scholarly journals Qualitative Investigation into Therapists’ Experiences of Online Therapy: Implications for Working Clients

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10295
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Greta Kaluzeviciute ◽  
Christopher Lloyd ◽  
Ann-Marie Edwards ◽  
Akihiko Ozaki
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Online Therapy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Explicit Training ◽  
Working Populations ◽  
And Training

Online therapy has increasingly been utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic by many, including working populations. However, few qualitative studies have explored how online therapy is experienced in practice and discussed its implications for those working clients. Semi-structured interviews attended by nine integrative psychotherapists practising in California, the United States, were conducted. Thematic analysis of the transcripts identified three themes: (i) ‘Positive experiences of online therapy’, (ii) ‘Challenges experienced by therapists and clients in online therapy’, and (iii) ‘Preparation and training for online therapy’. Online therapy was assessed as being helpful, particularly in terms of mitigating against previous geographical and temporal barriers to uptake. However, due to technological disruptions and potential blurring of professional boundaries, online therapy may detract from the emotional salience of therapy, negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship and containment. Considering these positive experiences, participants expected that the demand for online therapy would continue to increase. Particularly in the occupational context, online therapy can offer interventions without fostering shame regarding mental health. The findings provide preliminary qualitative evidence that online therapy can be a useful adjunct to traditional forms of face-to-face therapy. However, therapists require more explicit training in implementing online therapy. Results are discussed in particular regarding the utility of this therapy for working clients.

“Why can’t I Have the Office Jobs?”: Immigrant Latinx Transgender Peoples’ Experiences with Seeking Employment

2021 ◽  
pp. 089484532110629
Author(s):  
Roberto L. Abreu ◽  
Kirsten A. Gonzalez ◽  
Louis Lindley ◽  
Cristalís Capielo Rosario ◽  
Gabriel M. Lockett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Disability Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Transgender People ◽  
Job Opportunities ◽  
Positive Experiences

Research has documented the experiences of transgender people in seeking employment. To date, no scholarship has explored the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people seeking employment in the United States. Using an intersectionality framework, the present study aimed to uncover the experiences of immigrant Latinx transgender people as they sought employment in the United States. A community sample of 18 immigrant Latinx transgender people from a large metropolitan city in Florida engaged in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five themes related to participants’ experiences seeking employment, including: (1) discrimination, (2) limited options, (3) positive experiences, (4) momentary de-transition, and (5) disability benefits as financial relief. Future directions such as exploring ways in which immigrant Latinx transgender people resist discrimination while seeking job opportunities are discussed. Implications for practice and advocacy such as advocating for equitable employment policies that acknowledge the intersectional experiences of this community are presented.

scholarly journals Domestic and International Perspectives on Financing Adult Education and Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 389-390
Author(s):  
Abigail Helsinger ◽  
Oksana Dikhtyar ◽  
Phyllis Cummins ◽  
Nytasia Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
And Training

Abstract Adult education and training (AET) over the life-course is necessary to participate in economic, social, and political activities in the time of globalization and technological advancement. However, little research has been done to identify mechanisms to fund AET opportunities among middle-aged and older adults from a comparative international perspective. Our study aimed to identify strategies to finance AET opportunities for middle-aged and older adults through an international lens, to help identify barriers and facilitators in effort to best support adult learners regardless of education background or socioeconomic characteristics. We carried out a descriptive qualitative study to facilitate an in-depth understanding of funding mechanisms available to adult learners in the selected countries, from the perspective of adult education and policy experts. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 61 international adult education experts from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and education institutions. Our informants represented 10 countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Data included at least one in-depth phone or web-based qualitative interview per informant in addition to information gathered from written materials (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and organizational reports). We identified three financing options that arose as themes: government-sponsored funding; employer-sponsored funding; and self-funding. We found that government-sponsored funding is especially important for low-skilled, low-income older adults for whom employer-sponsored or self-funding is not available. Our results have implications for lifelong AET policy changes, such as adaptations of successful AET funding programs across global communities.

scholarly journals Prenatal care experiences among pregnant women with obesity in Wisconsin, United States: a qualitative quality improvement assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle J. Hurst ◽  
Nicholas B. Schmuhl ◽  
Corrine I. Voils ◽  
Kathleen M. Antony
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Midwest Region ◽  
Positive Experiences

Abstract Background Stigma and bias experienced during prenatal care can affect quality of care and, ultimately, the health of pregnant women with obesity and their infants. We sought to 1) better understand the bias and stigma that women with BMIs ≥40 kg/m2 experience while receiving prenatal care, 2) gauge women’s interest in group prenatal education for women with obesity, and 3) gather feedback about their preferred weight-related terminology. Methods We conducted and thematically content-analyzed 30 semi-structured interviews of women with BMIs ≥40 kg/m2 who received prenatal care at a university-affiliated teaching hospital in the Midwest region of the United States. Results All women recalled positive experiences during their perinatal care during which they felt listened to and respected by providers. However, many also described a fear of weight-related bias or recalled weight-based discrimination. Women reacted favorably to a proposed group prenatal care option for pregnant women with obesity that focused on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management. Women rated “weight” and “BMI” as the most desirable terms for describing weight, while “large size” and “obesity” were rated least desirable. Conclusions Many pregnant women with BMIs ≥40 kg/m2 experience bias in the prenatal care setting. Potential steps to mitigate bias towards weight include improving provider awareness of the experiences and perspectives of this population, expanding prenatal care options targeted towards women with high BMIs, including group care, and using patient-preferred weight-related terminology. Through the remainder of this manuscript, wherever possible, the term “high BMI” will be used in place of the term “obesity” to describe women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 in order to respect the preferred terminology of the women we interviewed.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Exploration of Connectedness During COVID-19: Faculty Perceptions Toward Communication, Collaboration, and a Sense of Community While Teleworking

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. p83
Author(s):  
Cammy D. Romanuck Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Faculty Perceptions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenology ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
And Training ◽  
Time Faculty

The transition from face-to-face education to a primarily teleworking atmosphere following the Spring 2020 onset of COVID-19 left many faculty members floundering, struggling to effectively utilize online learning and communication platforms; to feel connected; and to continue accessing collaboration and professional development opportunities. This qualitative phenomenology study is one of the first in-depth qualitative reviews to explore faculty’s perceptions toward connectedness since teleworking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted during the Spring and Summer semesters of 2020, when the initial spread of COVID-19 occurred, forcing professionals and students alike to stay home to learn and work. The participants in this study included 11 full-time faculty from two universities in the United States who taught primarily face-to-face classes prior to COVID-19 and began teleworking as a result of the pandemic. The findings suggested faculty faced a slew of challenges related to communication, collaboration, and a sense of community while teleworking as a result of COVID-19, including ineffective communication, technology and access challenges, a lack of time and training, and feelings of disconnect. Participants also outlined strategies they believed to be effective to support connectedness while teleworking, such as video conferencing, regular communication, and enhanced collaboration opportunities. Given the volatile nature of COVID-19 and its implications for higher education institutions, it is highly likely that issues relating to connectedness while teleworking will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. Faculty and postsecondary administrators may use the findings from this study to guide discussions about whether their efforts to enhance overall perceptions of connectedness and faculty satisfaction have been successful, or whether efforts need to be revisited, revised, or enhanced.

scholarly journals Barriers and enablers to collaborative working between GPs and pharmacists: a qualitative interview study

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (692) ◽  
pp. e155-e163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Polly Duncan ◽  
Matthew J Ridd ◽  
Deborah McCahon ◽  
Bruce Guthrie ◽  
Christie Cabral
Keyword(s):  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Complex Patients ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
Interdisciplinary Interventions ◽  
Competing Priorities

BackgroundMany UK GP practices now employ a practice pharmacist, but little is known about how GPs and pharmacists work together to optimise medications for complex patients with multimorbidity.AimTo explore GP and pharmacist perspectives on collaborative working within the context of optimising medications for patients with multimorbidity.Design and settingA qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with GPs and pharmacists working in the West of England, Northern England, and Scotland.MethodThirteen GPs and 10 pharmacists were sampled from practices enrolled in the 3D trial (a complex intervention for people with multimorbidity). Participants’ views on collaborative working were explored with interviews that were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Saturation of data was achieved with no new insights arising from later interviews.ResultsGPs from surgeries that employed a pharmacist tended to value their expertise more than GPs who had not worked with one. Three key themes were identified: resources and competing priorities; responsibility; and professional boundaries. GPs valued pharmacist recommendations that were perceived to improve patient safety, as opposed to those that were technical and unlikely to benefit the patient. Pharmacists who were not known to GPs felt undervalued and wanted feedback from the GPs about their recommendations, particularly those that were not actioned.ConclusionA good working relationship between the GP and pharmacist, where each profession understood the other’s skills and expertise, was key. The importance of face-to-face meetings and feedback should be considered in future studies of interdisciplinary interventions, and by GP practices that employ pharmacists and other allied health professionals.

scholarly journals Responding to COVID-19: New Trends in Social Workers’ Use of Information and Communication Technology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye Mishna ◽  
Elizabeth Milne ◽  
Marion Bogo ◽  
Luana F. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Almost All

AbstractCOVID-19 changed the context for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use globally. With face-to-face practice restricted, almost all communication with clients shifted to ICTs. Starting in April 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with social workers from four agencies serving diverse populations in a large urban centre, with the aim of exploring social workers’ informal ICT use with clients. Approximately 6 weeks after the cessation of face-to-face practice in March 2020 due to COVID-19 measures, we re-interviewed social workers (n = 11) who had participated in our study. Second interviews were based on a newly developed interview guide that explored social workers’ use of ICTs with clients in the context of COVID-19. Analysis of transcribed interviews revealed that the context of COVID-19 had generated two main themes. One, a paradigm shift for social workers was characterized by (a) diverse ICT options, (b) client-driven approach, and (c) necessary creativity. The second theme entails the impact of this transition which involved (a) greater awareness of clients’ degree of access, (b) confidentiality and privacy, and (c) professional boundaries. We discuss these themes and sub-themes and present implications for practice and research in a Post-COVID-19 world.

scholarly journals Gender and the Grandfather Caregiver Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 510-510
Author(s):  
AviElle Raymore
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Life Story ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Grandparent Caregivers ◽  
Physical Play

Abstract In the United States, 2.7 million grandparents are responsible for a grandchild in their home. Grandfathers are present in the majority of grandparent caregiver households, but their contributions and voices are often overlooked. The aim of this study was to explore how grandfathers experience caregiving as men. Twelve grandfathers from the age of 50-76 years participated in the study. Two face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven grandfather caregivers while a telephone interview was conducted with one grandfather. Interviews focused on their life story, experiences as grandfather caregivers, and views on male caregiving. Data were analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. Gender was important throughout grandfather’s caregiving experiences. Grandfathers discussed their attitudes towards caregiving using language that reflected traditional gender norms. To them, women were nurturing caregivers while men were supposed to provide for their families as caregivers. Grandfathers appeared to stay connected to notions of traditional masculinities through participation in sports and physical play with their grandchildren and through their emphasis on men as responsible and providers. Grandfathers were aware that others may view them as incompetent caregivers, but they did not allow these stereotypes to affect how they viewed themselves as caregivers. These findings can improve the understanding of this population for service providers who work with grandparent caregivers. Providing better outreach for grandfather caregivers, strengthening programs and supports for them, and confronting attitudes or views towards male caregiving are important practice implications.

scholarly journals Teaching Online during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study of Physical Therapist Faculty in Brazil, Cyprus, and The United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Laura Plummer ◽  
Beliz Belgen Kaygısız ◽  
Cymara Pessoa Kuehner ◽  
Shweta Gore ◽  
Rebecca Mercuro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
The United States ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Teaching Presence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global transition from in-person to online instruction leaving many higher education faculty with little time or training for this responsibility. Physical therapist education programs were especially impacted since a large part of the development of skills rely on face-to-face onsite practice. This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of physical therapist educators in three countries—Brazil, Cyprus, and the United States, who transitioned to an entirely virtual medium of teaching during the pandemic. Sixteen faculty participated in 1:1 semi-structured interviews. Trustworthiness of qualitative inquiry was ascertained using triangulation, thick descriptions, and peer reviews. Four major themes emerged from analysis of participants’ interview data: adapting pedagogy in real-time, expected excellence, limitations of the medium, and informing future teaching practice. All participants described teaching during the pandemic as one of the most challenging experiences of their professional careers. Despite available resources, faculty noted challenges in making authentic connections with students, adapting to technological interruptions, assessment of student understanding of content, and managing work-life balance. Despite the challenges, faculty worked collaboratively with peers to innovate new approaches of creating social, cognitive, and teaching presence. Unique opportunities arose from the pandemic to enhance future teaching practice.

scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring contributors to the success of a community of practice in rehabilitation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Moore ◽  
Cato Bjørkli ◽  
Richard Tidemann Havdahl ◽  
Linn Lien Lømo ◽  
Mari Midthaug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills ◽  
And Training

Abstract Background Communities of Practice (CoPs) focus on learning, knowledge sharing, and creation, and research indicates they can improve healthcare performance. This article describes the development of a CoP that focused on synthesizing and adapting evidence in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This study aimed to investigate the CoP members’ experiences and perceived barriers and enablers of CoP success in the early phase of a CoP. Methods Physical therapists and a physician (n = 10) volunteered for a CoP that synthesized literature of PM&R evidence. CoP members participated in education and training on critical appraisal and knowledge synthesis, practiced critical appraisal skills, and summarized literature. Three months after CoP initiation, semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the CoP members’ experiences and reflections. Members also completed an online survey that included the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence scale (EPIC), questions related to CoP activities, and demographics before CoP initiation. We utilized the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B) to explore how these experiences related to the behavioral adaptation and participation. Results Ten themes related to the potential contributors to CoP success and failure were identified. These included project management, technological solutions, efficacy, organizational support, interaction, the bigger picture, self-development, time, and motivation. Conclusions Contributors to CoP success may include clearly articulated project goals and participant expectations, education and training, reliable technology solutions, organizational support, face-to-face communication, and good project management. Importantly, CoP members need time to participate in activities.

scholarly journals Global Health Partnerships During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives and Insights from International Partners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S. McHenry ◽  
Reena P. Tam ◽  
Amira A. Nafiseh ◽  
Mary Ann Etling ◽  
Adelaide E. Barnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Global Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Partnerships ◽  
The Future ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
E Mail

Global health partnerships (GHPs) have encountered many challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. New perspectives and insights are needed to guide GHPs when navigating current and future collaborations. This study aimed to understand perspectives and insights of international partners regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their GHPs with institutions in the United States. We performed a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted through virtual semi-structured interviews performed between June 12, 2020 and July 22, 2020. We queried academic institutions based in the United States to refer individuals from their corresponding international GHP organizations. We invited these individuals to participate in virtual interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed. We analyzed data qualitatively to identify themes. Eighty-four United States partners provided e-mail addresses for international partners. Ten individuals from these GHPs completed the interview. Participants reported overall positive experiences with their United States-based partners during the pandemic. The following themes emerged: imbalanced decision-making; worry about partnership continuity; opportunity to optimize communication within partnerships; interest in incorporating technology to facilitate engagement; and a desire for increased bilateral exchanges. Several challenges appeared to exist before COVID-19 and were highlighted by the pandemic. Most respondents were optimistic regarding the future of their GHPs. However, concerns were expressed regarding the implications of fewer in-person international experiences with United States trainees and the desire for stronger communication. Although our results do not represent the perspectives and insights of all GHPs, they provide considerations for the future. We urge institutions in the United States to re-examine and strive for equitable relationships with their international partners.

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