scholarly journals Attitudes and opinions of US neurosurgical residents toward research and scholarship: a national survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Fraser Henderson ◽  
Steven Tenny ◽  
Jian Guan ◽  
Jeremy W. Amps ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
National Level ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Resident Research ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Interest In Research

OBJECTIVEThe analysis of resident research productivity in neurosurgery has gained significant recent interest. Resident scholarly output affects departmental productivity, recruitment of future residents, and likelihood of future research careers. To maintain and improve opportunities for resident research, the authors evaluated factors that affect resident attitudes toward neurosurgical research on a national level.METHODSAn online survey was distributed to all US neurosurgical residents. Questions assessed interest in research, perceived departmental support of research, and resident-perceived limitations in pursuing research. Residents were stratified based on number of publications above the median (AM; ≥ 14) or below the median (BM; < 14) for evaluation of factors influencing productivity.RESULTSA total of 278 resident responses from 82 US residency programs in 30 states were included (a 20% overall response rate). Residents predominantly desired future academic positions (53.2%), followed by private practice with some research (40.3%). Residents reported a mean ± SD of 11 ± 14 publications, which increased with postgraduate year level. The most common type of research involved retrospective cohort studies (24%) followed by laboratory/benchtop (19%) and case reports (18%). Residents as a group spent on average 14.1 ± 18.5 hours (median 7.0 hours) a week on research. Most residents (53.6%) had ≥ 12 months of protected research time. Mentorship (92.4%), research exposure (89.9%), and early interest in science (78.4%) had the greatest impact on interest in research while the most limiting factors were time (91.0%), call scheduling (47.1%), and funding/grants (37.1%). AM residents cited research exposure (p = 0.003), neurosurgery conference exposure (p = 0.02), formal research training prior to residency (p = 0.03), internal funding sources (p = 0.05), and software support (p = 0.02) as most important for their productivity. Moreover, more productive residents applied and received a higher number of < $10,000 and ≥ $10,000 grants (p < 0.05). A majority of residents (82.4%) agreed or strongly agreed with pursuing research throughout their professional careers. Overall, about half of residents (49.6%) were encouraged toward continued neurosurgical research, while the rest were neutral (36.7%) or discouraged (13.7%). Free-text responses helped to identify solutions on a departmental, regional, and national level that could increase interest in neurosurgical research.CONCLUSIONSThis survey evaluates various factors affecting resident views toward research, which may also be seen in other specialties. Residents remain enthusiastic about neurosurgical research and offer several solutions to the ever-scarce commodities of time and funding within academic medicine.

Reopening the Conversation Between Music Psychology and Music Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Emily Carlson ◽  
Ian Cross
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Analysis Of Results ◽  
Common Interests

Although the fields of music psychology and music therapy share many common interests, research collaboration between the two fields is still somewhat rare. Previous work has identified that disciplinary identities and attitudes towards those in other disciplines are challenges to effective interdisciplinary research. The current study explores such attitudes in music therapy and music psychology. A sample of 123 music therapists and music psychologists answered an online survey regarding their attitudes towards potential interdisciplinary work between the two fields. Analysis of results suggested that participants’ judgements of the attitudes of members of the other discipline were not always accurate. Music therapists indicated a high degree of interest in interdisciplinary research, although in free text answers, both music psychologists and music therapists frequently characterized music therapists as disinterested in science. Music therapists reported seeing significantly greater relevance of music psychology to their own work than did music psychologists of music therapists. Participants’ attitudes were modestly related to their reported personality traits and held values. Results overall indicated interest in, and positive expectations of, interdisciplinary attitudes in both groups, and should be explored in future research.

scholarly journals Identification and Classification of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and PMR-Like Syndromes Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) Therapy: Discussion Points and Grey Areas Emerging from a Systematic Review of Published Literature

Medicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Ciro Manzo ◽  
Marco Isetta ◽  
Maria Natale ◽  
Alberto Castagna
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Judgment ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Polymyalgia Rheumatica ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
English Language ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text

Background: Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is one of the most frequent rheumatologic immune-related adverse effects (IRAEs) in cancer patients following therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Atypical findings in many patients often lead to diagnosing PMR-like syndromes. Materials and methods: The aim of our research was to review reported diagnoses of PMR and PMR-like syndromes following ICIs therapy, and assess whether they can be redefined as adverse drug reaction (ADR). In line with PRISMA guidelines, we carried out a systematic search on three main bibliographic databases, based on a combination of subject headings and free text. We included all studies and case-reports published after 2011 (when FDA approved the use of the first ICI) describing the association of PMR or PMR-like syndromes with all types of ICIs therapy. We excluded reviews, conference abstracts, comments, secondary articles, and non-English language studies. Results: We reviewed data from seven studies and eight case-reports, involving a total of 54 patients. Limitations included: the small size of all studies; only one retrospective study used validated criteria for PMR; most reports assessed IRAEs by clinical judgment only and did not seek validation through assessment scales. To date, it remains a conundrum whether IRAEs-PMR is identical to the idiopathic form of the disease, or whether it should be considered a subset of the disease or a new entity. Conclusions: Our review indicates that the relationship between PMR and ICIs therapy is yet to be clearly understood and defined and that future research should remedy the current limits in study design.

scholarly journals Access to and adequacy of psychological services for adult patients in UK hospices: a national, cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy McInnerney ◽  
Bridget Candy ◽  
Patrick Stone ◽  
Nicola Atkin ◽  
Joana Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Level ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Providing psychological support to people living with terminal illness is a fundamental part of hospice care. Recent research on delivery of psychological services in hospices in the United Kingdom (UK) on a national level, including inequalities or variation in practice, is limited. A nationwide survey will highlight any differences in provision and in doing so help focus future research and inform best practice both within the UK, and internationally. The specific objectives of this survey are to (1) chart the types of psychological support available to adult patients in hospices in the UK in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence model; (2) explore how services are organised; and (3) gather service perspectives on adequacy of care, and facilitators and barriers to appropriate practice. Methods A cross-sectional online survey emailed to adult hospices in the UK in November–December 2019. One staff member involved in the delivery and/or organisation of psychological support was invited to participate per hospice. Of 193 invited hospices, 116 took part. Results Sixteen percent rated their hospice psychological service as wholly adequate. The majority reported that services can access specialist professionals, but many relied on external referrals. Barriers to best practice included funding and staff capacity; facilitators included clear referral structures, audit and appropriate needs and outcome assessments. Conclusions Access to psychological professionals has improved since the last survey 15 years ago, but the majority of responders felt their overall service was not wholly adequate. Basic emotional support is largely felt to be sufficient, but our results indicate a need for improvements in access to more specialist care. Partnerships with external mental health services may be key. Our findings highlight core facilitators and barriers to providing good psychological care at the end of life that should be considered by services both within the UK and on an international level.

scholarly journals People with Parkinson’s Disease: What Symptoms Do They Most Want to Improve and How Does This Change with Disease Duration?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Port ◽  
Martin Rumsby ◽  
Graham Brown ◽  
Ian F. Harrison ◽  
Anneesa Amjad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Walking Balance ◽  
Non Motor Symptoms

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition with a diverse and complex pattern of motor and non-motor symptoms which change over time with disease duration. Objective: The aims of the present study were to discover what symptoms matter most to people with the condition and to examine how these priorities change with disease duration. Methods: A simple free-text online survey (using SmartSurvey) was developed by Parkinson’s UK, which asked participants to identify up to three aspects of the condition they would most like to see improvement in. Results: 790 people participated reporting 2,295 issues related to PD which were grouped into 24 broad symptom domains. Of these, 1,358 (59.1%) were categorised as motor symptoms, 859 (37.4%) as non-motor issues and 78 (3.4%) as medication problems. This study reveals how certain features of PD become more or less important to patients as the condition progresses. Non-motor symptoms were highly cited from the very earliest stages of PD. Problems with walking, balance and falls, speech problems, freezing and dyskinesia become increasingly important as the condition progresses whereas tremor, stiffness and psychological health become decreasingly important as the condition progresses. Conclusions: The data suggest that the priorities of people affected by PD for improving life are personal and change with duration of the condition. These findings have implications for developing person-centred management and care, as well as for directing future research to improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Microdosing as a response to the meaning crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rotem Petranker ◽  
Juensung Kim ◽  
Thomas Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Optimal Dosing ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Future Research Directions

Background: The use of psychedelic substances like LSD and magic mushrooms in research and to treat mental health conditions has been increasing in the last decade. In particular, the practice of microdosing – using sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics – has been increasing (Anderson et al., 2019), but large-scale systemic qualitative analyses are still scant.Aims: This study attempted to recognize emergent themes in qualitative reports regarding the experience of microdosing so as to enrich the theoretical landscape in psychedelics research and propose future research directions for both basic and clinical research.Methods: This study used qualitative analysis to analyze free-text responses from individuals who participated in an online survey disseminated on various social media platforms. Participants had reported microdosing at least once in the past year.Results: Data from 118 informative responses suggested four main emergent themes: reasons for microdosing, the practice of microdosing, outcomes linked to microdosing, and meta-commentary about microdosing. Participants mostly reported microdosing for clinical reasons and to improve productivity, and mentioned that the practice is often challenging due to unknown optimal dosing regimen. The outcomes of microdosing varied widely between strong endorsement of the practice and disappointment at the lack of effect. Meta-commentary included warning against overexcitement with the practice. We couch our findings in meaning-making theory and propose that, even at low doses, psychedelic substances can provide a sense of meaning currently lacking in Western culture.Conclusion: Our results suggest that there many of the reported benefits occur regardless of motivation to microdose and are likely due to the enhanced psychological flexibility and sense of connectedness made possible due to the use of psychedelics. Double-blind, placebo controlled experiments are required in order to substantiate these reports.

scholarly journals A mixed methods exploratory study of women’s relationships with and uses of fertility tracking apps

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205520761878507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Gambier-Ross ◽  
David J McLernon ◽  
Heather M Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Women's Relationships ◽  
Data Informed

Digital self-tracking is rising, including tracking of menstrual cycles by women using fertility tracking apps (FTAs). However, little is known about users’ experiences of FTAs and their relationships with them. The aim of this study was to explore women’s uses of and relationships with FTAs. This exploratory study employed a mixed methods approach, involving the collection and analysis of an online survey and follow-up interviews. Qualitative analysis of survey and interview data informed hypothesis development. Online surveys yielded 241 responses and 11 follow-up interviews were conducted. Just over a third of women surveyed had experience of using FTAs (89/241) and follow-up interviews were conducted with a proportion of respondents (11/241). Four main motivations to use FTAs were identified: (a) to observe cycle (72%); (b) to conceive (34%); (c) to inform fertility treatment (12%); and (d) as contraception (4%). Analysis of the free-text survey questions and interviews using grounded theory methodology highlighted four themes underpinning women’s relationships with FTAs: (a) medical grounding; (b) health trackers versus non-trackers; (c) design; and (d) social and ethical aspects. Participants who used other health apps were more likely to use FTAs ( p = 0.001). Respondents who used contraception were less likely to use FTAs compared with respondents who did not use contraception ( p = 0.002). FTA usage also decreases ( p = 0.001) as age increases. There was no association between FTA usage and menstrual status ( p = 0.259). This research emphasises the differing motivations for FTA use. Future research should further explore the diverse relationships between different subgroups of women and FTAs.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem and born globals: the Estonian context

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Velt ◽  
Lasse Torkkeli ◽  
Sami Saarenketo
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
National Level ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Born Globals ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Ecosystem ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a framework of the elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the context of born global start-ups. The study also applies this framework to uncover the ecosystem elements that impact start-ups during their initial phases of discovery and validation. Design/methodology/approach The authors used an online survey questionnaire sent out to several Estonian start-ups. Based on the responses, a dataset was developed and analysed using STATA and t-test methodology. Findings The analysis resulted in the identification of seven systemic ecosystem elements as the main factors impacting the launch and ten elements impacting the growth of born global start-ups. The systemic elements that comprise the ecosystem’s strengths and weaknesses were also identified. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional nature of the survey method and the single-country context are noted as limitations of the study and offer future research potential for longitudinal settings, for mixed method studies and for comparative country data. Practical implications The study suggests that start-ups should function in a more collective manner to create platforms, promote one another’s products and services where possible and launch collective initiatives to enhance their visibility in the global context. Born globals should engage with their local entrepreneurial ecosystem, while remaining aware of its relative strengths and weaknesses for supporting internationalisation. Social implications Although the local ecosystem involves many stakeholders, this study helps identify key stakeholders that should be focused on by the government. Doing so will help create an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem at the national level – one that functions efficiently in supporting growth-seeking enterprises such as born globals. Originality/value This study combines the two research streams of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and born globals by directly connecting them with systemic elements. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to combine the two, thus making an added contribution by highlighting macro- and micro-viewpoints, with the former lacking in research on born globals and the latter in research on ecosystems. Thus, the present study helps in bringing venture creation and local ecosystem development research closer to each other.

Barriers to Resident Research in Radiology: A Canadian Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Hames ◽  
Michael Patlas ◽  
Richard Duszak
Keyword(s):  
Research Training ◽  
Diagnostic Radiology ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Resident Research ◽  
Protected Time ◽  
Canadian Perspective ◽  
Radiology Residents

Purpose The study sought to identify and characterise barriers to research for Canadian diagnostic radiology residents and suggest potential solutions to enhance future research success. Methods Institutional research board approval was obtained. Electronic surveys were solicited from all postgraduate year 2-5 diagnostic radiology residents at all 16 programs across Canada. The survey focused on key factors inhibiting research during training. Results Of all 400 Canadian diagnostic radiology residents, 88 (22%) responded. Of respondents, 86% reported research experience before residency, with 19% holding a nonphysician graduate degree. All indicated that research was a requirement for completion of their residency. The most important reported factors limiting resident research were time constraints (67%), personal disinterest (32%), and inadequate mentorship (32%). Although 44% reported dedicated residency program research training, 40% reported no such opportunities. Among the various time constraints, respondents cited studying demands (61%), on-call demands (52%), and daily clinical duties (38%) as strong or significant barriers to research. Most (63%) indicated their program provided at least some protected research time, but 21% were not aware of such protected time availability. When available, protected research time was modest, and ranged from 0.5 days/month to 3 months, with the majority of respondents citing 1 month of protected research time. Conclusions Diagnostic radiology residents in Canada report numerous barriers to research. Programs seeking to enhance radiology research should focus on providing appropriate training, protected time, and mentorship.

scholarly journals Development of a Survey Instrument to Explore the Characteristics of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Seaton ◽  
Anne Jones ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Karen Francis
Keyword(s):  
Research Team ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Free Text Response ◽  
Health Practitioners

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey instrument that can be used to explore the characteristics of Australian private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions. Methods: A multiphase process was used to develop the survey instrument. The research team conducted a literature search which resulted in the generation of 34 individual survey items. After the initial pool of survey items was developed, three experienced physiotherapists were invited to review the items. The draft survey instrument was then subject to online testing with private physiotherapy practitioners to evaluate the utility of the instrument. Results: All three physiotherapists invited to review the initial pool of survey items provided written feedback to the research team. Following revision, five private physiotherapy practitioners participated in pilot testing the survey instrument. Pilot testing revealed that approximately 10 minutes was required to complete the online survey. Conclusions: The final survey instrument has 29 questions in six sections with categorical, Likert and free text response options and can be used to explore the characteristics of Australian private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions. Information obtained from future research projects utilising this survey may guide the development of effective interventions aimed at enhancing the nature and quality of clinical interactions between private physiotherapy practitioners and other health practitioners working in Australia.

scholarly journals Genotyping of non-human primate models: perspectives and challenges for the implementation of the "three R's"

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
T. Haus ◽  
K. Prinz ◽  
B. Pauling ◽  
C. Roos
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Geographic Origins ◽  
The One ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Human Primate

Abstract. Although non-human primates (NHPs) represent only a minor fraction of all animals used in biomedical research, there is a continuous effort to further reduce, refine and replace research with NHPs in accordance with the principles of the three R's. Most of the NHP model species are genetically highly diverse, and significant variation occurs among populations of different geographic origins, particularly in macaques. Since such differences can considerably affect the outcome of biomedical experiments, genotyping represents a promising tool to refine research approaches and to reduce the number of NHPs in biomedical research. Accordingly, the European Primate Network (EUPRIM-Net) developed an anonymous online survey to evaluate possibilities and potential hindrances for the application of genotyping in NHP research. On the one hand, our results point to the importance of genetic variation in NHPs and the need to consider the genetic background for future research approaches. On the other hand, our survey identified several hindrances and limiting factors for the application of genotyping and its incorporation in research, primate husbandry and breeding. We provide some fundamental recommendations on how to meet these challenges and how genotyping can be efficiently used to refine NHP research and to reduce the number of NHPs in biomedical research in the long term.

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