scholarly journals Feasibility study of technology-enabled prevention intervention for children and families

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Slovak
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Object A ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Uk

Although digital technology has the potential to address the challenges of access, engagement, and scalability that psycho-social prevention interventions face when trying to reach families of primary school children, existing research on technology-enabled interventions for families remains limited. The aim of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate the engagement, acceptability, and initial subjective indicators of emotion regulatory effects during 1-week in-situ deployments of a low-cost, bespoke prototype, which has been designed to support children's in-the-moment emotion regulation. This prototype instantiates a novel intervention model that aims to address the existing limitations by delivering the intervention through an interactive object (a `smart toy') sent home with the child, without any prior training necessary for either the child or their carer. Ten families (altogether 11 children aged 6-10 years) were recruited from three underprivileged communities in the UK, and children were given the toy to keep at home for 7-8 days, after which we interviewed each child and their parent about their experience with the toy. Across all 10 families, participants reported that the toy was incorporated into children's emotion regulation practices and engaged with naturally in moments children wanted to relax or calm down. The data suggest acceptability of the toy from both parents and children, strong engagement and indications of emotion-regulatory effects. More broadly, our findings suggest the potential of a technology-enabled shift in how prevention interventions are designed and delivered: empowering children and parents through `child-led, situated interventions', where participants learn through actionable support directly within family life, as opposed to didactic in-person workshops and a subsequent skills application.

Feasibility study of technology-enabled prevention intervention for children and families (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki Theofanopoulou ◽  
Katherine Isbister ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Petr Slovák
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Object A ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Parents And Children

BACKGROUND A common challenge within psychiatry and prevention science more broadly is the lack of effective, engaging, and scale-able mechanisms to deliver psycho-social interventions for children, especially beyond in-person therapeutic or school-based contexts. Although digital technology has the potential to address these issues, existing research on technology-enabled interventions for families remains limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of in-situ deployments of a low-cost, bespoke prototype, which has been designed to support children’s in-the-moment emotion regulation efforts. This prototype instantiates a novel intervention model that aims to address the existing limitations by delivering the intervention through an interactive object (a ‘smart toy’) sent home with the child, without any prior training necessary for either the child or their carer. This pilot study examined (i) engagement and acceptability of the device in the homes during 1 week deployments; and (ii) qualitative indicators of emotion regulation effects, as reported by parents and children. METHODS In this qualitative study, ten families (altogether 11 children aged 6-10 years) were recruited from three under-privileged communities in the UK. The RA visited participants in their homes to give children the ‘smart toy’ and conduct a semi-structured interview with at least one parent from each family. Children were given the prototype, a discovery book, and a simple digital camera to keep at home for 7-8 days, after which we interviewed each child and their parent about their experience. Thematic analysis guided the identification and organisation of common themes and patterns across the dataset. In addition, the prototypes automatically logged every interaction with the toy throughout the week-long deployments. RESULTS Across all 10 families, parents and children reported that the ‘smart toy’ was incorporated into children’s emotion regulation practices and engaged with naturally in moments children wanted to relax or calm down. Data suggests that children interacted with the toy throughout the duration of the deployment, found the experience enjoyable, and all requested to keep the toy longer. Child emotional connection to the toy—caring for its ‘well-being’—appears to have driven this strong engagement. Parents reported satisfaction with and acceptability of the toy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known study investigation of the use of object-enabled intervention delivery to support emotion regulation in-situ. The strong engagement and qualitative indications of effects are promising – children were able to use the prototype without any training and incorporated it into their emotion regulation practices during daily challenges. Future work is needed to extend this indicative data with efficacy studies examining the psychological efficacy of the proposed intervention. More broadly, our findings suggest the potential of a technology-enabled shift in how prevention interventions are designed and delivered: empowering children and parents through ‘child-led, situated interventions’, where participants learn through actionable support directly within family life, as opposed to didactic in-person workshops and a subsequent skills application.

scholarly journals A Smart Toy Intervention to Promote Emotion Regulation in Middle Childhood: Feasibility Study

10.2196/14029 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. e14029
Author(s):  
Nikki Theofanopoulou ◽  
Katherine Isbister ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Petr Slovák
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Object A ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Background A common challenge with existing psycho-social prevention interventions for children is the lack of effective, engaging, and scalable delivery mechanisms, especially beyond in-person therapeutic or school-based contexts. Although digital technology has the potential to address these issues, existing research on technology-enabled interventions for families remains limited. This paper focuses on emotion regulation (ER) as an example of a core protective factor that is commonly targeted by prevention interventions. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to provide an initial validation of the logic model and feasibility of in situ deployment for a new technology-enabled intervention, designed to support children’s in-the-moment ER efforts. The novelty of the proposed approach relies on delivering the intervention through an interactive object (a smart toy) sent home with the child, without any prior training necessary for either the child or their carer. This study examined (1) engagement and acceptability of the toy in the homes during 1-week deployments, and (2) qualitative indicators of ER effects, as reported by parents and children. Results Across all families, parents and children reported that the smart toy was incorporated into the children’s ER practices and engaged with naturally in moments the children wanted to relax or calm down. Data suggested that the children interacted with the toy throughout the deployment, found the experience enjoyable, and all requested to keep the toy longer. Children’s emotional connection to the toy appears to have driven this strong engagement. Parents reported satisfaction with and acceptability of the toy. Conclusions This is the first known study on the use of technology-enabled intervention delivery to support ER in situ. The strong engagement, incorporation into children’s ER practices, and qualitative indications of effects are promising. Further efficacy research is needed to extend these indicative data by examining the psychological efficacy of the proposed intervention. More broadly, our findings argue for the potential of a technology-enabled shift in how future prevention interventions are designed and delivered: empowering children and parents through child-led, situated interventions, where participants learn through actionable support directly within family life, as opposed to didactic in-person workshops and a subsequent skills application.

scholarly journals The BabySaver: Design of a New Device for Neonatal Resuscitation at Birth with Intact Placental Circulation

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 526
Author(s):  
James Ditai ◽  
Aisling Barry ◽  
Kathy Burgoine ◽  
Anthony K. Mbonye ◽  
Julius N. Wandabwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Neonatal Resuscitation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Skilled Birth Attendants ◽  
New Device ◽  
Birth Attendants ◽  
Premature Babies ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

The initial bedside care of premature babies with an intact cord has been shown to reduce mortality; there is evidence that resuscitation of term babies with an intact cord may also improve outcomes. This process has been facilitated by the development of bedside resuscitation surfaces. These new devices are unaffordable, however, in most of sub-Saharan Africa, where 42% of the world’s 2.4 million annual newborn deaths occur. This paper describes the rationale and design of BabySaver, an innovative low-cost mobile resuscitation unit, which was developed iteratively over five years in a collaboration between the Sanyu Africa Research Institute (SAfRI) in Uganda and the University of Liverpool in the UK. The final BabySaver design comprises two compartments; a tray to provide a firm resuscitation surface, and a base to store resuscitation equipment. The design was formed while considering contextual factors, using the views of individual women from the community served by the local hospitals, medical staff, and skilled birth attendants in both Uganda and the UK.

scholarly journals P63 Improving cervical smear uptake through an Automated Voice Messages Reminder

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bladt ◽  
Felyx Wong ◽  
Francesca Bladt
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Telephone Triage ◽  
Cervical Smear ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Smear Test ◽  
Voice Message ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Busy Schedule

Abstract National cervical screening programs have played a pivotal role in the prevention of cervical cancer. However, practices across the UK have reached an all-time low in cervical screening uptake. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of implementing an automated voice message reminder within the local general practice (GP) telephone triage system and explore the reasons which deter eligible patients away from cervical screening. A 20-second voice-message reminder in the telephone queue was played, addressing key risk factors along with a message from a child who lost his mother to cervical cancer. From the anonymised GP database, weekly new smear test bookings were monitored from 4 weeks prior until 2 weeks after the intervention was implemented. To qualitatively assess factors which deter patients away from screening, female patients were randomly sampled to fill in an anonymous questionnaire. The use of a low-cost 20 second voice message in the telephone queue across UK GP practices could be an effective method to increase cervical smear test coverage towards the national target of 80%. 35 questionnaire responses were received, main themes reported for not attending screening include embarrassment(37%), busy schedule(32%) and cultural differences(24%). In the week following the intervention, cervical smear tests increased more than 2-fold, from an average of 12 to 26 smears per week. This could be partly due to the convenient timing of voice recording, reminding them to book both appointments simultaneously and the child’s emotive message.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Wearability of Facemasks against Air Pollution in Primary School-Aged Children in London

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi R Smart ◽  
Claire J Horwell ◽  
Trevor S Smart ◽  
Karen S Galea
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Perceived Fit ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Main Complaint ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Uk

Air pollution is a major health problem and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects. Facemasks are one form of protection but, to be effective, they need to filter out airborne pollutants, fit the face well and be wearable. In this pilot study, we assess the perceived wearability of three facemasks (Vogmask, TuHao and ReSpimask) marketed in the UK as being designed to protect children against exposure to air pollution. Twenty-four primary school children wore each facemask during a standardised walking and running activity. After each activity, the children were asked to rate facemask wearability in terms of parameters, such as perceived comfort, hotness, breathability and fit. At the end of the trial, the children compared and identified their preferred facemask. The main complaint about the facemasks was the children’s faces being too hot. The ReSpimask was most frequently reported as being perceived to be the hardest to breathe through. The TuHao facemask was the only adjustable strap mask assessed but was reported to be difficult to adjust. Facemasks with a nose clip were frequently rated highest for fit (TuHao and Vogmask). The patterned, cloth fabric Vogmask had significantly higher ratings for appearance and perceived fit. The results show children’s perceptions of facemasks are highly affected by the facemask’s design, hotness and perceived breathability. By making children’s facemasks more appealing, breathable, cooler and improving their fit, wearability may be improved.

Feelings of Guilt and Fantasies in Life Experiences of Brazilian Parents Due to Death of their Newborn: A Clinical-qualitative Study Conducted at a University Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S616-S616
Author(s):  
L. Rodrigues ◽  
J.V. Freitas-de-Jesus ◽  
G. Lavorato-Neto ◽  
D.D. Lima ◽  
E.R. Turato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Cultural Pattern ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionThe relationship between parents and children is a complex link. In the process of pregnancy-birth-puerperium, frequent feelings such as responsibility, love, fear, uncertainty, generate strong expectations at birth. The death of a newborn may not be perceived as natural by the parents, considering the local culture and the context of great technological development of neonatology.ObjectiveTo explore possible guilt and fantasies in life experiences of parents during mourning process due to death of their newborn.MethodClinical-qualitative design, a particularization of qualitative methods here applied in clinical assistance settings with highlight to psychological aspects. Data collection with the technique of semi-directed interview with open-ended questions, in-depth. Sample intentionally constructed, with closure by theoretical saturation of information. The participants were 7 parents, mourning by the death of their child at the neonatal intensive care unit, in a university hospital of Campinas, São Paulo State.ResultsFeelings of guilt - conscious or not - lead to an internal and particular movement so that mourning can be lived. The participants showed certain embarrassment, accompanied by natural suffering facing to the cultural pattern that permeates the emotional experience. It predicts types of psychological meanings that the experience will give to the person.ConclusionHealth professionals working with bereaved parents should consider more deeply the moment these one experienced, with emphasis on the details of the death scenery, beside the problems of illness and death properly so called.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A review on visual criteria of pure milk packaging for parents and their children (case study: Tehran, Iran)

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Rasouli Valajoozi ◽  
Nosrat Ollah Zangi
Keyword(s):  
Influential Factors ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Packaging Design ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Pure Milk ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and find the significance of aesthetic standards related to the packaging design of pure milk among two groups of parents and children in order to help the designers and marketers to identify these two groups of consumers well. Design/methodology/approach – The results of questionnaire were used to get the required data. The selected samples were divided into two groups of 110 parents and children aged between seven and 14 years old who responded to the questions. The subjects were compared and evaluated within the convenience stores in the cosmopolitan city of Tehran based on four independent variables as the influential factors in packaging attractiveness. Data were analyzed through the statistical analysis software using the Independent t-test analysis. Findings – The results of analysis showed that all the variables vary significantly among these two groups. Besides, the importance and priority of variables were determined for each group based on the mean score of each variable. Originality/value – According to the results of this study, it could be concluded that the selection criteria and packaging attractiveness varies among children and parents, and the aesthetic factors of packaging could be used with different priorities for these two groups. And also at the end of research some practical recommendations are presented in order of importance based on parents’ preferences.

Diagnostic accuracy and clinical management by realtime teledermatology. Results from the Northern Ireland arms of the UK Multicentre Teledermatology Trial

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Loane ◽  
R Corbett ◽  
S E Bloomer ◽  
D J Eedy ◽  
H E Gore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Video Link ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Management Recommendations

Diagnostic accuracy and management recommendations of realtime teledermatology consultations using low-cost telemedicine equipment were evaluated. Patients were seen by a dermatologist over a video-link and a diagnosis and treatment plan were recorded. This was followed by a face-to-face consultation on the same day to confirm the earlier diagnosis and management plan. A total of 351 patients with 427 diagnoses participated. Sixty-seven per cent of the diagnoses made over the video-link agreed with the face-to-face diagnosis. Clinical management plans were recorded for 214 patients with 252 diagnoses. For this cohort, 44 of the patients were seen by the same dermatologist at both consultations, while 56 were seen by a different dermatologist. In 64 of cases the same management plan was recommended at both consultations; a sub-optimum treatment plan was recommended in 8 of cases; and in 9 of cases the video-link management plans were judged to be inappropriate. In 20 of cases the dermatologist was unable to recommend a suitable management plan by video-link. There were significant differences in the ability to recommend an optimum management plan by video-link when a different dermatologist made the reference management plan. The results indicate that a high proportion of dermatological conditions can be successfully managed by realtime teledermatology.

Decision Making in Child and Family Social Work

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Protection System ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Selling Point ◽  
New Research

This book presents new research on the extent to which parents and children participate in decision making when childcare social workers are involved and it considers two key meetings in depth: child protection conferences and child in care reviews. There is currently a great deal of interest in how social workers can work more effectively with families and in particular give children a voice. There is also considerable public and media interest in the child protection system, in particular relating to how children are safeguarded by social workers. This book will argue that unless we listen to (and act upon whenever possible) the views of children it is very difficult to safeguard and offer them an effective service. The unique selling point of the book will be that it is based on original solid empirical research following interviews with multiple stakeholders across two local authorities in England including children (n=75), parents (n=52), social workers (n=11, independent reviewing officers (n=8) and senior managers (n=7). This book will consider how 10 years of austerity has impacted on the child protection system and it will have a particular focus on how current practice leads to children and parents often feeling oppressed and excluded in decision making about their lives. The book promises to be authoritative and informed on issues on the ground and very relevant to both policy and practice.

scholarly journals Biophilic Design Patterns for Primary Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12207
Author(s):  
Rokhshid Ghaziani ◽  
Mark Lemon ◽  
Paramita Atmodiwirjo
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Design Patterns ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Design ◽  
School Buildings ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Natural Analogues ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

Existing frameworks for biophilic design have similar strategies and attributes as useful checklists for designers; however, the focus has been on adults rather than children, and there remains the need for more guidance related to school design by extension. The application of biophilia would be a design resolution in schools because of its impact on children’s health and well-being, which has been more important since the pandemic started; however, it remains quite unexplored in school design in many countries, including the UK. Biophilic design patterns can be used in school buildings and grounds for greater connectivity between spaces and nature in order to promote children’s well-being. This paper focuses on ten biophilic design patterns under two categories of ‘nature in the space’ and ‘natural analogues.’ This study presents the findings of case studies in various countries. The analysis focuses on the manifestations of biophilia to inform the application of biophilic design patterns for primary schools. Finally, this paper suggests how primary school children could be involved in a co-design process in order to evaluate biophilic design patterns.

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