Maximizing experiential co-curricular programs through Stakeholders’ Theory: An explanatory mixed methods study

Background: Some medical schools offer co-curricular experiential education programs. Despite the established value of such experiences, there are no published studies that reflect upon the systematic integration of perceptions of primary stakeholders, whose engagement is necessary for program continuity. Purpose: To showcase how stakeholders’ theory can be deployed to holistically evaluate the quality of experiential learning opportunities and the value they offer to all stakeholders. Methodology/Approach: Based on a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, data was solicited from 14 Program Organizers, 107 Participating Students, and 107 Onsite Mentors. Findings/Conclusions: The Program Organizers strongly agreed (95.5%) that the co-curricular program is efficacious. A majority of Participating Students rated the overall quality-of-experience as excellent (81.6%), and most Onsite Mentors rated students’ attendance as excellent (88.7%). There was a dependency between Participating Students’ attendance and extent to which they were engaged in teamwork. The qualitative analysis generated the “Global Citizenship” conceptual framework. Implications: Stakeholders’ theory can be leveraged to broaden the analytic scope of experiential learning, encapsulating the development that occurs at the community level due to individuals’ engagement. This conceptual framework can be utilized by other institutions to guide the development of similar co-curricular programs.

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Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy (COCO) in the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Study

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/15399 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. e15399

Author(s):

Jan Porthun ◽

Jonas Manschel

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Training Structures ◽

Occupational Profile ◽

Work Area ◽

Osteopathic Treatment ◽

German Speaking ◽

Sample Testing

Background Currently, the importance of osteopathy within the health care system is controversial. The training structures and the acknowledgment of the occupational profile strongly differ in the German-speaking territory. Objective This study aims to examine the characteristics of the osteopathic profession as well as the possibilities and challenges for osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Methods This study adopted a mixed methods design. The research topic will be examined based on qualitative and quantitative partial studies that will be conducted in parallel as well as sequentially. By applying different research methods and sample testing and by using standardized, validated measurement methods, we expect to be able to gain new insights into the work area of osteopathy. Results In November 2018, we started the research and data collection. Currently, we are conducting the first two partial studies. The planned duration of each of the partial study is 6-9 months. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Conclusions This study will examine how osteopaths define themselves in comparison with professionals from other occupational profiles and how they describe the characteristics of their work. The identification of central issues is expected to help clarify the issues and define the profession. As such, the results might contribute to the conservation and improvement of the quality of osteopathic treatment. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15399

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‘Cold bedrooms’ and other cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, how they are used and why they are offered: A mixed methods study

Palliative Medicine ◽

10.1177/0269216320984335 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921632098433

Author(s):

Julia Hackett ◽

Bryony Beresford

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

The Body ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽

Two Phases ◽

Changes Over Time

Background: The death of a child is acutely distressing. Evidence on the benefits and value to parents of spending time with their dead child have now been integrated into routine practice and is regarded as a bereavement support intervention. UK children’s hospices have a tradition of using ‘cooling facilities’ (cold bedrooms, cooled blanket/mattress) to extend this period of time by slowing deterioration of the body. Aims: To describe: (1) type and use of cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, policies and practices regarding their use, and any changes over time. (2) Director of care’s views on the purpose of cooling facilities and the rationale for hospice-specific practices. Methods: An explanatory mixed-methods design consisting two phases: a crosssectional survey of directors of care of UK children’s hospices ( n = 52) followed by semi-structured telephone interviews with a sub-sample of respondents. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interview data using directed content analysis. Results: 41/52 hospices completed the survey and 13 directors of care were interviewed. All hospices had cooling facilities. Some offered use of portable cooling facilities at home, though take-up appears low. Hospices differed in approaches to managing care and duration of use. Views on whether parents should observe deterioration informed the latter. Directors of care believed they provide families with time to say ‘goodbye’ and process their loss. Challenges for staff were reported.

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Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy (COCO) in the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.15399 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jan Porthun ◽

Jonas Manschel

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Training Structures ◽

Occupational Profile ◽

Work Area ◽

Osteopathic Treatment ◽

German Speaking ◽

Sample Testing

BACKGROUND Currently, the importance of osteopathy within the health care system is controversial. The training structures and the acknowledgment of the occupational profile strongly differ in the German-speaking territory. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the characteristics of the osteopathic profession as well as the possibilities and challenges for osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. METHODS This study adopted a mixed methods design. The research topic will be examined based on qualitative and quantitative partial studies that will be conducted in parallel as well as sequentially. By applying different research methods and sample testing and by using standardized, validated measurement methods, we expect to be able to gain new insights into the work area of osteopathy. RESULTS In November 2018, we started the research and data collection. Currently, we are conducting the first two partial studies. The planned duration of each of the partial study is 6-9 months. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study will examine how osteopaths define themselves in comparison with professionals from other occupational profiles and how they describe the characteristics of their work. The identification of central issues is expected to help clarify the issues and define the profession. As such, the results might contribute to the conservation and improvement of the quality of osteopathic treatment.

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Determining Emotional Tone and Verbal Behavior in Patients With Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2019_aja-18-0136 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 660-672

Author(s):

Suzanne H. Kimball ◽

Toby Hamilton ◽

Erin Benear ◽

Jonathan Baldwin

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Verbal Behavior ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Emotional Tone ◽

Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Results

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the emotional tone and verbal behavior of social media users who self-identified as having tinnitus and/or hyperacusis that caused self-described negative consequences on daily life or health. Research Design and Method An explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Two hundred “initial” and 200 “reply” Facebook posts were collected from members of a tinnitus group and a hyperacusis group. Data were analyzed via the LIWC 2015 software program and compared to typical bloggers. As this was an explanatory mixed-methods study, we used qualitative thematic analyses to explain, interpret, and illustrate the quantitative results. Results Overall, quantitative results indicated lower overall emotional tone for all categories (tinnitus and hyperacusis, initial and reply), which was mostly influenced by higher negative emotion. Higher levels of authenticity or truth were found in the hyperacusis sample but not in the tinnitus sample. Lower levels of clout (social standing) were indicated in all groups, and a lower level of analytical thinking style (concepts and complex categories rather than narratives) was found in the hyperacusis sample. Additional analysis of the language indicated higher levels of sadness and anxiety in all groups and lower levels of anger, particularly for initial replies. These data support prior findings indicating higher levels of anxiety and depression in this patient population based on the actual words in blog posts and not from self-report questionnaires. Qualitative results identified 3 major themes from both the tinnitus and hyperacusis texts: suffering, negative emotional tone, and coping strategies. Conclusions Results from this study suggest support for the predominant clinical view that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. The extent of the suffering described and patterns of coping strategies suggest clinical practice patterns and the need for research in implementing improved practice plans.

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Self-contradicting attitudes and beliefs by emerging teachers on textbook use: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e522252014-015 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Abel Diaz

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Attitudes And Beliefs ◽

Textbook Use ◽

Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽

Sequential Explanatory

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Evaluating the success of the tele-pathology system in governmental hospitals in Kuwait: an explanatory sequential mixed methods design

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making ◽

10.1186/s12911-021-01567-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ali Jasem Buabbas ◽

Tareq Mohammad ◽

Adel K. Ayed ◽

Hawraa Mallah ◽

Hamza Al-Shawaf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Support Services ◽

User Satisfaction ◽

Technical Support ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

System Quality ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Telepathology System

Abstract Background Telepathology is the practice of reviewing and exchanging pathological images through telecommunication systems to obtain diagnoses remotely. Studying the factors that make such a system successful and favourable is important to ensure the merits of its implementation in clinical practice. Objective This study aims to evaluate the success of a telepathology system from the users’ perspectives, using specific evaluation criteria, namely: system quality, information quality, technical service quality, user satisfaction, and benefits. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was adopted in this study, which consists of two phases. Initially, a questionnaire was distributed via WhatsApp to all of the pathologists (total: 45) working at governmental hospitals in Kuwait. Followed by, semi-structured interviews with ten senior pathologists. Results Forty pathologists responded to the questionnaire, giving an 89% response rate. There were 42.5% of the respondents aged between 35–44 years old, and 52.5% were male. The quantitative results reveal that most of the respondents were satisfied with the quality of the telepathology system with a mean of 2.6025 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 0.47176), whereas they were dissatisfied with the quality of the information with a mean of 2.4100 (SD = 1.580) and the technical support services with a mean of 2.2750 (SD = 0.99535). In addition, there was disagreement on the benefits of telepathology in clinical practice among the pathologists with a mean of 2.4667 (SD = 0.77552). The qualitative results indicate that the lack of interest in and little experience with using the system were behind the general dissatisfaction of most of the respondents. All of the interviewees were satisfied with the performance of the telepathology system and considered it successful; however, the quality of the technical support services, including training workshops, was deemed deficient. Conclusion This study concluded that telepathology system in Kuwait is functioning well and has been successful in its implementation; however, pathologists are dissatisfied with it, mainly due to the deficient quality of the technical support services provided. In addition, the successful implementation of such advanced technologies requires careful steps to be taken on multiple levels: technical, organisational, and managerial. Recommendations were suggested.

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Assessing burden, risk factors, and perceived impact of uterine fibroids on women’s lives in rural Haiti: implications for advancing a health equity agenda, a mixed methods study

International Journal for Equity in Health ◽

10.1186/s12939-020-01327-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christophe Millien ◽

Anatole Manzi ◽

Arlene M. Katz ◽

Hannah Gilbert ◽

Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Black Women ◽

Uterine Fibroids ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Gynecologic Surgery ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Women's Lives

Abstract Background Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life. Methods A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results. Results Of 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1–10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–12.4, p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.021) and (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97, p = 0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged. Conclusions A vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.

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Explaining nursing attrition through the experiences of return-to-practice students: a mixed-methods study

British Journal of Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjon.2021.30.8.490 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (8) ◽

pp. 490-496

Author(s):

Joanne Garside ◽

John Stephenson ◽

Jean Hayles ◽

Nichola Barlow ◽

Graham Ormrod

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Nurse Shortage ◽

Decision To Leave ◽

Alternative Employment ◽

Nursing Experience ◽

Nursing Attrition ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Positive Work

Background: Nurse shortage is an international issue that has adverse effects on health and the quality of care of whole populations. Aims: The study aimed to explore attrition experienced by return-to-practice students attending higher education institutions in England. Methods: A mixed-methods design, involving questionnaires (n=114) and in-depth interviews (n=20), was used. Findings: Just over half (52%) of respondents left nursing after ≥10 years. Most of these (84%) stayed in alternative employment during their break from nursing. There were two distinct reasons for leaving nursing: the inability to maintain a positive work/life balance and a lack of opportunity for career advancement while retaining nursing registration. Respondents reflected positively on their nursing experience yet frequently reported significant personal or professional incidents prompting their decision to leave. Conclusion: The reasons nurses leave are complex. Professional bodies and managers need to work together to address concerns many nurses have during their careers that lead to them deciding to leave the profession.

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