scholarly journals Plain language practices of professional writers in Quebec

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 49-74
Author(s):  
Adeline Müller ◽  
Isabelle Clerc ◽  
Thomas François
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Language Practices ◽  
Professional Writers ◽  
Structural Aspects

This article investigates the plain language practices of professional writers in Quebec, using a survey. We contacted 55 professional writers and asked them to complete an online survey about how they apply plain language in their work, and the type of writing assistance they would find useful. We also asked 40 of those writers to carry out a simplification task to see what kind of simplifications they were actually making. If the feelings about the reality of the writers’ work is in line with the literature, opinions on plain language guidelines are not. Most writers in our survey find them useful and precise enough, and this contrasts with reported criticisms of such guides. In the simplification task, we noticed that writers focus on the overall understanding of the text, and not only on some linguistic characteristics (as shown in plain language guidelines). The more experienced the writer, the more changes they will make to visual/structural aspects or relational efficiency. Putting the focus on the reader’s needs is their main concern.

scholarly journals US rheumatologists’ beliefs and knowledge about biosimilars: a survey

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Gibofsky ◽  
Dorothy McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Reference Product ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Biologic Treatment ◽  
Naive Patient ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Additional Education

Abstract Objectives We sought to evaluate perceptions of biosimilar products among US rheumatologists who prescribe TNF-α inhibitors, given that 10 TNF-α inhibitor biosimilars and two rituximab biosimilars have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Methods A 19-question self-administered online survey was conducted from 6 May to 1 June 2019, and fielded by WebMD, LLC. Rheumatologists (n = 9050) who were members of Medscape.com and its partner panels were invited to participate. Likert and other rating scales were used to collect responses, which were summarized descriptively. Results Responses were obtained from 320 board-certified US rheumatologists, 85% of whom were fellows of the ACR. Nearly all respondents were familiar with the FDA definition of a biosimilar product and were aware that an infliximab biosimilar was FDA approved; fewer realized that adalimumab, etanercept and rituximab biosimilars were also FDA approved. Most respondents (84%) were aware that an approved biosimilar was not automatically deemed interchangeable by the FDA. Rheumatologists were more likely to initiate biosimilar treatment for a biologic treatment-naïve patient with RA (73%) than they were to switch to the biosimilar for a patient with RA doing well on the reference product (35%). Conclusions The results of this survey suggest that US rheumatologists have a good understanding and acceptance of biosimilar products, particularly for the initiation of treatment in biologic-naïve individuals. They were hesitant to switch from a reference product to a biosimilar for a patient doing well on the reference product. Additional education on biosimilars is required to help inform treatment decisions by rheumatologists. A plain language summary of this article has been uploaded as supplementary material, available at Rheumatology online.

scholarly journals Returning aggregate results of clinical trials: Empirical data of patient preferences

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 356-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen E. Aldinger ◽  
Jennifer Ligibel ◽  
Im Hee Shin ◽  
John W. Denninger ◽  
Barbara E. Bierer
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Study Results

AbstractIntroduction:The purpose of this research was to understand the preferences of patients receiving integrative medicine services for return of aggregate study results.Methods:A brief online survey (survey 1) was sent to 341 cancer patients receiving integrative medicine interventions; subsequently, a minimally revised survey (survey 2) was sent to 812 individuals with various medical conditions who had been either research participants in integrative medicine studies (n = 446) or patients (n = 346) of mind–body medicine.Results:Feedback to a model plain language summary was elicited from survey 1 and survey 2 respondents. Seventy-seven survey recipients (23%) responded to survey 1, and 134 survey recipients (17%) responded to survey 2. The majority of respondents to the surveys were female and 51–70 years of age. Ninety percent of responders to survey 1 and 89% of responders to survey 2 indicated that researchers should share overall results of a study with participants. In terms of the means of result distribution, 37%–47% preferred email, while 22%–27% indicated that, as long as the results are shared, it did not matter how this occurred. Of 38 survey 1 respondents who had previously participated in a clinical trial, 37% had received the results of their study. In survey 2, 63 individuals indicated that they previously participated in clinical trials, but only 16% recalled receiving results.Conclusions:These results confirm that the majority (89%–90%) of integrative medicine patients are interested in receiving the results of clinical trials. The majority (82%–94%) of respondents felt the model plain language summary of results provided was helpful.

scholarly journals Recommendations to improve physical activity prescription for the cystic fibrosis population: an Irish perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Hurley ◽  
Bróna Kehoe ◽  
Noel McCaffrey ◽  
Karen Redmond ◽  
Lydia Cullen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis Population ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is a well-established therapeutic modality for the maintenance and improvement of long-term health in cystic fibrosis (CF). Healthcare professionals (HCP) are considered credible and well-placed messengers for the delivery of PA advice. Limited research exists investigating the extent of PA prescription within CF care. This study aimed to identify Irish HCP i) knowledge and practice of, and ii) motivators and barriers to PA prescription, and iii) proposed strategies to optimize PA promotion and prescription in CF populations. Methods HCP from six designated CF centres in Ireland and members of the national physiotherapy CF clinical interest group were invited to participate. Following an expression of interest, each HCP (n = 81) received an email containing the plain language statement and link to the online survey. 48 HCP (physiotherapists n = 24, other n = 24) completed the 30-item investigator-developed survey, which included multiple choice single answer, matrix style and open-ended questions. Results Most HCP (81%) acknowledged that discussing PA with CF patients was part of their professional role. Almost all physiotherapists (95%) reported having sufficient knowledge regarding PA prescription, compared to 17% of other HCP. All physiotherapists reported discussing PA at every patient interaction, with 81% employing the current consensus guidelines, compared to 33 and 5% of other HCP, respectively. Among the most common barriers reported by HCP to recommending PA to their CF patients were; lack of motivation and compliance among patients to adhere to PA advice, limited availability of PA programmes to refer their patients to, limited time with patients during clinic visits and a lack of knowledge regarding PA prescription for CF care. Three-quarters of HCP reported a need to improve PA services for CF patients in Ireland. Conclusion As people with CF are living longer, it is imperative that HCP are expanding their scope of practice to include discussions around PA at every patient visit. Formal educational opportunities in the form of continuing professional development programmes are warranted for CF HCP to optimize long-term patient management and outcomes. There is also a need to develop patient-centered and evidence-based PA programmes underpinned by theories of behaviour change to enhance motivation and compliance among CF patients.

scholarly journals AN ASSESSMENT OF UMS PRE-UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ READINESS ON ONLINE EXAMINATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (23) ◽  
pp. 147-155
Author(s):  
Suriana Lasaraiya ◽  
Mohd Azrul Abd Rajak ◽  
Che Haziqah Che Hussin ◽  
Nurliyana Juhan
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Internet Connectivity ◽  
Online Examination ◽  
Internet Connections ◽  
Education Culture

Pandemic COVID-19 has given a significant impact on the education culture whereby online learning has become the main way in teaching and learning activities. In line with the important use of online learning, it is very important to identify whether the students are ready enough for an online class or not. The study on ‘An Assessment of UMS Pre-University Students’ Readiness on Online Examination’ sought to answer the questions about students’ readiness on the preferred mode of learning and the student's readiness on an online examination. The respondents of the study were UMS Pre-University students who enrolled in the Foundation in Science program (AUMS) in the year 2020. Specifically, there was 105 male, and 153 female students were included in the study. Through Google form online survey, the questionnaires were sent through their email and WhatsApp group. Then, the data were gathered, collected, and analysed. Descriptive statistics analysis and item level mean related to students’ internet connectivity is provided in the form of percentage, mean and standard deviations. The study reveals that AUMS students’ internet connectivity was moderately ready for their online examinations, as it depends mainly on their location. If the students are staying in an urban areas, then their internet connections should be good and vice versa. This study also reveals that problems in Wi-Fi connection are the main concern of students’ accessibility to online learning.

scholarly journals Recommendations to Improve Physical Activity Prescription for the Cystic Fibrosis Population: An Irish Perspective

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Hurley ◽  
Bróna Kehoe ◽  
Noel McCaffrey ◽  
Karen Redmond ◽  
Lydia Cullen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis Population ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) is a well-established therapeutic modality for the maintenance and improvement of long-term health in cystic fibrosis (CF). Healthcare professionals (HCP) are considered credible and well-placed messengers for the delivery of PA advice. Limited research exists investigating the extent of PA prescription within CF care. This study aimed to identify Irish HCP i) knowledge and practice of, and ii) motivators and barriers to PA prescription, and iii) proposed strategies to optimize PA promotion and prescription in CF populations.Methods: HCP from six designated CF centres in Ireland and members of the national physiotherapy CF clinical interest group were invited to participate. Following an expression of interest, each HCP (n=81) received an email containing the plain language statement and link to the online survey. 48 HCP (physiotherapists n=24, other n=24) completed the 30-item investigator-developed survey, which included multiple choice single answer, matrix style and open-ended questions.Results: Most HCP (81%) acknowledged that discussing PA with CF patients was part of their professional role. Almost all physiotherapists (95%) reported having sufficient knowledge regarding PA prescription, compared to 17% of other HCP. All physiotherapists reported discussing PA at every patient interaction, with 81% employing the current consensus guidelines, compared to 33% and 5% of other HCP, respectively. Among the most common barriers reported by HCP to recommending PA to their CF patients were; lack of motivation and compliance among patients to adhere to PA advice, limited availability of PA programmes to refer their patients to, limited time with patients during clinic visits and a lack of knowledge regarding PA prescription for CF care. Three-quarters of HCP reported a need to improve PA services for CF patients in Ireland.Conclusion: As people with CF are living longer, it is imperative that HCP are expanding their scope of practice to include discussions around PA at every patient visit. Formal educational opportunities in the form of continuing professional development programmes are warranted for CF HCP to optimize long-term patient management and outcomes. There is also a need to develop patient-centered and evidence-based PA programmes underpinned by theories of behaviour change to enhance motivation and compliance among CF patients.

scholarly journals The response of law enforcement agencies and police officers' experiences under the Covid-19 state of alarm in Catalonia, Spain

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martínez-Catena ◽  
Montse Subirana-Malaret ◽  
Falgars Subirana-Malaret
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Terms

PurposeLaw enforcement agencies and police officers' efforts were crucial to oversee the public health measures and legal regulations introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study had two objectives: to examine the strategies implemented by law enforcement agencies in Catalonia (Spain) to monitor the pandemic and to explore the adverse working conditions of police officers and their personal difficulties during the state of alarm.Design/methodology/approachA total of 96 experienced police officers completed a closed-ended, anonymous online survey. In addition, complementary information was collected about the management of law enforcement agencies through open interviews. A descriptive analysis was carried out and the association between variables was explored.FindingsIn general terms, law enforcement agencies managed the uncertainty of the situation, with a focus on official information and communication channels between officers. However, many difficulties were reported by the police officers, such us inconsistency between rules, lack of preventive material or changes in work schedules. Besides, the officers' main concern, beyond the emotional impact suffered during this period, was the possibility of being infected or infecting others.Practical implicationsThe congruence between the job requirements and resources, as well as the increase of communication channels during situations of high risk are important variables to assure good job development and personal satisfaction of police officers.Originality/valueTo the knowledge of the authors, at the time of writing this paper, this is the first study in Spain to explore the management of law enforcement agencies and police officers' personal experiences during the Covid-19.

scholarly journals How do dementia researchers view support tools for informed consent procedures of persons with dementia?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa S. Wied ◽  
◽  
Aoife Poth ◽  
Johannes Pantel ◽  
Frank Oswald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Support Measures ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Support Tools

Abstract The study aimed to assess how dementia researchers view eight support tools that have been defined to enhance informed consent (IC) procedures for people with dementia (PwD). In an online survey, 19 dementia researchers from Germany and Portugal evaluated the tools in terms of 4 implementation criteria. Overall, they all had a very positive attitude towards the support tools, whereby the tools person-centered attitude of the researcher and elaborated plain language were the most highly rated of the eight tools. Our findings also indicated that familiar support tools were assessed more favorably than those that were previously unknown. Overall, the results of this study showed that the participating dementia researchers were open to the use of decision support measures in PwD and were willing to apply the support tools in practice.

Brazilian Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Portugal and the Challenges of Crowdfunding

2022 ◽  
pp. 85-107
Author(s):  
Susana Bernardino ◽  
J. Freitas Santos ◽  
Eliane Casarin
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Quantitative Approach ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Very High ◽  
Financial Mechanism

The objective of the study is to understand the degree of knowledge that immigrant entrepreneurs in Portugal have about crowdfunding and the predisposition they have for using this financial mechanism, and the related perceptions about benefits and risks. The chapter uses a quantitative approach, based on an online survey sent to immigrant entrepreneurs in Portugal. The results show that immigrant entrepreneurs have some knowledge about the general features of CF. However, most of them are not aware of the specificities of CF business models. Regarding the predisposition for using CF, the research reveals that although there is some predisposition, it is not very high among Brazilian immigrant entrepreneurs. The results also show that the respondents recognise the benefits of CF, specifically the project's visibility that the CF platform can offer. However, immigrant entrepreneurs' main concern is essentially related to the fear of not being able to obtain the necessary pledging goal.

scholarly journals Perspectives on public health interventions in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Wirichada Pan-ngum ◽  
Tassawan Poomchaichote ◽  
Pimnara Peerawaranun ◽  
Natinee Kulpijit ◽  
Anne Osterrieder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Traditional Media ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Healthcare Interventions ◽  
High Level

Background: Any government needs to react quickly to a pandemic and make decisions on healthcare interventions locally and internationally with little information regarding the perceptions of people and the reactions they may receive during the implementation of restrictions. Methods: We report an anonymous online survey in Thailand conducted in May 2020 to assess public perceptions of three interventions in the Thai context: isolation, quarantine and social distancing. A total of 1,020 participants, of whom 52% were women, responded to the survey. Results: Loss of income was the main concern among respondents (>80% for all provinces in Thailand). Traditional media and social media were important channels for communication during the pandemic. A total of 92% of respondents reported that they changed their social behaviour even before the implementation of government policy with 94% reporting they performed social distancing, 97% reported using personal protective equipment such as masks and 95% reported using sanitizer products. Conclusions: This study showed a high level of compliance from individuals with government enforced or voluntarily controls such as quarantine, isolation and social distancing in Thailand. The findings from this study can be used to inform future government measures to control the pandemic and to shape communication strategies.

scholarly journals Assessment of the anxiety levels of orthodontic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 74-80
Author(s):  
Ersin Yıldırım ◽  
Artemisa Adıgüzel ◽  
Şeniz Karaçay
Keyword(s):  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Orthodontic Patients ◽  
Anxiety Levels

Aim: This study aims to determine the anxiety levels of orthodontic patients related to the coronavirus pandemic and to evaluate the effects of quarantine on orthodontic appointments and orthodontic treatment. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted as an online survey with the participation of patients who were actively receiving orthodontic treatment. A total of 281 orthodontic patients (191 [67.97%] females and 90 [32.03%] males) participated in the survey. The questionnaire consisted of five sections that included questions about demographics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the patients’ orthodontic status. Anxiety levels were measured using Turkish versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests, the Pearson correlation test, and the Mann Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Regarding patients’ perceptions of the pandemic, 251 patients (89.32%) reported that they were sufficiently informed about COVID-19. The main concern about the effects of quarantine on orthodontic treatment was the delay of orthodontic treatment at a rate of 58.36% (164/281). This study found that 36% (103/281) of the participants exhibited anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of dental anxiety specifically was 33% (95/281). Our study results reveal a significant relationship between dental anxiety and general anxiety, which indicates that dentally anxious people tend to also be generally anxious. Females had significantly higher anxiety levels than males (p <0.001). Conclusion: The coronavirus pandemic and quarantine seem to impact orthodontic patients’ anxiety. Delay of treatment was the primary concern of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Female patients were more anxious than males.   How to cite this article: Yıldırım E, Adıgüzel A, Karaçay Ş. Assessment of the anxiety levels of orthodontic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):73-9. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.12   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.  

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