Synchronous online nominal group sessions in times of COVID-19: recommendations for researchers based on a Fishbone analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Timmermans ◽  
Ine Huybrechts ◽  
Peter Decat ◽  
Veerle Foulon ◽  
Ann Van Hecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Practical Guide ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Continue Research ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Group Brainstorming ◽  
Synchronous Online

BACKGROUND In times of COVID-19, we are challenged to experiment with alternative platforms or software to connect people. In particular, the struggle in health research arose to interact with patients and care professionals. The latter is additionally faced with an extreme workload to fight the pandemic crisis. Creative strategies are developed to continue research among patients and care professionals to improve quality of care. This paper addresses the issue of synchronous online nominal group sessions, a common consensus method used for group brainstorming. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to share our experiences with performing online nominal group sessions using the video conference software Microsoft® Teams. In addition, we aim to create a practical guide with recommendations for researchers. METHODS We critically analysed data collection of online nominal group sessions, according to the Fishbone methodology. RESULTS Performing synchronous online nominal group sessions is challenging but offers opportunities. Although interaction with and among the attendees complicates the process, the major advantage of online sessions is their accessibility and low time investment. The role of the moderators is of major importance and good preparation beforehand is required. Recommendations for future online nominal research were formulated. CONCLUSIONS Online nominal group sessions seem to be a promising alternative for the real-life commonly used technique. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits must be highlighted. More expertise is needed to further refine the practical guide for using digital software in research and to achieve optimal performance.

scholarly journals Medication Experience and Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ and Health Professionals’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4266
Author(s):  
Amparo Talens ◽  
Mercedes Guilabert ◽  
Blanca Lumbreras ◽  
María Teresa Aznar ◽  
Elsa López-Pintor
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Individualized Care ◽  
Medication Experience

Lack of adherence constitutes one of the most important challenges in patients undergoing treatment with oral antineoplastic drugs (ANEO). Understanding cancer patients’ experiences with respect to their medication is key for optimizing adherence and therapeutic results. We aimed to assess the medication experience (ME) in patients with cancer in treatment with ANEO, to describe the barriers and facilitators related to the disease and its treatment and to compare them with the healthcare professionals’ perspectives. We carried out an exploratory qualitative study in the University Hospital of San Juan de Alicante, Spain. Three focus groups and two nominal group discussions were conducted with 23 onco-hematological patients treated with ANEO and 18 health professionals, respectively. The data were analyzed using content analyses and were eventually triangulated. The most impactful aspects in patients’ ME were the presence of adverse effects; lack of information about treatment; beliefs, needs and expectations regarding medications; social and family support; and the relationship with the health professionals. Both patients and professionals agreed on considering the negative side effects and the information about treatment as the main barriers and facilitators of adherence, respectively, although the approaches differed between both profiles. The professionals offered a more technical vision while patients prioritized the emotional burden and motivation associated with the disease and medication. This study allowed us to understand the real-life experiences of patients being treated with ANEO and explore the factors which had an impact on adherence to treatment. This understanding enables professionals to have a positive influence on patients’ behavior and provide individualized care plans. Pharmacists’ assistance is relevant to support patients’ adherence and self-management.

scholarly journals Canadian Recommendations for Clinical Trials of Pharmacologic Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inclusion Criteria and Study Design: Table 1.

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 2095-2104 ◽  
Author(s):  
JACOB KARSH ◽  
EDWARD C. KEYSTONE ◽  
BOULOS HARAOUI ◽  
J. CARTER THORNE ◽  
JANET E. POPE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Study Design ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Design Features

Objective.Current clinical trial designs for pharmacologic interventions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not reflect the innovations in RA diagnosis, treatment, and care in countries where new drugs are most often used. The objective of this project was to recommend revised entry criteria and other study design features for RA clinical trials.Methods.Recommendations were developed using a modified nominal group consensus method. Canadian Rheumatology Research Consortium (CRRC) members were polled to rank the greatest challenges to clinical trial recruitment in their practices. Initial recommendations were developed by an expert panel of rheumatology trialists and other experts. A scoping study methodology was then used to examine the evidence available to support or refute each initial recommendation. The potential influence of CRRC recommendations on primary outcomes in future trials was examined. Recommendations were finalized using a consensus process.Results.Recommendations for clinical trial inclusion criteria addressed measures of disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) > 3.2 PLUS ≥ 3 tender joints using 28-joint count (TJC28) PLUS ≥ 3 swollen joint (SJC28) OR C-reactive protein (CRP) or ESR > upper limit of normal PLUS ≥ 3 TJC28 PLUS ≥ 3 SJC28], functional classification, disease classification and duration, and concomitant RA treatments. Additional recommendations regarding study design addressed rescue strategies and longterm extension.Conclusion.There is an urgent need to modify clinical trial inclusion criteria and other study design features to better reflect the current characteristics of people living with RA in the countries where the new drugs will be used.

scholarly journals How Happy Are Equine Athletes? Stakeholder Perceptions of Equine Welfare Issues Associated with Equestrian Sport

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3228
Author(s):  
Tamzin Furtado ◽  
Liane Preshaw ◽  
Jo Hockenhull ◽  
Jennifer Wathan ◽  
Janet Douglas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Stakeholder Perceptions ◽  
General Management ◽  
Equestrian Sport ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Equine Welfare ◽  
And Training

The international governing body for equestrian sports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), states that the welfare of the horse must be paramount and never subordinated to competitive or commercial influences. However, there is growing unease about welfare issues from both within and outside the sport. The aim of this study was to understand stakeholder perceptions of current welfare issues within equestrian sport, determine whether there is scope for change, and explore attitudes towards welfare assessment. Participants (n = 48) from equestrian sport (n = 38) and animal welfare research (n = 10) attended a workshop that included welfare-related presentations and focus group sessions. The focus group sessions were recorded, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Conflict between the demands of competition and the needs of the horse was identified as a key welfare challenge. Although the physical health of equine athletes is closely monitored, horses’ psychological needs are sometimes overlooked. Participants recognised that improving competition practices may not be as impactful as improving the general management and training of horses. The term “quality of life” was considered preferable to “welfare”, which had negative connotations. Participants appreciated the idea of incorporating formal welfare assessments into their training and competition plans but stated that existing tools are rarely used and are not deemed feasible for real-life conditions.

scholarly journals A Review of Progress and Applications of Pulsed Doppler Wind LiDARs

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 2522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengliang Liu ◽  
Janet F. Barlow ◽  
Pak-Wai Chan ◽  
Jimmy Chi Hung Fung ◽  
Yuguo Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Energy ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Doppler Lidar ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
In Situ Techniques ◽  
Energy Assessment ◽  
Wind Shears ◽  
Wind Profiles

Doppler wind LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) makes use of the principle of optical Doppler shift between the reference and backscattered radiations to measure radial velocities at distances up to several kilometers above the ground. Such instruments promise some advantages, including its large scan volume, movability and provision of 3-dimensional wind measurements, as well as its relatively higher temporal and spatial resolution comparing with other measurement devices. In recent decades, Doppler LiDARs developed by scientific institutes and commercial companies have been well adopted in several real-life applications. Doppler LiDARs are installed in about a dozen airports to study aircraft-induced vortices and detect wind shears. In the wind energy industry, the Doppler LiDAR technique provides a promising alternative to in-situ techniques in wind energy assessment, turbine wake analysis and turbine control. Doppler LiDARs have also been applied in meteorological studies, such as observing boundary layers and tracking tropical cyclones. These applications demonstrate the capability of Doppler LiDARs for measuring backscatter coefficients and wind profiles. In addition, Doppler LiDAR measurements show considerable potential for validating and improving numerical models. It is expected that future development of the Doppler LiDAR technique and data processing algorithms will provide accurate measurements with high spatial and temporal resolutions under different environmental conditions.

The Support of Virtual 3D Worlds for Enhancing Collaboration in Learning Settings

2011 ◽  
pp. 278-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Gütl
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Physics Education ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Diverse Learning ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Activity Awareness ◽  
Practical Experiences

Collaborative learning activities apply different approaches in-class or out-of-class, which range from classroom discussions to group-based assignments and can involve students more actively as well as stimulate social and interpersonal skills. Information and communication technology can support collaboration, however, a great number of pre-existing technologies and implementations have limitations in terms of the interpersonal communication perspective, limited shared activity awareness, and a lack of a sense of co-location. Virtual 3D worlds offer an opportunity to either mitigate or even overcome these issues. This book chapter focuses on how virtual 3D worlds can foster the collaboration both between instructors and students as well as between student peers in diverse learning settings. Literature review findings are complemented by the results of practical experiences on two case studies of collaborative learning in virtual 3D worlds: one on small group learning and one on physics education. Overall findings suggest that such learning environment’s advantages are a promising alternative to meet more easily and spontaneously; and that an integrated platform with a set of tools and a variety of communication channels provides real life world phenomena as well as different ones. On the negative side, there are usability issues in relation to the technical limitations of 3D world platforms and applications, which reduce the potential for learning in such collaborative virtual environments.

The social cognition individualized activities lab: Implementation of a new remediation intervention for social cognition

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S567-S567
Author(s):  
D. Palumbo ◽  
A. Mucci ◽  
G. Piegari ◽  
M. Chieffi ◽  
A. Mazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Real Life ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Life Functioning ◽  
Individualized Training ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Individualized Activities ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionPeople with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in neurocognitive and social cognitive (SC) processes which limit their social reintegration. SC was found to mediate in part the impact of neurocognitive dysfunctions on real-life functioning.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to implement a new intervention for patients with schizophrenia, the Social Cognition Individualized Activities Lab (So.C.I.A.L.) which trains both social cognition and neurocognitive functions.AimsTo determine the efficacy of the So.C.I.A.L in improving SC by a comparison with a validated cognitive remediation (CR) intervention: the Social Skills And Neurocognitive Individualized Training (SSANIT).MethodsNine stabilized patients accepted to participate in this pilot study. Five were randomized to So.C.I.A.L. and 4 to SSANIT. The two programs were matched for the overall treatment duration (20 weeks), as well as frequency and duration of the sessions. Both interventions included individual sessions of neurocognitive individualized training; So.C.I.A.L included group sessions on Emotion Recognition and Theory of Mind, while SSANIT group sessions of Social Skills Individualized Training.ResultsNo group difference was found for changes in neurocognition, while a significant group effect was observed for changes in SC, due to improvement only in the So.C.I.A.L. group.ConclusionsThe study results showed a specific effect of the So.C.I.A.L. on SC, beyond the effect on neurocognition. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of So.C.I.A.L. on real-life functioning in a larger group of subjects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Comparison of decision-making approaches to prioritization of clean air action plans for sustainable development

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-268
Author(s):  
Ahmet Çalık
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clean Air

Background: Clean air action plans have been prepared and are still being implemented in Turkey to control and prevent air pollution, and improve the air quality. The plans reveal a picture of the current situation and available inventory information. However, in order to implement the identified plans in real life, they need to be prioritized. This study aimed to identify and prioritize clean air action plans for Turkey using a framework of both fuzzy and crisp evaluations. Methods: In this study, priorities of the plans were identified and analyzed with a decision-making model. A three-step research methodology was provided. First, literature was reviewed regarding sustainable development and action plans. Second, in order to narrow and specify action plans, the nominal group technique (NGT) was implemented. Finally, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and best-worst method (BWM) surveys were applied to environmental engineers and experts working on sustainable development to prioritize the action plans. Results: It was revealed that heating dimension is considered as the most important criterion with the weight of 0.7469 in fuzzy AHP and 0.758 in BWM. AP1 with a weight of 0.3356 in fuzzy AHP and AP3 with a weight of 0.3289 in BWM were the most important sub-criteria, which are the plans for reducing coal use ranked at the forefront in reducing air pollution. Conclusion: According to the results, there is no significant difference in the priority ranking results. The results of fuzzy AHP and BWM are very similar. For example, traffic criterion has the best performance in both methods in the evaluation of decision makers. In addition, the main and sub-criteria with the lowest priority are the same in these two methods

Patterns in Electronic Brainstorming

2011 ◽  
pp. 101-116
Author(s):  
Alan R. Dennis ◽  
Alain Pinsonneault ◽  
Kelly McNamara Hilmer ◽  
Henri Barki ◽  
Brent Galupe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Time Effect ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Social Loafing ◽  
Electronic Brainstorming ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Group Brainstorming ◽  
Electronic Groups ◽  
First Time

Research has shown that some groups using electronic brainstorming generate more unique ideas than groups using nominal group brainstorming, while others do not. This study examined two factors through which group size may affect brainstorming performance: synergy and social loafing. Groups brainstormed using three techniques to manipulate synergy and two group sizes to manipulate social loafing. We found no social loafing effects. We found a time effect: nominal brainstorming groups that received no synergy from the ideas of others produced more ideas than electronic groups in the first time period and fewer ideas in the last time period. We conclude that synergy from the ideas of others is only important when groups brainstorm for longer time period. We also conclude that electronic brainstorming groups should be given at least 30 minutes to work on tasks, or else they will be unlikely to develop synergy.

A constructivism-based training course for hospitality and tourism instructors in Vietnam to improve their self-confidence in synchronous online teaching

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh-Thao Luong ◽  
Eunyoung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Management ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Constructivist Approaches ◽  
Synchronous Online

Purpose As Vietnam needs to shift from physical to virtual classrooms owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aims to propose and evaluate a constructivist training course designed to improve instructors’ self-confidence in conducting synchronous online teaching by helping them develop the skills required for such. Design/methodology/approach A total of 67 in-service instructors in various hospitality and tourism institutions in Vietnam participated in the proposed course. Constructivist approaches were adopted to design learning activities. Delivered via Blackboard Collaborate’s classroom version, the course aims at enhancing instructors’ self-confidence in the knowledge and skills required for synchronous online teaching: developing online presence, planning lessons, handling technology, adapting to learners’ preferences and classroom management. Using qualitative and quantitative analyses, this paper evaluated the proposed course by comparing participants’ levels of self-confidence in conducting synchronous online teaching before and after the training. Findings The results show that participants’ self-confidence was enhanced after the course. To improve the course, however, more time should be allotted for practice sessions where participants can pedagogically and technologically familiarize themselves with online teaching tools. Originality/value By translating constructivism into online pedagogy, this study provided empirical evidence of how a teachers’ training program was designed and implemented to meet the need to shift from real-life to real-time classrooms in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also contributes to the growing literature on methods of improving instructors’ readiness in synchronous online teaching.

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