scholarly journals Developing a web-based education program for people with asthma in rural and remote areas

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Boyd ◽  
Frank Archer
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Program Review ◽  
Asthma Knowledge ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Rural And Remote Areas ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Rural Australia

Introduction A needs analysis was conducted to investigate barriers to optimal emergency asthma care in rural Australia. The findings revealed that utilisation of ambulance services for asthma was suboptimal despite improved outcomes in cases where paramedic intervention was sought. Asthma Foundations of Australia funded the development, implementation and evaluation of the `Ambulances for Asthma’ program to address this issue. This paper aims to describe the role the community played in the development and evaluation of the program. The key domains of pedagogy, format, usability, navigation, interactivity and delivery have been utilised to provide a framework for program review. Methods A Project Steering Group comprising key stakeholders was convened to establish best practice management of out-of-hospital asthma in rural areas. A multimedia education package incorporating a website, brochure/CD and poster was developed. Human-computer interface testing and focus groups were used to refine the program pre-implementation. Evaluation questionnaires and focus groups were utilised post implementation. Results The vast majority (76%) of respondents agreed that the program was user friendly. A large proportion (90.5%) of participants felt more confident with their asthma knowledge and 64% of the participants were more likely to call an ambulance for their asthma as a result of the education package. Conclusion The use of community based feedback to develop and refine the `Ambulances for Asthma’ program resulted in high levels of user satisfaction. The findings show that the program has potential as a decision aid for people with asthma in rural Australia.

scholarly journals 255 An Exploration of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Wearable Technology in Parkinson’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii1-iii16
Author(s):  
Lorna Kenny ◽  
Clíona O'Riordan ◽  
Tony Wilkinson ◽  
Mary O’Sullivan ◽  
Janis Agurjanovs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Parallel Design ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
User Friendly

Abstract Background Wearable technology is increasingly used to diagnose, monitor and manage neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study aims to gain information about the views and needs of people with Parkinson’s (PwP’s) regarding wearable technology for monitoring the disease and assisting its management. Methods The study employed a mixed methods parallel design, wherein focus-groups and questionnaires were concurrently conducted with people with PwP’s in Munster. Questionnaires and topic guides were developed with significant input from PwP’s. The participants for focus-groups were purposively sampled for variation in PD stage, age (all >50 years) and sex. Questionnaire and focus-group results were analysed together, using a pragmatic triangulation protocol. Results Thirty-two questionnaires were completed by PwP’s. Four semi-structured focus-groups were held (n=24 participants). Participants were overall positive about wearable technology in PD, and perceived benefits in wearable technology for improved management of symptoms. Wearables should be user-friendly, have an appealing design, and demonstrate clinical usefulness. Comfort and discrete design were emphasised for greater usability. The value of sharing information between PwP’s and health professionals for improved outcomes was highlighted. PwP’s perceived that increased patient data in the form of reliable information from a wearable device may allow for more accurate management of PD. Participants also felt that a device could help increase physical activity, and potentially track compliance with medication. There was little focus on device safety and privacy/ownership of data. While participants anticipated that there may be challenges for some in wearing a device, they believed overall potential benefits would outweigh these. Conclusion Engagement of PwP’s in the design of wearable technology is vital for the development of devices that improve the management of PD. This study will directly inform a multi-country feasibility study of wearable devices for older people, with a particular focus on the needs of PwP’s.

Counseling during Real Ear Measurements: The Clients' Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Ryall ◽  
Lorienne M. Jenstad ◽  
John Pumford ◽  
Tami Howe ◽  
Garnet Grosjean
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background When dispensing hearing aids, audiologists must follow validated fitting and verification procedures to ensure that the hearing aids are properly fitted to the client's hearing. Real ear measurements (REMs) are best practice for verifying hearing aids. Prior literature regarding REMs has mainly focused on the clinicians' perspective. Purpose This study investigated informational counseling throughout REMs by gathering perspectives of first-time hearing aid users regarding the content and format of counseling. Research Design The study used an interpretive description approach with focus groups. Study Sample There were 16 adult participants (4 males, 12 females) who were first-time hearing aid users and who all had memory of REMs occurring during their own hearing aid verification. Intervention We investigated the addition of informational counseling during REM verification. Data Collection and Analysis Four focus groups were conducted to elicit feedback on a demonstration of informational counseling during REM hearing aid verification. The data from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis revealed positive aspects, negative aspects, and suggested changes in relation to the verbal and visual information presented during the REM verification demonstration. These data fell into two broad categories: the interaction and transaction of informational counseling. Conclusion Most clients were interested in learning more about REMs if the information was accessible. Results provide recommendations for clinical audiologists and REM system manufacturers to make the information presented during informational counseling more client-friendly and individualized for client-centered care. To continue exploring this new inquiry, further experimental research is required to determine if there is any added value of incorporating informational counseling during REMs.

scholarly journals Building Bio-Districts or Eco-Regions: Participative Processes Supported by Focal Groups

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 511
Author(s):  
Raquel S. Dias ◽  
Daniela V.T.A. Costa ◽  
Helena E. Correia ◽  
Cristina A. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food System ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Family Farmers ◽  
Governance Model ◽  
Environmental Component

Over the years, rural areas have faced a number of problems and difficulties, such as an increase in the average age of the population, desertification, loss of employment and the abandonment of rural and agricultural activities, which have led to the emergence of new initiatives aimed at revitalizing these territories from a social, economic and environmental perspective, such as the successful Bio-districts or Eco-regions (e.g., Bio-district of Cilento). Understanding and establishing a proper framework for each territory based on agroecology and participatory methodologies is still a challenge. In this sense, based on the analysis of two European examples—Cilento, Italy and São Pedro do Sul, Portugal—we described each of the building processes and defined a set of drivers that might constitute guiding principles to serve as a basis for the creation of Bio-districts or Eco-regions. The drivers’ matrix identified was discussed in three focus groups carried out in Portugal in 2020. Such drivers included a technical and environmental component (the quality of the environment and landscape, the food system and the implementation of organic farming and agroecological practices), a social and economic component (valorization of the farmers, products and territories and a set of different stakeholders—farmers, consumers, schools, tourism entities and restaurants, local authorities) and a political component (the governance model). Most participants agreed that the recognition of a Bio-district or Eco-region should be informal, bottom-up, with farmers as the main pillar, with a fair and representative participation, namely family farmers.

scholarly journals The Challenges of Intersectionality in the Lives of Older Adults Living in Rural Areas with Limited Financial Resources

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142110093
Author(s):  
Adrienne Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Southern Georgia ◽  
Multiplicative Effects ◽  
Limit Access

The objective of this study was to use intersectionality to better understand the challenges of having the combined statuses of being an older adult, living in a rural area and having limited financial resources. Eight focus groups and 38 individual interviews were conducted in southern Georgia. Participants included program participants and staff, community members, and community leaders. Thematic analysis was done using verbatim transcripts from focus groups and interviews. Results demonstrate that the multiplicative and intersecting statuses of the study population create challenges in the areas of transportation, health care, food, and housing. The challenges of these intersectional statuses limit access to services in ways that each individual status did not, thereby compounding challenges. While previous literature describes the challenges of one or two of these statuses, this work explores the multiplicative effects of the combination of the three statuses using intersectionality. Programmatic and policy recommendations and implications are discussed.

IMPACT OF DIGITAL MARKETING: THE PRESENT SCENARIO IN TELANGANA STATE – AN EMPERICAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (65) ◽  
pp. 15164-15172
Author(s):  
S. Pratap ◽  
Aziz Fatima
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Digital Marketing ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Rural And Remote Areas ◽  
Telangana State ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Made In

In present scenario of COVID-19, the effect of pandemic on Digital Marketing is visible not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Customers are searching for various products and services through Google by which they can purchase wide range of products and services to fill their needs and desires at relatively low price. The freedom to select numerous products is available by browsing various websites. Hence this study focuses on Impact of digital marketing particularly in the selected rural areas of Telangana state. This state been formed recently but in the IT sector it is receiving much attention throughout the globe, as many MNC’s are establishing their operations in this state. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this study to find out how the Impact of digital marketing is trickling down in the rural and remote areas of newly formed Telangana state. Hence this study focuses the impact of digital marketing in the selected areas of Telangana state.

scholarly journals Challenges for Collecting Questionnaire-Based Onsite Survey Data in a Niche Tourism Market Context: The Case of Wine Tourism in Rural Areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12251
Author(s):  
Diana Cunha ◽  
Elisabeth Kastenholz ◽  
Bernard Lane
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Wine Tourism ◽  
The Social ◽  
Physical Setting ◽  
Data Validity ◽  
Sample Recruitment

Questionnaire-based surveys are among the most widespread data collection methods in tourism research. However, the special features of rural tourism, with frequently spontaneous, non-massive visitation patterns and sparse visitor numbers, pose challenges to onsite questionnaire administration. Researchers must address these problems to make sample recruitment easier and more effective, while maintaining the goals of representativeness of population and data validity. Using the rural wine tourism context, this article identifies the major challenges for questionnaire-based onsite surveys and suggests best practice procedures. Challenges are discussed using three complementary perspectives: of the supply agents, of the research subjects (the visitors) and of the researchers. The article presents the theory and case study-inspired reflection on the potential strategies of overcoming these challenges and guaranteeing the largest possible number of visitors surveyed in contexts where visitors are few. The discussion includes the questionnaire’s characteristics; the physical setting of its administration; the researchers involved; the visitors approached; the social interactions and influences occurring during the process. Issues with the future use of alternative online forums are also discussed.

scholarly journals Benchmarking user satisfaction in academic libraries - a case study

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (87) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Mundt
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Library Management ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Culture Of Assessment ◽  
Survey Results

Customer satisfaction and service quality have so far been evaluated mostly from a local perspective although the quality element has been firmly established in academic library management for at least a decade. Critics of inter-institutional comparisons often object that different preconditions are not considered adequately. Examples from a joint user satisfaction survey conducted by 15 German university libraries in 2001 suggest that comparative data are a suitable means to identify cases of "best practice" and can effectively initialize processes of customer-focussed improvement. Furthermore, if compared with corresponding statistical data or performance measures, satisfaction ratings can reveal possible structural strengths and deficits relative to other libraries. On the other hand, follow-up telephone interviews with participating libraries showed that the survey results substantially challenged the institutions' internal communication and public relations organisation, and underlined that even in a well-developed culture of assessment the need for professional mediation and coordination of comparative analyses may not be underestimated.

scholarly journals User Satisfaction of the Free Shuttle Bus Service in Petaling Jaya

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 427-441
Author(s):  
Nur Adibah Farhanah Binti Ismail ◽  
Nur Alya Imani Binti Ismail ◽  
Nur Intan Faaiqah Binti Mohd Faizal ◽  
Nur Rabiatul Adawiyah Atiqah Binti Ijama ◽  
Nuramira Adiyana Binti Suzeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
City Bus ◽  
Bus Service ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Bus Services

Public transportation brings more convenience to customer in urban and rural areas. In Malaysia, awareness of using the PJ City bus by passengers in Petaling Jaya is still limited. Many passengers are still unsatisfied with the services provided because the shuttle bus is zero-priced services, so the quality of services are always questioned by access users. Therefore, this current study is to investigate the influences of value, quality and reputation of free shuttle (PJ City) bus services towards customer satisfaction. Understanding what customers expect is very important as it will help to improve the services. Data were collected from users of PJ City bus using a survey questionnaire. The finding further revealed that, value positively influenced the satisfaction of customers. So, it is important for the service provider to enhance its value to the customer.

Relationship of OPAC users' satisfaction with their demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance and user-friendly OPAC

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Computer Skills ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
User Education

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to identify whether user demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance and user-friendly OPAC (online public access catalog) have an impact on their satisfaction in the context of users in an Indian university setting. Design/methodology/approach – The survey method was utilized and a questionnaire was designed to collect data. The study is based on a sample of the 384 questionnaires from the three universities located in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Punjab State. To analyze the data collected, SPSS package (version 14.0) was used, and also to produce requisite cross-tabulations. Chi-square testing was performed to determine the association of user satisfaction with the variables covered in the study. Findings – The findings highlighted that overall there was a low degree of satisfaction among the users. With the exception of academic majors, in general, there were no significant differences between satisfaction and user demographic characteristics. Overall satisfaction was significantly higher for those who were possessed with adequate knowledge on OPAC, and had received staff assistance, as well as necessary education on OPAC. The study showed that satisfaction with ease of usage of OPAC was higher. It was also found that users were well-equipped with computers and had attained skills while frequently searching the web, however, it was also revealed that mere possession of computer skills was not sufficient for efficient use of OPAC, resulting in the attainment of a high level of satisfaction. Originality/value – The paper brings out the fact of how user demographic characteristics, computer skills, user education, user assistance, and user-friendly OPAC, influence user satisfaction in a university educational set up. The findings will be beneficial for increasing user satisfaction levels in order to retain existing OPAC users because OPAC will continue to be a necessary tool for accessing quality academic information available in both print and electronic format.

scholarly journals Connectivity of Real-Time Video Counselling Versus Telephone Counselling for Smoking Cessation in Rural and Remote Areas: An Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2891
Author(s):  
Judith Byaruhanga ◽  
Christine L. Paul ◽  
John Wiggers ◽  
Emma Byrnes ◽  
Aimee Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Smoking Cessation Counselling ◽  
Rural And Remote Areas ◽  
Feasible Option ◽  
Communication Software

This study compared the connectivity of video sessions to telephone sessions delivered to smokers in rural areas and whether remoteness and video app (video only) were associated with the connectivity of video or telephone sessions. Participants were recruited into a randomised trial where two arms offered smoking cessation counselling via: (a) real-time video communication software (201 participants) or (b) telephone (229 participants). Participants were offered up to six video or telephone sessions and the connectivity of each session was recorded. A total of 456 video sessions and 606 telephone sessions were completed. There was adequate connectivity of the video intervention in terms of no echoing noise (97.8%), no loss of internet connection during the session (88.6%), no difficulty hearing the participant (88.4%) and no difficulty seeing the participant (87.5%). In more than 94% of telephone sessions, there was no echoing noise, no difficulty hearing the participant and no loss of telephone line connection. Video sessions had significantly greater odds of experiencing connectivity difficulties than telephone sessions in relation to connecting to the participant at the start (odds ratio, OR = 5.13, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.88–14.00), loss of connection during the session (OR = 11.84, 95% CI 4.80–29.22) and hearing the participant (OR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.41–4.55). There were no significant associations between remoteness and video app and connectivity difficulties in the video or telephone sessions. Real-time video sessions are a feasible option for smoking cessation providers to provide support in rural areas.

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