Factors that influence patient preferences for virtual consultations in an orthopaedic rehabilitation setting: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo identify, characterise and explain factors that influence patient preferences, from the perspective of patients and clinicians, for virtual consultations in an orthopaedic rehabilitation setting.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and abductive analysis.SettingA physiotherapy and occupational therapy department situated within a tertiary orthopaedic centre in the UK.ParticipantsPatients who were receiving orthopaedic rehabilitation for a musculoskeletal problem. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists or therapy technicians involved in the delivery of orthopaedic rehabilitation for patients with a musculoskeletal problem.ResultsTwenty-two patients and 22 healthcare professionals were interviewed. The average interview length was 48 minutes. Four major factors were found to influence preference: the situation of care (the ways that patients understand and explain their clinical status, their treatment requirements and the care pathway), the expectations of care (influenced by a patients desire for contact, psychological status, previous care and perceived requirements), the demands on the patient (due to each patients respective social situation and the consequences of choice) and the capacity to allocate resources to care (these include financial, infrastructural, social and healthcare resources).ConclusionThis study has identified key factors that appear to influence patient preference for virtual consultations in orthopaedic rehabilitation. A conceptual model of these factors, derived from empirical data, has been developed highlighting how they combine and compete. A series of questions, based on these factors, have been developed to support identification of preferences in a clinical setting.

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Identifying Risk Factors Affecting the Usage of Digital and Social Media: A Preliminary Qualitative Study in the Dental Profession and Dental Education

Dentistry Journal ◽

10.3390/dj9050053 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 53

Author(s):

Rayan Sharka ◽

Jonathan P. San Diego ◽

Melanie Nasseripour ◽

Avijit Banerjee

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Dental Education ◽

Dental Students ◽

General Context ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

The Uk ◽

Dental Professionals

Aims: This study aimed to identify the risk factors of using DSM to provide an insight into the inherent implications this has on dental professionals in practice and trainee professionals’ education. Materials and methods: Twenty-one participants (10 dental professionals and 11 undergraduate and postgraduate dental students) participated in this qualitative study using semi-structured interviews in a dental school in the UK. The interviews were analysed and categorised into themes, some of which were identified from previous literature (e.g., privacy and psychological risks) and others emerged from the data (e.g., deceptive and misleading information). Results: The thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified nine perceived risk themes. Three themes were associated with the use of DSM in the general context, and six themes were related to the use of DSM in professional and education context. Conclusions: This study provided evidence to understand the risk factors of using DSM in dental education and the profession, but the magnitude of these risks on the uptake and usefulness of DSM needs to be assessed.

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University students’ understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in the UK: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025813 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e025813

Author(s):

Charlotte Cadge ◽

Charlotte Connor ◽

Sheila Greenfield

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

University Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Negative Symptoms ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

African Caribbean ◽

Lay Understanding ◽

The Uk ◽

The University

ObjectiveTo explore lay understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in university students.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.SettingThe University of Birmingham, West Midlands.Participants20 UK home students of white British (n=5), Indian (n=5), Pakistani (n=5), African Caribbean (n=4) and dual white British and African Caribbean ethnicity (n=1).ResultsFindings revealed a lack of knowledge about schizophrenia, particularly the negative symptoms that were not mentioned. There were mixed ideas on the causes and sources of available help for schizophrenia; however, positively many said they would consult their general practitioner. While there was a general misconception among the students that schizophrenia caused multiple personalities and was a dangerous illness, there were some differences in perceptions and understanding between ethnic groups, with more Indian students perceiving upbringing as a causal factor in the development of the illness and more Pakistani students perceiving possession by a spirit as a cause.ConclusionsThe university students interviewed lacked knowledge about schizophrenia and stigma was widespread, both of which may delay help-seeking. Public health campaigns educating young people about schizophrenia are required to improve early identification and intervention and improve outcomes. Further research exploring ways to effectively tackle stigma is also required.

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Experiences of support from primary care and perceived needs of parents bereaved by suicide: a qualitative study

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp20x707849 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (691) ◽

pp. e102-e110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Verity Wainwright ◽

Lis Cordingley ◽

Carolyn A Chew-Graham ◽

Nav Kapur ◽

Jenny Shaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Support Needs ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

The North ◽

Suicide Bereavement ◽

Additional Support ◽

The Uk

BackgroundPeople bereaved by suicide are a vulnerable group, also at risk of dying by suicide. The importance of postvention support (intervention after suicide) has recently been highlighted; however, little is known about the support needs of parents bereaved by suicide in the UK, and the role played by general practice.AimTo explore the perspectives, experiences, and support needs of parents bereaved by suicide.Design and settingThis was a qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews conducted between 2012 and 2014 in the north of England and the Midlands, with parents bereaved by their son or daughter’s suicide.MethodInterviews explored parents’ experiences of suicide bereavement following the death of their son or daughter, with a focus on their experiences of support from primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically using constant comparison.ResultsTwenty-three interviews were conducted. Three themes were identified from the data: the importance of not feeling alone; perceived barriers to accessing support; and the need for signposting for additional support. Some parents reported having experienced good support from their general practice; others described a number of barriers to accessing help, including triage processes. Primary care was considered to be an important avenue of support but GPs were often perceived as uncertain how to respond. The need for information, signposting to avenues of support, and the helpfulness of group support were also highlighted.ConclusionParents believed it was important that people working in general practice have an awareness of suicide bereavement and understanding of their needs, including knowledge of where to direct people for further support.

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Student paramedics' views on placements in general practice as part of a degree

Journal of Paramedic Practice ◽

10.12968/jpar.2019.11.12.519 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 519-525

Author(s):

Alyesha Proctor

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Care Pathway ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Learning And Development ◽

Alternative Care ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Uk ◽

University Degree

Background: Frontline paramedics are increasingly attending to non-emergency problems and calls that could be managed by a primary care provider. Alongside this, there is a growing pressure to manage patients at home or use an alternative care pathway and reduce hospital conveyance. Student paramedic training, including both placement and taught elements at university, should therefore reflect this. However, placement opportunities for student paramedics in primary care settings is variable across the UK. Aim: To explore student paramedics' views on incorporating a placement within general practice as part of their degree and its effects on their learning and development as an autonomous paramedic. Method: A small pedagogic study as part of a postgraduate certificate in academic practice for higher education, involving a case study, qualitative approach using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was carried out. Findings: Student paramedics feel that incorporating a placement in general practice as part of their degree will significantly help in their learning and development as autonomous paramedics. Specifically, they feel it: will help them understand the role of the GP and what the GP expects of them; will help them to focus their assessments and improve confidence in decisions not to convey patients; may lead to better knowledge of alternative care pathways; and, finally, may provide an insight into the role of the paramedic in general practice as a future career opportunity. There are a few reservations about whether students would be able to use the skills and knowledge gained in this setting, as they feel they do not have access to the tools or the authority in a frontline ambulance service. Students would prefer to have a placement in a GP surgery in the final year of their university degree. Conclusion: Placement within a GP surgery for student paramedics should be included as part of a paramedic science degree as a priority. This is necessary, particularly given the changing role of the contemporary paramedic who attends to non-emergency problems.

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Conceptualizing the ‘whole university’ approach: an international qualitative study

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daz072 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. 730-740 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mark Dooris ◽

Sue Powell ◽

Alan Farrier

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Single Issue ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Global Movement ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Vice Chancellors ◽

The Uk ◽

Health Promoting University

Abstract Focusing on the conceptualization of a whole university approach, this paper reports on an international qualitative study that explored vice-chancellors’ and network members’ understanding of and commitment to Health Promoting Universities, examined perspectives on leadership and investigated the Okanagan Charter’s potential to catalyse whole university leadership and change. A multi-method qualitative approach was used: semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted face-to-face with vice-chancellors (n = 12) and Health Promoting University co-ordinators who were members of the UK Healthy Universities Network (n = 8); telephone interviews were conducted with a mix of UK and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 5) and two online questionnaires were distributed to non-UK network co-ordinators (n = 6) and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 10). Through thematic analysis, a number of key themes emerged that build a new conceptualization of the whole university approach (see Figure 1): building a broad understanding and framing of health; developing a supportive ethos and culture; embedding health into the university and joining up areas of work; focusing on the whole population and facing challenges and seizing opportunities. The study elicited rich and wide-ranging views from multiple stakeholders from universities and networks across four continents, confirming Health Promoting Universities as a truly global movement. Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities and challenges. First, the media narrative of a student mental health ‘crisis’ has focused universities’ attention on ‘health’, but from a single issue ‘illness’ perspective. This risks detracting from the whole system Health Promoting Universities approach. Second, even with the Okanagan Charter inspiring individuals and universities, there are still major challenges in translating the rhetoric of whole system approaches into meaningful action within large, complex and culturally diverse organizations.

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Patient use of blood pressure self-screening facilities in general practice waiting rooms: a qualitative study in the UK

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp17x690881 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 67 (660) ◽

pp. e467-e473 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Alice C Tompson ◽

Sabrina Grant ◽

Sheila M Greenfield ◽

Richard J McManus ◽

Susannah Fleming ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Waiting Room ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

The Uk ◽

Patient Use ◽

At Home

BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) self-screening, whereby members of the public have access to BP monitoring equipment outside of healthcare consultations, may increase the detection and treatment of hypertension. Currently in the UK such opportunities are largely confined to GP waiting rooms.AimTo investigate the reasons why people do or do not use BP self-screening facilities.Design and settingA cross-sectional, qualitative study in Oxfordshire, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews with members of the general public recruited using posters in GP surgeries and community locations were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically.ResultsOf the 30 interviewees, 20% were hypertensive and almost half had self-screened. Those with no history of elevated readings had limited concern over their BP: self-screening filled the time waiting for their appointment or was done to help their doctor. Patients with hypertension self-screened to avoid the feelings they associated with ‘white coat syndrome’ and to introduce more control into the measurement process. Barriers to self-screening included a lack of awareness, uncertainty about technique, and worries over measuring BP in a public place. An unanticipated finding was that several interviewees preferred monitoring their BP in the waiting room than at home.ConclusionBP self-screening appeared acceptable to service users. Further promotion and education could increase awareness among non-users of the need for BP screening, the existence of self-screening facilities, and its ease of use. Waiting room monitors could provide an alternative for patients with hypertension who are unwilling or unable to monitor at home.

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22 Motivations, Barriers, And Social Media: A Qualitative Study of Uptake of Women into Neurosurgery

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab259.649 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽

Author(s):

S Bandyopadhyay ◽

J Moudgil-Joshi ◽

E Norton ◽

M Haq ◽

K Saunders

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Role Models ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Real Life ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Topic Area ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Axial Coding ◽

The Uk

Abstract Objective To explore how social media could be utilised to influence an individual’s motivation to pursue a neurosurgical career, an emerging topic area. The focus of this study was on women interested in neurosurgery. Background Women are significantly under-represented in neurosurgery. 18% of all neurosurgeons – including 8% of consultants – are women. Most previous studies have used quantitative methods that are not best suited to gaining an in-depth understanding of the barriers that women face in pursuing a career in neurosurgery, or what would enable more women to go into the speciality. Method In this qualitative study, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Participants were women pre-neurosurgical trainees. The interview data was examined through a thematic analysis involving open and axial coding. Results Thirty women participated in the study. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) mentorship, (2) testimony from other women doing neurosurgery, (3) social media as a means of increasing interest in neurosurgery as a career choice, and (4) real-life exposure to the speciality. Conclusions There is scope to further improve uptake of women into neurosurgical training in the UK. Motivations and barriers to women pursuing neurosurgery should be addressed openly through early experience, role models and mentorship. Social media can help facilitate these opportunities, disseminate information and inspiration, and has the potential to undo societal biases.

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The Anxiety Caused by Secondary Schools for Autistic Adolescents: In Their Own Words

Education Sciences ◽

10.3390/educsci11110726 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 726

Author(s):

Debra Costley ◽

Anne Emerson ◽

Danielle Ropar ◽

Elizabeth Sheppard

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Secondary Schools ◽

Social Communication ◽

Daily Basis ◽

School Experience ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Sensory Sensitivities ◽

Inclusive Settings ◽

Theoretical View ◽

The Uk

Secondary schools are increasingly becoming inclusive of all students whatever their individual needs, but we question whether teachers understand enough about specific needs in order to effectively support all their students. Research indicates that autistic students often struggle with aspects of school (conformity; social communication; sensory challenges; bullying) but very few studies ask autistic adolescents about their experiences. One of the key elements of the school experience for autistic adolescents is the levels of anxiety experienced by many students on a daily basis. This research set out to explore the extent to which autistic students in secondary schools in the UK were able to recognise and reflect on their own anxiety. The eighteen participants in this co-produced qualitative study took part in semi-structured interviews planned by a team of autistic and non-autistic researchers. The themes that emerged from this study, in terms of triggers for anxiety, included other people’s behaviour, fear of the unknown, and sensory sensitivities. A theoretical view of their difficulties concurs with the concept of intolerance of uncertainty. Our data suggest that autistic students continue to experience high levels of anxiety throughout their secondary education, despite supports put in place by some schools. Strategies are highlighted that could be implemented by all schools to promote truly inclusive settings.

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Evaluating Integrated Surveillance for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in England: A Qualitative Study

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.743857 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Houda Bennani ◽

Laura Cornelsen ◽

Katharina D. C. Stärk ◽

Barbara Häsler

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Antimicrobial Use ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

A Value ◽

The Uk

Integrated surveillance systems for antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) require regular evaluation to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. An important step in the evaluation is to choose an appropriate tool for the purpose of the evaluation. The “Integrated Surveillance System Evaluation” (ISSE) framework is a conceptual framework that was developed to evaluate One Health (OH) integration in surveillance system for AMU/AMR. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and value of integrated surveillance system for AMU/AMR in England by applying the ISSE framework, which was used to develop data collection protocols and define the study design. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to collect the data and analyse it thematically. Eighteen stakeholders from human, animal, food and environment sectors that are involved in AMU/AMR surveillance were interviewed. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Cross-sectoral integration in the surveillance system for AMU/AMR; (2) Production of OH outputs and outcomes; (3) Drivers and barriers to cross-sectoral collaboration; and 4) Need for more cross-sectoral collaboration. The findings showed that there were links between integrated surveillance information, decision making and interventions. However, there were only few OH examples, such as the UK AMR contingency plan, where the potential of cross-sectoral collaboration was fully exploited. A lot of the benefits described were related to the generation of information and increase in knowledge and understanding without links to how the information generated was used. While these intangible benefits have a value on their own, being able to link surveillance information and mitigation measures would help to enhance the value of integrated surveillance. In terms of improvement, the main areas identified were the development of more harmonised methods for data collection and analysis, provision of resources dedicated to cross-sectoral collaboration, improved coordination, and collection of surveillance data from the environment and from companion animals. By identifying links between OH surveillance information produced and various outputs and outcomes; this study helped to understand the wider benefits of integrated surveillance for AMU/AMR in England and provided insights on how the system could be improved and efficiency increased.

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It makes you realise your own mortality: A qualitative study on mental health of older adults in the UK during COVID-19

10.1101/2020.12.15.20248238 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alison Ruth McKinlay ◽

Daisy Fancourt ◽

Alexandra Burton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Life Experience ◽

Service Access ◽

Grief And Loss ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Health Service Access ◽

Health Complications ◽

The Uk

Background: Older adults have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with high fatalities and health complications reported. Adults over the age of 70 in the UK were advised to self-isolate for 3 months early during the pandemic and it is unclear which factors influenced their experiences during this time. Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore factors that threatened and protected the wellbeing of older adults living in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We undertook semi-structured interviews with 20 adults aged over 70. Purposive sampling methods were used to increase diversity within the group. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants were aged 72-93, 9 women and 11 men, 80% were White British, 40% lived alone. We identified 2 superordinate themes, including (1) Threats to wellbeing: mortality concerns, grief and loss of normal life, restricted health service access, COVID-19 concerns, and restricted access to activities that protect wellbeing. (2) Factors protective of wellbeing: slower pace of life, maintaining routine, socialising, and use of past coping skills. Many participants drew on their resilience and life experience to self-manage fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic, using their time during lockdown to reflect or organise end-of-life affairs. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that while older adults experienced challenges, many were resilient against COVID-19 restrictions despite early concerns of mental health consequences. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to essentials to promote feelings of normality and social support to help reduce uncertainty in times of pandemics.

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