scholarly journals AN INSIGHT INTO THE HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES OF SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.S.C GINTHOTAVIDANA ◽  
◽  
K.G.A.S. WAIDYASEKARA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Patient Dissatisfaction ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Floor Plans ◽  
Observation Method

The inferior performance in housekeeping services has contributed to distinguishable levels of patient dissatisfaction. Therefore, similar to primary processes like medical treatment in healthcare sector same attention should be paid on secondary processes such as housekeeping services by the management. Moreover, the knowledge on housekeeping services is critical to plan and design proper housekeeping mechanisms in healthcare facilities. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the nature of housekeeping services in order to design proper housekeeping processes for private healthcare facilities in Sri Lanka. This research follows a qualitative research approach to examine the current housekeeping practices by adopting case study strategy. Semi structured interviews were conducted with seven respondents of the selected three cases from the private sector and direct observation method was used to better understand the housekeeping procedures. The results revealed that even though the bed capacity belongs to three groups, the housekeeping practices remain almost similar and the housekeeping in hospitals is essentially based on infection control and hygiene rather than aesthetical appearance compared to other facilities. Furthermore, the key differences such as absence of key designations such as upholsterers, painters, wall washers and catering team in the hierarchy and the absence of floor plans and area responsibility plans in the housekeeping divisions in Sri Lankan context were determined by comparing the research findings with the literature sources.

scholarly journals Strengthening public COVID-19 response with private facilities in Kisumu, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannen van Duijn ◽  
Hellen C. Barsosio ◽  
Mevis Omollo ◽  
Emmanuel Milimo ◽  
Isdorah A. Odero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
List Type ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
New Findings ◽  
The Way

AbstractINTRODUCTIONSARS-CoV-2 testing is one of the options to combat COVID-19 in Kenya. In the first COVID-19 year there was limited tapping of the private sector’s potential to scale up testing in Kenya. In April 2020, we initiated a unique public-private partnership (PPP) project in Kisumu County connecting the private sector to centralized testing supported by the ministry of health (MoH), ‘COVID-Dx’, to accelerate the local response to COVID-19. Within COVID-Dx, we aimed to demonstrate this PPP’s performance as a replicable model for effective public-private collaboration in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in similar settings.METHODSKEMRI, Department of Health Kisumu County, PharmAccess Foundation, and local faith-based and private healthcare facilities collaborated in COVID-Dx. COVID-Dx was implemented from June 01, 2020, to March 31, 2021, in Kisumu County, Kenya. Trained laboratory technologists in participating healthcare facilities collected nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from patients meeting the MoH COVID-19 case definition. Samples were tested at the central laboratory in KEMRI via SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. Healthcare workers in participating facilities collected data using the digitized MoH COVID-19 Case Identification Form. We shared aggregated results from these data via (semi-) live dashboard to all relevant stakeholders. We did descriptive statistical analyses using Stata 16 to inform project processes.RESULTSNine facilities participated in the project. A total of 4,324 PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were done, with 425 positives. We noted differences in positivity rates between the facilities. Healthcare workers were the largest group tested in the project, 1009, representing 43% of the Kisumu healthcare workforce.CONCLUSIONCOVID-Dx can serve as a model for PPPs scale-up testing, especially LMICs, and digitizing the MoH case report form improved reporting efficiency, demonstrating that digital is the way forward. The COVID-Dx PPP has led to another collaboration with Kisumu County aimed towards extending the COVID-Dx model to other counties.SUMMARY BOXWhat is already known?In sub-Saharan Africa, COVID-19 responses are mainly rolled out through the public healthcare sector, even though the private sector plays a significant role in health service deliveryThe challenge is to combine private and public efforts in healthcare delivery in a mutually supportive and collaborative manner, especially during large outbreaks such as COVID-19.What are the new findings?The development of a public-private partnership (COVID-Dx) at the start of a global pandemic - COVID-19 – is challenging, but PPPs are essential for epidemic preparedness.The development of a digital app with a corresponding dashboard, ensures transparency and efficiency. It has shown to enable data-driven decision-making and provides insight into how to prioritize funding streams.What do the new findings imply?This PPP model is replicable and can serve as an example of PPPs for epidemic preparedness in similar settings in LMICs.Digital is the way going forward when combatting large outbreaks in the future, especially in LMICs

scholarly journals User-centric work environments in modular healthcare facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1047-1062
Author(s):  
Leena Aalto ◽  
Pia Sirola ◽  
Tiina Kalliomäki-Levanto ◽  
Marjaana Lahtinen ◽  
Virpi Ruohomäki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
User Centric ◽  
Traditional Construction

Purpose The challenges arising from the reform of the social and healthcare sector call for efficient, effective and novel processes in both public and private health and medical care. Facilities need to be designed to suit the new processes and to offer usable workspaces at different levels of healthcare services. Along with traditional construction, modular facility innovations could be one solution to these pressures. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This case study analyzed the different usability characteristics of the work environment in modular and non-modular healthcare facilities (HCFs). The qualitative research method was based on semi-structured interviews of employees and observations of the case buildings. Findings According to the results, the usability characteristics were divided into four main categories: functionality, healthiness, safety/security and comfort. The main differences between the modular and non-modular facilities appeared to be room size, soundproofing, safety issues and the utilization of colors and artwork, which were all perceived as better realized in the non-modular facilities. The staff highlighted functionality as the most important characteristic in their work environment. They even considered functionality as a feature of a comfortable work environment. Originality/value This paper presents new knowledge and a detailed description of the opinions and experiences of healthcare professionals concerning a user-centric, usable environment in the context of modular and non-modular HCFs.

The current practices of food and beverage photography and styling in food business

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duran Cankul ◽  
Ozlem Peksen Ari ◽  
Bendegul Okumus
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Appeal ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Current Practices

Purpose This study aims to analyze the current practices of food and beverage (F&B) photography and styling through the eyes of professionals involved in the food business. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenological research approach was used and empirical data were collected via a series of semi-structured interviews with professional food photographers. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used and the participants of this study consisted of 26 F&B photographers and stylists who were actively and professionally working in this field. Content analysis was applied to the empirical data. Findings The research findings reveal several key themes in F&B photography and styling: emotional appeal, key trends, career opportunities, required skills and abilities and interventions and ethical considerations. Three specific roles were identified in F&B photography and styling: food and beverage photographer, food and beverage stylist and prop stylist. Research limitations/implications This study offers discussions on the pros and cons of F&B photography beginners and professionals and the food business. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to offer empirical findings and discussions on the concept of F&B photography and styling.

scholarly journals AN INVESTIGATION ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANISATIONS IN DISASTER IN SRI LANKA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.B. NANAYAKKARA ◽  
◽  
Y.G. SANDANAYAKE ◽  
B.J. EKANAYAKE ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Disaster Situation ◽  
Corporate Social

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept, which is broadly determined as ensuring the efficacy of the organisation in integrating social and environmental considerations into organisational operations. In Sri Lankan context, a great enthusiasm can be seen among organisations to engage in CSR initiatives. Having considered the importance and impact, the study aims to investigate the importance of CSR initiatives by construction organisations in disasters in Sri Lanka. Thus, a mixed method research approach was followed as the methodology of this study. Findings are based on semi-structured interviews held with construction industry professionals. Findings of this study revealed that the implementation of CSR initiatives is more important during a disaster situation in the aspects of both affected party and aiding party. Moreover, construction organisations implement CSR during disaster situations by considering it as a mandatory responsibility of an organisation. Further, most of the construction organisations engage in CSR implementation during natural disaster situations. In practice all the construction organisations tend to engage in reactive initiatives. More importantly, it is revealed that both the organisational work force and society are benefitted through CSR implementation in disaster situations.

scholarly journals INDUCTION OF WOMEN BEGINNER TEACHERS AT TWO SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOLS

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 774-789
Author(s):  
Happy Ngwira ◽  
Onoriode Collins Potokri
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Classroom Management ◽  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Beginner Teachers

The quest of beginner teachers becoming experienced teachers remains a major issue within the educational terrain. Induction experience(s) of beginner teachers particularly women in selected community secondary schools in South Africa was the focus of this research. In this research, the problems that women beginner teachers face at some selected schools, as well as the types of induction programmes used to support them, as they grappled with the problems, were explored. A qualitative research approach involving semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation was used in the collection of the requisite data. A sample comprising two community secondary schools and four women beginner teachers were selected to take part in the research. To make meaning of the data which were collected, inductive analysis of the data was conducted. Communities of Practice was used as the theory that underpinned the research findings reported in this paper. Based on the data analysis and the communities of practice theory that served as the framework, the paper among other findings reports that induction programmes used in sampled/selected schools were highly ineffective in supporting the women beginner teachers to overcome the problems revealed. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on the lived experiences of beginner teachers at the beginning of their teaching career and provides recommendations on classroom management and dealing with ill-disciplined learners. Keywords: beginner teacher; community practice; education leadership; teachers’ induction; women teacher.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Nature and Extent of Burglary at Residential Premises in Namakgale Policing Area, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1367-1377
Author(s):  
M. Mundlovu ◽  
D. Khosa ◽  
E. Zenzile ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Influence Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
South African Police Service ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
South African Police

The main objective of this paper was to explore the nature and extent of burglary at residential grounds in the Namakgale policing area, after realisation of higher manifestations and uncontrollable nature of this crime. This paper utilised a qualitative research approach, supported by the phenomenological research design. Altogether, 30 participants were purposively selected from diverse target groups, which consists of the South African Police Service Detectives, uniform police officers, Community Policing Forum (CPF) members and managers, Community Leaders and Faith-based organisation leaders, and local community members. The objectives of the paper were realised by the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews for data collection, and thematic analysis, in order to analyse the gathered data. Research findings of this paper revealed that the current strategies of traditional policing, such as a) foot patrolling offered by the selected stakeholders, and b) the vehicle patrolling rendered by the local SAPS members, are deemed to be ineffective. There is an increase in the number of burglaries at residential premises at Namakgale policing area, and the reported cases tend to be often unsolved. There are constant complaints made by community members about burglary in their premises. It is also established that security systems can play an essential role in deterring the commission of this crime and the failing trust within the community members and the local SAPS should be rebuilding. This empirical research paper recommends that Namakgale community, local SAPS and other relevant stakeholders should clearly understand the Modus Operandi (MO) used in the commission of this ordeal crime. The understanding of the MO would serve as a detail-rich information and subsequently influence strategies, on how to effectively respond to this crime.

Management of Records in Adapted Buildings as Records Centres in Zimbabwe

Mousaion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Mutsagondo ◽  
Getrude Maduyu ◽  
Godfrey Tsvuura
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Personal Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Professional Management ◽  
The Government

This paper discusses the challenges of records management that arise from the use of adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, despite the advantages of using such buildings. A qualitative research approach was used as well as a case study research design. Data were collected from seven officers of the Gweru Records Centre through semi-structured interviews. Personal observation was used to triangulate findings from interviews. It was found that the use of adapted buildings as records centres was a cheaper and quicker way of establishing records centres throughout the country. However, a number of preservation, security and management challenges cropped up as the conditions of the buildings and the environment of the adapted buildings were not conducive to the proper and professional management of records. This study is important in that it explores the prospects and challenges of using adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, an area that has not been researched by many authors. This provokes archival authorities and the government to seriously consider establishing purpose-built records and archival centres.

scholarly journals An exploration into the opportunities and constraints for career progression into leadership roles for School Business Managers in the state sector in England

2021 ◽  
pp. 089202062199967
Author(s):  
Josephine Marchant
Keyword(s):  
Career Progression ◽  
The State ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
State Sector ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
School Business ◽  
Survey Responses

Drawing on data from 116 survey responses by School Business Managers, and 7 semi-structured interviews with education professionals carried out between October 2017 and February 2018, this article reports on findings from a research project focussing on the opportunities and constraints for career progression into leadership roles for School Business Managers (SBMs) in the state sector in England. The article considers the differing roles and responsibilities of SBMs, how leadership is perceived in schools, the visibility of the SBM role, career aspirations of the SBMs who were surveyed, and the perceived constraints to progression to leadership roles. Analysis of the data was carried out using an inductive research approach using mixed methods. Snowballing was used to obtain a meaningful sample size for survey responses. Interviewees were chosen on the basis of judgement sampling. The sampling design for the survey and the interviews was one of non-probability. Findings suggest that leadership roles for SBMs do exist but that there are considerable constraints to these being achieved, not least the lack of appetite amongst SBMs to do so.

scholarly journals Zambian farm blocks: A vehicle for increased private sector investments

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 817-825
Author(s):  
Susanna L. Middelberg ◽  
Pieter van der Zwan ◽  
Cobus Oberholster
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Policy Uncertainty ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Private Sector Investment

AbstractThe Zambian government has introduced the farm block development programme (FBDP) to facilitate agricultural land and rural development and encourage private sector investment. This study assessed whether the FBDP achieves these goals. Key obstacles and possible opportunities were also identified and, where appropriate, specific corrective actions were recommended. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in Lusaka with various stakeholders of the FBDP. The FBDP is designed to facilitate agricultural land development and encourage private sector investment. However, the programme falls far short in terms of implementation, amidst policy uncertainty and lack of support. This is evident by the insecurity of land tenure which negatively affects small- and medium-scale producers’ access to financing, lack of infrastructure development of these farm blocks, and constraints in the agricultural sector such as low labour productivity and poor access to service expertise. It is recommended that innovative policy interventions should be created to support agricultural development. This can be achieved by following a multistakeholder approach through involving private, public and non-profit sectors such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and donors.

scholarly journals Doctors’ maintenance of professional competence: a qualitative study informed by the theory of planned behaviour

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anél Wiese ◽  
Emer Galvin ◽  
Janet O’Farrell ◽  
Jantze Cotter ◽  
Deirdre Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behaviour ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Planned Behaviour ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Meaningful Engagement

Abstract Background Medical regulators worldwide have implemented programmes of maintenance of professional competence (MPC) to ensure that doctors, throughout their careers, are up to date and fit to practice. The introduction of MPC required doctors to adopt a range of new behaviours. Despite high enrolment rates on these programmes, it remains uncertain whether doctors engage in the process because they perceive benefits like improvements in their practice and professional development or if they solely meet the requirements to retain medical registration. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between doctors’ beliefs, intention and behaviour regarding MPC through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to make explicit the factors that drive meaningful engagement with the process. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. From a pool of 1258 potential participants, we purposively selected doctors from multiple specialities, age groups, and locations across Ireland. We used thematic analysis, and the TPB informed the analytic coding process. Results Forty-one doctors participated in the study. The data analysis revealed doctors’ intention and behaviour and the factors that shape their engagement with MPC. We found that attitudes and beliefs about the benefits and impact of MPC mediated the nature of doctors’ engagement with the process. Some participants perceived positive changes in practice and other gains from participating in MPC, which facilitated committed engagement with the process. Others believed MPC was unfair, unnecessary, and lacking any benefit, which negatively influenced their intention and behaviour, and that was demonstrated by formalistic engagement with the process. Although participants with positive and negative attitudes shared perceptions about barriers to participation, such perceptions did not over-ride strongly positive beliefs about the benefits of MPC. While the requirements of the regulator strongly motivated doctors to participate in MPC, beliefs about patient expectations appear to have had less impact on intention and behaviour. Conclusions The findings of this study broaden our understanding of the determinants of doctors’ intention and behaviour regarding MPC, which offers a basis for designing targeted interventions. While the barriers to engagement with MPC resonate with previous research findings, our findings challenge critical assumptions about enhancing doctors’ engagement with the process. Overall, our results suggest that focused policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the factors that underpin the intention and behaviour related to committed engagement with MPC are warranted.

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