scholarly journals Failures and success in using webcasts, discussion forums, Twitter, and email to engage older people and other stakeholders in rural ageing

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray B Jones ◽  
Janet Smithson ◽  
Catherine Hennessy
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Older Users ◽  
Rural Ageing

Dispersed stakeholders could use the Internet to discuss issues of concern in rural ageing but the best methods for long-term online focus groups were unclear. We explored use of webcasts, discussion forums, Twitter, and email to facilitate inter-regional inter-sectoral stakeholder discussion. Synchronicity and scheduling seemed important to get professionals and older people to engage in discussion but unfamiliar technology such as webcasts and Twitter introduced barriers. A time-limited email listserve discussion provided sufficient synchronicity while preserving the convenience of familiar technology, and was the best method of engaging geographically dispersed older users in discussions with academics and support organisations.

scholarly journals STEER: Factors to Consider When Designing Online Focus Groups Using Audiovisual Technology in Health Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691988578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Daniels ◽  
Patricia Gillen ◽  
Karen Casson ◽  
Iseult Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Journal Entries

Technological advancements and ease of Internet accessibility have made using Internet-based audiovisual software a viable option for researchers conducting focus groups. Online platforms overcome any geographical limitations placed on sampling by the location of potential participants and so enhance opportunities for real-time discussions and data collection in groups that otherwise might not be feasible. Although researchers have been adopting Internet-based options for some time, empirical evaluations and published examples of focus groups conducted using audiovisual technology are sparse. It therefore cannot yet be established whether conducting focus groups in this way can truly mirror face-to-face discussions in achieving the authentic interaction to generate data. We use our experiences to add to the developing body of literature by analyzing our critical reflections on how procedural aspects had the potential to influence the data we collected using audiovisual technology to conduct synchronous focus groups. As part of a mixed methods study, we chose to conduct focus groups in this way to access geographically dispersed populations and to enhance sample variation. We conducted eight online focus groups using audiovisual technology with both academic researchers and health-care practitioners across the four regions of the United Kingdom. A reflexive journal was completed throughout the planning, conduct and analysis of the focus groups. Content analysis of journal entries was carried out to identify procedural factors that had the potential to affect the data collected during this study. Five themes were identified ( Stability of group numbers, Technology, Environment, Evaluation, and Recruitment), incorporating several categories of issues for consideration. Combined with the reflections of the researcher and published experiences of others, suggested actions to minimize any potential impacts of issues which could affect interactions are presented to assist others who are contemplating this method of data collection.

Being mobile: electric mobility-scooters and their use by older people

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1219-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
ESTHER MAY ◽  
ROBYNE GARRETT ◽  
ALISON BALLANTYNE
Keyword(s):  
Public Education ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Electric Mobility ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Older Users

ABSTRACTThere is increasing use of electric mobility-scooters by older people in South Australia, the fourth largest state in Australia. Although various issues about their use have been raised by users, carers, urban planners and legislators, to date they have received little research attention. The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to explore the factors that influence and impact upon older people who use mobility-scooters, particularly from their own perspectives. Data were collected through a survey of 67 current electric mobility-scooter older users, and through two focus groups with other older South Australian people who were users. The data showed that more than 71 per cent of the participants had owned their scooter for more than two years, most had purchased the scooter as new, and 80 per cent owned a four-wheel scooter. The scooter was used predominantly for getting to and from shops, visiting friends and family, and to go for rides. Most respondents used their scooters three to five times each week and travelled between two and five kilometres from their home. The key findings from the focus groups were categorised into three major themes of ‘obtaining a scooter’, ‘the meaning of mobility’ and ‘issues around sharing spaces’. Each is exemplified. The implications for environmental and building design, for the better training of users, and for public education are discussed.

scholarly journals Insights for conducting real-time focus groups online using a web conferencing service

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Kite ◽  
Philayrath Phongsavan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Online Groups ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Background: Online focus groups have been increasing in use over the last 2 decades, including in biomedical and health-related research. However, most of this research has made use of text-based services such as email, discussion boards, and chat rooms that do not replicate the experience of face-to-face focus groups. Web conferencing services have the potential to more closely match the face-to-face focus group experience, including important visual and aural cues. This paper provides critical reflections on using a web conferencing service to conduct online focus groups.Methods: We conducted both online and face-to-face focus groups as part of the same study. The online groups were conducted in real-time using the web conferencing service, Blackboard CollaborateTM. We used reflective practice to assess the similarities and differences in the conduct and content of the groups across the two platforms.Results: We found that further research using such services is warranted, particularly when working with hard-to-reach or geographically dispersed populations. The level of discussion and the quality of the data obtained was similar to that found in face-to-face groups. However, some issues remain, particularly in relation to managing technical issues experienced by participants and ensuring adequate recording quality to facilitate transcription and analysis.Conclusions: Our experience with using web conferencing for online focus groups suggests that they have the potential to offer a realistic and comparable alternative to face-to-face focus groups, especially for geographically dispersed populations such as rural and remote health practitioners. Further testing of these services is warranted but researchers should carefully consider the service they use to minimise the impact of technical difficulties.

scholarly journals Establishing Patient Perceptions and Preferences for a Journal Authenticator Tool To Support Health Literacy: A Mixed-Methods Survey and Focus Group Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Ricketts ◽  
Manoj M. Lalu ◽  
Laurie Proulx ◽  
Michael Halas ◽  
Gisell Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Thematic Content ◽  
Online Focus Groups

Abstract Background Predatory journals are illegitimate journals that do not meet expected publication best practices. Many of these journals can be found using Google, making them readily available to patients searching online for health information. The goal of this study was to obtain information about how patients use the internet to get health information and to determine patient preferences and needs for a journal authenticator tool which would highlight journal transparency practices. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian-based adult patients and caregivers and then a series of online focus groups to further explore the survey responses. Descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) were reported for all quantitative survey items. For text-based responses, we used thematic content analysis. Online focus groups asked patients about the content they would like to see in a journal authenticator tool, how they would like the content visually displayed, how to best share the tool with patients, and how to determine whether the tool was successful over time. Thematic content analysis was conducted to identify core themes discussed. Focus group participants completed a follow-up survey in which they rank ordered the themes identified by perceived importance. Results 183 participants completed our online survey. A total of 146 (82%) participants indicated they use the internet most often when looking for health information. Sixty-six (37%) indicated they sometimes read original research articles when searching for health information and 92 (52%) participants indicated they sometimes have difficulty knowing if the information they read online is reliable. Eighty-six (49%) participants had never heard of predatory journals. Thirty-nine survey participants indicated their willingness to contribute to subsequent focus groups and a total of 29 participated. Four key topic areas were discussed and 32 themes were identified. Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients have expressed a need for a journal authenticator tool and that this tool may provide value to them. The results from this study will help inform the tool’s development to help ensure that it meets the needs of patients. Trial registration: This mixed-methods study has been registered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/56ead/

scholarly journals ‘When it goes back to my normal I suppose’: a qualitative study using online focus groups to explore perceptions of ‘control’ among people with eczema and parents of children with eczema in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e017731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Howells ◽  
Joanne R Chalmers ◽  
Fiona Cowdell ◽  
Sonia Ratib ◽  
Miriam Santer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Core Outcome Set ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Outcome Set ◽  
Involved Parents ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo inform the development of a core outcome set for eczema by engaging with people with eczema and parents of children with eczema to understand their experiences and understanding of the concept ‘eczema control’.Design37 participants took part in a total of six semi-structured online focus groups held in a typed chatroom with 5–7 participants per group. Three groups involved adults with eczema and three groups involved parents of children with eczema. Framework analysis was used for data analysis.SettingA community-based sample was recruited from across the UK via social media and email.Participants19 adults aged 17–61 years (15/19 female, 16/19 white) and 18 parents of children with eczema aged 9 months–17 years (9/18 female, 18/19 white).ResultsFour main themes were identified:(1) ‘Commonalities and differences in the experiences of control’: a reduction in symptoms such as itch and sleep loss characterised eczema control, but what level was acceptable differed across participants;(2) ‘Eczema control goes beyond the skin’: psychological factors, social factors, the constant scratching and the impact on everyday activities are a variety of ways an individual can be impacted;(3) ‘Stepping up and down of treatment’: participants’ stepped-up treatment in response to loss of control, but several factors complicated this behaviour. Control needed to be maintained after stepped-up treatment ended to be acceptable; and (4) ‘How to measure control’: self-report was generally preferred to allow frequent measurements and to capture unobservable features. Although most thought their eczema needed to be measured frequently, many also felt that this was not always realistic or desirable.Conclusions‘Eczema control’ is a complex experience for people with eczema and parents of children with the condition. These experiences could have important implications on how long-term control should be measured in eczema clinical trials and clinical practice.

scholarly journals Insights for conducting real-time focus groups online using a web conferencing service

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Kite ◽  
Philayrath Phongsavan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Online Groups ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Background Online focus groups have been increasing in use over the last 2 decades, including in biomedical and health-related research. However, most of this research has made use of text-based services such as email, discussion boards, and chat rooms, which do not replicate the experience of face-to-face focus groups. Web conferencing services have the potential to more closely match the face-to-face focus group experience, including important visual and aural cues. This paper provides critical reflections on using a web conferencing service to conduct online focus groups. Methods As part of a broader study, we conducted both online and face-to-face focus groups with participants. The online groups were conducted in real-time using the web conferencing service, Blackboard CollaborateTM. We used reflective practice to assess how the conduct and content of the groups were similar and how they differed across the two platforms. Results We found that further research using such services is warranted, particularly when working with hard-to-reach or geographically dispersed populations. The level of discussion and the quality of the data obtained was similar to that found in face-to-face groups. However, some issues remain, particularly in relation to managing technical issues experienced by participants and ensuring adequate recording quality to facilitate transcription and analysis. Conclusions Our experience with using web conferencing for online focus groups suggests that they have the potential to offer a realistic and comparable alternative to face-to-face focus groups, especially for geographically dispersed populations such as rural and remote health practitioners. Further testing of these services is warranted but researchers should carefully consider the service they use to minimise the impact of technical difficulties.

Courting the Youth Vote in 2008: The Obama Effect

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey C Bohl
Keyword(s):  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Voter Registration ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Past ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
High Turnout ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Youth Vote

This paper examines a few of the numerous factors that may have led to increased youth turnout in 2008 Election. First, theories of voter behavior and turnout are related to courting the youth vote. Several variables that are perceived to affect youth turnout such as party polarization, perceived candidate difference, voter registration, effective campaigning and mobilization, and use of the Internet, are examined. Over the past 40 years, presidential elections have failed to engage the majority of young citizens (ages 18-29) to the point that they became inclined to participate. This trend began to reverse starting in 2000 Election and the youth turnout reached its peak in 2008. While both short and long-term factors played a significant role in recent elections, high turnout among youth voters in 2008 can be largely attributed to the Obama candidacy and campaign, which mobilized young citizens in unprecedented ways.

DIGITALIZATION OF LABOR MIGRATION PROCESSES IN UZBEKISTAN. WORLD EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 29-39
Author(s):  
Sulkhiya Gazieva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Technological Change ◽  
Labor Migration ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Logic Circuits ◽  
Digital Logic ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Future

The future of labor market depends upon several factors, long-term innovation and the demographic developments. However, one of the main drivers of technological change in the future is digitalization and central to this development is the production and use of digital logic circuits and its derived technologies, including the computer,the smart phone and the Internet. Especially, smart automation will perhaps not cause e.g.regarding industries, occupations, skills, tasks and duties

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