scholarly journals AI-driven Optimization in Healthcare: the Diagnostic Process

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-231
Author(s):  
Jérôme Yves Lyon ◽  
Yevgen Bogodistov ◽  
Jürgen Moormann
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Process Utility ◽  
Total Satisfaction ◽  
Main Factor

Purpose: Process optimization in healthcare using artificial intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy. In this study, we address the research question “To what extent can an AI-driven chatbot help to optimize the diagnostic process?” Design / Method / Approach: First, we developed a mathematical model for the utility (i.e., total satisfaction received from consuming a good or service) resulting from the diagnostic process in primary healthcare. We calculated this model using MS Excel. Second, after identifying the main pain points for optimization (e.g., waiting time in the queue), we ran a small experiment (n = 25) in which we looked at time to diagnosis, average waiting time, and their standard deviations. In addition, we used a questionnaire to examine patient perceptions of the interaction with an AI-driven chatbot. Findings: Our results show that scheduling is the main factor causing issues in a physician’s work. An AI-driven chatbot may help to optimize waiting time as well as provide data for faster and more accurate diagnosis. We found that patients trust AI-driven solutions primarily when a real (not virtual) physician is also involved in the diagnostic process. Practical Implications: AI-driven chatbots may indeed help to optimize diagnostic processes. Nevertheless, physicians need to remain involved in the process in order to establish patient trust in the diagnosis. Originality / Value: We analyze the utility to physicians and patients of a diagnostic process and show that, while scheduling may reduce the overall process utility, AI-based solutions may increase the overall process utility. Research Limitations / Future Research: First, our simulation includes a number of assumptions with regard to the distribution of mean times for encounter and treatment. Second, the data we used for our model were obtained from different papers, and thus from different healthcare systems. Third, our experimental study has a very small sample size and only one test-physician. Paper type: Empirical 

scholarly journals The Role of Dopamine Receptor D2 in Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap in Sport Participation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2379
Author(s):  
Seiyeong Park ◽  
Junhye Kwon ◽  
Chiyoung Ahn ◽  
Hae-Sung Cho ◽  
Hyo Youl Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Dopamine Receptor ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dopamine Receptor D2 ◽  
The Impact

Previous studies have identified that a behavior can occur through the strongest predictor intention, but there is a gap between intention and behavior. Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is known to account for a variance in sporting behaviors in human and animal subjects. However, the relationship between DRD2 and sport participation has been poorly studied, and the limited available reports are inconsistent. The present study was performed to examine the impact of DRD2 on sport participation among Korean university students based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Data were collected from enrolled university students in Seoul (N = 45). Participants answered survey questions first, and then they gave investigators their hair to provide DNA information (i.e., the A1 allele of DRD2). DRD2 had a significant effect on sport participation, but only in male students. Male students who carried the A1 allele of DRD2 significantly participated in 105.10 min more sporting activities than male students who did not. Moreover, the effect of intention on sport participation was significantly decreased when considering DRD2. Despite the small sample size, the results of this study could be a preliminary case for a larger study and indicate the direction of future research. Our results suggest that DRD2 may have played an important role as the “actual skill” shown in the IBM.

scholarly journals The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Cox ◽  
Sonal Gupta ◽  
Sizheng Steven Zhao ◽  
David M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractThe aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to describe prevalence of cardiovascular disease in gout, compare these results with non-gout controls and consider whether there were differences according to geography. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies reporting prevalence of any cardiovascular disease in a gout population. Studies with non-representative sampling, where a cohort had been used in another study, small sample size (< 100) and where gout could not be distinguished from other rheumatic conditions were excluded, as were reviews, editorials and comments. Where possible meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. Twenty-six studies comprising 949,773 gout patients were included in the review. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for five cardiovascular diseases: myocardial infarction (2.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI)s 1.6, 5.0), heart failure (8.7%; 95% CI 2.9, 23.8), venous thromboembolism (2.1%; 95% CI 1.2, 3.4), cerebrovascular accident (4.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 9.7) and hypertension (63.9%; 95% CI 24.5, 90.6). Sixteen studies reported comparisons with non-gout controls, illustrating an increased risk in the gout group across all cardiovascular diseases. There were no identifiable reliable patterns when analysing the results by country. Cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in patients with gout and should prompt vigilance from clinicians to the need to assess and stratify cardiovascular risk. Future research is needed to investigate the link between gout, hyperuricaemia and increased cardiovascular risk and also to establish a more thorough picture of prevalence for less common cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Sexual Orientation Provisions in Canadian Collective Agreements

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travor Brown
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Empirical Testing ◽  
Collective Agreements ◽  
The Past ◽  
Workplace Needs ◽  
Public Sector Bargaining

Abstract The past decade has been marked by increased awareness concerning employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. Yet, to the author’s knowledge, there has been limited research regarding the response of Canadian labour organizations to the workplace needs of gay and lesbian members. Limitations of these previous studies include small sample size, lack of theoretical framework, and the absence of empirical testing of hypotheses. The present study builds on these works through the use of Craig’s model, the inclusion of multi-disciplinary research, and the empirical testing of data collected from more than 240 Canadian collective agreements. Key findings include that larger, public sector bargaining units with equality clauses in their collective agreements were most likely also to contain clauses that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

What women want: the effect of health agency advertising on patient-doctor communication

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Morton ◽  
Sabrina Habib ◽  
Jon Morris
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women’S Sexual Health ◽  
Doctor Communication

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between women’s sexual health agency and their intent to initiate communications with their doctors. The research questions examined the effect sexual health agency has on patient-doctor communication, women’s emotional responses to health advertisements encouraging patient communication with their doctors, attitude toward the message and behavioral intentions after exposure to the advertising message. Design/methodology/approach An experimental design was implemented via an online questionnaire instrument to test the differences between younger-aged women (25 to 45 years) and mature-aged women (46 to 70 years). It was observed that 188 women who reported their status as single and sexually active in the past 12 months were exposed to a health advertisement that encouraged patient-doctor communication. Analyses were conducted to compare between-group measures on sexual health agency, emotional response and attitude toward the ad and behavioral intention. Findings No statistical difference existed between younger and older women. In general, women expect their doctor to lead conversations about sexual health but are positively reinforced by health messages that encourage their assertiveness as patients. Research limitations/implications The small sample size also may have limited the study’s potential to evaluate differences between age segments. Future research should explore this further. Practical implications The study provides evidence that sexual health advertising can reinforce women’s intent to initiate conversations with doctors regardless of age. Social implications Health communications can bolster women’s sexual health agency and improve patient-initiated conversations with doctors. Originality/value The study is the first to explore advertising messaging’s potential for applying health agency as a communication strategy for encouraging sexual health communications between women and their doctors.

Cultivating creative workplaces through mindfulness

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Keithline Byrne ◽  
Tojo Thatchenkery
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how mindfulness training impacts creativity with individuals in a workgroup and propose a methodology for future research. Design/methodology/approach The methodology developed drew on existing laboratory-based research and applied those designs in a real-world application. The sample participants were from a mid-sized real estate firm that included ten realtors and support staff, six in the treatment group and four in the comparison group. The study took place over 16 weeks where pre-test and post-test mindfulness and creativity assessments were administered. A five-week mindfulness training was conducted with the treatment group and following the post-tests with the comparison group. Findings Results indicated that the mindfulness training positively impacted creativity in the moment and over time. There was evidence that the mindfulness training positively impacted an individual’s level of attention and awareness in daily activities which is likely to influence creative outcomes in organizational settings. Research limitations/implications This study shows that it is possible to design experimental studies in work settings and contribute to the empirical research about mindfulness despite the widely held perception about scarcity of time and lack of access to do such research. The findings also build on existing literature and address some of the gaps in current research. The most notable limitation relates to the small sample size. Practical implications The finding affirms that even a short but consistent practice of mindfulness in organizations can lead to a measurable increase in creativity. Originality/value This empirical study adds value to existing literature by expanding laboratory-based methodology to a practical application. One of the unique aspects of this research relates to the sample population. This research was conducted with an intact workgroup and translates the insights gained from laboratory research to a potential benefit for an organization by applying a version of this methodology to enhance its workgroup creativity.

Risk factors in adolescents’ involvement in violent behaviours

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Baxendale ◽  
Leanne Lester ◽  
Robyn Johnston ◽  
Donna Cross
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Violent Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Associated

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine risk factors associated with Western Australian secondary school students’ involvement in violence-related behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study examined data collected using an anonymous self-completion questionnaire from 542 school students aged 13-17 years. The questionnaire measured risk factors associated with being a perpetrator and/or victim of violence-related behaviours. Findings – Gender was significantly associated with being a victim and perpetrator of violence-related behaviours. Males were significantly more likely than females to be a victim of threatening and physical violence at school, and to be a perpetrator of physical violence at school and in the community. Males were significantly more likely than females to watch violent media, with exposure to violent media associated with physically hurting someone at school. Students involved in greater acts of animal cruelty had increased odds of being involved in all forms of the violence measured. Research limitations/implications – Limitations such as the cross-sectional nature of the study and the small sample size are noted, along with suggestions for future research. Practical implications – Implications of the research for practitioners working with adolescents, with a particular focus on the school setting, are discussed. Originality/value – Most previously published research on adolescent involvement in violence has been conducted outside Australia, and as such, may not be directly applicable to the experiences of young people in Western Australia.

Perceptions of corporate social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fara Azmat ◽  
Ambika Zutshi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the understanding of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. It also seeks to investigate the importance the entrepreneurs place on CSR, their understanding of stakeholders, the types of CSR activities undertaken by them, and the issue of social capital.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs based in Victoria, Australia.FindingsThe interviewees were aware of the term CSR but, nevertheless, had different interpretations of its meaning. However, CSR was considered important and all the interviewees were, in some way, involved in CSR activities and also had a good understanding of the importance of their stakeholders. Findings also highlighted the significance attached to social capital by the entrepreneurs such as informal relationships and trustworthiness which build the intangible attributes of CSR. The present findings can be attributed to immigrant entrepreneurs behaving partly to adapt to the host country, by changing their beliefs, values, traditions and partly by being influenced by their home country culture as found in the extended part of this current study.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper addresses gaps in the fields of both CSR and immigrant entrepreneurship literature. However, the small sample size is a limitation and further research is required in order to generalize the findings.Originality/valueIt is important to have an understanding of the interpretation of social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs. Despite the steadily growing number of Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs and their potential impact on the Victorian and Australian socio‐economic context, this area remains under‐researched. This paper addresses this gap in the literature and makes an attempt to provide insight into this area that can be used as a catalyst for future research.

scholarly journals Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: the strange case of the two selves of clandestine drug users in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain McPhee ◽  
Chris Holligan ◽  
Robert McLean ◽  
Ross Deuchar
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Identity Management ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Controlled Drugs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the hidden social worlds of competent clandestine users of drugs controlled within the confines of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which now includes NPS substances. The authors explore how and in what way socially competent drug users differ from others who are visible to the authorities as criminals by criminal justice bureaucracies and known to treatment agencies as defined problem drug users. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research utilises a bricoleur ethnographic methodology considered as a critical, multi-perspectival, multi-theoretical and multi-methodological approach to inquiry. Findings This paper challenges addiction discourses and, drawing upon empirical evidence, argues the user of controlled drugs should not be homogenised. Using several key strategies of identity management, drug takers employ a range of risk awareness and risk neutralisation techniques to protect self-esteem, avoid social affronts and in maintaining untainted identities. The authors present illicit drug use as one activity amongst other social activities that (some) people, conventionally, pursue. The findings from this study suggest that punitive drug policy, which links drug use with addiction, crime and antisocial behaviour, is inconsistent with the experience of the participants. Research limitations/implications Due to the small sample size (n=24) employed, the possibility that findings can be generalised is rendered difficult. However, generalisation was never an objective of the research; the experiences of this hidden population are deeply subjective and generalising findings and applying them to other populations would be an unproductive endeavour. While the research attempted to recruit an equal number of males and females to this research, gendered analysis was not a primary objective of this research. However, it is acknowledged that future research would greatly benefit from such a gendered focus. Practical implications The insights from the study may be useful in helping to inform future policy discourse on issues of drug use. In particular, the insights suggest that a more nuanced perspective should be adopted. This perspective should recognise the non-deviant identities of many drug users in the contemporary era, and challenge the use of a universally stigmatising discourse and dominance of prohibition narratives. Social implications It is envisaged that this paper will contribute to knowledge on how socially competent users of controlled drugs identify and manage the risks of moral, medical and legal censure. Originality/value The evidence in this paper indicates that drug use is an activity often associated with non-deviant, productive members of the population. However, the continuing dominance of stigmatising policy discourses often leads to drug users engaging in identity concealment within the context of a deeply capitalist Western landscape.

“It put control back onto my family situation”: family experiences of positive behaviour support

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinead Botterill ◽  
Susan Cottam ◽  
Alex Fowke ◽  
Kate Theodore
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Behaviour Support

Purpose Positive behaviour support (PBS) is currently considered best practice for managing challenging behaviour in young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A key principle of PBS is that all members of the person’s support network participate in the assessment and intervention. It is, therefore, important to understand what factors act as facilitators or barriers to family engagement; however, research in this area is limited. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a novel piece of qualitative research analysis into experiences of family members of young people who have received family-based PBS. Design/methodology/approach Eight parents of a young person with an intellectual or developmental disability who had received PBS were interviewed about their experiences and factors they found helpful and hindering in terms of their engagement. Thematic analysis allowed a detailed and robust interpretation of the qualitative data. Findings Five superordinate themes were identified, namely, PBS is more than just strategies, considering the family context, the therapist/family relationship, acknowledging challenges and the ongoing nature of the problem and supporting family member change. Research limitations/implications Although research was rigorously conducted, the small sample size mean findings should be considered preliminary. Originality/value The literature related to family engagement in PBS is limited and largely based on the opinions of professionals. This study identified factors that parents themselves felt were helpful and hindering in terms of their engagement and offers practical suggestions for services and future research.

scholarly journals Transitional interventions to reduce early psychiatric readmissions in adults: systematic review

2013 ◽  
Vol 202 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone N. Vigod ◽  
Paul A. Kurdyak ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
Talia Leszcz ◽  
Valerie H. Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Psychiatric Readmission ◽  
Patient Provider Communication

BackgroundUp to 13% of psychiatric patients are readmitted shortly after discharge. Interventions that ensure successful transitions to community care may play a key role in preventing early readmission.AimsTo describe and evaluate interventions applied during the transition from in-patient to out-patient care in preventing early psychiatric readmission.MethodSystematic review of transitional interventions among adults admitted to hospital with mental illness where the study outcome was psychiatric readmission.ResultsThe review included 15 studies with 15 non-overlapping intervention components. Absolute risk reductions of 13.6 to 37.0% were observed in statistically significant studies. Effective intervention components were: pre- and post-discharge patient psychoeducation, structured needs assessments, medication reconciliation/education, transition managers and in-patient/out-patient provider communication. Key limitations were small sample size and risk of bias.ConclusionsMany effective transitional intervention components are feasible and likely to be cost-effective. Future research can provide direction about the specific components necessary and/or sufficient for preventing early psychiatric readmission.

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