its credibility. A definitive RCT will be feasible if protocol adjustments are made to improve recruitment and retention rates; and increase the number of study sites and research staff.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.govNCT01146665

scholarly journals Ongame molwashoka otse

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Boulton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Social Services ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Recent National Survey

A recent national survey by the Ministry for Health and Social Services revealed that Namibia’s suicide rate was vastly higher than previously thought. Mirroring global conceptions of mental health and depression, these numbers tend to be ‘explained away’ using pre-determined ‘risk factors’ – alcohol consumption, violence, and unemployment. Yet, current theories of suicide do not account for all of its intricacies; indeed, most are rooted in notions of individualism countered by many ethnographies situated in African contexts. This Think Piece problematises the study of suicide in southern African contexts, showing that notions of ‘unhappiness’, ‘depression’, and most importantly ‘self’ are locally specific and, in southern Africa, relational rather than individualistic.

scholarly journals Singing for people with aphasia (SPA): results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a group singing intervention investigating acceptability and feasibility

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040544
Author(s):  
Mark Tarrant ◽  
Mary Carter ◽  
Sarah Gerard Dean ◽  
Rod Taylor ◽  
Fiona C Warren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesPilot feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) for the singing groups for people with aphasia (SPA) intervention to assess: (1) the acceptability and feasibility of participant recruitment, randomisation and allocation concealment; (2) retention rates; (3) variance of continuous outcome measures; (4) outcome measure completion and participant burden; (5) fidelity of intervention delivery; (6) SPA intervention costs; (7) acceptability and feasibility of trial and intervention to participants and others involved.DesignA two-group, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled external pilot trial with parallel mixed methods process evaluation and economic evaluation.SettingThree community-based cohorts in the South-West of England.ParticipantsEligible participants with post-stroke aphasia were randomised 1:1 to SPA or control.InterventionThe manualised SPA intervention was delivered over 10 weekly singing group sessions, led by a music facilitator and assisted by an individual with post-stroke aphasia. The intervention was developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model of behaviour change and targeted psychosocial outcomes. Control and intervention participants all received an aphasia information resource pack.Outcome measuresCollected at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-randomisation, candidate primary outcomes were measured (well-being, quality of life and social participation) as well as additional clinical outcomes. Feasibility, acceptability and process outcomes included recruitment and retention rates, and measurement burden; and trial experiences were explored in qualitative interviews.ResultsOf 87 individuals screened, 42 participants were recruited and 41 randomised (SPA=20, control=21); 36 participants (SPA=17, control=19) completed 3-month follow-up, 34 (SPA=18, control=16) completed 6-month follow-up. Recruitment and retention (83%) were acceptable for a definitive RCT, and participants did not find the study requirements burdensome. High fidelity of the intervention delivery was shown by high attendance rates and facilitator adherence to the manual, and participants found SPA acceptable. Sample size estimates for a definitive RCT and primary/secondary outcomes were identified.ConclusionsThe SPA pilot RCT fulfilled its objectives, and demonstrated that a definitive RCT of the intervention would be both feasible and acceptable.Trial registration numberNCT03076736.

scholarly journals A feasibility study of ‘The StepSmart Challenge’ to promote physical activity in adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rekesh Corepal ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Roisin O’Neill ◽  
Frank Kee ◽  
Jennifer Badham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
School Based

Abstract Background Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability. Methods This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention’s acceptability was explored in focus groups. Results We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention. Conclusions The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people’s lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population. Trial registration NCT02455986 (date of registration: 28 May 2015).

The Contacts that People with Learning Disabilities Have with Health and Social Services

1999 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-73
Author(s):  
R. McConkey ◽  
D. McAteer
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Using Data

This study summarizes all the documented service inputs that people with learning disabilities received from one community health and social services trust in Northern Ireland during a 12-month period. Using data obtained from two computer-based recording systems used in Northern Ireland, the extent and type of service provision for this population is described. In all, 10 different health professionals were mainly involved with some inputs from a further six health workers, while social services offered a further eight service inputs. However, the services provided varied across different age groupings and levels of dependency. Three key issues are discussed: the number of different professionals involved; the co-ordination of service inputs and the criteria used to determine which persons receive a service and those who do not. The difficulties involved in undertaking an audit of this type are outlined but the potential contribution to achieving more cost-beneficial services are noted.

Depression in the Developing World

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Minas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
International Development ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Culturally Informed ◽  
Global Understanding

This chapter provides an overview of what is known about prevalence, social determinants, treatment, and course and impact of depression in developing, or low- and middle-income, countries. The importance of culture in depression and in the construction and application of diagnostic classifications and in health and social services is highlighted, with a particular focus on the applicability of ‘Western’ diagnostic constructs and service systems in developing country settings. The role of international organizations, such as WHO, and international development programs, such as the SDGs, in improving our understanding of depression and in developing effective and culturally appropriate responses is briefly examined. There is both a need and increasing opportunities in developing countries for greater commitment to mental health of populations, increased investment in mental health and social services, and culturally informed research that will contribute to improved global understanding of mental disorders in general and depression in particular.

scholarly journals The Integration of Psychosocial Care into National Dementia Strategies Across Europe: Evidence from the Skills in DEmentia Care (SiDECar) Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3422
Author(s):  
Ilaria Chirico ◽  
Rabih Chattat ◽  
Vladimíra Dostálová ◽  
Pavla Povolná ◽  
Iva Holmerová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
System Of Care ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Health And Social Services

There is evidence supporting the use of psychosocial interventions in dementia care. Due to the role of policy in clinical practice, the present study investigates whether and how the issue of psychosocial care and interventions has been addressed in the national dementia plans and strategies across Europe. A total of 26 national documents were found. They were analyzed by content analysis to identify the main pillars associated with the topic of psychosocial care and interventions. Specifically, three categories emerged: (1) Treatment, (2) Education, and (3) Research. The first one was further divided into three subcategories: (1) Person-centred conceptual framework, (2) Psychosocial interventions, and (3) Health and social services networks. Overall, the topic of psychosocial care and interventions has been addressed in all the country policies. However, the amount of information provided differs across the documents, with only the category of ‘Treatment’ covering all of them. Furthermore, on the basis of the existing policies, how the provision of psychosocial care and interventions would be enabled, and how it would be assessed are not fully apparent yet. Findings highlight the importance of policies based on a comprehensive and well-integrated system of care, where the issue of psychosocial care and interventions is fully embedded.

scholarly journals Strategies for involving patients and the public in scaling-up initiatives in health and social services: protocol for a scoping review and Delphi survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ben Charif ◽  
◽  
Karine V. Plourde ◽  
Sabrina Guay-Bélanger ◽  
Hervé Tchala Vignon Zomahoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Delphi Survey ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Scoping Reviews

Abstract Background The scale-up of evidence-based innovations is required to reduce waste and inequities in health and social services (HSS). However, it often tends to be a top-down process initiated by policy makers, and the values of the intended beneficiaries are forgotten. Involving multiple stakeholders including patients and the public in the scaling-up process is thus essential but highly complex. We propose to identify relevant strategies for meaningfully and equitably involving patients and the public in the science and practice of scaling up in HSS. Methods We will adapt our overall method from the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Following this, we will perform a two-prong study design (knowledge synthesis and Delphi study) grounded in an integrated knowledge translation approach. This approach involves extensive participation of a network of stakeholders interested in patient and public involvement (PPI) in scaling up and a multidisciplinary steering committee. We will conduct a systematic scoping review following the methodology recommended in the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual. We will use the following eligibility criteria: (1) participants—any stakeholder involved in creating or testing a strategy for PPI; (2) intervention—any PPI strategy proposed for scaling-up initiatives; (3) comparator—no restriction; (4) outcomes: any process or outcome metrics related to PPI; and (5) setting—HSS. We will search electronic databases (e.g., Medline, Web of Science, Sociological Abstract) from inception onwards, hand search relevant websites, screen the reference lists of included records, and consult experts in the field. Two reviewers will independently select and extract eligible studies. We will summarize data quantitatively and qualitatively and report results using the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. We will conduct an online Delphi survey to achieve consensus on the relevant strategies for PPI in scaling-up initiatives in HSS. Participants will include stakeholders from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. We anticipate that three rounds will allow an acceptable degree of agreement on research priorities. Discussion Our findings will advance understanding of how to meaningfully and equitably involve patients and the public in scaling-up initiatives for sustainable HSS. Systematic review registration We registered this protocol with the Open Science Framework on August 19, 2020 (https://osf.io/zqpx7/).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document