scholarly journals Commissioner, clinician, and patient experiences of a pre‐surgical health optimisation programme – a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna McLaughlin ◽  
Cecily Palmer ◽  
Sabi Redwood ◽  
Ruth Kipping ◽  
Lucie Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Roll Out ◽  
Surgical Referral

Abstract Background Health optimisation programmes are an increasingly popular policy intervention that aim to support patients to lose weight or stop smoking ahead of surgery. There is little evidence about their impact and the experience of their use. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and perspectives of commissioners, clinicians and patients involved in a locality’s health optimisation programme in the United Kingdom. The programme alters access to elective orthopaedic surgery for patients who smoke or are obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), diverting them to a 12-week programme of behavioural change interventions prior to assessment for surgical referral. Methods A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with National Health Service and Local Authority commissioners and planners, healthcare professionals, and patients using the pathway. Results Health optimisation was broadly acceptable to professionals and patients in our sample and offered a chance to trigger both short term pre-surgical weight loss/smoking cessation and longer-term sustained changes to lifestyle intentions post-surgery. Communicating the nature and purpose of the programme to patients was challenging and consequently the quality of the explanation received and understanding gained by patients was generally low. Insight into the successful implementation of health optimisation for the hip and knee pathway, but failure in roll-out to other surgical specialities, suggests placement of health optimisation interventions into the ‘usual waiting time’ for surgical referral may be of greatest acceptability to professionals and patients. Conclusions Patients and professionals supported the continuation of health optimisation in this context and recognised likely health and wellbeing benefits for a majority of patients. However, the clinicians’ communication to patients about health optimisation needs to improve to prepare patients and optimise their engagement.

A Qualitative Study Exploring Family Life in Men Following Neurosurgery for Adult Onset Epileptic Seizures

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Martin Raffaele
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationship ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Adult Onset ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Role Definitions

This study explored family relationship dynamics of men with Adult Onset Epileptic Seizures (AOES) following an elective lobectomy procedure to address their frequent seizure activity. Informants were five Australian men with history of adult-onset epilepsy for which they received neurosurgery (aged 34–59 years). Thematic analysis following semi-structured interviews yielded three themes: role marginalization, role dependency and role enmeshment. All the men reported significant role marginalization in not being consulted about everyday life activities. They also reported to experience decisional role shifting towards their spouses or partners and children post-surgery. Their family role enmeshment experiences included being perceived by spouses or partners as adult–children and by their children as a parent–child. However, some of the men were accepting of these role definitions and to add rather than take away from their health-related quality of life.

Eating strategies – a qualitative study of how frail, home-dwelling older people in Denmark develop strategies to form meaningful eating situations

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 590-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
TENNA JENSEN ◽  
LIV GRØNNOW ◽  
ASTRID PERNILLE JESPERSEN
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Older People ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Care ◽  
Older Men And Women ◽  
Insight Into

ABSTRACTThis article analyses the strategies that frail, home-dwelling older people who receive food from public institutions develop and use during eating situations, to gain an insight into how older people mobilise resources in relation to eating. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews and participant observation sessions with 25 home-dwelling frail older men and women, aged 72–101, who live in Copenhagen and receive food from the municipality. Like healthier older people, frail older Danes develop and use strategies to create acceptable eating situations. The strategies are linked to the arrangement of the eating situation, their former lives and experience with food and eating, and their perception of their own body. The focus on strategies enables insights into how frail older people manage to mobilise resources to create meaningful eating situations. However, even though they mobilise resources to create and maintain eating strategies, these are not all equally appropriate with regards to supporting a healthy nutritional status. The eating strategies used by frail older people and the resources they entail are key to their experience with eating. Focusing on these strategies is useful when developing public care initiatives as this will precipitate an awareness of the resources of this group and how these are activated and contribute to or detract from a healthy nutritional status and a high quality of life.

scholarly journals Experiences of Youth Mentoring Through Street Dance

Youth Justice ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-251
Author(s):  
Amber Gunay ◽  
Alison M. Bacon
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
At Risk Youth ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Future Outlook ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Insight Into

There has been limited research regarding the effectiveness of mentoring for at-risk youth in the United Kingdom and none focussing on a dance-based intervention. This study explored experiences of a mentoring through street dance programme. Eight participants (aged 16–18) and their mentor took part in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim and the data subjected to thematic analysis. Three emergent themes were identified: Relationship with mentor, changes in outlook and coping with emotions. Data indicated that the programme resulted in increased mental wellbeing, desistance from antisocial behaviours, positive future outlook and greater awareness of life opportunities. A trusting, non-hierarchical mentor-mentee relationship was central. Inclusion of mentor narratives was a novel aspect of the study and allowed for insight into how this was achieved. Street dance itself provided a framework for confidence building, social levelling and bonding. Results are discussed in terms of future directions for good practice.

scholarly journals Nature–Based Interventions for Improving Health and Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle F. Shanahan ◽  
Thomas Astell–Burt ◽  
Elizabeth A. Barber ◽  
Eric Brymer ◽  
Daniel T.C. Cox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
City Planning ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Social Health ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The People ◽  
Elicitation Process ◽  
Socioeconomic Variation

Engagement with nature is an important part of many people’s lives, and the health and wellbeing benefits of nature–based activities are becoming increasingly recognised across disciplines from city planning to medicine. Despite this, urbanisation, challenges of modern life and environmental degradation are leading to a reduction in both the quantity and the quality of nature experiences. Nature–based health interventions (NBIs) can facilitate behavioural change through a somewhat structured promotion of nature–based experiences and, in doing so, promote improved physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. We conducted a Delphi expert elicitation process with 19 experts from seven countries (all named authors on this paper) to identify the different forms that such interventions take, the potential health outcomes and the target beneficiaries. In total, 27 NBIs were identified, aiming to prevent illness, promote wellbeing and treat specific physical, mental or social health and wellbeing conditions. These interventions were broadly categorized into those that change the environment in which people live, work, learn, recreate or heal (for example, the provision of gardens in hospitals or parks in cities) and those that change behaviour (for example, engaging people through organized programmes or other activities). We also noted the range of factors (such as socioeconomic variation) that will inevitably influence the extent to which these interventions succeed. We conclude with a call for research to identify the drivers influencing the effectiveness of NBIs in enhancing health and wellbeing.

Friendship Formation among Professional Male Dancers

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Polasek ◽  
Emily Roper
Keyword(s):  
Gender And Sexuality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Friendship Formation ◽  
Modern Dancers ◽  
Dance Companies ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Male Dancers

The purpose of this study was to examine the formation of friendships among 12 current professional male ballet and modern dancers. In-depth semi-structured interviews regarding the nature and quality of their friendships with men and women in their respective dance companies were conducted. Four emergent themes are discussed: (a) relational challenges early in life; (b) sexuality and friendship formation; (c) culture of dance; and (d) competition among male dancers. The findings provide insight into the ways in which male ballet and modern dancers connect and/or disconnect with both male and female dancers and how gender and sexuality influences social interactions and relationships.

Implementation of innovative technologies in small-scale construction firms

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquetta Shelton ◽  
Igor Martek ◽  
Chuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The users of construction technologies such as builders and trades people have been acknowledged as sources of potentially important innovations. These innovations may be in the form of safer, less labour intensive, or cheaper methods and processes. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the Australian construction industry is providing an environment where user-based innovation is being supported and implemented. Design/methodology/approach – An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of the implementation of user-based innovation. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on multiple aspects of the implementation of innovative construction technologies. The cases involved a cross section of advances, including product, tool, and system technologies. Findings – The main motivation behind developing the technologies was problem solving. The associated industries of manufacturing and retail, as well as consultants within the construction industry present the greatest barriers to implementation. Originality/value – This research provides a better understanding of the factors that are preventing the successful implementation of user-based innovative construction technologies in small firms.

scholarly journals Understanding complaints about paramedics: a qualitative exploration in a UK context

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Lucas ◽  
Ann Gallagher ◽  
Magda Zasada ◽  
Zubin Austin ◽  
Robert Jago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Cultural Climate ◽  
Disproportionate Number ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

IntroductionThis research set out to understand the context and explore the reasons for the disproportionate number of complaints raised against paramedics to the United Kingdom professional regulator – the Health and Care Professions Council – relative to other health professions. MethodsThis paper reports on qualitative findings from one aspect of a mixed-methods study which included a case analysis, Delphi study and literature review. One-to-one semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 stakeholders drawn from practitioners, educators, representatives and regulators, and three focus groups held with 16 practitioners and service users were used to gain an in-depth understanding of the possible reasons for complaints about paramedic practice. ResultsFive themes were generated from a thematic analysis of the data: the impact of public perceptions and expectations; the challenges of day-to-day practice; the effect of increasingly pressurised services; the organisational and cultural climate which impacts paramedics’ work; and the evolving nature of the profession. ConclusionThis study highlights the complex and changing nature of paramedic practice. It provides an insight into the ways in which the character, practice and environment of the profession contribute to a disproportionate number of complaints.

scholarly journals UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

2019 ◽  
pp. 113-130
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Millman ◽  
Belinda Winder ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cyber Harassment ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.

Place and wellbeing: shedding light on activity interventions for older men

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. MILLIGAN ◽  
S. PAYNE ◽  
A. BINGLEY ◽  
Z. COCKSHOTT
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Gendered Spaces ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The United Kingdom

ABSTRACTIn the United Kingdom, one in five of the population is an older man, many of whom live alone. Loneliness and social isolation is a growing issue for many of these older men, one that has been associated with elevated blood pressure, poor physical health, increased mortality and mental ill-health, including depression, suicide and dementia. Lone dwelling and social isolation have tended to be viewed largely as issues affecting older women due to their greater life expectancy (LE), but the LE gap between men and women is closing, presenting new challenges for the health and wellbeing of older men. This is not unique to the United Kingdom. Yet whilst inclusionary social spaces and supportive social ties can be important for enhancing physical and mental wellbeing amongst older people, evidence suggests that lone-dwelling older men can experience greater difficulty in accessing effective social support, relative to older women. Understanding those spaces of communal activity that are likely to be successful in promoting health and wellbeing amongst older men is thus important if we are to improve their quality of life. In this paper, we draw on research with a ‘Men in Sheds’ pilot programme in the United Kingdom, to illustrate how everyday spaces within local communities might be designed to both promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of older men. In doing so, we aim to offer insights into how Sheds, as created and gendered spaces, may not only engage older men in ways that help to maintain their perceived health and wellbeing, but also provide sites within which older men can perform and reaffirm their masculinity.

Lithium monitoring patterns in the United Kingdom and Ireland: Can shared care agreements play a role in improving monitoring quality? A systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Aubry ◽  
L. Scott ◽  
E. Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Shared Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Monitoring Quality ◽  
Academic Search

BackgroundThe appropriate monitoring of patients on lithium therapy has been the subject of extensive research in the form of clinical audits and surveys culminating in the development of specific guidelines to help clinicians provide optimal care for patients on lithium. The concept of ‘shared care’ has also gained attention in the literature with various types of shared care interventions being introduced as potential ways of improving communication between primary and secondary care.ObjectivesThis article aims to (1) review the literature evaluating lithium monitoring practices in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the last 25 years and (2) determine whether locally agreed shared care agreements have the potential to improve monitoring quality.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL and PsychInfo. A total of 12 studies were selected for review including 11 audits/prospective chart reviews and one qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.ConclusionsOverall, the quality of lithium monitoring seems to be improving throughout the years. However, none of the studies reviewed revealed complete adherence to monitoring guidelines. This may be due to a lack of effective communication between primary and secondary care. Several shared care interventions have been described in the literature but there is a paucity of studies concerned with the effects of local shared care arrangements designed for the specific purpose of lithium monitoring. Nonetheless, the extant data suggests that such agreements may help improve monitoring standards by allowing the responsibilities for managing the prescribing and monitoring of lithium to be more clearly defined and shared between primary and secondary care.

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