scholarly journals Laboratory validation and field usability assessment of a point-of-care test for serum bilirubin levels in neonates in a tropical setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Laurence Thielemans ◽  
Ahmar Hashmi ◽  
Dah Dah Priscilla ◽  
Moo Kho Paw ◽  
Tekel Pimolsorntong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Error Message ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Technical Accuracy

Background: Screening and monitoring serum bilirubin (SBR) in neonates is crucial to prevent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH)-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. A lack of resources is often a barrier for measuring SBR in developing countries. Reliable, cost-effective, easy to use point-of-care (POC) SBR tests are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the technical accuracy and usability of the Bilistick System (BS), a new bilirubin POC test, in a tropical setting. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study, including laboratory validation of the BS, direct observation of technical procedures as performed by the midwives and midwives’ assessment of the device’s easiness of use through focus group discussions (FGD) and a self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in a field clinic of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit along the Thailand-Myanmar border between January and December 2017. Results: A total of 173 samples were tested at a median age of 4 days. BS generated an error message—providing no SBR readout—in 48.6% of the tests performed. For the tests that yielded a result, the correlation coefficient (95% CI) between BS and routine laboratory bilirubinometer SBR was 0.87 (0.77-0.93). The accuracy decreased with increasing haematocrit and at higher humidity (≥75%). Direct observation of the operators using the device and analysis of the focus group discussions and questionnaires indicated that the BS was considered easy to use and required limited training. Conclusions: This evaluation showed that the BS, in its current formulation, does not provide reliable results for measuring SBR in a tropical, low-resource setting  but has acceptable usability features.

scholarly journals Laboratory validation and field usability assessment of a point-of-care test for serum bilirubin levels in neonates in a tropical setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Thielemans ◽  
Ahmar Hashmi ◽  
Dah Dah Priscilla ◽  
Moo Kho Paw ◽  
Tekel Pimolsorntong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Error Message ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Technical Accuracy

Background: Screening and monitoring serum bilirubin (SBR) in neonates is crucial to prevent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH)-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. A lack of resources is often a barrier for measuring SBR in developing countries. Reliable, cost-effective, easy to use point-of-care (POC) SBR tests are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the technical accuracy and usability of the Bilistick System (BS), a new bilirubin POC test, in a tropical setting. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study, including laboratory validation of the BS, direct observation of technical procedures as performed by the midwives and midwives’ assessment of the device’s easiness of use through focus group discussions (FGD) and a self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in a field clinic of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit along the Thailand-Myanmar border between January and December 2017. Results: A total of 173 samples were tested at a median age of 4 days. BS generated an error message—providing no SBR readout—in 48.6% of the tests performed. For the tests that yielded a result, the correlation coefficient (95% CI) between BS and routine laboratory bilirubinometer SBR was 0.87 (0.77-0.93). The accuracy decreased with increasing haematocrit and at higher humidity (≥75%). Direct observation of the operators using the device and analysis of the focus group discussions and questionnaires indicated that the BS was considered easy to use and required limited training. Conclusions: This evaluation showed that the BS, in its current formulation, does not provide reliable results for measuring SBR in a tropical, low-resource setting  but has acceptable usability features.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Success of Transmigration East Java In Unit Permukiman Transmigran Tanjung Buka SP.3 Bulungan District, North Kalimantan Province

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-220
Author(s):  
Slamet Hari Sutanto ◽  
Nakkok Aruan ◽  
M. Amir HT
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Welfare Level ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of this research is to find out how high the level of success has been achieved, as well as the problems faced by transmigrants. The method used was descriptive qualitative. Thus, the data were obtained from in-depth interviews and triangulation data through Focus Group Discussions and direct observation by withdrawing information from 50 transmigrants chosen purposively. The results of the evaluation research showed the average score based on 9 (nine) measurements of welfare level indicators. It showed that the level of welfare of transmigrants in UPT Tanjung Buka SP.3 was categorized quite well., However, based on data obtained from in-depth interview and observations in the field, there were still some crucial problems in the form of constraints and obstacles which include aspects of land conditions, technical aspects of farming management, road and bridge infrastructure, economy, and social. Keywords: Transmigration, People’s welfare, Bulungan regency Abstrak Tujuan dari penelitian evaluasi keberhasilan penempatan transmigran asal Jawa Timur ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui seberapa tinggi tingkat keberhasilan yang telah dicapai, serta permasalahan-permasalahan apa saja yang masih dihadapi oleh transmigran. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif, data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam (in-depth interview), serta dilakukan triangulasi melalui Diskusi Kelompok Terfokus dengan menggali informasi dari 50 orang transmigran yang dipilih secara purposive, serta melalui observasi atau pengamatan langsung di lapangan. Hasil penelitian evaluasi menunjukan nilai rata-rata berdasarkan pengukuran 9 (sembilan) indikator tingkat kesejahteraan menunjukkan tingkat kesejahteraan transmigran UPT Tanjung Buka SP.3 dapat dikategorikan cukup baik, namun berdasarkan analisis terhadap jawaban kuesioner, pendalaman melalui wawancara mendalam, serta observasi di lapangan, masih terdapat beberapa permasalahan yang cukup krusial berupa kendala dan hambatan yang meliputi aspek kondisi lahan, aspek teknis pengelolaan usaha tani, infrastruktur jalan dan jembatan, ekonomi, dan sosial. Kata Kunci: Transmigrasi, Kesejahteraan rakyat, Kabupaten Bulungan

scholarly journals Adaptive Governance Features from Stakeholder Issues in Lake Limboto Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Muh. Firyal Akbar ◽  
Alwi Alwi ◽  
Nur Indrayati Nur Indar ◽  
Muhammad Tang Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Adaptive Governance ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Government

This study aims to examine adaptive governance aspects of the issues from each stakeholder related to the management of Limboto Lake. The implementation of this research uses a qualitative deductive approach. The types of research that will be used are descriptive and explanative types. Sources of data from this research, namely documents and archival records grouped into documentation sources, interviews sourced from people/informants, and direct observation, observation of the role of physical devices grouped in observation sources, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The results of this study indicate that efforts to revitalize, rehabilitate and conserve are, of course, not the task of the Government alone but require the participation of the community in them. Conditions of good synergy between the Government, the community and the private sector in efforts to save and manage Lake Limboto are desirable, this is also in line with the achievement of the objectives of adaptive governance in terms of resilience to rapid and unpredictable environmental changes.

Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Business World ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Legal Consideration ◽  
Economic Law ◽  
Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

scholarly journals “Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Elhidaia Elobaid ◽  
Andrea Leinberger Jabari ◽  
Aisha Al Hamiz ◽  
Abdul Rizzak Al Kaddour ◽  
Sherif Bakir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.

scholarly journals Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issam Diab ◽  
Angham Ibrahim ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Monica Zolezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pharmacist Prescribing ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Special Training Program

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.

scholarly journals Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) Study Protocol: a mixed-methods exploration of paid early childcare in Mukuru slum, Nairobi

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000822
Author(s):  
Robert C Hughes ◽  
Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo ◽  
Sunil Bhopal ◽  
Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage ◽  
Zelee Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Epidemiological Methods ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early Childcare ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Childcare Providers

IntroductionThe early years are critical. Early nurturing care can lay the foundation for human capital accumulation with lifelong benefits. Conversely, early adversity undermines brain development, learning and future earning.Slums are among the most challenging places to spend those early years and are difficult places to care for a child. Shifting family and work structures mean that paid, largely informal, childcare seems to be becoming the ‘new normal’ for many preschool children growing up in rapidly urbanising Africa. However, little is known about the quality of this childcare.AimsTo build a rigorous understanding what childcare strategies are used and why in a typical Nairobi slum, with a particular focus on provision and quality of paid childcare. Through this, to inform evaluation of quality and design and implementation of interventions with the potential to reach some of the most vulnerable children at the most critical time in the life course.Methods and analysisMixed methods will be employed. Qualitative research (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) with parents/carers will explore need for and decision-making about childcare. A household survey (of 480 households) will estimate the use of different childcare strategies by parents/carers and associated parent/carer characteristics. Subsequently, childcare providers will be mapped and surveyed to document and assess quality of current paid childcare. Semistructured observations will augment self-reported quality with observable characteristics/practices. Finally, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with childcare providers will explore their behaviours and motivations. Qualitative data will be analysed through thematic analysis and triangulation across methods. Quantitative and spatial data will be analysed through epidemiological methods (random effects regression modelling and spatial statistics).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted in the UK and Kenya. Findings will be disseminated through journal publications, community and government stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and social media content.

scholarly journals The usability of Jordan stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance (JSANDS) system: results of focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef S. Khader ◽  
Khulood K. Shattnawi ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Mohammad Alyahya ◽  
Anwar Batieha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Technical Issues

Abstract Background Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance system (JSANDS) is a newly developed system and is currently implemented in five large hospitals in Jordan. This study aimed at exploring the healthcare professionals’ perception about the usability of JSANDS. Methods A descriptive qualitative approach, using focus group discussions, was adopted. A total of 5 focus groups including 23 focal points were conducted in five participating hospitals in Jordan. Results Data analysis identified nine main issues related to the JSANDS system: the system usefulness, the system performance, data quality, the system limitations, human rights, female empowerment, nurses’ competencies strengthened, the sustainability of the JSANDS, and COVID-19 impact on the system. Users reported that JSANDS data were useful, the system was simple and easy to use, and the data were accurate and complete. However, some users reported that some technical issues need to be enhanced. Conclusions JSANDS was perceived positively by the current users. According to them, it provides a formative and comprehensive data on stillbirths and neonatal deaths and their causes, and therefore, was recommended to be adopted by its users and scaled up.

scholarly journals A comparative assessment of two tools designed to support patient safety culture in UK general practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Litchfield ◽  
Kate Marsden ◽  
Lucy Doos ◽  
Katherine Perryman ◽  
Anthony Avery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Safety Culture ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Patient Safety Culture ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Practice Team

Abstract Background The NHS has recognised the importance of a high quality patient safety culture in the delivery of primary health care in the rapidly evolving environment of general practice. Two tools, PC-SafeQuest and MapSaf, were developed with the intention of assessing and improving patient safety culture in this setting. Both have been made widely available through their inclusion in the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Patient Safety Toolkit and our work offerss a timely exploration of the tools to inform practice staff as to how each might be usefully applied and in which circumstances. Here we present a comparative analysis of their content, and describe the perspectives of staff on their design, outputs and the feasibility of their sustained use. Methods We have used a content analysis to provide the context for the qualitative study of staff experiences of using the tools at a representative range of practices recruited from across the Midlands (UK). Data was collected through moderated focus groups using an identical topic guide. Results A total of nine practices used the PC-SafeQuest tool and four the MapSaf tool. A total of 159 staff completed the PC-SafeQuest tool 52 of whom took part in the subsequent focus group discussions, and 25 staff completed the MapSaf tool all of whom contributed to the focus group discussions. PC-SafeQuest was perceived as quick and easy to use with direct questions pertinent to the work of GP practices providing useful quantitative insight into important areas of safety culture. Though MaPSaF was more logistically challenging, it created a forum for synchronous cross- practice discussions raising awareness of perceptions of safety culture across the practice team. Conclusions Both tools were able to promote reflective and reflexive practice either in individual staff members or across the broader practice team and the oversight they granted provided useful direction for senior staff looking to improve patient safety. Because PC SafeQuest can be easily disseminated and independently completed it is logistically suited to larger practice organisations, whereas the MapSaf tool lends itself to smaller practices where assembling staff in a single workshop is more readily achieved.

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