Listening to Patients’ Voices: Workarounds Patients Use to Construct Pain Intensity Ratings

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin A. Dannecker ◽  
Melissa D. Warne-Griggs ◽  
Lisa A. Royse ◽  
Kimberly G. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Maximal Response ◽  
Inductive Approach ◽  
Pain Ratings ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
Administration Methods ◽  
Extreme Pain

This study analyzed patients’ perspectives about a measure of current, usual, and extreme pain and a measure of activity-related pain. Thirty-one patients with osteoarthritis participated in focus groups. Researchers completed thematic analysis of transcripts using coding software and an inductive approach. Three emerging themes were that many factors affected patients’ perceptions and ratings of pain intensity, patients used different approaches to construct pain ratings, and patients interpreted maximal response anchors differently. Particularly, novel findings were that patients evaluated pain fluctuation, location, duration, and quality when constructing pain intensity ratings. Also, activity items helped patients to remember pain and provided a valued context for communicating pain experiences. However, the activities needed to be sufficiently described and personally relevant. These findings further clarify the challenges patients face and the workarounds they use when rating pain intensity. The patients’ suggestions for improved administration methods and items warrant future investigation.

Development of an online transdisciplinary student wellbeing bundle: a thematic analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jena Buchan ◽  
Bonnie Clough ◽  
Jonathan Munro ◽  
Tatjana Ewais ◽  
Jaime Wallis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Online Student ◽  
Student Wellbeing ◽  
Community Connectedness ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Further Development

BACKGROUND The consequences of burnout for tertiary students across the health professions are well documented and include higher rates of mental health challenges, suicide, alcoholism, and relationship problems. As a key stakeholder in University-offered wellbeing services and support, it is desirable for students to hold a central role in development of such resources, particularly given effectiveness relies on student uptake. Hence there is a compelling need to develop a student-driven approach to promote wellbeing in the tertiary setting at individual, curricula, and systems levels. OBJECTIVE Based on this need, an online student-focused platform was developed using a bottom-up approach to support participant-driven enhancement of wellbeing and resilience to counteract burnout. This study reports on the development of the initial online “Student Bundle”, providing a foundation to inform the design of more locally based approaches to improve wellness and prevent burnout. METHODS Students and academic and professional staff from Griffith University Health groups were invited to participate in a series of focus groups. Sessions sought to collect information on desired structure, resources and overall content of the Student Bundle, with a thematic analysis undertaken to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Focus groups were conducted separately with staff (n=17) and students (n=7). Six main themes in relation to the development of the bundle emerged: Communication/Engagement; Accessibility/Flexibility; Professional practice; Community; Awareness; and Opportunity for personal growth. Stakeholders emphasized a bundle should be engaging and proactive to address wellbeing issues, incorporate aspects linked to professional identity and foster community, connectedness and self-awareness, providing an opportunity for growth. CONCLUSIONS Our research has revealed significant needs in relation to how an online student-focused wellbeing bundle could be delivered and what it could provide. Findings from this study will be used to guide further development and implementation of a multimodal, interactive student wellbeing bundle.

scholarly journals Mechanically assisted walking training during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke: perceptions of physiotherapists.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra G Brauer ◽  
Lauren Waters ◽  
Suzanne Kuys ◽  
Louise Ada
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Treadmill Training ◽  
Translation Strategies ◽  
Inductive Approach ◽  
Therapeutic Consequences ◽  
Therapeutic Value

Background and Purpose: Despite evidence supporting the use of mechanically assisted walking training in stroke rehabilitation, it is not extensively used. The purpose of this study was a to explore the perceptions of physiotherapists regarding their use of mechanically assisted walking training, specifically treadmill training, during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Better understanding of physiotherapist perceptions can inform the development of translation strategies. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups comprising 14 phsyiotherapists (including students) working in stroke inpatient rehabilitation at two sites was conducted. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Results: Physiotherapists perceived two main themes related to using mechanically assisted walking training during inpatient rehabilitation; therapeutic consequences e.g. patients able to walk earlier, further, longer; less fatiguing for therapist, ability to manipulate walking parameters) and practical considerations (eg safety, efficiency, staff skill, access to equipment, weight and level of disability of patient, fear of treadmill). Discussion: Therapists perceptions of using mechanically assisted walking training during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke were mixed. There is a need to educate physiotherapy staff about the evidence of therapeutic value as well as how to perform mechanically assisted walking training.

Leadership in Academia of Pakistan: Perception of Crisis Situation and Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-692
Author(s):  
Shehla A. Yasin ◽  
Syeda Shahida Batool ◽  
Muhammad Asir Ajmal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Academic Leadership ◽  
Crisis Situation ◽  
Academic Leader ◽  
Leadership Crisis ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Age Range

In current study, aim was to explore effective academic leadership in Pakistani higher education institutes. It was an attempt to understand how people in academia perceive effective academic leadership and what are the qualities expected in an effective academic leader? It was also attempted to explore if academicians feel that there is a crisis of leadership in Pakistani higher education institutes? What are the reasons and solution for this crisis situation? Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of teachers, students, and psychologists. Three focus groups were conducted one after another. Sample (N = 21) included 13 women and 8 men with age range 21-50 years. Sample was selected from different private and public universities and hospitals of Lahore. Emerging themes were analyzed using bottom up thematic analysis. Results indicated that an effective academic leader should have IQ and EQ, be visionary, and should bring everyone together. The participants mostly agreed that there is leadership crisis in Pakistani higher education institutes. They described various reasons for the crisis situation which mainly implied the responsibility to existing leaders, infrastructure, social decline, and policies.

scholarly journals Development of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for adults with osteoarthritis-related pain and sleep disturbance: a focus group study with potential users

2021 ◽  
pp. 204946372110260
Author(s):  
Daniel Whibley ◽  
Kevin Stelfox ◽  
Alasdair L Henry ◽  
Nicole KY Tang ◽  
Anna L Kratz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Improvement Intervention

Objective: Suboptimal sleep and physical activity are common among people living with osteoarthritis (OA) and simultaneous improvements in both may have a beneficial impact on pain. This study aimed to gather perspectives of people living with OA on important aspects to incorporate in a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Design: Qualitative study using two rounds of two focus groups. Setting and participants: Focus groups were conducted with adults living with OA-related chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Eighteen people attended focus groups in January 2020 and, of these, 16 attended subsequent focus groups in February 2020. Methods: Discussion at the first round of focus groups informed generation of prototype intervention materials that were shared, discussed and refined at the second round of focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes from the data. Results: Three themes, each with three sub-themes, were identified: facilitators of engagement with the intervention (sub-themes: motivational language, accountability and education); barriers to engagement (sub-themes: suboptimal interaction with healthcare practitioners, recording behaviour as burdensome/disruptive and uncertainty about technique) and characteristics of a physical activity intervention component (sub-themes: tailored, sustainable and supported). Conclusion: We have identified important aspects to incorporate into the design and delivery of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Insights will be incorporated into intervention materials and protocols, with feasibility and acceptability assessed in a future study.

scholarly journals Strategies for developing and implementing a rheumatoid arthritis healthcare quality framework: a thematic analysis of perspectives from arthritis stakeholders

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e043759
Author(s):  
Claire Barber ◽  
Diane Lacaille ◽  
Marc Hall ◽  
Victoria Bohm ◽  
Linda C Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Quality ◽  
Quality Measurement ◽  
Measurement Development ◽  
Business World ◽  
Measurement Framework

ObjectivesTo obtain stakeholder perspectives to inform the development and implementation of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) healthcare quality measurement framework.DesignQualitative study using thematic analysis of focus groups and interviews.SettingArthritis stakeholders from across Canada including healthcare providers, persons living with RA, clinic managers and policy leaders were recruited for the focus groups and interviews.ParticipantsFifty-four stakeholders from nine provinces.InterventionsQualitative researchers led each focus group/interview using a semistructured guide; the digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim. Two teams of two coders independently analysed the transcripts using thematic analysis.ResultsPerspectives on the use of different types of measurement frameworks in healthcare were obtained. In particular, stakeholders advocated for the use of existing healthcare frameworks over frameworks developed in the business world and adapted for healthcare. Persons living with RA were less familiar with specific measurement frameworks, however, they had used existing online public forums for rating their experience and quality of healthcare provided. They viewed a standardised framework as potentially useful for assisting with monitoring the care provided to them individually. Nine guiding principles for framework development and 13 measurement themes were identified. Perceived barriers identified included access to data and concerns about how measures in the framework were developed and used. Effective approaches to framework implementation included having sound knowledge translation strategies and involving stakeholders throughout the measurement development and reporting process. Clinical models of care and health policies conducive to outcome measurement were highlighted as drivers of successful measurement initiatives.ConclusionThese important perspectives will be used to inform a healthcare quality measurement framework for RA.

“Women Are Cancer, You Shouldn’t Be Working in Sport”: Sport Psychologists’ Lived Experiences of Sexism in Sport

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Aura Goldman ◽  
Misia Gervis
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Power Differentials ◽  
The Feminine ◽  
Gendered Power ◽  
The Impact

Though sexism has been recognized as problematic in sport, its impact on female sport psychologists in the United Kingdom has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of sexism and its influence on practice. Four semistructured focus groups were conducted, comprising 11 sport psychologists who worked in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis revealed four general themes: the environment, privileging masculinity, acts of sexism, and the feminine. Participants’ discourse suggests that female sport psychologists are impacted by sexism in their workplaces. Gendered power differentials, coupled with the low status of sport psychology within sport, exacerbated the challenges faced by female sport psychologists. This study contributes to making up for the dearth of research on the impact of sexism on sport psychologists. Suggestions are made with regard to implications for practice.

scholarly journals Educator challenges in the development and delivery of constructivist active and experiential entrepreneurship classrooms in Chinese vocational higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Bell ◽  
Peng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Reaction ◽  
Vocational Higher Education ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Vocational Colleges ◽  
Education In China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived challenges that Chinese vocational college educators face in developing and delivering constructivist active and experiential entrepreneurship education.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected from 24 focus groups of educators who had been tasked with embedding constructivist entrepreneurship education into their teaching and curriculum, at four different vocational colleges situated in four different provinces in China. The data were coded and analysed for emerging themes using a process of bottom-up thematic analysis.FindingsA range of concerns were identified from the focus groups and these could be divided into five main challenges, which were the role of the educator in the constructivist learning process and their ability to control the process; the educators perceived student reaction to the process and their engagement with it; the time and technology required to deliver the process; the link between the learning and industry; and the educators’ perception of the requirements to meet internal expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research explores the educators’ perceptions of the challenges they face in developing and delivering active and experiential constructivist entrepreneurship education. Whilst these concerns may impact how the educators’ approach the task, these concerns are only perceived, as the educators’ have not yet implemented the introduction of constructivist entrepreneurship education when other challenges may become evident.Originality/valueEncouragement by the Chinese Government to develop and deliver constructivist active and experiential entrepreneurship education has resulted in a number of tensions and challenges. Entrepreneurship education in China is still relatively young and under researched and this research contributes to the literature by exploring the challenges that educators face in developing and delivering constructivist entrepreneurship education in Chinese vocational colleges.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood Among Latinas

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosenda Murillo ◽  
Mariana Vazquez ◽  
Isabel Leal ◽  
Daphne Hernandez ◽  
Qian Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Individual Interview ◽  
Latina Women ◽  
The Us ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
Barriers To Physical Activity

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify perceptions and barriers to physical activity in childhood and adulthood among Latina adults. Methods: We conducted 3 focus groups, 2 dyadic interviews, and an individual interview using semi-structured interview guides with 23 Latina women aged 21-35. A thematic analysis approach employing inductive and deductive coding was utilized to code, categorize, and summarize data into themes. Results: The themes that emerged focused on: (1) physical activity is enjoyable; (2) family influenced physical activity; (3) different lifestyle in the US influenced physical activity; (4) physical activity is important for health; and (5) responsibilities (eg, work, caregiving) as barriers to physical activity in adulthood. Conclusions: Perceptions and barriers to physical activity experienced in both childhood and adulthood should be considered in the promotion of physical activity among Latinas.

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