scholarly journals Situación de las personas con discapacidad en el sector de la Comunicación en España: aspectos laborales, profesionales y académicos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Viñarás-Abad ◽  
María Sánchez-Valle ◽  
Tamara Vázquez-Barrio
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Methodological Triangulation ◽  
Qualitative Technique ◽  
General Data ◽  
Working Situation

The inclusion of people with disabilities in the work environment is a social issue that has become increasingly relevant in recent years. General data exist on the employability of people with disabilities, but there is a lack of information within the communications sector. The main objective of this investigation is to determine the working situation of people with disabilities in the field of communication. Methodological triangulation is applied based on the current status of this issue, an online survey (quantitative technique), and a discussion group (qualitative technique). The results demonstrate opposing opinions that lead to the conclusion that there are currently many preconceptions and barriers that prevent true inclusivity. Communication professionals with disabilities require normalization of their situation, encompassing not only accessibility but also a commitment to full inclusivity. Resumen La inclusión de las personas con discapacidad en el entorno laboral es una cuestión social que ha ganado relevancia en los últimos años. Existen datos generales sobre la empleabilidad de las personas con discapacidad, pero no hay información sobre la situación en el sector de la Comunicación. Esta investigación tiene como principal objetivo conocer la situación laboral de las personas con discapacidad en el ámbito comunicativo. Se ha optado por aplicar la triangulación metodológica a través de la creación de un estado de la cuestión, la encuesta online (técnica cuantitativa) y el grupo de discusión (técnica cualitativa). Los resultados muestran opiniones contrapuestas que llevan a concluir que todavía existen muchos prejuicios y barreras para conseguir una verdadera inclusión. Los profesionales de la comunicación con discapacidad reclaman la normalización de su situación, donde más allá de la accesibilidad, se apuesta por la plena inclusión.

scholarly journals Efficiency and Teamwork in Emergency Departments: Perception of Staff on Design Interventions

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672110231
Author(s):  
Sahar Ahmadpour ◽  
Sara Bayramzadeh ◽  
Parsa Aghaei
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Enhance Efficiency ◽  
Efficient Work

Objectives: The goal of this study is twofold: (1) identifying design strategies that enhance efficiency and support teamwork in emergency departments (EDs) and (2) identifying design features that contribute to the spread of COVID-19, based on staff perception. Background: Due to increasing ED visits annually, an efficient work environment has become one of the main concerns in designing EDs. According to the literature, an efficient work environment and teamwork improve healthcare outcomes and positively impact staff satisfaction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, EDs faced various changes such as workflow and space usage. Few studies explored staff perceptions about the influence of design features on efficiency, teamwork, and the COVID-19 spread. Method: An online survey with 14 open- and closed-ended questions was distributed among ED staff members to collect data about unit design features that impact efficiency, teamwork, and the COVID-19 spread. Results: The central nursing station was one of the preferred configurations that increased efficiency and teamwork in EDs. Decentralizing disposal rooms in small-size EDs and decentralizing the medication room in large-size EDs with more than 65 exam rooms can decrease staff walking steps. Flexibility to expand treatment spaces on demand, one-way track circulation path, and changing the air pressure in COVID-19 treatment areas were some of the staff suggestions for future EDs. Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge that EDs’ physical environments can impact efficiency and teamwork among staff and, consequently, healthcare outcomes. Compartmentalization of the ED layout can reduce the spread of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Patient advocacy group involvement in health technology assessments: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Single ◽  
Ariana Cabrera ◽  
Simon Fifer ◽  
Jane Tsai ◽  
Jin-Young Paik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Patient Advocacy ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Local Setting ◽  
Patient Advocacy Group

Abstract Background In some jurisdictions, patients and patient groups may be invited to provide input when Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is used to inform decisions about which medicines should be subsidised or funded. This input can help frame the evidence from a patient perspective, address uncertainties in the evidence and interpret it for the local setting. However, there is currently no evidence linking patient involvement with positive reimbursement decisions. Aim We aimed to understand the expectations of patient involvement in the reimbursement process, especially among cancer patient advocacy groups (PAGs) in New Zealand (Aotearoa), South Korea and Taiwan. Methods We developed an online survey to help understand the role that cancer PAGs play in reimbursement processes and identify knowledge gaps about the processes that might impact the efforts of PAGs. The survey elicited the views of staff and patients affiliated with PAGs (n = 43) on current practices and how the assessment and reimbursement of new cancer drugs might be improved. Results There was variability in knowledge of the HTA assessment processes and in experience of being involved in them. Those with HTA experience were more likely to have confidence in the process. Those who had not been involved tended to have little awareness of, or frustration with, decision-making processes. Most identified cost, finances and economic assessments as key considerations in current processes. Some respondents had clear ideas about how their knowledge and involvement could improve processes to determine the value of new medicines. However, for many, a lack of information about the basis for decision making and opportunities to be involved was a barrier to identifying process improvement. Conclusions HTA is implemented primarily in countries seeking to have fair and equitable processes for funding medicines. PAGs often recognise the financial challenges of funding new medicines and share the desire for procedural fairness. The connection PAGs make between patient involvement and improved access to new medicines may be based on the belief they can add information to the evidence base, help solve problems, ensure fairness through transparency and/or influence the culture towards increased access to medicines they value.

scholarly journals Burnout among staff on specialized eating disorder units in Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Wiig Hage ◽  
Karin Isaksson Rø ◽  
Øyvind Rø
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Emotional Dissonance ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract Objective Burnout is commonly associated with low workplace wellbeing. Patients with eating disorders are frequently referred to as a particularly challenging group to treat. It is therefore important to study healthcare providers´ workplace wellbeing in settings which treat eating disorders. The aims of the current study were to (a) measure burnout among healthcare providers working on specialized eating disorder units in Norway, and (b) explore factors predicting burnout. Methods 186 participants from 11 specialized eating disorder units in Norway completed an online survey including the Mashlach Burnout Inventory, and eating disorder-specific factors related to burnout, job satisfaction, work environment, emotional dissonance and stress. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of burnout. Results Overall, low levels of burnout were found among the participants. Eating disorder-specific factors and emotional dissonance predicted the three central aspects of burnout, namely, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. Conclusions Findings suggest a relatively low level of burnout across age, gender, and professional categories working at specialized eating disorder units, contrary to commonly-held assumptions pertaining to the challenges involved in treating individuals with eating disorders.

scholarly journals A Survey on the Influence of CYBATHLON on the Development and Acceptance of Advanced Assistive Technologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Thomas Meyer ◽  
Selina Weber ◽  
Lukas Jäger ◽  
Roland Sigrist ◽  
Roger Gassert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
User Centered

Abstract Background: Advanced assistive technologies (AAT) aim to exploit the vast potential of technological developments made in the past decades to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Combining complex robotic technologies with the unique needs of people with disabilities requires a strong focus on user-centered design to ensure that the AAT appropriately addresses the daily life struggles of target users. The CYBATHLON aims to promote this mindset by empowering the AAT target users (“pilots”) to compete on race tracks that represent daily life obstacles. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the CYABTHALON on AAT technology development, acceptance, and user involvement (i.e., application of user-centered design).Methods: With an online survey targetting the pilots and technical leads of teams preparing for the CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition, we investigated to what extent the pilots were involved in device development and how this influences the perceived daily life usability of the showcased AAT. Furthermore, the effects of user-centered design variables on the individual race performances were analyzed.Results: A total of 81 responses from 35 pilots and 46 technical leads were collected in the two weeks prior to the event. Of all teams partaking in the included disciplines of the CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition, 81.8% (36 of 44) were included in the study. User-centered design appeared to be a prevalent practice among the teams, as 85.7% of all pilots reported a certain level of involvement. However, only 25.5% of the pilots reported daily life usage, despite QUEST usability scores of both respondent groups showing moderate to high satisfaction with the respected AAT across all investigated disciplines. An explorative linear mixed model indicated that daily life usage (p < 0.05) and prolonged user involvement (e.g. more than 2 years, p < 0.001) have a significant positive effect on the race performance at the competition.Conclusions: We conclude that the CYBATHLON positively fullfills its conceptual goals of promoting active participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in the design and evaluation of AAT, thereby stimulating the development of promising novel technological solutions. Also, our data could underline the value of the competition as a benchmark, highlighting remaining usability limitations or technology adoption hurdles.

Determinants of Early Retirement in the UAE

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-69
Author(s):  
Eda Orhun ◽  
Wifag Adnan ◽  
Mouawiya Alawad
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Early Retirement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pension Benefit ◽  
Retirement Decision ◽  
Work Related

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze the retirement behavior of UAE nationals by understanding the socio-economic characteristics of early retirees and identifying the main determinants of early retirement. Accordingly, a survey study is created and deployed for current employees and retirees affiliated with Abu Dhabi Retirement and Pension Benefit Fund (ADRPBF). The survey was designed to reach 100 retirees and 200 currently active workers from those registered at the ADRPBF. The survey was conducted by employing the online survey method and face-to-face interviews. The total number of respondents is around 244, with a total response rate of 81.33%. Some factors related to the psychosocial work environment play a significant role in the early retirement decision of Emiratis. These factors are stress level, autonomy level and authority level at work. In addition to these, the level of work environment comfortability and life-work balance seem to also affect the early retirement decision. In general, the results indicate that higher the stress level, lower the level of autonomy and authority; higher the early retirement decision within the Emirati workforce. Last but not least, the likelihood of early retirement increases significantly if employees face a work-related health problem. Initiatives at the government and company level to adjust the working conditions for the capacity of elderly people shall be considered. Healthy living campaigns and sport programs might be launched to reduce work-related health problems and consequently early retirement. Our work is the first comprehensive study exploring the early retirement decision of the UAE nationals. One limitation of our study is the limited number of participants in the survey. Future work that will include a higher number of participants and supplementary questions to cover more job features (physical workload, other psychosocial factors) might be helpful.

Understanding “Knowledge Management (KM) Paradigms” from Social Media Perspective

2012 ◽  
pp. 738-755
Author(s):  
Mustafa Sagsan ◽  
Tunç Medeni
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Technological Paradigm ◽  
Professional Networking ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Management Discipline ◽  
Future Direction

This paper aims at studying a discussion group/forum at one Professional Networking site (LinkedIn) for understanding and exemplifying “KM paradigms” such as humanist paradigm, inter/intra organizational paradigm, technological paradigm, and socio-technical paradigms from the perspective of social media. Discourse and content analysis techniques based on qualitative research methodology are used in this study in order to understand the perception of the current status and future direction of knowledge management discipline through these expert comments that include storytelling, and which are based on the experience of actors. The focus is on determining new offered term/label instead of knowledge management of these discourses for defining the knowledge management discipline or science accurately. As a result, the differences of perceptions among members that represent different (such as academics/educators and practitioners’) backgrounds are also aimed to be identified. At the end, we hope to exemplify how existing information is shared and new knowledge is developed with respect to a specifically selected, related topic, Knowledge management, among the members of a Professional Networking site. The results can also be useful for other related studies on social networks and their social and professional impacts.

scholarly journals Accessible Tourism in Natural Park Areas: A Social Network Analysis to Discard Barriers and Provide Information for People with Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 9915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piervito Bianchi ◽  
Giulio Mario Cappelletti ◽  
Elisabetta Mafrolla ◽  
Edgardo Sica ◽  
Roberta Sisto
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Policy Network ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Protected Natural Area ◽  
Information And Communication

Although regulations designed to meet the necessities of tourists with disabilities are allowing disables to travel more, they are still encountering barriers and discriminatory practices. A relevant obstacle in making the tourist policy effective is represented by the lack of information and communication about needs and expectations of disabled categories. In this context, the present paper focuses on the coproduction process of tourist public policies for disables by looking at the network that facilitates communication among the actors taking part in the process. We adopt the Social Network Analysis (SNA) to study the policy network, i.e., how public administrations and policy users (associations of citizens/people with disabilities and entrepreneurs) exchange information about the accessibility to the Gargano National Park, a protected natural area in the South of Italy. In particular, we investigate the role of entrepreneurial stakeholders in channeling information and the presence of policy brokers, i.e., stakeholders that spread the policies to the whole network. Our findings show that a limited number of actors involved in granting accessibility to tourists with disabilities is engaged in information exchanges. Moreover, information flows are guided by only one public administration that plays, therefore, a key role in the implementation of policies that support the parks’ accessibility.

The professional development needs for the use of educational technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kam-Cheong Li ◽  
Billy Tak-Ming Wong
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Educational Technology ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Development Needs ◽  
Hong Kong Higher Education

Purpose This study aimed to identify the professional development needs of academics in Hong Kong higher education for the use of educational technology. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted in 2017, which involved 374 academics from Hong Kong higher education institutions. The survey covered their perception and use of educational technology for professional activities and their relevant professional development needs. Findings The results showed an overall positive perception by the academics of the usefulness of online learning with the aid of technology, which was regarded as an effective complement to face-to-face learning. However, their use of educational technology focused only on general online applications, such as document and video-sharing tools, and e-learning platforms. Among various professional development needs, those related to the use of specific educational software with sharing of practical examples were considered to be most highly desired by the academics. In addition, the academics working in lecturer positions tended to use more online applications and had a higher need for professional development, than those with more teaching experience. Originality/value The findings contribute to identifying the current status of the use of educational technology and the professional development needs among academics in Hong Kong, as well as the differences between academics in different job positions and with different amounts of teaching experience. The results help in designing suitable professional development activities which address the specific needs of academics.

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