The Determination of Relevant Contextual Factors for the Interpretation of Intervention Studies: a Stepwise Approach with Online Information (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The role of the context within intervention studies is often ignored. To consider the context in future research, one needs to know whether enough information is available, and a uniform methodology to study the local context in a standardized way is desirable. Through the World Wide Web, a lot of information is nowadays available. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to test the feasibility of studying the local context with online information and to provide a stepwise approach how to detect these relevant contextual factors which might moderate the effect of an intervention. METHODS The present study is framed within the D-SCOPE project, where a complex intervention by means of home visits was set up to improve the access to tailored care in 3 municipalities (Ghent, Knokke-Heist and Tienen). A case study of these three municipalities was performed to determine which contextual factors could influence the D-SCOPE intervention, a five-step approach was designed and tested: (1) a theoretical/conceptual discussion of relevant contextual factor domains was held; (2) a search was done to find appropriate web-based public datasets which covered these topics with standardized information (e.g., official statistics); (3) a list of all identified contextual factors was made (inventory); (4) a concise list with the assumedly most relevant contextual factors was made by two independent reviewers to reduce the long list of contextual factors+; and (5) a Nominal Grouping Technique was applied. RESULTS Based on the aims of the D-SCOPE intervention, the research team decided that the datasets should cover sociodemographic contextual factors, socioeconomic contextual factors, contextual factors related to care supply/availability or care use and contextual factors related to the local government. The team also decided to use only standardized data. Three public web-based datasets were found resulting in an inventory of 157 contextual factors. After the selection by two independent reviewers, 41 contextual factors were left over and presented in the Nominal Grouping Technique. According to the Nominal Grouping Technique, contextual factors such as: dependency ratio (65+/20-64y), availability of a community center, percentage of people aged 65 or more living alone, and the total resources of the community social security system were considered as most decisive. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that the five-step approach is feasible to determine relevant contextual factors that might affect the results of an intervention study. Such information may be used to correct for in the statistical analyses and for interpretation of the outcomes of intervention studies. CLINICALTRIAL none

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A review of career interventions from an educational perspective: Have investigations shed any light?

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024//1421-0185.59.4.227 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. 227-239 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Lee-Ann Prideaux ◽

Peter A. Creed ◽

Juanita Muller ◽

Wendy Patton

Keyword(s):

Career Development ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Future Research ◽

Development Programs ◽

Career Intervention ◽

Career Interventions ◽

International Trends ◽

Specific Career ◽

Education Interventions ◽

Development Literature

Despite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of career development programs to assist students in their complex transition from school to work, very few specific career education interventions have been objectively evaluated. The aim of this paper is to highlight what the authors consider to be a conspicuous shortfall in the career development literature to date, that is, reports of methodologically sound career intervention studies carried out in actual high school settings. International trends in the world of work are briefly discussed in association with the repercussions these changes are producing for today's youth. The major portion of this article is devoted to a comprehensive review of career intervention studies with particular attention paid to the methodological and theoretical issues that resonate from this review process. Recommendations for future research are proposed.

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The use of ICT by SMMEs in a Digital Economy: A case study in Buffalo City Metropolitan in South Africa [Abstract]

10.28945/4314 ◽

2019 ◽

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Technology Acceptance ◽

21St Century ◽

Common Knowledge ◽

Digital Economy ◽

Future Research ◽

Wealth Creation ◽

Underdeveloped Areas ◽

And Gender ◽

Set Up

Aim/Purpose: The goal of this study is to advance understanding of ICT utilization by SMMEs by checking access, ability (in terms of technological skills) and usage of ICT among some SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in an underdeveloped areas to enhance their business activities in order to utilizes the digital opportunities 21st century digital economies present. Background: In today’s world no nation or region is untouched by the forces of globalization and digital economy. One of the key pioneering forces of globalization is the advances of ICT like internet, social networks, etc. In the sphere of business, this pioneering force has also altered the way businesses and organizations communicate and interact with customers and society at large. Such alternation presents obvious opportunities for wealth creation and growth for businesses and organizations that are well-equipped to take advantages of them. But for those that are less-equipped, particularly SMMEs, globalization can easily lead to fore-closures and marginalization. It is a common knowledge that SMMEs entrepreneurs mostly rely on ICT gadgets like mobile phone, Laptops, Tablets to conduct their business activities as many of them don’t have enough capital to set up offices with necessary equipment. Therefore, using various ICT functions/programs on these ICT devices to enhance their business activities are critical to their businesses in the 21st century digital economies. Methodology: Purposeful sampling was used to approach fifty-four SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas locally called Townships in Buffalo City Metropolitan. Microsoft excel was used in the descriptive statistics. Contribution: This research will add to the growing knowledge ICT usage in SMMEs in the 21st century digital economies. Findings: The results indicate that the participating SMMEs entrepreneurs need to be educated, trained and supported in the use of the ICT applicable to enhance their business activities in order for them to take advantages of 21st century digital economies present. Recommendations for Practitioners: The agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs in South Africa needs to consider the lacked of utilisation of ICTs by SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas as one of the barrier to growing of their businesses and take necessary steps to address it. Recommendation for Researchers: Since age and gender have been proven to be key-moderating variables in many technology acceptance models. There is a need to explore in depth whether the factors of gender and age also act as barriers. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs to identify the barriers hindering SMMEs to grow and address them accordingly. Future Research: More work needs to be done to check whether gender, age of the SMMEs entrepreneurs have some effects on their attitude towards the integration of ICT into their business activities.

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Sustainable Streetscape and Built Environment Designs around BRT Stations: A Stated Choice Experiment Using 3D Visualizations

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126594 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6594

Author(s):

Ahmad Adeel ◽

Bruno Notteboom ◽

Ansar Yasar ◽

Kris Scheerlinck ◽

Jeroen Stevens

Keyword(s):

Built Environment ◽

Mass Transit ◽

Local Context ◽

Transit Oriented Development ◽

Commercial Building ◽

Related Factors ◽

Housing Projects ◽

The Road ◽

Development Goals ◽

Set Up

The incompatibility between the microscale-built environment designs around mass transit stations and stakeholders’ preferences causes dissatisfaction and inconvenience. The lack of a pedestrian-friendly environment, uncontrolled development patterns, traffic and parking issues make the street life vulnerable and unattractive for users, and affect the mass transit usage. How to design the streetscapes around mass transit stations to provide a user-friendly street environment is a crucial question to achieve sustainable transit-oriented development goals. To recognize the specific attributes of streetscape environment relevant in local context of BRT Lahore, this paper presents the results of a visual preference experiment in which nine attributes of built environment were systematically varied across choice sets. Multinomial logit models were set up to identify the preferences of three target groups: BRT users, commercial building users and residents at different locations. The research indicates that not only the road-related factors (bike lane and sidewalk widths, crossings facilities, street greenery) have a significant influence on people’s preference but also that building heights, and the typology of buildings and housing projects around BRT corridor have shaped these preferences. When planning and designing urban design projects around mass transit projects, these significant attributes should be considered.

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Are We Doing ‘Systems’ Research? An Assessment of Methods for Climate Change Adaptation to Hydrohazards in a Complex World

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11041163 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1163 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Melissa Bedinger ◽

Lindsay Beevers ◽

Lila Collet ◽

Annie Visser

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Human Nature ◽

Climate Change Adaptation ◽

Time Scales ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Local Context ◽

Multiple Time Scales ◽

Future Research ◽

Multiple Time ◽

Systems Research

Climate change is a product of the Anthropocene, and the human–nature system in which we live. Effective climate change adaptation requires that we acknowledge this complexity. Theoretical literature on sustainability transitions has highlighted this and called for deeper acknowledgment of systems complexity in our research practices. Are we heeding these calls for ‘systems’ research? We used hydrohazards (floods and droughts) as an example research area to explore this question. We first distilled existing challenges for complex human–nature systems into six central concepts: Uncertainty, multiple spatial scales, multiple time scales, multimethod approaches, human–nature dimensions, and interactions. We then performed a systematic assessment of 737 articles to examine patterns in what methods are used and how these cover the complexity concepts. In general, results showed that many papers do not reference any of the complexity concepts, and no existing approach addresses all six. We used the detailed results to guide advancement from theoretical calls for action to specific next steps. Future research priorities include the development of methods for consideration of multiple hazards; for the study of interactions, particularly in linking the short- to medium-term time scales; to reduce data-intensivity; and to better integrate bottom–up and top–down approaches in a way that connects local context with higher-level decision-making. Overall this paper serves to build a shared conceptualisation of human–nature system complexity, map current practice, and navigate a complexity-smart trajectory for future research.

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Feasibility, usability and acceptability of paediatric lung ultrasound among healthcare providers and caregivers for the diagnosis of childhood pneumonia in resource-constrained settings: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042547 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e042547

Author(s):

Atif Riaz ◽

Olga Cambaco ◽

Laura Elizabeth Ellington ◽

Jennifer L Lenahan ◽

Khatia Munguambe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

New Technology ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Local Context ◽

Future Research ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Pneumonia Diagnosis

ObjectivesPaediatric pneumonia burden and mortality are highest in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Paediatric lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for pneumonia in LMIC. Despite a growing evidence base for LUS use in paediatric pneumonia diagnosis, little is known about its potential for successful implementation in LMIC. Our objectives were to evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS in the diagnosis of paediatric pneumonia.DesignProspective qualitative study using semistructured interviewsSettingTwo referral hospitals in Mozambique and PakistanParticipantsA total of 21 healthcare providers (HCPs) and 20 caregivers were enrolled.ResultsHCPs highlighted themes of limited resource availability for the feasibility of LUS implementation, including perceived high cost of equipment, maintenance demands, time constraints and limited trained staff. HCPs emphasised the importance of policymaker support and caregiver acceptance for long-term success. HCP perspectives of usability highlighted ease of use and integration into existing workflow. HCPs and caregivers had positive attitudes towards LUS with few exceptions. Both HCPs and caregivers emphasised the potential for rapid, improved diagnosis of paediatric respiratory conditions using LUS.ConclusionsThis was the first study to evaluate HCP and caregiver perspectives of paediatric LUS through qualitative analysis. Critical components impacting feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS for paediatric pneumonia diagnosis in LMIC were identified for initial deployment. Future research should explore LUS sustainability, with a particular focus on quality control, device maintenance and functionality and adoption of the new technology within the health system. This study highlights the need to engage both users and recipients of new technology early in order to adapt future interventions to the local context for successful implementation.Trial registration numberNCT03187067.

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Short-term adoption rates for a web-based portal within the intranet of a hospital information system

BMJ Health & Care Informatics ◽

10.1136/bmjhci-2019-100004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. e100004 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Athanasios Kotoulas ◽

Ioannis Stratis ◽

Theodoros Goumenidis ◽

George Lambrou ◽

Dimitrios - Dionysios Koutsouris

Keyword(s):

Open Source ◽

Resistance To Change ◽

Content Management ◽

Healthcare Management ◽

Short Term ◽

Web Based ◽

Average Growth ◽

Greek Hospital ◽

Set Up ◽

Free Open Source

ObjectiveAn intranet portal that combines cost-free, open-source software technology with easy set-up features can be beneficial for daily hospital processes. We describe the short-term adoption rates of a costless content management system (CMS) in the intranet of a tertiary Greek hospital.DesignDashboard statistics of our CMS platform were the implementation assessment of our system.ResultsIn a period of 10 months of running the software, the results indicate the employees overcame ‘Resistance to Change’ status. The average growth rate of end users who exploit the portal services is calculated as 2.73 every 3.3 months.ConclusionWe found our intranet web-based portal to be acceptable and helpful so far. Exploitation of an open-source CMS within the hospital intranet can influence healthcare management and the employees’ way of working as well.

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A Systematic Review of Replicative Self-Determination Intervention Studies

The Journal of Special Education ◽

10.1177/0022466919850188 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 29-39

Author(s):

John L. Luckner ◽

Rashida Banerjee ◽

Sara Movahedazarhouligh ◽

Kaitlyn Millen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Self Determination ◽

Future Research ◽

Replication Studies ◽

Research Designs ◽

Replication Research ◽

Quality Of Research

Current federal legislation emphasizes the use of programs, interventions, strategies, and activities that have been demonstrated through research to be effective. One way to increase the quantity and quality of research that guides practice is to conduct replication research. The purpose of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the replication research focused on self-determination conducted between 2007 and 2017. Using methods used by Cook and colleagues, we identified 80 intervention studies on topics related to self-determination, of which 31 were coded as replications. Intervention study trends, rate of replication studies, percentage of agreements between findings of original and replication studies, amount of author overlap, and types of research designs used are reported along with recommendations for future research.

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They did not start the fire: reviewing and resolving the issue of physician stress and burnout

Journal of Health Organization and Management ◽

10.1108/jhom-11-2016-0212 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 410-417 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Julie Christine Babyar

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Future Research ◽

Organizational Strategies ◽

Physician Burnout ◽

Content Type ◽

Current State ◽

The Usa ◽

Research Accountability ◽

Physician Stress

Purpose Physician stress and burnout is a serious and common concern in healthcare, with over half of physicians in the USA meeting at least one criterion for burnout. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A review on current state of physician stress and burnout research, from 2008 to 2016, was undertaken. A subsequent perspective paper was shaped around these reviews. Findings Findings reveal research strength in prevalence and incidence with opportunities for stronger intervention studies. While descriptive studies on causes and consequences of physician burnout are available, studies on interventions and prevention of physician burnout are lacking. Future research on physician stress and burnout should incorporate intervention studies and take care to avoid limitations found in current research. Accountability and prevention of physician burnout is the responsibility of the healthcare industry as a whole, and organizational strategies must be emphasized in future research. Originality/value The value of this research comes in the original comprehensive review, international inclusion and succinct summary of physician burnout research and strategies.

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OMERACT Filter Evidence Supporting the Measurement of At-work Productivity Loss as an Outcome Measure in Rheumatology Research

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.141077 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 214-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Dorcas E. Beaton ◽

Sarah Dyer ◽

Annelies Boonen ◽

Suzanne M.M. Verstappen ◽

Reuben Escorpizo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measurement ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Productivity Loss ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Contextual Factor ◽

Nominal Group ◽

Future Research ◽

Specific Work ◽

Worker Productivity ◽

Activity Impairment

Objective.Indicators of work role functioning (being at work, and being productive while at work) are important outcomes for persons with arthritis. As the worker productivity working group at OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), we sought to provide an evidence base for consensus on standardized instruments to measure worker productivity [both absenteeism and at-work productivity (presenteeism) as well as critical contextual factors].Methods.Literature reviews and primary studies were done and reported to the OMERACT 12 (2014) meeting to build the OMERACT Filter 2.0 evidence for worker productivity outcome measurement instruments. Contextual factor domains that could have an effect on scores on worker productivity instruments were identified by nominal group techniques, and strength of influence was further assessed by literature review.Results.At OMERACT 9 (2008), we identified 6 candidate measures of absenteeism, which received 94% endorsement at the plenary vote. At OMERACT 11 (2012) we received over the required minimum vote of 70% for endorsement of 2 at-work productivity loss measures. During OMERACT 12 (2014), out of 4 measures of at-work productivity loss, 3 (1 global; 2 multiitem) received support as having passed the OMERACT Filter with over 70% of the plenary vote. In addition, 3 contextual factor domains received a 95% vote to explore their validity as core contextual factors: nature of work, work accommodation, and workplace support.Conclusion.Our current recommendations for at-work productivity loss measures are: WALS (Workplace Activity Limitations Scale), WLQ PDmod (Work Limitations Questionnaire with modified physical demands scale), WAI (Work Ability Index), WPS (Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey), and WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Our future research focus will shift to confirming core contextual factors to consider in the measurement of worker productivity.

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LEVERAGE: Reciprocal peer tutoring over broadband networks

ReCALL ◽

10.1017/s0958344000002172 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 133-142 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jan Wong ◽

Agnès Fauverge

Keyword(s):

Language Learning ◽

Peer Tutoring ◽

Computer Network ◽

Web Based ◽

Application Sharing ◽

Quality Video ◽

Reciprocal Peer Tutoring ◽

Set Up ◽

High Quality Video ◽

Experimental Use

This paper reports on the experimental use of a broadband computer network hypermedia environment for language learning (French, English and Spanish). Using Web-based resources, students engage in a collaborative task over a network which offers high quality video-conferencing, application sharing and access to authentic multimedia resources. One of the main aims was to establish the practicalities of providing learners of languages with opportunities to engage in reciprocal peer tutoring. After outlining the pedagogical assumptions, and describing the set-up of the network-based learning environment, the trials are analysed, and the effectiveness of network-based language learning in supporting collaborative learning is discussed.

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