Part 2: exploring views from fathers and perinatal practitioners on the inclusion of fathers by perinatal services

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 267-277
Author(s):  
SK Fenton ◽  
T Joscelyne ◽  
S Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Father Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family System ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Group Consensus ◽  
Psychological Change ◽  
Paternal Support ◽  
Perinatal Services

Background This is the second of a two-part series exploring father's inclusion in the perinatal years. The first paper was published in volume 29, issue 4 of the British Journal of Midwifery. This paper explores the results of the study and discussion in relation to previous literature and to professional practice. Positive father involvement during the perinatal period has important implications for families. However, previous research suggests that fathers experience marginalisation, while staff report a lack of training and time for engaging fathers. Aims This study explored fathers' and perinatal professionals' experiences of fathers' involvement during the perinatal period, and ideas for paternal support. Method A Delphi method was employed. Thematic analysis from focus groups informed an online survey which was completed by 24 fathers and 22 professionals. A third-round survey finalised group consensus. Results Both groups agreed on the importance of fathers. Participants suggested improvement ideas, such as supporting fathers with psychological change. Groups disagreed on some ideas, such as fathers receiving a session alone to discuss concerns. Discussion The findings support the inclusion of fathers in perinatal services and a focus on the whole family system. Limitations of this study include low participant diversity and possible selection bias. Implications for further research are discussed.

Part 1: exploring views from fathers and perinatal practitioners on the inclusion of fathers by perinatal services

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-215
Author(s):  
SK Fenton ◽  
T Joscelyne ◽  
S Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Father Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family System ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Group Consensus ◽  
Psychological Change ◽  
Paternal Support ◽  
Perinatal Services

Background This is the first of a two-part series exploring father's inclusion in the perinatal years. Part 2 will explore the results of the study and discuss in relation to previous literature and to professional practice. Positive father involvement during the perinatal period has important implications for families. However, previous research suggests that fathers experience marginalisation, while staff report a lack of training and time for engaging fathers. Aims This study explored fathers' and perinatal professionals' experiences of fathers' involvement during the perinatal period, and ideas for paternal support. Method A Delphi method was employed. Thematic analysis from focus groups informed an online survey which was completed by 24 fathers and 22 professionals. A third-round survey finalised group consensus. Results Both groups agreed on the importance of fathers. Participants suggested improvement ideas, such as supporting fathers with psychological change. Groups disagreed on some ideas, such as fathers receiving a session alone to discuss concerns. Discussion The findings support the inclusion of fathers in perinatal services, and a focus on the whole family system. Limitations of this study include low participant diversity and possible selection bias. Implications for further research are discussed.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Adherence to Practice Guidelines for Assessment of English Learners

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Virginia L. Dubasik ◽  
Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Case History ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Federal Legislation ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based

Purpose The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) assessment practices with individual English learners (ELs) align with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines. Specifically, we were interested in examining SLPs' use of multiple tools during individual EL assessments, as well as relationships between practices and number of types of training experiences. Method School-based SLPs in a Midwestern state were recruited in person or via e-mail to complete an online survey pertaining to assessment. Of the 562 respondents who completed the survey, 222 (39.5%) indicated past or present experience with ELs, and thus, their data were included in the analyses. The questionnaire solicited information about respondent's demographics, caseload composition, perceived knowledge and skills and training experiences pertaining to working with ELs (e.g., graduate school, self-teaching, professional conferences), and assessment practices used in schools. Results The majority of respondents reported using multiple tools rather than a single tool with each EL they assess. Case history and observation were tools used often or always by the largest number of participants. SLPs who used multiple tools reported using both direct (e.g., standardized tests, dynamic assessment) and indirect tools (e.g., case history, interviews). Analyses revealed low to moderate positive associations between tools, as well as the use of speech-language samples and number of types of training experiences. Conclusions School-based SLPs in the current study reported using EL assessment practices that comply with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines for EL assessment. These results enhance our understanding of school-based SLPs' assessment practices with ELs and may be indicative of a positive shift toward evidence-based practice.

scholarly journals Implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries: Evaluating behavior change after participating in a massive online open course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior. Methods MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded. Results A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC. Conclusions These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Experiencing and overcoming financial stress in married couples: A study in COVID 19 pandemic era

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (42) ◽  
pp. 124-140
Author(s):  
Iryna P. Yakymchuk ◽  
Serhii M. Olkhovetskyi ◽  
Ilona V. Rashkovska ◽  
Halyna M. Bevz ◽  
Maryna O. Martseniuk
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Family System ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Financial Stress ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Coping ◽  
The Family

The article analyzes interaction of spouses in overcoming financial stress. An online survey of 136 married couples was conducted during the lockdown caused by the spread of COVID-19 accompanied by family income losses. Frequency and severity of discussions on financial topics; level of subjective economic well-being, activity of coping strategies, family cohesion and adaptation were measured. Results showed that the discussion of financial topics is a stressor for married couples, accompanied by contradictions and conflicts, but ultimately helps to improve quality of relations between spouses, and also increases the adaptability of the family system in a situation of socio-economic crisis. Subjects of conflicts were defined. Influence of gender roles on financial consciousness and behavior was shown. Wives are more likely to initiate discussions on economic topics and more inclined to economic anxiety, while husbands showed economic optimism. The severity of financial stress correlates with assessments of family cohesion. Correlations between financial well-being and coping behavior of husbands and wives represent the family as an entire open system. Partners are interdependent in overcoming financial stress. Collective family coping is determined by individual reactions of spouses. The efforts of partners can be congruent and complementary.

scholarly journals The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Among Pakistani Adults in Lahore

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saima Majeed ◽  
Elizabeth Maria Schwaiger ◽  
Abia Nazim ◽  
Ivan Suneel Samuel
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Family System ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
The Impact

Background: In the wake of the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus and the resultant restrictive measures, mental health has become a crucial issue. Physical health is not the only aspect of humans that is at risk. Globally, the rates and severity of mental illness are being significantly impacted by this pandemic. Two scales have been validated to measure the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of anxiety and obsessional thinking in clinical and non-clinical populations. The present study was designed to investigate the levels of anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19 in the general public of Lahore, Pakistan.Materials and Methods: Data were collected via snowball sampling from May 9 to May 19. An online survey consisting of a demographic profile and two scales, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), was sent through email, WhatsApp, and Facebook groups to adults (18 years and above) of Lahore, Pakistan.Results: A total of 240 individuals (20% men and 80% women) recorded their responses. The majority belonged to a nuclear family system (60%), and their education level ranged from high school to Ph.D. The cut-off score for probable dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety and obsession levels was not met within this sample (CAS, M = 3.24, SD = 4.21; OCS, M = 4.14, SD = 3.15), suggesting that the general population of Lahore, Pakistan is not suffering from dysfunctional anxiety or obsessions related to COVID-19. Forty-seven participants' score on OCS and 35 participants' scores on CAS were above the cut-off, i.e., ≥7 and ≥9, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship (**p < 0.619) between anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19.Conclusion: One important, yet surprising, conclusion of this study is that the average adult in Lahore does not show much anxiety or obsessions related to COVID-19. Other studies around the world using these measurement tools have indicated significantly high levels of both anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19. These findings may demonstrate the resilience of Pakistanis or perhaps the lack of understanding of the seriousness of the situation.

Delphi Method in a Digital Age

2018 ◽  
pp. 132-151
Author(s):  
Christine A. Haynes ◽  
Kaye Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Delphi Studies

With the rapid advancement of online survey tools, research collaboration tools, communication platforms, and statistical analysis tools, the Delphi method is an increasingly popular research approach to gain insight from experts into complex problems or when future-oriented planning is required. This chapter focuses on practical considerations and implications for practice when conducting studies online using the Delphi method. Practical logistics for the management of online Delphi studies explored in this chapter include preparing for a successful study, designing communication strategies, addressing technological considerations, and handling of qualitative and quantitative data.

scholarly journals A comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Pohl ◽  
S. K. Crockford ◽  
M. Blakemore ◽  
C. Allison ◽  
S. Baron-Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Social Opportunities ◽  
Chi Squared

Abstract Background Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference and disability, yet there is limited research examining parenting in autistic mothers. Objective To explore autistic mothers’ experience of the perinatal period and parenthood. This includes pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, self-perception of parenting strengths and weaknesses, communication with professionals in relation to one’s child, mental health difficulties and the social experience of motherhood. It also includes disclosing one’s diagnosis of autism in parenting contexts. Methods We used a community-based participatory research model, and recruited an advisory panel, with whom we co-developed an anonymous, online survey for autistic mothers. The online survey was completed by autistic and non-autistic mothers, and we compared their responses using Chi-squared analysis. Sample Autistic mothers (n = 355), and non-autistic mothers (n = 132), each of whom had at least one autistic child, were included in our final analysis. Results There were differences in education, gender identity and age of mother at birth of first child. Autistic mothers were more likely to have experienced additional psychiatric conditions, including pre- or post-partum depression, and reported greater difficulties in areas such as multi-tasking, coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities for their child. They were also more likely to report feeling misunderstood by professionals, and reported greater anxiety, higher rates of selective mutism, and not knowing which details were appropriate to share with professionals. They were also more likely to find motherhood an isolating experience, to worry about others judging their parenting, or feel unable to turn to others for support in parenting. However, despite these challenges, autistic mothers were able to act in the best interest of their child, putting their child’s needs first. Conclusions Autistic mothers face unique challenges and the stigma associated with autism may further exacerbate communication difficulties. Greater understanding and acceptance amongst individuals who interact with autistic mothers is needed, and autistic mothers would benefit from additional and better-tailored support.

scholarly journals Consensus based framework for digital mobility monitoring

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256541
Author(s):  
Felix Kluge ◽  
Silvia Del Din ◽  
Andrea Cereatti ◽  
Heiko Gaßner ◽  
Clint Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Gait Assessment ◽  
Mobility Assessment ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Walking Performance

Digital mobility assessment using wearable sensor systems has the potential to capture walking performance in a patient’s natural environment. It enables monitoring of health status and disease progression and evaluation of interventions in real-world situations. In contrast to laboratory settings, real-world walking occurs in non-conventional environments and under unconstrained and uncontrolled conditions. Despite the general understanding, there is a lack of agreed definitions about what constitutes real-world walking, impeding the comparison and interpretation of the acquired data across systems and studies. The goal of this study was to obtain expert-based consensus on specific aspects of real-world walking and to provide respective definitions in a common terminological framework. An adapted Delphi method was used to obtain agreed definitions related to real-world walking. In an online survey, 162 participants from a panel of academic, clinical and industrial experts with experience in the field of gait analysis were asked for agreement on previously specified definitions. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate whether consent (> 75% agreement as defined a priori) was reached. Of 162 experts invited to participate, 51 completed all rounds (31.5% response rate). We obtained consensus on all definitions (“Walking” > 90%, “Purposeful” > 75%, “Real-world” > 90%, “Walking bout” > 80%, “Walking speed” > 75%, “Turning” > 90% agreement) after two rounds. The identification of a consented set of real-world walking definitions has important implications for the development of assessment and analysis protocols, as well as for the reporting and comparison of digital mobility outcomes across studies and systems. The definitions will serve as a common framework for implementing digital and mobile technologies for gait assessment and are an important link for the transition from supervised to unsupervised gait assessment.

scholarly journals How New and Expecting Fathers Engage With an App-Based Online Forum: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becky K White ◽  
Roslyn C Giglia ◽  
Jane A Scott ◽  
Sharyn K Burns
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Software Package ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Paternal Support

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is important for infants, and fathers are influential in supporting their partner in their decision to breastfeed and how long they breastfeed for. Fathers can feel excluded from traditional antenatal education and support opportunities but highly value social support from peers. Online health forums can be a useful source of social support, yet little is known about how fathers would use a conversation forum embedded in a breastfeeding-focused app. Milk Man is a mobile app that aimed to increase paternal support for breastfeeding using a range of strategies, including a conversation forum. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine how fathers used a breastfeeding-focused conversation forum contained within a mobile app throughout the perinatal period. METHODS A qualitative analysis of comments posted by users in the online forum contained within the Milk Man app was conducted. The app contained a library of information for fathers, as well as a conversation forum. Thematic analysis was used to organize and understand the data. The NVivo 11 software package was used to code comments into common nodes, which were then organized into key themes. RESULTS In all, 208 contributors (35.5% [208/586] of those who had access to the app) posted at least once within the forum. In total, 1497 comments were included for analysis. These comments were coded to 3799 individual nodes and then summarized to 54 tree nodes from which four themes emerged to describe how fathers used the app. Themes included seek and offer support, social connection, informational support provision, and sharing experiences. Posting in the forum was concentrated in the antenatal period and up to approximately 6 weeks postpartum. CONCLUSIONS These data show that fathers are prepared to use a breastfeeding-focused online forum in a variety of ways to facilitate social support. Fathers can be difficult to reach in the perinatal period, yet engaging them and increasing social support is important. This research demonstrates the acceptability of an innovative way of engaging new and expecting fathers.

scholarly journals MILLENNIAL MOMS: THE INFLUENCE OF FATHER INVOLVEMENT TO MARITAL WELL BEING AND ITS IMPACT ON EMOTIONAL SELF-DISCLOSURE IN SOCIAL MEDIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 596-607
Author(s):  
Yuanita Setyastuti ◽  
Jenny Ratna Seminar ◽  
Purwanti Hadisiwi ◽  
Feliza Zubair
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Marital Conflict ◽  
Father Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Household Tasks ◽  
Household Task ◽  
New Evidence

Purpose of the study: This study aims to describe the influence of millennial moms' perceptions about father involvement of parenting and household tasks to her marital well-being and its impact on her emotional self-disclosure (ESD) about parenting in social media. Methodology: This study was a quantitative approach to online survey methods. The subjects are moms born in 1978-1994, have young children and social media users. The online survey distributed to 450 millennial mothers used Emotional Self Disclosure (ESD) Scale and Marital Well Being scale, including Marital Satisfaction, Marital Conflict, Parenting Stress, and Depression. Data analysis used path analysis through Smart PLS. Main Findings: The results show that mother perception of the father's involvement influences millennial moms' marital well-being and impact on Millennial moms' Emotional Self Disclosure (ESD) about Parenting in Social Media. The higher the millennial moms' perception of the father's involvement in parenting and household tasks, the higher their marital well-being. The higher the millennial mom's marital well-being, the less their Emotional Self Disclosure (ESD) about Parenting in Social Media. Applications of this study: This study is important and useful because it shows how important a husband's involvement in family so millennial family could escalate husband involvement in parenting and household task to maintain the marital well-being. This result also proves the importance of managing social media content because it can indicate marital well being. Novelty/Originality of this study: The findings of this study provide new evidence that emotional self-disclosure shown on social media suggests a person's marital well-being. Also new provide that mother perceptions about husband's involvement influence marital well-being.

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