scholarly journals An Optimal e-working Environment: Online Survey Results

Author(s):  
Michal Beno ◽  
Jozef Hvorecky ◽  
Dagmar Caganova

E-working undergoes a facelift. Its present extent and format are extending to (re)define the future of workplaces. The consequences of the sudden arrival COVID-19 pandemic are not fully understood yet, because a radical evolution of work is still running. Over the past few months, nearly every organization seems to have implemented its e-working practices. Some of them contradict each other, which may lead to confusion and disharmony. It opens the question of creating and developing optimal e-worker-friendly environments. On 11 May 2020, the authors of the paper launched an online survey to gather important data to determine how workers of different subsidiaries of an international organization were coping with this sudden change. In 154 responses, they shared their feelings on the recent workplace challenges as well as future perspectives. In the survey, the respondents and their workplaces confirmed their quick adaption to e-working. More than half of them feel more productive at home than in the office. They indicate their preference for a smart casual dress code. More than one-third of respondents would like to extend working from home to a longer period (1-2 years). They see their subsidiaries not having developed a return-to-work strategy as a problem. Another big issue is the blurred line between personal and work life. Data provide strong evidence of the benefits of e-working and constitute a set of recommendations for this type of work in the future. The conclusions have been generalized to a model that can guide organizations in managing their e-working balanced and positively expanding.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Imlach ◽  
Eileen McKinlay ◽  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
Jonathan Kennedy ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March–May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. Methods Using a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (> 18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n = 1010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n = 38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective. Results In general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. Conclusions Even in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Imlach ◽  
E McKinlay ◽  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
J Kennedy ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
...  

© 2020, The Author(s). Background: During the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March–May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (> 18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n = 1010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n = 38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective. Results: In general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. Conclusions: Even in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Imlach ◽  
E McKinlay ◽  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
J Kennedy ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
...  

© 2020, The Author(s). Background: During the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March–May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (> 18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n = 1010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n = 38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective. Results: In general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. Conclusions: Even in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Anna Cutino ◽  
Roongroj Bhidayasiri ◽  
Carlo Colosimo

Background and Objectives. Anticholinergics have been proposed in the therapy of tardive syndromes since the early 60 s, despite only anecdotal reports of a positive effect and a lack of sound evidence supporting their usefulness. Methods. We assessed the attitude of two groups of psychiatrists (practicing in Italy and Thailand) towards the prescription of anticholinergics by a short online survey consisting of four questions. A total of one hundred questionnaires were sent out (50 in Italy and 50 in Thailand), and 42 psychiatrists responded to the survey. Results. When comparing the two cohorts, the difference, both for age and years of practice, was statistically significant ( p < 0.00001 and p < 0.0001 , respectively), with Thai psychiatrists being younger and with less time in practice as specialists. The results from the survey showed that the prescription of anticholinergic drugs at the beginning of the antipsychotic treatment was used by 5 psychiatrists (20.0%) of the Italian cohort and by 1 (5.9%) of the Thai cohort. Regarding the Italian psychiatrists who did not prescribe anticholinergics concomitantly with neuroleptics, we found that 5 (25.0%) of them had prescribed anticholinergics in the past but had abandoned this practice, while 15 (93.7%) of the Thai psychiatrists who did not prescribe anticholinergics at the moment of the survey answered that they had prescribed these drugs in the past. Conclusion. According to this preliminary survey, the practice to use anticholinergics as a treatment for tardive syndromes is still relatively common, particularly in psychiatrists of the older generation, but seemingly in decline over the years.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Imlach ◽  
Eileen McKinlay ◽  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
Jonathan Kennedy ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDuring the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March-May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. MethodsUsing a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (>18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n=1,010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n=38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective.ResultsIn general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. ConclusionsEven in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-84
Author(s):  
Sitti Murni Kaddi ◽  
Enjang Muhaemin

This research is motivated by the increasing use of the veil among female students. Although basically wearing the hijab is a dress code that is required by Islam for Muslim women, but it is proven that only some of them wear the hijab. This reality shows, besides the syar'i provisions that are obeyed, there seems to be something else that makes some Muslim women feel confident to wear the hijab. This research-based paper aims to find out the motives and meanings of wearing headscarves by the students of Communication Studies at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tadulako University, Palu. The study uses qualitative research methods, with in-depth interview techniques, and observation, with the aim of exploring the motives and veiled meanings of the female students. Research uses a phenomenological approach. The results of the study concluded two things. First, the motives of female students wearing headscarves are divided into two, namely the motives of the past and the motives of the future. Motives of the past are encouraged because of encouragement and advice from parents and family, as well as shar'i motifs based on obligations established by Islam. The future motives underlying the female students using veil are divided into the motive of wanting to avoid bad things, wanting to control their behavior, and wanting to be appreciated. Second, related to self-meaning, the students who wear the hijab interpret it as proof of love for God, and as a service to both parents. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi semakin meningkatnya penggunaan jilbab di kalangan mahasiswi. Kendati pada dasarnya menggunakan jilbab merupakan aturan berpakaian yang disyariatkan Islam bagi perempuan muslim, namun terbukti hanya sebagian yang menggunakan jilbab. Realitas ini menunjukkan, selain ketentuan syar’i yang ditaati, sepertinya ada hal lain yang membuat sebagian perempuan muslimah merasa yakin untuk menggunakan jilbab. Tulisan berbasis penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui motif dan makna pemakaian jilbab yang dilakukan para mahasiswi Ilmu Komunikasi FISIP Universitas Tadulako Palu. Penelitian menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif, dengan teknik wawancara mendalam, dan observasi,  dengan tujuan menggali motif, dan makna berjilbab para mahasiswi. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologis. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan dua hal. Pertama, motif mahasiswi memakai jilbab  terbagi menjadi dua, yaitu motif masa lalu dan motif masa depan. Motif masa lalu didorong karena dorongan dan nasehat dari orang tua dan keluarga, serta motif syar’i yang didasarkan pada kewajiban yang ditetapkan Islam. Adapun motif masa depan yang mendasari mahasiswi menggunakan jilbab terpilah pada motif ingin menghindari hal-hal buruk, ingin mengontrol tingkah laku, dan ingin dihargai. Kedua, berkaitan dengan makna diri,  para mahasiswi pemakai jilbab memaknainya sebagai bukti sayang kepada Allah, dan sebagai bakti kepada kedua orang tua.


Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Niederkrotenthaler ◽  
Anna Haider ◽  
Benedikt Till ◽  
Katherine Mok ◽  
Jane Pirkis

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that suicidal individuals who use the Internet for suicide-related purposes are more suicidal than nonsuicide-related users, but evidence from European countries is lacking. Aims: We assessed differences between suicidal individuals who go online for suicide-related purposes and other suicidal individuals in Austria. Method: Participants were 53 individuals aged between 18 and 24 years who felt suicidal in the past year and completed an anonymous online survey. Results: Individuals who went online for suicide-related purposes were more suicidal, and more depressed, compared with individuals who did not use the Internet for suicide-related purposes. There were no large differences with regard to social anxiety and perceived barriers for help-seeking between the two groups. Conclusion: This study finds that suicidal online users are more depressed and suicidal than nonusers in a sample from Central Europe. Online interventions to combat depression and suicidality need to be strengthened to reach out to this important target population.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Pearce ◽  
Chris Daws

This report is the first study to investigate quality of life for those suffering with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS). In June 2016, members of MdDS Australia were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey investigating their quality of life in regards to general health status; work and social activities; depression and fatigue; life enjoyment; and MdDS inference in daily activities.Sixty-three members (73% response rate) completed the survey over the four-week period. Average age of the respondents was 41 years, with 96% of the respondents being female. Time of onset to official MdDS diagnosis was 2 years. The general health of respondents was fair to good but there was noticeable response regarding the future of their health status in the future. MdDS has a notable effect on activities of daily living, and also the work environment (including housework), where many respondents noted that they have modified their working hours/load to accommodate MdDS. There was almost unanimous agreement that there is significant ignorance or misunderstanding of MdDS by clinicians and allied health workers. Also, the lack of understanding of MdDS in the wider community may also play an effect on the working environment for respondents.Overall, this preliminary survey has found that the multiple variables of ignorance/misunderstanding, modification of the working environment (including housework), and being unsure of the future, collectively contribute to constant anxiety and worry about MdDS which is likely to have an affect on cognitive abilities and the mental health of a majority of respondents. Future research should look at creating an individual quality of life score to understand how MdDS affects each person specifically.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Chandler

AbstractThis article was written by Hannah Chandler, the Official Papers Librarian for the Bodleian Libraries. Her article looks at how the print collections were managed in the past and how the collections are managed and arranged today in Oxford. It looks at the complex and dynamic environment of official publishing in terms both of print and e-format. Looking to the future, it considers how shared working practices and policy on giving access to and archiving born digital material are benefitting the legal deposit libraries. Finally, the article outlines the breadth of the challenge, not only giving access to information in perpetuity but also making it accessible to the information professional and user.


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