Picturing the researcher: Using photovoice to document the research assistant experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Waite ◽  
Martha M. Whitfield
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The Past ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Graduate Research ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Facilitation Skills ◽  
Research Assistants ◽  
Improve Access

The article is a reflection by two graduate research assistants (GRAs) who experienced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the in-person interactions through which qualitative researchers usually learn about human experiences. With in-person research curtailed, the authors were compelled to think creatively and find other ways to continue their research and develop meaning. The researchers reflected on their experiences as GRAs for the study ‘Thriving in Canada: Learning from the (photo) voices of women living on a low income engaged in action research to improve access to health and social services’. Taking advantage of pandemic-related study delays, the researchers explored the photovoice method in more depth and used photovoice to document their own lived experience as GRAs, and their learning. They practised self-reflexivity and worked to improve their visual-based photovoice facilitation skills. This illustrated essay is the story of the authors’ experiences over the past year working as GRAs during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“I would prefer to have my health care provided over a cup of tea any day”: recommendations by urban Métis women to improve access to health and social services in Toronto for the Métis community

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renée Monchalin ◽  
Janet Smylie ◽  
Cheryllee Bourgeois ◽  
Michelle Firestone
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Interior Design ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Culturally Informed ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Front Desk ◽  
Improve Access ◽  
Practical Recommendations

This article reports on recommendations made by urban Métis women for improving access to health and social services in Toronto, Canada. By applying a conversational method, this research followed up with a subgroup of urban Métis women who participated in the Our Health Counts Toronto longitudinal cohort. Métis women ( n = 11) provided holistic and practical recommendations for improving access to health and social services. These recommendations include (a) Métis presence, (b) holistic interior design, (c) Métis specific or informed service space, (d) welcoming reception/front desk, and (e) culturally informed service providers. During the conversations, the women shared positive experiences with an Indigenous-informed midwifery practice called Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto. Examples from the women will be provided of Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto to illustrate how the recommendations may look in practice. This research illustrates that Métis women hold solutions for improving access to health and social services for the Métis community.

A University-Based Model for Evaluating Inventions

2003 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Wagner Weick
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Development Models ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Graduate Research ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The University ◽  
Research Assistants ◽  
Similar Programme

There is a need for programmes that provide independent inventors with balanced, data-based evaluations of their early-stage ideas. These inventors do not have access to the evaluation processes used in many companies to assess whether or not an idea warrants further investment of time and resources. In addition, invention promotion services that focus on independent inventors are often costly; and some of these have been accused of fraud. The business school at the University of the Pacific (UOP) launched a pilot invention evaluation service (IES) in autumn 1999. The process used in the IES is based on new product development models used in companies, and addresses basic market, technical and financial potential. The programme benefits not only the community of inventors: because IES staff members are graduate research assistants, it also provides a unique experiential learning opportunity for students. This article details the design of the service and the manner in which it has been implemented at UOP. Data from surveys of the inventors who have been served over the past three years is presented, which indicates that they have found the IES to be very effective in improving their decision making. Other universities may benefit from establishing a similar programme.

Improving access to refugee-focused health services for people from refugee-like backgrounds in south-eastern Melbourne through the education sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Katrina M. Long ◽  
Shiva Vasi ◽  
Susannah Westbury ◽  
Sandy Shergill ◽  
Chloé Guilbert-Savary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Service Referral ◽  
Improve Access

People from refugee-like backgrounds living in Australia face substantial health challenges that benefit from access to health and social services. Many people from refugee-like backgrounds have frequent contact with education sector staff, who have the potential to act as conduits to health and social services. The aim of this project was to improve access to refugee-focused health services for people from refugee-like backgrounds in south-eastern Melbourne by codesigning and delivering a 1-day education forum to education sector staff. Evaluation of the forum used mixed-methods analysis of data from pre-post and follow-up surveys (n=11; administered before, immediately after and 1 month after the forum respectively), post-forum interviews (n=4) and one school’s referral records. The forum improved attendees’ refugee-focused health service referral knowledge, confidence and behaviour. This was supported by the qualitative findings of high staff motivation, high forum satisfaction and evidence of outcome sustainability. Education staff are an important complement to an integrated model of health care for recently resettled people from refugee-like backgrounds. These results show that a straightforward local intervention can improve the ability of education staff to act as conduits to health services, increasing access to health services for people from refugee-like backgrounds.

Using Technology to Improve Access to Health Care for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline A. Mashima
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Improve Access

Important initiatives in health care include (a) improving access to services for disadvantaged populations, (b) providing equal access for individuals with limited or non-English proficiency, and (c) ensuring cultural competence of health-care providers to facilitate effective services for individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, 2001). This article provides a brief overview of the use of technology by speech-language pathologists and audiologists to extend their services to underserved populations who live in remote geographic areas, or when cultural and linguistic differences impact service delivery.

A Brief outlook on possible available solutions, therapies and suggestions for COVID-19

Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashmi Saxena Pal ◽  
Yogendra Pal ◽  
Pranay Wal ◽  
Ankita Wal ◽  
Nikita Saraswat
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Past ◽  
Antiviral Compounds ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Case Count ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Hiv Drugs

Background: WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. New cases are being added every day, as the case count in United States are to the maximum. No drugs or biologics are yet found to be effective for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Objective: To discuss the possibilities of available treatments available. Materials & Methods: Brief out-look is undertaken over the past issues available over the similar situations occurred with respect to the current scenario and prospectives. Results: There can be various possibilities in form of convalescent plasma therapy. The known drugs as HIV drugs, antimalarial medicines and antiviral compounds can serve as suggestive option. Conclusion: Till a confirm medicine or vaccine is sorted out for Covid-19, we need to take natural immune-boosters, along with precautionary steps, social distancing and other preventions as instructed for the benefit of everyone with an optimistic mind and attitude.

The Three-Legged Stool of Voter Engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-56
Author(s):  
Adelaide K. Sandler ◽  
Mary E. Hylton ◽  
Jason Ostrander ◽  
Tanya R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Voter Turnout ◽  
Political Power ◽  
Voter Registration ◽  
Elected Officials ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Community Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Voting Decisions

Disparities in voter turnout have increased significantly over the past four decades. Members of historically oppressed groups, those who are low-income, and or who have lower levels of education vote at significantly lower rates than white, wealthy and or more educated community members. These disparities correlate directly to political power and the eventual allocation of resources by elected officials. Therefore, eliminating these disparities through targeted voter engagement with client groups is particularly important for the profession of social work. This article describes the conceptualization of voter engagement as a three-legged stool, consisting of voter registration, regular voting, and basing voting decisions on self-interest.Without attention to all three legs, the potential for generating political power collapses, resulting in minimal influence on elected officials.

Comparing shopper characteristics by online grocery ordering use among households in low-income communities in Maine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Laura Y. Zatz ◽  
Alyssa J. Moran ◽  
Rebecca L. Franckle ◽  
Jason P. Block ◽  
Tao Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Transaction Data ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Online Shoppers ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Improve Access

Abstract Objective: Online grocery shopping could improve access to healthy food, but it may not be equally accessible to all populations—especially those at higher risk for food insecurity. This study aimed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of families who ordered groceries online versus those who only shopped in-store. Design: We analyzed enrollment survey and 44 weeks of individually-linked grocery transaction data. We used univariate chi-square and t-tests and logistic regression to assess differences in sociodemographic characteristics between households that only shopped in-store and those that shopped online with curbside pick-up (online only or online and in-store). Setting: Two Maine supermarkets. Participants: 863 parents or caregivers of children under 18 years old enrolled in two fruit and vegetable incentive trials Results: Participants had a total of 32 757 transactions. In univariate assessments, online shoppers had higher incomes (P<0.0001), were less likely to participate in WIC or SNAP (P<0.0001), and were more likely to be female (P=0.04). Most online shoppers were 30–39 years old, and few were 50 years or older (P=0.003). After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, number of children, number of adults, income, and SNAP participation, female primary shoppers (OR=2.75, P=0.003), number of children (OR=1.27, P=0.04), and income (OR=3.91 for 186–300% FPL and OR=6.92 for >300% FPL, P<0.0001) were significantly associated with likelihood of shopping online. Conclusions: In this study of Maine families, low-income shoppers were significantly less likely to utilize online grocery ordering with curbside pick-up. Future studies could focus on elucidating barriers and developing strategies to improve access.

scholarly journals Integrated photothermal decontamination device for N95 respirators

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Muñoz ◽  
Maxime Comtois-Bona ◽  
David Cortes ◽  
Cagla Eren Cimenci ◽  
Qiujiang Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Temperature Treatment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Photothermal Treatment ◽  
Mild Temperature ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Uv C

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the COVID-19 global pandemic has infected over 25 million people worldwide and resulted in the death of millions. The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in many regions around the world, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. The shortages of PPE, such as N95 respirators, is something that will persist until an effective vaccine is made available. Thus, devices that while being easy to operate can also be rapidly deployed in health centers, and long-term residences without the need for major structural overhaul are instrumental to sustainably use N95 respirators. In this report, we present the design and validation of a decontamination device that combines UV-C & B irradiation with mild-temperature treatment. The device can decontaminate up to 20 masks in a cycle of < 30 min. The decontamination process did not damage or reduce the filtering capacity of the masks. Further, the efficacy of the device to eliminate microbes and viruses from the masks was also evaluated. The photothermal treatment of our device was capable of eradicating > 99.9999% of the bacteria and > 99.99% of the virus tested.

scholarly journals Transdiagnostic or Disorder Specific? Indicators of Substance and Behavioral Addictions Nominated by People with Lived Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyoun S. Kim ◽  
David C. Hodgins ◽  
Benjamin Kim ◽  
T. Cameron Wild
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Behavioral Addictions ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Canadian Province ◽  
The Past ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Content Analyses ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Using a transdiagnostic perspective, the present research examined the prominent indicators of substance (alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco) and behavioral (gambling, video games, sex, shopping, work, eating) addictions nominated by people with lived experiences. Specifically, we aimed to explore whether the perceived most important indicators nominated were consistent across the 10 addictions or differed based on the specific addiction. Additionally, we explored gender differences in the perceived most important indicators across addictive behaviors. A large online sample of adults recruited from a Canadian province (n = 3503) were asked to describe the most important signs or symptoms of problems with these substances and behaviors. Open-ended responses were analyzed among a subsample of 2603 respondents (n = 1562 in the past year) who disclosed that they had personally experienced a problem with at least one addiction listed above. Content analyses revealed that dependence (e.g., craving, impairments in control) and patterns of use (e.g., frequency) were the most commonly perceived indicators for both substance and behavioral addictions, accounting for over half of all the qualitative responses. Differences were also found between substance and behavioral addictions regarding the proportion of the most important signs nominated. Consistent with the syndrome model of addiction, unique indicators were also found for specific addictive behaviors, with the greatest proportion of unique indicators found for eating. Supplemental analyses found that perceived indicators across addictions were generally gender invariant. Results provide some support for a transdiagnostic conceptualization of substance and behavioral addictions. Implications for the study, prevention, and treatment of addictions are discussed.

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