Are you a mentor? A qualitative study: imago-graphic students’ mirror views

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 652-661
Author(s):  
Rania Alkhadragy

Objectives: Mentoring is widely acknowledged for providing support, fostering students’ learning and self-development. This study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University with the following objectives, exploring students’ perception of their mentors, analysing expected roles and essential skills for mentors. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted. A focus group was planned in the first mentorship session, a sample of 30  year 1 and 2 students divided into 2 focus groups  (n=15 students per a focus group). Focus group started with an imaginary students’ drawing of the mentor followed by further analysis and discussion. Results: Data displayed in a graphical format, and then further discussed to have more details. Three main themes had emerged: perception of mentors, role of the mentor and expectations from mentors. Perception was then analysed into positive, where the ease of communication was mostly discussed, and negative perception where the fear of humiliation was one of the common students’ fears. For mentors’ roles, guidance for portfolio submission was the highest frequency (45%) then came the role of academic and personal support (30%).   Conclusion: Mentorship experience is a rich process of interaction and communication between mentors and mentees. Mentors should receive appropriate training to be well prepared for their roles. This study provides practical insights into essential skills mentors should have for an effective mentorship experience. Keywords: mentorship, info-graphic, mentors, qualitative, focus group

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aysegul Dirik ◽  
Justina Kaselionyte ◽  
Domenico Giacco ◽  
Stefan Priebe

Background The value of carer involvement has been extensively researched and promoted. However, the field lacks exploration of conceptual issues, which might help to explain why there are widespread difficulties in putting policy into practice in this area, as implementation rates remain low internationally. Aims This qualitative study explored patients’, carers’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the role of carers in mental healthcare, particularly with regards to in-patient settings. Method Sixteen focus groups were conducted with patients, carers and clinicians who have current or previous experience of in-patient settings. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts, exploring two key domains: (a) what a ‘carer’ is, and (b) how the ‘carer’ role is described within the context of the hospital environment. Results Participants diverged in their opinions of what the ‘carer’ role entails, and the perceived helpfulness of it. Issues unique to the in-patient setting were identified, such as the role of the hospital environment in enabling or being a barrier to carer involvement. These differing perspectives and contextual factors had an impact on the position of carers in the hospital setting, as they could be viewed as helpful, a hindrance or as passive visitors, depending on the perspectives of clinicians. Conclusions More clarity and agreement is needed between patients, carers and clinicians in terms of how the ‘carer’ role is defined. This has the potential to improve carers’ experience of involvement in hospital settings.


2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
S. Malhotra ◽  
R. Hatala ◽  
C.-A. Courneya

The mini-CEX is a 30 minute observed clinical encounter. It can be done in the outpatient, inpatient or emergency room setting. It strives to look at several parameters including a clinical history, physical, professionalism and overall clinical competence. Trainees are rated using a 9-point scoring system: 1-3 unsatisfactory, 4-6 satisfactory and 7-9 superior. Eight months after the introduction of the mini-CEX to the core University of British Columbia Internal Medicine Residents, a one hour semi-structured focus group for residents in each of the three years took place. The focus groups were conducted by an independent moderator, audio-recorded and transcribed. Using a phenomenological approach the comments made by the focus groups participants were read independently by three authors, organized into major themes. In doing so, several intriguing common patterns were revealed on how General Medicine Residents perceive their experience in completing a mini-CEX. The themes include Education, Assessment and Preparation for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Internal Medicine exam. Resident learners perceived that the mini-CEX process provided insight into their clinical strengths and weaknesses. Focus group participants favored that the mini-CEX experience will benefit them in preparation, and successful completion of their licensing exam. Daelmans HE, Overmeer RM, van der Hem-Stockroos HH, Scherpbier AJ, Stehouwer CD, van der Vleuten CP. In-training assessment: qualitative study of effects on supervision and feedback in an undergraduate clinical rotation. Medical Education 2006; 40(1):51-8. De Lima AA, Henquin R, Thierer J, Paulin J, Lamari S, Belcastro F, Van der Vleuten CPM. A qualitative study of the impact on learning of the mini clinical evaluation exercise in postgraduate training. Medical Teacher January 2005; 27(1):46-52. DiCicco-Bloom B, Crabtree BF. The Qualitative Research Interview. Medical Education 2006; 40:314-32.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-91
Author(s):  
Matthew Harrick ◽  
Lee Ann Fullington

Abstract Objective – This qualitative study sought to delineate and understand the role of the library in addressing the barriers transfer students experience upon acclimating to their new campus. Methods – A screening survey was used to recruit transfer students in their first semester at Brooklyn College (BC) to participate in focus groups. The participants discussed the issues they encountered by answering open-ended questions about their experiences on campus, and with the library specifically. Results – Transfer students desired current information about campus procedures, services, and academic support. They often had to find this information on their own, wasting valuable time. Students felt confused and stressed by this process; however, strategic library involvement can help alleviate this stress. Conclusion – Involving the library more fully in orientations could ease students’ confusion in their transitional semester. Students desired local knowledge, and the library is in a key position to disseminate this information.


2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Fadime Kocapınar Batmaz ◽  
Ahu Ergen

We are consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for coming generations. This shows the important role of sustainable consumption for the planet. To understand consumption patterns mindfulness may be regarded as an indicator that helps people gain insight into their true selves, which leads them to stay away from materialistic tendencies. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the effects of mindfulness training on the sustainable consumption perceptions of university students. In this qualitative study, a two-month mindfulness training is given and two focus group studies are conducted. Results suggest that mindfulness training has an impact on people’s perceptions related to consumption. The findings of this study can serve as proof for the transformational effect of mindfulness on people’s overall mood and subjective wellbeing.   Received: 23 September 2021 / Accepted: 22 November 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatjana Ewais ◽  
Jakob Begun ◽  
Maura Kenny ◽  
Alan Headey ◽  
Steve Kisely

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based programs are increasingly used as a part of integrated treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the majority of research has been quantitative with limited qualitative exploration of patients’ experiences of mindfulness programs and no studies among adolescents and young adults with IBD. Furthermore, there has been a paucity of research exploring the role of common psychotherapy and group factors within mindfulness programs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults with IBD and depression who completed a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group program, as well as the role of therapeutic alliance, group affiliation, and other common psychotherapy and group factors. METHODS This mixed methods qualitative study, nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of MBCT for adolescents and young adults with IBD, will obtain qualitative data from focus groups and open-ended survey questions. The study aims to conduct three to four focus groups with 6-8 participants in each group. It will employ data and investigator triangulation as well as thematic analysis of the qualitative data. RESULTS The study was approved by the Mater Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and recruitment commenced in May 2019; study completion is anticipated by early 2020. CONCLUSIONS The study will contribute to the assessment of acceptability and feasibility of the MBCT program for adolescents and young adults with IBD. It will also elucidate the role of previously unexplored common psychotherapy and group factors within mindfulness training and help inform the design of a future large-scale RCT of MBCT in this cohort. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617000876392; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373115 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR PRR1-10.2196/14432


Pain Medicine ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. e1-e8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Turner ◽  
Natalia Rodriguez ◽  
Raudel Bobadilla ◽  
Arthur E Hernandez ◽  
Zenong Yin

Abstract Objective To examine factors influencing initial engagement, ongoing participation, learned behaviors, and subjective functional outcomes after a trial of the Living Better Beyond Pain (LBBP) chronic pain self-management program. Design Qualitative study using the Grounded Theory approach. Setting Two 60-minute focus groups and phone interviews in May 2017. Subjects Focus groups with 18 participants who completed LBBP and six-month measures; telephone interviews with 17 participants who stopped attending. Methods Study coordinators randomly selected program completers for focus groups and conducted phone interviews with noncompleters. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in semantic content with a recursive process applied to focus group transcripts and interview transcriptions to codify into themes. Themes were categorized according to the Theory of Planned Behavior. Results Focus group and telephone interview participants were primarily Hispanic and unemployed. Attitudes fostering participation in LBBP included dissatisfaction with the status quo, need to reduce pain medication, and lack of training and knowledge about chronic pain. Positive social norms from meeting others with chronic pain and support from the LBBP team encouraged attendance and adoption of behaviors. Transportation, pain, and competing activities were barriers, whereas adapting activities for the disabled was a facilitator. Maintaining behaviors and activities at home was challenging but ultimately rewarding due to improvement in daily function with less pain medication. Conclusions This qualitative study complements quantitative results showing clinically significant improvements in function after the LBBP program by adding practical insights into ways to increase participation and outcomes. Participants strongly endorsed the need for chronic pain self-management training.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Silva-Lavigne ◽  
Alena Valderrama ◽  
Sandra Pelaez ◽  
Myriam Bransi ◽  
Fabio Balli ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Asthma is the most common chronic pediatric disease. Despite existing tools to manage asthma, 40-55% of children with asthma suffer from uncontrolled asthma. Serious games (SGs) represent a novel approach in promoting asthma education and self-management for children. OBJECTIVE In this qualitative study with an embedded quantitative design, we used focus groups and questionnaires to describe the perceived role of SGs in different aspects of asthma self-management by children and their parents. These aspects include asthma perception and knowledge, the impact of asthma and barriers to asthma self-management, and the support system for asthma self-management. METHODS Five children with asthma and their parents were invited to participate during an organized gaming session. Children and their parents filled out a pre-gaming questionnaire on their medical history and asthma knowledge. They were then invited to test four original SGs prototypes, after which the children answered a post-gaming questionnaire on their asthma knowledge and perception of the SGs. Children and their parents subsequently participated in parallel focus groups which were video- and/or audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by reaching consensus among members of the research team. RESULTS The mean age of the children was 10.3 year, with 20% being male. Qualitative data from the transcripts were coded into three separate domains: 1) asthma self-management perception and knowledge, 2) impact of asthma and barriers to asthma self-management, and 3) support system for asthma self-management. We specifically explored the perceived roles of SGs within each of these domains. A key takeaway message was identified for each of these three domains: 1) Heterogeneity of asthma knowledge and the ability of SGs to encourage knowledge transfer through games, 2) Consequences and limitations of asthma and the ability of SGs to allow for identification and management of real-life situations through games, and 3) Insufficient support system and the ability of SGs to encourage playing with others for support and shared knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Our study explored the role of SGs in the self-management of asthma as perceived by children and their parents. Our findings support the acceptability of SGs in asthma education and self-management in pediatrics and the necessity for future development in this field.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249
Author(s):  
Shelley Brown

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on higher self-development through karma yoga – spiritualizing contemporary life in today’s fast-paced world – and on evolving a more humane civilization through the service of enlightened citizens. Design/methodology/approach – Stressing the essential role of self-development in human progress, Swami Vivekananda taught Vedanta to East and West as a practical dynamic philosophy. Findings – With his prophetic vision, he adapted ancient wisdom for modern living in his concept of karma yoga. Extending the idea of “holy” to the whole of human endeavor, whether exploring truths in the world or discovering the light of the soul within, Vivekananda deemed every struggle sacred when pursued with sincere, selfless intent. Originality/value – Each action taken in the right spirit, Vivekananda taught, can manifest our innate divinity and bring us one step closer to our sublime nature, which acts in the common good.


Author(s):  
Cinira Magali Fortuna ◽  
Karemme Ferreira de Oliveira ◽  
Adriana Barbieri Feliciano ◽  
Mônica Vilchez da Silva ◽  
Flávio Adriano Borges ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE Analyzing the relationships among professionals and between professionals with managers and users based on the user embracement analyzer. METHOD A qualitative study incorporating the theoretical-methodological reference of institutional analysis. The data were produced through focus groups and organized from transcription, transposition and reconstitution. Seventeen (17) focus group sessions were conducted involving six municipalities and health professionals from various backgrounds. RESULTS 137 professionals participated in this study. User embracement has been carried out with the aim to organize spontaneous demand. Doctors have not been directly involved, although they have the final say. Intermediate nursing deals with the users and nurses perform important negotiation work among the network sectors. The receptionists and the community agents develop the first approach to the users, forwarding them to nursing to negotiate the service. Managers hope to avoid complaints by attending everyone. Users take advantage of party politics and of the media for services when there is no access. CONCLUSION User embracement is an analyzer, since it produces visibility and readability of the relations being produced in health services, and when analyzed can lead to denaturalizing these actions.


2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry L. Hamby ◽  
Mary P. Koss

Methodological analyses of sexual victimization research are still rare, despite the explosion of interest in this topic and widely varying rates across studies. In-depth analysis of the meaning of differences in rates is especially lacking. A series of five ethnically and geographically diverse focus groups were held to explore how wording in sexual victimization surveys affects the reporting of various types of negative sexual experiences. Participants provided rich formulations about sexual intercourse that suggest there is a wide range of coercion, from peer pressure to lose one's virginity to partner pressure to demonstrate one's commitment to stereotypical forced rape. Focus group participants asserted that many terms that are often used synonymously, such as unwanted, nonvoluntary, and forced, have distinct meanings. They also described how different social pressures on women and men, and differences in physical size lead to inevitable differences in perceptions of coerciveness. Although recent sexual victimization surveys have increased the specificity of descriptions of sexual acts, these findings suggest that it is equally important to be precise in communicating what is meant by coercion.


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