Towards Consensus on Good Practices for the Use of New Technologies for Intervention and Support in Developmental Dyslexia: A Delphi Study Conducted among Italian Specialized Professionals

The use of new technologies for intervention in developmental dyslexia is steadily growing. In order to better understand the needs, the expectations, and the attitudes of Italian expert health professionals concerning such technologies, a national survey was conducted applying the Delphi methodology. Ad-hoc questionnaires were sent out to a group of eighteen experts over three successive rounds, and anonymously collected responses were aggregated and shared with the group after each round, aiming to reach a consensus on the proposed response. The goal was to define a series of statements that could form the basis for international “good practices” in the use of technologies for intervention to support dyslexia in children and adolescents. In the first round, the experts’ general opinions were collected with both multiple choice and open questions, and in the second round consensus was assessed on a series of statements based on the first replies. The cut-off of 75% consensus on each statement was reached after three rounds. Fifteen experts completed all the rounds of the process, and a final version of the statements regarding good practice in the use of technologies for dyslexia could be defined.

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Inclusión, diversidad y equidad: diseño y validación de un cuestionario de opinión dirigido al profesorado de orientación educativa (IDEC-O)

Revista de Investigación Educativa ◽

10.6018/rie.37.2.333891 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 505-524 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mirian Miranda Morais ◽

Joaquín Lorenzo Burguera Condon ◽

José Miguel Arias Blanco ◽

Elsa Peña Suárez

Keyword(s):

School Counselors ◽

Delphi Study ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Likert Scale ◽

Open Questions ◽

Response Alternatives ◽

Strongly Agree ◽

Two Stages ◽

Educación Primaria

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar el estudio Delphi realizado para diseñar y validar el contenido de un cuestionario de opinión elaborado ad hoc para recoger la opinión de orientadores y orientadoras sobre cómo los centros asturianos responden a la diversidad en educación primaria y secundaria. Se partió de un instrumento elaborado ad hoc del que se realizó una aplicación piloto en la que participaron 51 orientadores y orientadoras de secundaria (N=51). Con objeto de adecuar la validez de contenido a ambas etapas se realizó un estudio Delphi de carácter cuantitativo y cualitativo en la que participaron 9 expertos. El estudio constó de dos rondas y distintas tareas con objeto de someter al criterio de expertos los bloques que componen el cuestionario y que recogen información sobre variables personales, profesionales, datos del centro, en una escala Likert de 48 ítems y preguntas abiertas. Se realizó un análisis de contenido de la información cualitativa y un análisis descriptivo, cálculo de la media, desviación típica y el porcentaje de acuerdo respecto a los criterios adoptados para considerar un ítem como válido. El resultado es un cuestionario de cinco bloques: tres recogen información sobre variables de identificación y clasificación (datos sociodemográficos; datos profesionales; datos referidos al centro). El cuarto es una escala Likert de 45 ítems y cinco alternativas de respuesta (1= muy en desacuerdo hasta 5= muy de acuerdo). El último consta de tres preguntas abiertas sobre barreras, facilitadores y propuestas de mejora. The aim of this paper focuses on the results of a Delphi study carried out to design and to validate the content of an “ad hoc” opinion questionnaire. The questionnaire has been developed to know the counselors’ opinion on how the Asturian centers attend to diversity in primary and secondary stages. It was based on an instrument previously carried out, which was submitted to a pilot test in which 51 secondary school counselors participated (N = 51). In order to adapt the validity of the content to the two stages (primary and secondary), a quantitative and qualitative Delphi study was carried out in which 9 experts participated. The study was developed in two rounds and through different tasks in order to submit the blocks in which the questionnaire is structured to expert judgment. These blocks collect information on personal and professional variables and center data, on a Likert scale of 48 items and open questions. A content analysis of the qualitative information was carried out and a descriptive analysis of the mean, standard deviation and percentage of agreement in relation to the criteria adopted to consider an item as valid. The result is a questionnaire composed of five blocks: three of them collect information on identification and classification variables (sociodemographic, professional and center data). The fourth block is a Likert scale of 45 items and five response alternatives (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree).

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A Delphi Study Investigating Clinicians’ Views on Access to, Delivery of, and Adaptations of MBCT in the UK Clinical Settings

Mindfulness ◽

10.1007/s12671-021-01706-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kate Williams ◽

Samantha Hartley ◽

Peter Taylor

Keyword(s):

Delphi Study ◽

Good Practice ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Training Support ◽

Decision Making Processes ◽

Complex Decision Making ◽

Complex Decision ◽

The Uk ◽

Clinical Populations

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a well-evidenced relapse-prevention intervention for depression with a growing evidence-base for use in other clinical populations. The UK initiatives have outlined plans for increasing access to MBCT in clinical settings, although evidence suggests that access remains limited. Given the increased popularity and access to MBCT, there may be deviations from the evidence-base and potential risks of harm. We aimed to understand what clinicians believe should be best clinical practice regarding access to, delivery of, and adaptations to MBCT. Methods We employed a two-stage Delphi methodology. First, to develop statements around best practices, we consulted five mindfulness-based experts and reviewed the literature. Second, a total of 59 statements were taken forward into three survey rating rounds. Results Twenty-nine clinicians completed round one, with 25 subsequently completing both rounds two and three. Forty-four statements reached consensus; 15 statements did not. Clinicians agreed with statements regarding sufficient preparation for accessing MBCT, adherence to the evidence-base and good practice guidelines, consideration of risks, sufficient access to training, support, and resources within services, and carefully considered adaptations. The consensus was not reached on statements which reflected a lack of evidence-base for specific clinical populations or the complex decision-making processes involved in delivering and making adaptations to MBCT. Conclusions Our findings highlight the delicate balance of maintaining a client-centred and transparent approach whilst adhering to the evidence-base in clinical decisions around access to, delivery of, and adaptations in MBCT and have important wide-reaching implications.

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Nurses and the acceptance of innovations in technology-intensive contexts: the need for tailored management strategies

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06628-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chiara Barchielli ◽

Cristina Marullo ◽

Manila Bonciani ◽

Milena Vainieri

Keyword(s):

Social Influence ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

New Technologies ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Technological Innovations ◽

Utaut Model ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

The Social ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Facilitating Conditions

Abstract Background Several technological innovations have been introduced in healthcare over the years, and their implementation proved crucial in addressing challenges of modern health. Healthcare workers have frequently been called upon to become familiar with technological innovations that pervade every aspect of their profession, changing their working schedule, habits, and daily actions. Purpose An in-depth analysis of the paths towards the acceptance and use of technology may facilitate the crafting and adoption of specific personnel policies taking into consideration definite levers, which appear to be different in relation to the age of nurses. Approach The strength of this study is the application of UTAUT model to analyse the acceptance of innovations by nurses in technology-intensive healthcare contexts. Multidimensional Item Response Theory is applied to identify the main dimensions characterizing the UTAUT model. Paths are tested through two stage regression models and validated using a SEM covariance analysis. Results The age is a moderator for the social influence: social influence, or peer opinion, matters more for young nurse. Conclusion The use of MIRT to identify the most important items for each construct of UTAUT model and an in-depth path analysis helps to identify which factors should be considered a leverage to foster nurses’ acceptance and intention to use new technologies (o technology-intensive devices). Practical implications Young nurses may benefit from the structuring of shifts with the most passionate colleagues (thus exploiting the social influence), the participation in ad hoc training courses (thus exploiting the facilitating conditions), while other nurses could benefit from policies that rely on the stressing of the perception of their expectations or the downsizing of their expectancy of the effort in using new technologies.

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Surveying Immigrant Populations: Methodological Strategies, Good Practices and open Questions

Surveying Ethnic Minorities and Immigrant Populations ◽

10.1017/9789048519187.013 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 271-290

Author(s):

Mónica Méndez ◽

Joan Font

Keyword(s):

Good Practices ◽

Immigrant Populations ◽

Open Questions

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Social Media in Communicating about Social and Environmental Issues—Non-Financial Reports in Poland

Information ◽

10.3390/info12060220 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 220

Author(s):

Ewa Stawicka ◽

Joanna Paliszkiewicz

Keyword(s):

Good Practice ◽

Environmental Issues ◽

Marketing Communication ◽

Limited Extent ◽

Socially Responsible ◽

Communication Tools ◽

Financial Reports ◽

Good Practices ◽

Corporate Social ◽

The Impact

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the dissemination of social reports among entrepreneurs in order to determine the number of reporting organizations and examples in which Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) areas enterprises report. We analyze the dissemination of social reports among entrepreneurs in Poland and determine the number of reporting organizations and examples in which CSR companies report. This work is a guide for entrepreneurs in Poland to build strategies and activities for transparency and communicating good practice. One of the research goals was to identify and evaluate communication activities with stakeholders in terms of responsible activities, social and environmental. The data analysis comes from a detailed literature review and the Responsible Business Forum (FOB) Reports database for 2008–2019 in Poland. The results of the survey show that many entrepreneurs in Poland, representing small, medium-sized (SME), and even large enterprises underestimate the importance of socially responsible activities. Entrepreneurs communicate with stakeholders to a limited extent and are not informed about good practices. The vast majority of the surveyed enterprises, especially large ones, prepare social reports, which result from obligation: requirements of Directive 2014/95/EU. The SME sector shows a lack of knowledge and uses individual marketing communication tools to a limited extent, limiting itself to advertising activities (very few companies prepare social reports). The article is a practical tip for enterprises showing the impact of business on changes towards sustainable development. Originality/value lies in the fact that the article presents selected research results on various aspects related to social reporting and communicating social and environmental activities to stakeholders.

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Continuous Automotive Software Updates through Container Image Layers

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics10060739 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 739

Author(s):

Nicholas Ayres ◽

Lipika Deka ◽

Daniel Paluszczyszyn

Keyword(s):

Embedded System ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

New Technologies ◽

Electronic Control Unit ◽

Control Unit ◽

New Approach ◽

Automotive Software ◽

Software Updating ◽

Software Updates ◽

Functional Software

The vehicle-embedded system also known as the electronic control unit (ECU) has transformed the humble motorcar, making it more efficient, environmentally friendly, and safer, but has led to a system which is highly dependent on software. As new technologies and features are included with each new vehicle model, the increased reliance on software will no doubt continue. It is an undeniable fact that all software contains bugs, errors, and potential vulnerabilities, which when discovered must be addressed in a timely manner, primarily through patching and updates, to preserve vehicle and occupant safety and integrity. However, current automotive software updating practices are ad hoc at best and often follow the same inefficient fix mechanisms associated with a physical component failure of return or recall. Increasing vehicle connectivity heralds the potential for over the air (OtA) software updates, but rigid ECU hardware design does not often facilitate or enable OtA updating. To address the associated issues regarding automotive ECU-based software updates, a new approach in how automotive software is deployed to the ECU is required. This paper presents how lightweight virtualisation technologies known as containers can promote efficient automotive ECU software updates. ECU functional software can be deployed to a container built from an associated image. Container images promote efficiency in download size and times through layer sharing, similar to ECU difference or delta flashing. Through containers, connectivity and OtA future software updates can be completed without inconveniences to the consumer or incurring expense to the manufacturer.

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Restraining good practice: Reviewing evidence of the effects of restraint from the perspective of service users and mental health professionals in the United Kingdom (UK)

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.ijlp.2016.02.023 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 20-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

P. Cusack ◽

S. McAndrew ◽

F. Cusack ◽

T. Warne

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

United Kingdom ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Good Practice ◽

Service Users ◽

The United Kingdom

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Recommendations for standardization and specifications in automated electrocardiography: bandwidth and digital signal processing. A report for health professionals by an ad hoc writing group of the Committee on Electrocardiography and Cardiac Electrophysiology of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association.

Circulation ◽

10.1161/01.cir.81.2.730 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 81 (2) ◽

pp. 730-739 ◽

Cited By ~ 171

Author(s):

J J Bailey ◽

A S Berson ◽

A Garson ◽

L G Horan ◽

P W Macfarlane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signal Processing ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Cardiac Electrophysiology ◽

American Heart Association ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

American Heart ◽

Heart Association ◽

Digital Signal ◽

Writing Group ◽

Clinical Cardiology

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Design, Validation and Implementation of a Questionnaire to Assess Teenagers’ Digital Competence in the Area of Communication in Digital Environments

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126733 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6733

Author(s):

Ana Iglesias-Rodríguez ◽

Azucena Hernández-Martín ◽

Yolanda Martín-González ◽

Patricia Herráez-Corredera

Keyword(s):

Citizen Participation ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Identity Management ◽

New Technologies ◽

Compulsory Education ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Psychometric Validation ◽

Digital Competence ◽

Education Students ◽

Design Validation

This article describes the process of design, validation, and implementation (N = 609) of a questionnaire drawn up ad hoc to assess the digital competence of compulsory education students (ages 11 to 13) in the area of communication. The test measures students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the six competences that make up the area of communication, as established in the Framework for the Development and Knowledge of Digital Competence in Europe (DigComp): interacting through new technologies, sharing of information and content, online citizen participation, collaboration through digital technologies, netiquette, and digital identity management. The purposes of the study are to design and validate an instrument to assess compulsory education students’ digital competences in the area of communication based on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes and to analyse such instrument’s psychometric characteristics with special emphasis on its reliability and validity. The method used consisted of the implementation of various psychometric validation techniques and the analysis of the results based on statistical descriptions. Items show adequate discrimination and difficulty indices. Validity was guaranteed through expert judgement and factorial analysis of the test. The conclusion stresses the pressing need for education centres to provide students with adequate educational-communicative training.

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