scholarly journals Essential core competencies for health policy doctoral graduates

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
leila Doshmangir ◽  
Amirhossein Takian ◽  
Minoo Alipouri Sakha ◽  
Hakimeh Mostafavi
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Doctoral Graduates ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Specific Order

Abstract Background: In the health sector, competency-based education focuses on the desired performance characteristics of health professionals through designing and implementing the evidence-based standards, performance indicators and, quality outcomes. This paper aims to explore core competencies required for health policy graduates, aiming to prepare doctoral students for a spectrum of future roles, i.e. academic and non-academic.Methods: The databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and SID were searched to identify the required competencies for health policy students worldwide. Students and well-known academics in the field of health policy (from Iran and other countries) were interviewed. This qualitative study was conducted in three phases: a critical review of literature; interviews; and validation of identified competencies through face to face consultations with experts complemented by a survey. We used three methods for data collection: 1) review of the literature; 2) 74 face to face and email-based semi-structured interviews and 3) validating the identified competencies through face to face consultations with qualified experts. Results: We identified five core competencies for health policy doctoral graduates without specific order including research, policy analysis, education, decision making, and communication.Conclusions: As countries are gearing up towards sustainable development goals (SDGs), the role of health policy graduates is crucial paving the pathway towards SDGs on health and well-being. Appropriate and contextually-tailored curriculum is pivotal, we envisage, to foster multi-dimensional competencies that are complementary to the specific disciplines of health policy scholars of future, those who can genuinely serve their health systems towards sustainable health development.

scholarly journals Promoting psychological well-being in doctoral students: a qualitative study adopting a positive psychology perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia C. Jackman ◽  
Kelly Sisson
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Doctoral Graduates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychology Perspective ◽  
Pathological Focus

Purpose Concerns about psychological well-being (PWB) in doctoral students have grown in recent years. The purpose of this study was to explore qualitatively doctoral students’ perceptions of factors that promoted their PWB during the doctoral journey. Design/methodology/approach Nine recent doctoral graduates at an English university participated in the study. Participants recalled their experience and PWB during the doctoral journey via a life grid and semi-structured interview. The life grids were visually inspected to identify high points in PWB whilst the interview data were analysed thematically. Findings The analysis produced the following seven themes representing factors that participants described during periods of better PWB: accomplishments; intrinsic rewards; self-efficacy; comprehension and understanding; supervisor support; wider support network; and self-care and lifestyle. Originality/value By adopting a positive psychology approach and exploring qualitatively factors that promoted PWB in doctoral students, this study offers an alternative perspective to research on doctoral student well-being, which has largely adopted a pathological focus. As such, the study demonstrates the utility of approaching research on doctoral students’ PWB from a positive psychology perspective. Findings are discussed in relation to the extant literature, and future directions for research are outlined.

scholarly journals Patients’ experiences with the advanced practice nurse role in Swiss family practices: a qualitative study

BMC Nursing ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Schönenberger ◽  
Beat Sottas ◽  
Christoph Merlo ◽  
Stefan Essig ◽  
Stefan Gysin
Keyword(s):  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Family Practices

Abstract Background Considering shortages of general practitioners (GP) and strategies for improving the quality of health care provision, many countries have implemented interprofessional care models with advanced practice nurses (APN). International evidence suggests that APN care results in high patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, the role is still new, and the patient perspective has not yet been researched. Our aim was therefore to explore patients’ experiences with the APN role in Swiss family practices. Methods We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews in four different family practices with patients aged 18 to 97 suffering from minor acute to multiple chronic diseases, and who had at least one consultation with an APN. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in five themes: Despite the unfamiliarity, all patients were willing to be consulted by an APN because it was recommended by their GP (1); after several encounters, most participants perceived differences between the APN and the GP consultation in terms of the length and style of the consultations as well as the complexity of their tasks (2); the interviewees emphasised coaching, guidance, care coordination, and GP-assisting tasks as APN core competencies and attributed the characteristics empathetic, trustworthy, and competent to the APN role (3); most patients especially valued home visits and the holistic approach of the APNs, but they also noticed that in certain cases GP supervision was required (4); and due to the close collaboration between the APN and the GP, patients felt safe, well cared for and experienced improvements in physical and psychological well-being as well as in daily activities (5). Conclusion Our results suggested that patients value the APNs’ competencies, despite their initial lack of role knowledge. Trust in the GP seemed to be the most important factor for patients’ receptiveness toward the APN role. Overall, patients perceived an added value due to the enlargement of the scope of practice offered by APNs. The patient perspective might provide valuable insights for further APN role implementation in Swiss family practices.

Aging well on the autism spectrum: the perspectives of autistic adults and carers

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 2033-2046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye In (Jane) Hwang ◽  
Kitty-Rose Foley ◽  
Julian N. Trollor
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Autistic Individual ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Building Capacity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Living Well ◽  
Aging Well ◽  
Autistic Adults

ABSTRACTBackground:“Aging well” is an increasingly popular concept in gerontology. Adults with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder represent a demographically substantial population, yet remain excluded from existing conceptualizations of aging well. This qualitative study aimed to explore what it means for autistic adults to “age well” from the perspectives of autistic adults and carers.Methods:Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 autistic adults (mean age 50.3 years) and 9 carers of autistic adults. Interviews were offered in four formats: email, telephone, Skype, and face-to-face and included three questions exploring what it means for autistic adults to age well as well as what might help or hinder them from aging well.Results:Aging well was found to be a multifaceted concept that encompassed the autistic individual, others, the world they live in, and relational issues connecting these domains. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes to be common across participants’ responses: “myself,” “being autistic,” “others,” “lifestyle and living well,” “being supported,” “relating to others,” “life environment,” and “societal attitudes and acceptance.”Conclusions:In line with previous studies, a more diverse range of personal and environmental factors should be included in conceptualizing aging well. In contrast to dominant perspectives, being autistic was not considered a hindrance to aging well. Rather, social and relational issues were central and unique to aging well for autistic adults. Implications include the need to address societal attitudes towards autism and building capacity and understanding in those who are both formally and informally involved in the lives of autistic adults.

scholarly journals Emotional distress and well-being among people with motor neurone disease (MND) and their family caregivers: a qualitative interview study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e044724
Author(s):  
Cathryn Pinto ◽  
Adam W A Geraghty ◽  
Lucy Yardley ◽  
Laura Dennison
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Motor Neurone ◽  
Motor Neurone Disease ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Broad Understanding

ObjectiveWe aimed to get an in-depth understanding of the emotions experienced by people with motor neurone disease (MND) and their caregivers, and to explore what impacts emotional distress and well-being.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews with people with MND and caregivers.SettingParticipants were recruited from across the UK and took part in interviews conducted either face to face, by telephone or email to accommodate for varying levels of disability.Participants25 people with MND and 10 caregivers took part. Participants were purposively sampled based on their MND diagnosis, symptoms and time since diagnosis.Data analysisData were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsEight broad themes were generated (20 subthemes). Participants described the emotional distress of losing physical function and having a threatened future because of poor prognosis. Keeping up with constant changes in symptoms and feeling unsupported by the healthcare system added to emotional distress. Finding hope and positivity, exerting some control, being kinder to oneself and experiencing support from others were helpful strategies for emotional well-being.ConclusionThe study provides a broad understanding of what impacts emotional distress and well-being and discusses implications for psychological interventions for people with MND and caregivers. Any communication and support provided for people with MND and their caregivers, needs to pay attention to concepts of hope, control and compassion.

scholarly journals Older People’s Experiences of Living with, Responding to and Managing Sensory Loss

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
I Ching Ho ◽  
Lynn Chenoweth ◽  
Anna Williams
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Remedial Actions ◽  
Sensory Changes

(1) Background: Ageing is associated with a decline in sensory function (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell), which play an important role in the maintenance of an older person’s health, independence and well-being. (2) Methods: This qualitative study obtained data through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of thirteen community-dwelling adults 65 years and older. Themes were derived inductively, guided by semi-structured interviews. (3) Results: Twelve participants had two or more sensory impairments, mainly concurrent hearing and vision, which became apparent when a situation/individual alerted them to change/s occurring. They were less aware of impaired smell, taste and touch. Sensory changes impacted on important life functions, prompting many participants to take measured risks in maintaining their independence. Half (seven) of the participants lacked motivation to manage sensory function through goal-directed behaviour, taking remedial actions only when this was relevant to lifestyle preferences. (4) Conclusions: Internal and/or external triggers of sensory changes did not generally motivate remedial action. Health professionals can help to improve older people’s attention to sensory impairment by routinely discussing sensory function with them, screening for sensory changes and facilitating early intervention and support.

scholarly journals Patients’ experiences with the advanced practice nurse role in Swiss family practices: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Schönenberger ◽  
Beat Sottas ◽  
Christoph Merlo ◽  
Stefan Essig ◽  
Stefan Gysin
Keyword(s):  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Family Practices

Abstract Background: Considering shortages of general practitioners (GP) and strategies for improving the quality of health care provision, many countries have implemented interprofessional care models with advanced practice nurses (APN). International evidence suggests that APN care results in high patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, the role is still new, and the patient perspective has not yet been researched. Our aim was therefore to explore patients’ experiences with the APN role in Swiss family practices.Methods: We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews in four different family practices with patients aged 18 to 97 suffering from minor acute to multiple chronic diseases, and who had at least one consultation with an APN. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: The analysis resulted in five themes: Despite the unfamiliarity, all patients were willing to be consulted by an APN because it was recommended by their GP (1); after several encounters, most participants perceived differences between the APN and the GP consultation in terms of the length and style of the consultations as well as the complexity of their tasks (2); the interviewees emphasised coaching, guidance, care coordination, and GP-assisting tasks as APN core competencies and attributed the characteristics empathetic, trustworthy, and competent to the APN role (3); most patients especially valued home visits and the holistic approach of the APNs, but they also noticed that in certain cases GP supervision was required (4); and due to the close collaboration between the APN and the GP, patients felt safe, well cared for and experienced improvements in physical and psychological well-being as well as in daily activities (5). Conclusion: Our results suggested that patients value the APNs’ competencies, despite their initial lack of role knowledge. Trust in the GP seemed to be the most important factor for patients’ receptiveness toward the APN role. Overall, patients perceived an added value due to the enlargement of the scope of practice offered by APNs. The patient perspective might provide valuable insights for further APN role implementation in Swiss family practices.

scholarly journals I Will Not Stand in My Way

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Lausch
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Science Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Authorship

Background: The impostor phenomenon (IP) describes a condition in which one has a feeling of intellectual phoniness, leaving one to doubt their ability to succeed. Research states that in particular, female STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) college students in male-dominated programs, such as engineering and computer science, are affected by such feelings. IP has shown consequences for female students' retention, feeling of belonging, and success, which contribute to STEM gender inequities. Recently it has been stated that strengthening the student's sense of self individually through mindfulness might be another avenue of support. Purpose: Using self-authorship theory, and with that taking into account science identity development, the purpose is to explore and interpret the effects of mindfulness on female STEM graduate students' experience with IP in computer science and engineering and their advancement on the self-authorship trajectory. Methods: Ten graduate and doctoral students participated in this exploratory, mixed-methods study, by completing an eight-week, self-led mindfulness program. The participants completed three semi-structured interviews, and weekly journals entries, including drawings. Four surveys were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: A Mindfulness Foundation was developed that supported the participants in internalizing mechanisms to deal with IP. Mindfulness also strengthened the participants' sense of self-authorship and a correlation of mindfulness, IP and self-authorship was identified. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating mindfulness into STEM graduate education due to its multifaceted impacts. Further underlined is the importance of giving female STEM graduate students the opportunity to uncover their impostor feelings, explore their science identity, and grow self-authorship for professional success and well-being.

scholarly journals Patients’ experiences with the advanced practice nurse role in Swiss family practices: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Schönenberger ◽  
Beat Sottas ◽  
Christoph Merlo ◽  
Stefan Essig ◽  
Stefan Gysin
Keyword(s):  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Family Practices

Abstract Background: Considering shortages of general practitioners (GP) and strategies for improving the quality of health care provision, many countries have implemented interprofessional care models with advanced practice nurses (APN). International evidence suggests that APN care results in high patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, the role is still new, and the patient perspective has not yet been researched. Our aim was therefore to explore patients’ experiences with the APN role in Swiss family practices.Methods: We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews in four different family practices with patients aged 18 to 97 suffering from minor acute to multiple chronic diseases, and who had at least one consultation with an APN. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: The analysis resulted in five themes: Despite the unfamiliarity, all patients were willing to be consulted by an APN because it was recommended by their GP (1); after several encounters, most participants perceived differences between the APN and the GP consultation in terms of the length and approach of the consultations as well as the complexity of their tasks (2); the interviewees emphasised coaching, guidance, care coordination, and GP-assisting tasks as APN core competencies and attributed the characteristics empathetic, trustworthy, and competent to the APN role (3); most patients especially valued home visits and the holistic approach of the APNs, but they also noticed that in certain cases GP supervision was required (4); and due to the close collaboration between the APN and the GP, patients felt safe, well cared for and experienced improvements in physical and psychological well-being as well as in daily activities (5). Conclusion: Our results suggest that patients value the APNs’ competencies, despite their initial lack of role knowledge. Overall, they perceived an added value due to the enlargement of the scope of practice offered by APNs. The patient perspective might provide valuable insights for further APN role implementation in Swiss family practices.

scholarly journals The workplace meal: a migrant workers' perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-375
Author(s):  
Hande Turkoglu ◽  
Lorraine Brown ◽  
Philippa Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Migrant Worker ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Food Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Country Food ◽  
Food Offering

PurposeEmployees eat at least one meal per day in the workplace on a regular basis, carrying implications for their physical and emotional well-being. For migrants, this can be challenging, owing to food culture differences. This study explores migrant workers’ perceptions of the food eaten in the hospitality workplace.Design/methodology/approachEleven in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were carried out with migrant workers in three- and four-star hotels in the southwest of England.FindingsThe findings show that the food eaten in the workplace is perceived as unhealthy and fattening and therefore unappealing. This partly informs a decision to eat home country food away from work.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed across many more organisations to investigate whether this would actually have the positive impact on employee well-being (migrant or home national) and employer reputation.Practical implicationsProviding additional “off-menu” meals for migrant employees is recognised. However, staff turnover within the hotel environment may mean that dishes acceptable to one nationality may not be acceptable to another. Alternatively, it may be that attention to such details and the provision of a food offering that is seen as fit for purpose by staff may reduce turnover and demonstrate “care” on the part of the employer. An annual staff survey could be conducted to gauge employee opinion.Social implicationsThis study helps to show the significance of food for migrant well-being. It highlights that in increasingly globalised workplaces, food provision is important for both emotional and physical health. The study's findings have relevance to other multicultural workplaces where the food provided to staff may have consequences for employee well-being.Originality/valueLittle research has focused on the link between the food consumed in the hospitality workplace and migrant worker well-being. This study therefore makes an important contribution to knowledge by exploring feelings about the food eaten at work from the perspective of migrant workers themselves.

scholarly journals Emotional Responses Toward a New Research Policy Among Academics in a Chinese University

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Lu ◽  
Xiaorong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Identity ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Chinese University ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Teacher Researchers ◽  
New Research

Teacher emotion has received prominent attention in the field of education as they are closely related to teacher identity and teachers’ well-being. While many previous studies have taken teachers’ emotions in teaching as their research focuses, this study investigated university English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher-researchers’ emotions and emotion regulation strategies in research in the context of a new research policy. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven EFL teacher-researchers at a Chinese university which implemented China’s new research policy of breaking the “five-only,” supplemented by the analysis of narrative frames and the institutional research documents. The data revealed that university EFL teacher-researchers experienced wide-ranging and diverse emotions at the micro-level, meso-level, and macro-level of research, with different attitudes toward the new research policy. They also employed multiple strategies of antecedent-focused and response-focused approaches to regulate emotions in research. This study helps unpack the complexity of emotions experienced by university teachers in research, and also calls for the attention of stakeholders to pay to the emotions and well-being of university EFL teachers.

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