Identification and comparison of key criteria of feedback of funding decisions: mixed-methods analysis of funder and applicant perspectives

ObjectiveThis study investigated the content, quality and value of feedback given to applicants who applied to one of four research programmes in the UK funded (or jointly funded) by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).MethodsA mixed-method phased approach was conducted using document analysis and an online survey. Phase 1 examined 114 NIHR applicant feedback documents comprised written feedback from funding committees and external peer-reviewers and a conceptual framework of the key components of feedback was developed using content analysis. Phase 2 was an online survey completed by 113 NIHR applicants. Frequencies of responses to closed questions were calculated. Perceptions of quality and value of feedback were identified using content analysis of open-text responses.ResultsIn phase 1, a conceptual framework was developed with seven overarching categories: ‘Study structure and quality’; ‘Team and infrastructure’; ‘Acceptability to patients and professionals’; ‘Study justification and design’; ‘Risks and contingencies’; ‘Outputs’; ‘Value for money’. A higher frequency of feedback was provided at stage 2 and for successful applications across the majority of components. In phase 2, frequency data showed that opinion on feedback was dependent on funding outcome. Content analysis revealed four main themes: ‘Committee transparency’; ‘Content validity and reliability’; ‘Additional support’; Recognition of effort and constraints’.ConclusionsThis study provides key insights and understanding into the quality, content and value of feedback provided to NIHR applicants. The study identified key areas for improvement that can arise in NIHR funding applications, as well as in the feedback given to applicants that are applicable to other funding organisations. These findings could be used to inform funding application guidance documents to help researchers strengthen their applications and used more widely by other funders to inform their feedback processes.

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P.024 Educational needs in migraine care: results from a mixed-methods study among Canadian primary care providers and specialists

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2018.126 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (s2) ◽

pp. S22-S22

Author(s):

S Peloquin ◽

E Leroux ◽

G Shapero ◽

S Labbe ◽

S Murray ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

General Practitioners ◽

Online Survey ◽

Medical Training ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Primary Care Providers ◽

Educational Needs ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Care Providers ◽

Structured Interviews

Background: Migraines are sub-optimally treated, affect millions of Canadians, and are underrepresented in medical training. A study was conducted to identify the needs of Canadian Healthcare Providers (HCPs) for migraine education, with the aim to inform the development of learning activities. Methods: This ethics-approved study was deployed in two consecutive phases using a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 (qualitative) explored the causes of challenges to migraine care via a literature review, input from an expert working group, and semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders. Phase 2 (quantitative) validated these causes using an online survey. Results: The study included 103 participants (28 in phase 1; 75 in phase 2): general practitioners=37; neurologists=24; nurses=14; pharmacists=20; administrators, policy influencers and payers=8. Four areas of sub-optimal knowledge were identified: (1) Canadian guidelines, (2) diagnostic criteria, (3) preventive treatment, and (4) non-pharmacological therapies. Attitudinal issues related to the management of migraine patients were also identified. Detailed data including the frequencies of knowledge gaps among general practitioners and general neurologists will be presented along with qualitative findings. Conclusions: Educational activities for general practitioners and general neurologists who treat patients with migraines should be designed to address the four educational needs described in this study.

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Whole system approaches to health in higher education

Health Education ◽

10.1108/he-02-2019-0010 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 119 (4) ◽

pp. 246-258

Author(s):

Mark Dooris ◽

Alan Farrier ◽

Susan Powell ◽

Maxine Holt

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Phase 1 ◽

International Perspective ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Two Phase ◽

Content Type ◽

Key Issues ◽

Strategic Influence ◽

The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network (UKHUN), which explored engagement of network members; identified what members value about the network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the network; interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications Only six universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value The UKHUN is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include the capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a “refresh” of the network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence.

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Positioning Strategies of Indian Nonprofit Organizations for Grant Acquisition

10.37808/paq/45.4.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Debadutta Panda

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Statistical Model ◽

Nonprofit Organizations ◽

Customer Orientation ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Length Of Service ◽

Geographic Spread ◽

Model Phase

This study examines (1) how grant-seeking nonprofit organizations (NPOs) position themselves and (2) whether the positioning of NPOs has any connection with their grant acquisition. A content analysis of 100 websites of Indian NPOs (phase 1) helped in generating 9 hypotheses. Furthermore, 380 websites of Indian NPOs were studied using a statistical model (phase 2). NPOs were found with two different positioning strategies: (1) reliability positioning and (2) customer orientation positioning. The reliability positioning elements were recognition, transparency, collaboration, and resources. The customer orientation positioning elements were length of service, geographic spread, service variety, depth of service, and service impact. Recognition, transparency, collaboration, resources, and service variety positively and significantly influenced NPOs’ grant acquisition, and length of service and geographic spread negatively and significantly influenced NPOs’ grant acquisition.

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The King’s College London Coronavirus Health and Experiences of Colleagues at King’s Study: SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in a higher education sample

10.1101/2021.01.26.21249744 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Leightley ◽

Valentina Vitiello ◽

Alice Wickersham ◽

Katrina A.S. Davis ◽

Gabriella Bergin-Cartwright ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Low Cost ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Antibody Testing ◽

Face To Face ◽

King's College ◽

Positive Antibody ◽

The Uk ◽

Test Result

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of home antibody testing as part of large-scale study, the King’s College London Coronavirus Health and Experiences of Colleagues at King’s (KCL CHECK).MethodsParticipants of the KCL CHECK study were sent a SureScreen Diagnostics COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette to complete at home in June 2020 (phase 1) and September 2020 (phase 2). Participants were asked to upload a test result image to a study website. Test result images and sociodemographic information were analysed by the research team.ResultsA total of n=2716 participants enrolled in the KCL CHECK study, with n=2003 (73.7%) and n=1825 (69.3%) consenting and responding to phase 1 and 2. Of these, n=1882 (93.9%; phase 1) and n=1675 (91.8%; phase 2) returned a valid result. n=123 (6.5%; phase 1) and n=91 (5.4%; phase 2) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A total of n=1488 participants provided a result in both phases, with n=57 (3.8%) testing positive for SARS- CoV-2 antibodies across both phases, suggesting a reduction in the number of positive antibody results over time. Initial comparisons showed variation by age group, gender and clinical role.ConclusionsOur study highlights the feasibility of rapid, repeated and low-cost SARS-CoV-2 serological testing without the need for face-to-face contact.What is already known about this subject?Higher education institutions have a duty of care to minimise the spread and transmission of COVID-19 in its campuses, and among staff and students. The reopening of higher education buildings and campuses has brought about a mass movement of students, academics and support staff from across the UK. Serological antibody studies can assist by highlighting groups of people and behaviours associated with high risk of COVID-19.What are the new findings?We report a framework for SARS-CoV-2 serological antibody testing in an occupational group of postgraduate research students and current members of staff at King’s College London. Over two phases of data collection, 6.5% (phase 1) and 5.4% (phase 2) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with only 3.8% testing positive for antibodies in both phases, suggesting a reduction in positive antibody results over time.How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?Our study highlights the feasibility of rapidly deploying low-cost and repeatable SARS-CoV-2 serological testing, without the need for face-to-face contact, to support the higher education system of the UK.

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Increased emotional eating during COVID-19 associated with lockdown, psychological and social distress

10.31219/osf.io/z28sd ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cinzia Cecchetto ◽

Marilena Aiello ◽

Silvio Ionta ◽

Claudio Gentili ◽

Sofia Adelaide Osimo

Keyword(s):

Binge Eating ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Online Survey ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Emotional Wellbeing ◽

Negative Effects ◽

The Impact

Due to the spread of COVID 2019, the Italian government imposed a lockdown on the national territory. Initially, citizens were required to stay at home and not to mix with others outside of their household (Phase 1); eventually, some of these restrictions were lifted (Phase 2). To investigate the impact of lockdown on emotional and binge eating, an online survey was conducted to compare measures of self-reported physical (BMI), psychological (Alexithymia), affective (anxiety, stress, and depression) and social (income, workload) state during Phase 1 and Phase 2. Data from 365 Italian residents showed that increased emotional eating was predicted by higher depression, anxiety, quality of personal relationships, and quality of life, while the increase of bingeing was predicted by higher stress. Moreover, we showed that higher alexithymia scores were associated by increased emotional eating and higher BMI scores were associated with both increased emotional eating and binge eating. Finally, we found that from Phase 1 to Phase 2 binge and emotional eating decreased. These data provide evidence of the negative effects of isolation and lockdown on emotional wellbeing, and, relatedly, on eating behaviour.

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A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Mental Wellbeing, Coping and Quality of Working Life in Health and Social Care Workers in the UK at Two Time Points of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Epidemiologia ◽

10.3390/epidemiologia2030017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 227-242

Author(s):

Paula McFadden ◽

Ruth D. Neill ◽

John Moriarty ◽

Patricia Gillen ◽

John Mallett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Care ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Working Life ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quality Of Working Life ◽

Care Workers ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

The Uk

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world, it is important to examine its effect on societies and individuals, including health and social care (HSC) professionals. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from HSC staff in the UK at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021). The HSC staff surveyed consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers from across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Multiple regressions were used to examine the effects of different coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on participants’ wellbeing and quality of working life to see how and if the predictors changed over time. An additional multiple regression was used to directly examine the effects of time (Phase 1 vs. Phase 2) on the outcome variables. Findings suggested that both wellbeing and quality of working life deteriorated from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The results have the potential to inform interventions for HSC staff during future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, other infectious outbreaks or even other circumstances putting long-term pressures on HSC systems.

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What is a Child? Exploring Conceptualization of Pakistani Adolescents About Children

Journal of Childhood Studies ◽

10.18357/jcs462202119756 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 34-50

Author(s):

Azher Hameed Qamar

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

University Students ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Late Adolescents ◽

Traditional Societies ◽

Two Phases

This study aimed to investigate the responses of university students (late adolescents) about their conceptualization of a child, exploring the characteristics they associate with being a child. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, responses to one open-ended question, what is a child? (N=75), were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. In phase 2, students (N=90) filled in an online closed-ended survey that was derived from the subthemes that emerged from the qualitative data collected in phase 1. Findings revealed multiple interconnected aspects of the conceptualization of the child, making it a complex whole. This study is helpful for understanding the concept of the child grounded in various theoretical and mythological categories that portray the complexities of existing dichotomies that often come up as interconnected in traditional societies.

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Development of an educational programme to facilitate critical thinking of student nurses in Namibia

International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies ◽

10.14419/ijans.v5i2.6553 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 234

Author(s):

Louise Pretoruis ◽

Agenes Van Dyk ◽

Luis Small ◽

Hans Justus Amukugo

Keyword(s):

Critical Thinking ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Development Process ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Student Nurses ◽

Educational Programme ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Philosophical Framework

The article focused on the development process of an educational programme to facilitate the development of critical thinking in the students. The study was conducted in four phases, beginning with the needs assessment in phase 1 through which the researcher determine the need of the students in terms of critical thinking. The deductive data analysis of phase 1 served as basis of the conceptual framework for the development of an educational programme. Phase 2 focused on the development of the conceptual framework and it was achieved by utilized a specific educational approaches and philosophical framework were employed. Phase 3 and 4 were conducted simultaneously. Phase 3 focuses on implementation while phase 4 focuses on evaluation. A quasi – experimental design was implemented which focused on active participation by the participants in the programme.

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Accessibility and implementation in the UK NHS services of an effective depression relapse prevention programme: learning from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy through a mixed-methods study

Health Services and Delivery Research ◽

10.3310/hsdr05140 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (14) ◽

pp. 1-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jo Rycroft-Malone ◽

Felix Gradinger ◽

Heledd O Griffiths ◽

Rebecca Crane ◽

Andy Gibson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Cognitive Therapy ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Top Down ◽

Explanatory Framework ◽

Organisational Support ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

The Uk ◽

Over Time

BackgroundDepression affects as many as one in five people in their lifetime and often runs a recurrent lifetime course. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an effective psychosocial approach that aims to help people at risk of depressive relapse to learn skills to stay well. However, there is an ‘implementation cliff’: access to those who could benefit from MBCT is variable and little is known about why that is the case, and how to promote sustainable implementation. As such, this study fills a gap in the literature about the implementation of MBCT.ObjectivesTo describe the existing provision of MBCT in the UK NHS, develop an understanding of the perceived costs and benefits of MBCT implementation, and explore the barriers and critical success factors for enhanced accessibility. We aimed to synthesise the evidence from multiple data sources to create an explanatory framework of the how and why of implementation, and to co-develop an implementation resource with key stakeholders.DesignA two-phase qualitative, exploratory and explanatory study, which was conceptually underpinned by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.SettingUK NHS services.MethodsPhase 1 involved interviews with participants from 40 areas across the UK about the current provision of MBCT. Phase 2 involved 10 case studies purposively sampled with differing degrees of MBCT provision, and from each UK country. Case study methods included interviews with key stakeholders, including commissioners, managers, MBCT practitioners and teachers, and service users. Observations were conducted and key documents were also collected. Data were analysed using a modified approach to framework analysis. Emerging findings were verified through stakeholder discussions and workshops.ResultsPhase 1: access to and the format of MBCT provision across the NHS remains variable. NHS services have typically adapted MBCT to their context and its integration into care pathways was also highly variable even within the same trust or health board. Participants’ accounts revealed stories of implementation journeys that were driven by committed individuals that were sometimes met by management commitment. Phase 2: a number of explanations emerged that explained successful implementation. Critically, facilitation was the central role of the MBCT implementers, who were self-designated individuals who ‘championed’ implementation, created networks and over time mobilised top-down organisational support. Our explanatory framework mapped out a prototypical implementation journey, often over many years. This involved implementers working through grassroots initiatives and over time mobilising top-down organisational support, and a continual fitting of evidence, with the MBCT intervention, contextual factors and the training/supervision of MBCT teachers. Key pivot points in the journey provided windows of challenge or opportunity.LimitationsThe findings are largely based on informants’ accounts and, therefore, are at risk of the bias of self-reporting.ConclusionsAlthough access to MBCT across the UK is improving, it remains very patchy. This study provides an explanatory framework that helps us understand what facilitates and supports sustainable MBCT implementation.Future workThe framework and stakeholder workshops are being used to develop online implementation guidance.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

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What support do caregivers of people with visual impairment receive and require? An exploratory study of UK healthcare and charity professionals’ perspectives

Eye ◽

10.1038/s41433-021-01821-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jamie Enoch ◽

Christine Dickinson ◽

Ahalya Subramanian

Keyword(s):

Visual Impairment ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Online Survey ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Low Vision ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Caregiver Support ◽

Additional Support ◽

The Uk ◽

And Training

Abstract Background Previous research has established that some informal caregivers (relatives/friends) of people with visual impairment (PVI) may require support themselves. However, there is limited understanding of how healthcare services and sight charities in the UK currently support caregivers. This study was therefore conducted to explore what support, information, and advice healthcare and charity professionals (HCCPs) currently provide for caregivers, and which additional support HCCPs would recommend in order to benefit caregivers. Methods HCCPs filled out an online survey, distributed among UK-based professional bodies and charity partners. Of 104 individuals who consented to participate, 68 (65%) HCCPs completed the survey in September–November 2019. Participants responded to Likert-type questions about how they interact with and support caregivers of PVI. Thirty-eight (56%) participants provided responses to open-ended questions about improving support for caregivers; qualitative analysis was conducted using the Framework Method. Results The survey showed that caregiver support activities most commonly undertaken related to onward signposting (90% (95% CI: 82–97%) of participants), or providing information about low vision aids and adaptations (85% (95% CI: 77–94%)), compared to activities focused on broader caregiver wellbeing. In open-ended responses, HCCPs highlighted the difficulties caregivers face in navigating an under-resourced and complex system. They recommended improving coordination and accessibility of information, as well as provision of emotional support and tangible assistance such as respite care and financial support. Conclusions The study suggests that HCCPs perceive significant unmet needs among caregivers of PVI, and would welcome further resources, information, and training to support caregivers.

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