scholarly journals Healthcare professionals’ experience of using in situ simulation training in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative focus group study from a Danish hospital

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e056599
Author(s):  
Joachim Juelsgaard ◽  
Bo Løfgren ◽  
Neel Toxvig ◽  
Gitte Valsted Eriksen ◽  
Lotte Ebdrup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
In Situ Simulation ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Simulation Task

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital organisation and healthcare professionals to prepare for large quantities of patients in isolation rooms. In situ simulation may seem promising in order to manage the organisational changes that the pandemic require. This study aims to investigate in situ simulations influence on healthcare professional’s self-perceived preparedness to face the pandemic.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingWe conducted full scale in situ simulations over a 3-week period in April 2020, including 277 healthcare professionals, at a Danish University Hospital. Subsequently, six semistructured focus group interviews, including 22 participants from the simulations, were conducted in May 2020.Participants22 healthcare professionals participated in the focus group interviews.MethodsThe simulations consisted of a briefing, two scenarios focusing on acute respiratory insufficiency and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a debriefing. We conducted six focus group interviews using comparable semistructured interview guides focusing on the organisational restructuring of the departments and outcomes of the needs-driven simulation-based programme. We used thematic analysis to identify main themes.ResultsThe informants perceived that the simulations resulted in positive experiences for the healthcare professionals and perceived the organisational changes as effective. They highlighted that simulation enhanced teamwork, demystified the COVID-19 disease, and improved skills, in correct use of PPE and acute treatment of COVID-19 patients. Data revealed that a predefined simulation task force including both experienced simulators and medical experts for facilitation of in situ simulation would be beneficial.ConclusionIn situ simulation may be useful to enhance learning on organisation and individual level during a pandemic. This educational activity could serve an important role in facilitating hospital preparation and education of large numbers of healthcare professionals during a healthcare crisis. Introduction of a simulation task force is suggested to handle coordination and rapid enrolment across the hospital.

scholarly journals The Face of Workplace Violence: Experiences of Healthcare Professionals in Surgical Hospital Wards

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jenny Jakobsson ◽  
Malin Axelsson ◽  
Karin Örmon
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Hospital Wards

Background. Though workplace violence (WPV) is a global problem for healthcare professionals, research within in-hospital care has mainly focused on WPV in emergency healthcare settings. Thus, the number of qualitative studies that explores experiences of WPV in general hospital wards with a longer length of stay is limited. Aim. The aim of this study was to explore how healthcare professionals in surgical hospital wards experience and manage WPV perpetrated by patients or visitors. Method. The study applied a qualitative, inductive approach using focus group interviews for data collection. A purposeful sample of 16 healthcare professionals working in surgical wards was included. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings. The analysis resulted in four main themes: workplace violence characteristics, partly predictable yet not prevented, approaching workplace violence, and consequences from workplace violence. During the focus group interviews, the healthcare professionals described various acts of physical violence, verbal abuse, and gender discrimination perpetrated by patients or their visitors. Despite the predictability of some of the incidents, preventive strategies were absent or inadequate, with the healthcare professionals not knowing how to react in these threatful or violent situations. They experienced that WPV could result in negative consequences for the care of both the threatful or violent person and the other patients in the ward. WPV caused the healthcare professionals to feel exposed, scared, and unprotected. Conclusion and clinical implications. Exposure to WPV is a problem for healthcare professionals in surgical wards and has consequences for the patients. Preventive strategies, guidelines, and action plans are urgently needed to minimise the risk of WPV and to ensure a safe work and care environment.

scholarly journals Strengthening research integrity: which topic areas should organisations focus on?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mads P. Sørensen ◽  
Tine Ravn ◽  
Ana Marušić ◽  
Andrea Reyes Elizondo ◽  
Panagiotis Kavouras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Technical Science ◽  
Scientific Fraud ◽  
Questionable Research Practices ◽  
Group Interviews

AbstractThe widespread problems with scientific fraud, questionable research practices, and the reliability of scientific results have led to an increased focus on research integrity (RI). International organisations and networks have been established, declarations have been issued, and codes of conducts have been formed. The abstract principles of these documents are now also being translated into concrete topic areas that Research Performing organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding organisations (RFOs) should focus on. However, so far, we know very little about disciplinary differences in the need for RI support from RPOs and RFOs. The paper attempts to fill this knowledge gap. It reports on a comprehensive focus group study with 30 focus group interviews carried out in eight different countries across Europe focusing on the following research question: “Which RI topics would researchers and stakeholders from the four main areas of research (humanities, social science, natural science incl. technical science, and medical science incl. biomedicine) prioritise for RPOs and RFOs?” The paper reports on the results of these focus group interviews and gives an overview of the priorities of the four main areas of research. The paper ends with six policy recommendations and a reflection on how the results of the study can be used in RPOs and RFOs.

Making Research More Ethical for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
John Aspler
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

In this chapter, the author reflects on challenges associated with conducting focus group interviews with adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—a complex neurodevelopmental disability caused by alcohol exposure in utero. Given the heterogeneity of this diagnosis, people with FASD have different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, for effective and ethical research inclusion, each person with FASD may need unique accommodations, which can help to both minimize concerns about unjust research exclusion and mitigate sources of vulnerability. To explore these issues, the author describes the focus group study, presents anticipated risks and challenges, explores critical stakeholder feedback, and addresses ethical tensions arising from the resulting protocol adjustments. This chapter demonstrates the importance of researchers remaining open to criticism and being willing to work through their moral discomfort.

scholarly journals Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and later risk of cardiovascular disease: Women’s experiences and motivation for lifestyle changes explored in focus group interviews

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi L. Sandsæter ◽  
Julie Horn ◽  
Janet W. Rich-Edwards ◽  
Hege S. Haugdahl
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Changes In Pregnancy ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are both associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Knowledge of the relationship between these pregnancy complications and increased CVD risk enables early prevention through lifestyle changes. This study aimed to explore women’s experiences with PE and/or GDM, and their motivation and need for information and support to achieve lifestyle changes. Methods Systematic text condensation was used for thematic analysis of meaning and content of data from five focus group interviews with 17 women with PE and/or GDM, with a live birth between January 2015 and October 2017. Results This study provides new knowledge of how women with GDM and/or PE experience pregnancy complications in a Nordic healthcare model. It reveals the support they want and the important motivating factors for lifestyle change. We identified six themes: Trivialization of the diagnosis during pregnancy; Left to themselves to look after their own health; The need to process the shock before making lifestyle changes (severe PE); A desire for information about future disease risk and partner involvement; Practical solutions in a busy life with a little one, and; Healthcare professionals can reinforce the turning point. The women with GDM wanted healthcare professionals to motivate them to continue the lifestyle changes introduced during pregnancy. Those with severe PE felt a need for individualized care to ensure that they had processed their traumatic labor experiences before making lifestyle changes. Participants wanted their partner to be routinely involved to ensure a joint understanding of the need for lifestyle changes. Motivation for lifestyle changes in pregnancy was linked to early information and seeing concrete results. Conclusions Women with PE and GDM have different experiences of diagnosis and treatment, which will affect the follow-up interventions to reduce future CVD risk through lifestyle change. For GDM patients, lifestyle changes in pregnancy should be reinforced and continued postpartum. Women with PE should be informed by their general practitioner after birth, and given a plan for lifestyle change. Those with severe PE will need help in processing the trauma, and stress management should be routinely offered.

Caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis: experiences of support

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
L P McKeown ◽  
A P Porter-Armstrong ◽  
G D Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Major Aspect ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

The aim of this pheno menological study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of a group of caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixteen caregivers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participated in focus group interviews. The theme of support, either sought or received, emerged as a major aspect of the experiences described. C aregivers’ feelings about, and experiences of, support appeared to change over time. Four common phases that caregivers experienced in relation to support were identified as: ‘rejecting’, ‘resisting’, ‘seeking’ and ‘accepting’ support. This paper will present and discuss these four phases. The study findings highlight the complexity of issues surrounding a caregiver’s decision to seek and accept support. It is hoped that the phases identified within this study are useful in depicting how caregivers of people with MS may progress through stages in their desire for, and acceptance of, support. Findings from this study are useful to healthcare professionals who work with people with MS and their caregivers by increasing awareness that a caregiver’s attitude toward and acceptance of support changes over time.

scholarly journals Coping Processes of Patients with Ostomies in South Korea: A Focus Group Study

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Heesook Son ◽  
Youngmi Kang
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Negative Coping ◽  
Group Interviews

Despite the adverse effects of negative coping after receiving a stoma, there is a lack of information on how patients cope with ostomies and on their families’ experiences throughout the coping process. We aimed to explore the coping experiences of individuals with ostomies throughout their illness, applying the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework, using exploratory qualitative methods involving focus group interviews. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit 19 participants (split across three groups) through an ostomy association in South Korea. Two focus group interviews were separately conducted from March through to May 2017 until data saturation was achieved. Using qualitative content analysis, we analyzed the transcribed interviews and identified words and themes to interpret the results. The coping experiences of patients with ostomies were expressed through three interrelated themes: struggling and suffering, learning how to live with ostomy, and living with ostomy. We found gender differences in spousal support and a struggle among older patients regarding social coping. The themes identified suggest that gender should be considered when designing interventions to help patients cope with ostomies.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Perspectives of Older Adults on Technologies for Assessing Frailty in Home Settings: A Focus Group Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Bian ◽  
Bing Ye ◽  
Anna Hoonakker ◽  
Alex Mihailidis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement with the technologies. This study aims to understand older adult’s perceptions and preferences of technologies that can be potentially used to assess frailty in home settings. Methods This study is a qualitative study in which data were collected through focus group interviews. We recruited 15 older participants. Questions were asked to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include 1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, 2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, 3) what makes a particular technology more acceptable, and 4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies.Results A total of 15 older adults aged 65 and older were recruited. Three focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were presented in four areas: A) general attitude towards using the technologies, B) concerns about the technologies, C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies.Conclusions This study focuses on understanding the attitudes and perceptions of older adults on several technologies that could potentially be used to assess frailty in home settings. Participants generally have positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their home. Some technologies were found to be more acceptable if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns still remain. The study also found the living habits or patterns of older adults could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants.

scholarly journals Learning to care for the spirit of dying patients: the impact of spiritual care training in a hospice-setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafie Hussein Chahrour ◽  
Niels Christian Hvidt ◽  
Elisabeth Assing Hvidt ◽  
Dorte Toudal Viftrup
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Training ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Patients approaching the end of their life do not experience their existential and spiritual needs being sufficiently met by the healthcare professionals responsible for their care. Research suggest that this is partly due to a lack of insight about spiritual care among healthcare professionals. By developing, implementing, and evaluating a research-based educational course on spiritual care targeting hospice staff, we aimed to explore the perceived barriers for providing spiritual care within a hospice setting and to evaluate the post-course impact among staff members. Methods Course development and evaluation was based on primary exploratory action research and followed the UK Medical Research Council’s framework for complex intervention research. The course was implemented at two Danish hospices and comprised thematic days that included lectures, reflective exercises and improvised participatory theatre. We investigated the course impact using a questionnaire and focus group interviews. The questionnaire data were summarized in bar charts and analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results 85 staff members participated in the course. Of these, 57 answered the evaluative questionnaire and 15 participated in 5 focus group interviews. The course elements that the participants reported to be the most relevant were improvised theatre unfolding existential themes and reflexive group activities. 98% of participants found the course relevant, answering either “relevant” or “very relevant”. 73,1% of participants answered “to a considerable extent” or “to a great extent” when asked to what extent they assessed the content of the course to influence their work in hospice. The focus group data resulted in 3 overall themes regarding perceived barriers for providing spiritual care: 1. Diverse approaches is beneficial for spiritual care, but the lack of a shared and adequate spiritual language is a communicative barrier, 2. Existential conversation is complicated by patients’ overlapping physical and existential needs, as well as miscommunication, and 3. Providing spiritual care requires spiritual self-reflection, self-awareness, introspection, and vulnerability. Conclusions This study provides insights into the barriers facing spiritual care in a hospice setting. Furthermore, the course evaluations demonstrate the valuable impact of spiritual care training for health care professionals. Further course work development is warranted to enhance the “science” of spiritual care for the dying.

scholarly journals Experiences of interventions and rehabilitation activities in connection with return-to-work from a gender perspective. A focus group study among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253049
Author(s):  
Lotta Nybergh ◽  
Gunnar Bergström ◽  
Irene Jensen ◽  
Therese Hellman
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Main Category ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Group Interviews

Background Common mental disorders present the main reason for registered sick leave in Sweden today, and women are at a higher risk of such sick leave than men. The aim of this paper is to explore how employees on sick leave for common mental disorders experience interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work, as well as to explore similarities and differences between the experiences of the interviewed women and men. Material and methods A qualitative design was applied with semi-structured focus group interviews. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 28 participants (13 women and 15 men). The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and data analyzed with conventional content analysis. Similarities and differences in the women’s and men’s experiences were written down in reflective notes during all steps of the analysis. Results The results comprise of one main category, “To be met with respect and recognition”, and subcategories at two levels. Both similarities and differences emerged in how women and men sick-listed because of common mental disorders experienced return-to-work interventions and rehabilitation activities. It was important for both women and men to be met with respect and recognition, which was essential to all forms of help that the participants discussed during the focus group interviews. Women expressed a need for home-related interventions, whereas men expressed a need for organizational interventions to counter feelings of resignation at work. Women could also more easily understand their mental health condition as compared with men. Conclusion A key implication of this study is that research on interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders should consider whether the findings are relevant equally to both women and men. Similarly, return-to-work professionals may need to consider possible differences among women and men on sick leave for common mental disorders, and to further customize offered interventions and rehabilitation activities. Doing so may help enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.

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