Talking about smoking cessation with postnatal women: exploring midwives' experiences

This study explores midwives' experiences of talking to postnatal women about smoking cessation. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were held with seven midwives based in the UK. Thematic analysis identified themes which provided understanding as to factors determining discussion of smoking cessation. Six themes were identified, namely postnatal women factors, midwife factors, providing information, involving others, priorities, and whole family approach. Implications for midwives working with postnatal women are discussed, including the need to increase the involvement of other healthcare professionals in supporting postnatal women to stop smoking.

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Postpartum women’s psychological experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a modified recurrent cross-sectional thematic analysis

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-04071-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Leanne Jackson ◽

Leonardo De Pascalis ◽

Joanne A. Harrold ◽

Victoria Fallon ◽

Sergio A. Silverio

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Emotional Wellbeing ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Face To Face ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Psychological Experiences ◽

The Uk ◽

Primary Support

Abstract Background COVID-19 has placed additional stressors on mothers during an already vulnerable lifecourse transition. Initial social distancing restrictions (Timepoint 1; T1) and initial changes to those social distancing restrictions (Timepoint 2; T2) have disrupted postpartum access to practical and emotional support. This qualitative study explores the postpartum psychological experiences of UK women during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated ‘lockdowns’. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women, approximately 30 days after initial social distancing guidelines were imposed in the UK (22 April 2020). A separate 12 women were interviewed approximately 30 days after the initial easing of social distancing restrictions (10 June 2020). Data were transcribed verbatim, uploaded into NVivo for management and analysis, which followed a recurrent cross-sectional approach to thematic analysis. Results Two main themes were identified for T1: ‘Motherhood is Much Like Lockdown’ and ‘A Self-Contained Family Unit’. Each main T1 theme contained two sub-themes. Two main themes were also identified for T2: ‘Incongruously Held Views of COVID-19’ and ‘Mothering Amidst the Pandemic’. Each main T2 theme contained three sub-themes. Comparisons between data gathered at each timepoint identified increased emotional distress over time. Current findings call for the improvement of postpartum care by improving accessibility to social support, and prioritising the re-opening of schools, and face-to-face healthcare appointments and visitation. Conclusion Social distancing restrictions associated with COVID-19 have had a cumulative, negative effect on postpartum mental health. Recommendations such as: Allowing mothers to ‘bubble’ with a primary support provider even at their healthcare appointments; allowing one support partner to attend all necessary healthcare appointments; and providing tailored informational resources, may help to support postpartum emotional wellbeing during this, and similar health crises in the future.

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Health professionals’ attitudes to patients’ use of wearable technology

Digital Health ◽

10.1177/2055207619845544 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 205520761984554

Author(s):

Angus Watt ◽

Katherine Swainston ◽

Gemma Wilson

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Wearable Technology ◽

Limited Evidence ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Face To Face ◽

Wearable Technologies ◽

Telephone Interviews

Objective Wearable technologies for health monitoring are becoming increasingly mainstream. However, there is currently limited evidence exploring use from the perspective of healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore health professionals’ attitudes toward their patients’ use of wearable technologies. Methods A convenience sample of health professionals was recruited to participate in this study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out either face-to-face, via Skype or telephone. Interviews were recorded using a Dictaphone, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the qualitative findings: ‘opportunities for wearable technology’, ‘usability and understanding’, ‘privacy and surveillance’ and ‘cost’. Conclusions The findings portray health professionals’ ambivalence to the use of wearable technology, and it was apparent that whilst the participants considered the technology as being beneficial to patients, they still had concerns for its use.

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Resilience of Medication Adherence Practices in Response to Life Changes: Learning from Qualitative Data Obtained during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9081048 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1048

Author(s):

Mushfique Ahmed ◽

Carly Wheeler ◽

Bryony Dean Franklin ◽

Rabia Begum ◽

Sara Garfield

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Life Changes ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The Uk ◽

Over Time

Nonadherence to medicines is widespread and can adversely affect health outcomes. Previous research has identified that patients develop their own strategies to assist with adherence. However, such research has not focused on how the helpfulness of these strategies may change in response to changes in patients’ circumstances. This study aimed to explore resilience of medication adherence to life changes. It involved secondary thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts of 50 semi-structured interviews that were conducted with adults who were advised to shield or were over the age of 70 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Interview data suggested that resilience of medication adherence varied between participants. Participants either reported that they had not used any specific strategies to remind them to take their medicines prior to the pandemic, that the strategies that they had employed prior to the pandemic remained effective during the pandemic, that they had needed to make some adjustments to the strategies used, or that the strategies they had used were no longer effective. In addition, beliefs about medicines and motivation to take them were altered for some participants. These findings suggest that challenges associated with medication adherence do not always remain stable over time and that healthcare professionals need to continue to monitor and support medication adherence long-term.

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A study to evaluate the provision of psychosocial supervision within an Early Intervention team

The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist ◽

10.1017/s1754470x1000005x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 58-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sandra T. Neil ◽

Sarah Nothard ◽

David Glentworth ◽

Elaine Stewart

Keyword(s):

Early Intervention ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Early Interventions ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Team Members ◽

Different Types ◽

Intervention Team ◽

The Uk

AbstractPsychosocial Interventions (PSIs) and PSI supervision underpin the delivery of early interventions for people experiencing psychosis. Early Intervention (EI) teams are relatively new in the NHS and there is currently a lack of empirical research into PSI supervision in this area. This study aimed to elicit staff views of PSI supervision and to identify any unmet supervision needs within a newly developed EI team in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 multidisciplinary team members. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were used to analyse the responses. The different types of supervision available to team members, gaps in the provision of PSI supervision and aspects that supervisees found helpful and unhelpful about PSI supervision are discussed as are ideas for improving the provision of PSI supervision in EI teams. The limitations of the study and ideas for further research are also outlined.

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Smoking cessation

Oxford Textbook of Medicine ◽

10.1093/med/9780198746690.003.0642 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 6533-6535

Author(s):

Paul Aveyard

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Public Policy ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Early Death ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Face To Face ◽

Stop Smoking

Smoking is harmful to health. The main harms are cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most people who smoke start in their teens, and some become addicted. Stopping smoking may be prompted by public policy or price rises, and while physicians have a role in lobbying for these, the main opportunity a physician has to help their patients stop smoking is during the medical consultation. Advising the patient to stop has some effect, but is more likely to be effective when combined with practical help, the best form of which is regular face-to-face meetings to support the patient combined with drugs that reduce craving. Helping a patient to stop smoking greatly reduces their risk of illness and early death.

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110 Participants and Volunteer Host Experiences of First Steps Course for Those Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s: A Qualitative Study

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afz197 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. i37-i37

Author(s):

E R Bodger ◽

K Ibrahim ◽

H C Roberts

Keyword(s):

Information Support ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Clinical Environment ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Face To Face ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Lack Of Control ◽

The Uk ◽

And Control

Abstract Introduction People with Parkinson’s (PwP) and their caregivers often report poor diagnosis experiences and a lack of information, support and control over Parkinson’s. First Steps is a two-day course delivered by volunteers with Parkinson’s, which aims to help those newly diagnosed and their caregivers face the future positively and take control of Parkinson’s. This study aimed to capture the views and experiences of participants and volunteer hosts of First Steps, and evaluate if it meets those aims. Methods Using purposive sampling, twelve participants comprising four PwP, five caregivers and three volunteer hosts were recruited. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results Course participants found First Steps informative, supportive, and helpful in feeling more positive about Parkinson’s. Participants were reassured by the hosts having Parkinson’s, despite prior concerns regarding seeing people who might have more advanced Parkinson’s. Some found First Steps more relatable than other support services and reported that the course complemented clinician-led courses as the content was aimed at caregivers as well as PwP, with variation in information delivery techniques. Among the PwP and caregivers, two thirds reported a lack of control over Parkinson’s and some felt First Steps had improved their control. Hosts felt they had control over Parkinson’s and perceived their role to be both challenging and rewarding. Conclusions First Steps was perceived as a helpful course, offering information and support for those newly diagnosed and their caregivers in a positive and non-clinical environment. Volunteer hosts felt more control over Parkinson’s than other participants, but there was evidence that the course helped some experience more control. Suggested course improvements included: additions to the presentation content with more emphasis on taking control, and offering group follow up sessions. This will inform current expansion across the UK.

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Motivators of MBWA and Communicational Factors behind Them: A Case Study on a Korean Shipyard

Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity ◽

10.3390/joitmc4030029 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 29

Author(s):

Yeo Kwon ◽

Hun Park ◽

Hyuk Hahn ◽

Ilhyung Lee ◽

Taehoon Kwon

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Management Strategy ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Senior Managers ◽

Face To Face ◽

Upward Communication ◽

Organizational Theories ◽

Management By Walking Around ◽

Research Analysis

This study was conducted with a team of senior managers at a Korean shipyard in an effort to elicit particular motivators for implementing management by walking around (MBWA). To identify the key motivators and communication issues associated with them, a theoretical framework was produced based on the key tensions of social psychology of communication and upward communication as well as modern organizational theories. For this qualitative research analysis, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with the executives; the data were then supplemented by five field observations during MBWAs at the shipyard. Coding frame was used to organize modal salient themes for thematic analysis. The organizational and individual motivators identified were then analyzed in-depth to elicit communicational factors underlying these motivators. While identifying 10 salient motivators as organizing themes, the research concludes that MBWA is a contingent management strategy intended to promote upward communication within organizations.

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A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of palliative care patients’ views on corneal donation and the timing of its discussion

Palliative Medicine ◽

10.1177/0269216318784210 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

pp. 1428-1437

Author(s):

Lucy Walker ◽

Karen Neoh ◽

Hazel Gilkes ◽

Clare Rayment

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Corneal Transplantation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Illness Trajectory ◽

Face To Face ◽

Donor Shortage ◽

Corneal Donation ◽

Sight Restoration

Background: Corneal transplantation can lead to sight restoration, but globally there is a donor shortage. Many palliative care patients can donate their corneas but think they are ineligible due to comorbidities. Healthcare professionals are reluctant to broach the topic, but studies have shown that relatives would be upset if they were not offered this chance. There is no existing research involving patients. Aim: To understand the views and feelings of patients in palliative care settings towards corneal donation and explore their opinions regarding the timing of its discussion. Design: This is an exploratory study based at one UK palliative care unit. A census sampling method was used. Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Themes found included altruistic motivation and the value of sight. Family views were important, but the influence on final decisions varied. The timing of discussion relative to the illness trajectory was important; patients want to be able to engage fully in conversations and had concerns about not being able to think clearly when closer to death. Participants also associated discussion of donation as an indication of a poor prognosis. Patients prefer face-to-face discussions with someone whom they had a close rapport. Many had misconceptions about eligibility. Conclusion: This is the first study to engage directly with palliative care patients and to establish their views on the timing of corneal donation discussions. Patients are willing to discuss donation, and further exploration of patient views in this area should be undertaken.

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Student paramedics' views on placements in general practice as part of a degree

Journal of Paramedic Practice ◽

10.12968/jpar.2019.11.12.519 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 519-525

Author(s):

Alyesha Proctor

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Care Pathway ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Learning And Development ◽

Alternative Care ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Uk ◽

University Degree

Background: Frontline paramedics are increasingly attending to non-emergency problems and calls that could be managed by a primary care provider. Alongside this, there is a growing pressure to manage patients at home or use an alternative care pathway and reduce hospital conveyance. Student paramedic training, including both placement and taught elements at university, should therefore reflect this. However, placement opportunities for student paramedics in primary care settings is variable across the UK. Aim: To explore student paramedics' views on incorporating a placement within general practice as part of their degree and its effects on their learning and development as an autonomous paramedic. Method: A small pedagogic study as part of a postgraduate certificate in academic practice for higher education, involving a case study, qualitative approach using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was carried out. Findings: Student paramedics feel that incorporating a placement in general practice as part of their degree will significantly help in their learning and development as autonomous paramedics. Specifically, they feel it: will help them understand the role of the GP and what the GP expects of them; will help them to focus their assessments and improve confidence in decisions not to convey patients; may lead to better knowledge of alternative care pathways; and, finally, may provide an insight into the role of the paramedic in general practice as a future career opportunity. There are a few reservations about whether students would be able to use the skills and knowledge gained in this setting, as they feel they do not have access to the tools or the authority in a frontline ambulance service. Students would prefer to have a placement in a GP surgery in the final year of their university degree. Conclusion: Placement within a GP surgery for student paramedics should be included as part of a paramedic science degree as a priority. This is necessary, particularly given the changing role of the contemporary paramedic who attends to non-emergency problems.

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Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on lung cancer screening in the UK: a qualitative study

BJGP Open ◽

10.3399/bjgpopen20x101035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. bjgpopen20X101035

Author(s):

Charikleia Margariti ◽

Maria Kordowicz ◽

Gillian Selman ◽

Arjun Nair ◽

Yvonne Akande ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Lung Cancer Screening ◽

Case Finding ◽

Smoking Cessation Services ◽

Potential Impact ◽

The Uk

BackgroundLung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been shown to decrease mortality. Low lung cancer survival rates in the UK, driven primarily by late-stage presentation, provide the impetus for implementing screening. Nascent guidance on screening in the UK recommends primary care case-finding. However, the potential impact and acceptability on primary care, and the opportunistic utilisation of other case-finding routes, such as pharmacies, smoking cessation services, and respiratory clinics, have not been fully explored.AimTo explore healthcare professionals’ views and perspectives about lung cancer screening and their preparedness and willingness to be involved in its implementation.Design & settingA qualitative study was carried out with semi-structured interviews conducted with GPs, pharmacists, staff from smoking cessation services within Southwark and Lambeth in London, and staff from respiratory clinics in Guys’ and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London between April 2018 and December 2018.MethodSixteen participants were interviewed and the interview transcripts were analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants described lung cancer screening as an important diagnostic tool for capturing lung cancer at an earlier stage and in increasing survivorship. However, the majority expressed a lack of awareness and understanding, uncertainty and concerns about the validity of screening, and the potential impact on their patients and workload.ConclusionStudy participants had mixed opinions about lung cancer screening and expressed their concerns about its implementation. Addressing these concerns by providing resources and effective and detailed guidelines for their use may lead to greater engagement and willingness to be involved in lung cancer screening.

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