scholarly journals HOME ALONE? A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION BETWEEN CARE MANAGERS AND OLDER HOUSEBOUND ADULTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 05 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Gethin-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Managers

scholarly journals Home Alone or Not? A Mixed Methods Study of Different Perceptions of Social Isolation between Care Managers and Older Housebound Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Care Manager ◽  
Care Managers

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss whether the level of social isolation and loneliness as assessed by care managers corresponds to the level of social isolation and loneliness as perceived by the older persons whose care needs are being assessed. Design/methodology/approach: This mixed methods study followed up the assessment of 40 older people by 20 care managers with a focus on the accuracy of the care manager’s assessment on the level of social isolation experienced by the service user. In order for this to be achieved structured interviews were conducted with both the older person and the care manager assessing their needs, with a specific focus on the assessment of loneliness and social isolation. Following these initial interviews two focus groups were then undertaken with the care manager to discuss the findings and unpack the assessment process. Findings: The key issues were that the true level of social isolation and loneliness was under assessed by the care manager completing the assessment. That the care manager’s assessment was predominantly focused on the physical well-being of the older person and heavily influenced by the assessment paperwork. Originality/value: This provides lessons for professionals about the lack of effectiveness of their assessment of social isolation and loneliness in older people, and the potential impact this has on the older person’s quality of life.

scholarly journals Enhancing the uptake of systematic reviews of effects: what is the best format for health care managers and policy-makers? A mixed-methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Marquez ◽  
Alekhya Mascarenhas Johnson ◽  
Sabrina Jassemi ◽  
Jamie Park ◽  
Julia E. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Health Care Managers ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Care Managers

scholarly journals Guidance for Research on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Participation Among Older People: Lessons From a Mixed Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691987291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Dare ◽  
Celia Wilkinson ◽  
Robert Donovan ◽  
Johnny Lo ◽  
Marie-Louise McDermott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
The City

This article provides methodological guidance to researchers wishing to develop collaborative research projects with local governments and other agencies, by describing the process adopted in a mixed methods study conducted in the City of Wanneroo (the City), a local government area in Perth, Western Australia. The study explored factors related to older people’s (60+ years) participation in community-based activities and links between their participation and levels of social isolation, loneliness, and social connectedness. The research incorporated four interrelated stages: (1) an audit of existing programs in the City and program participant characteristics; (2) focus groups with program participants and interviews with nonparticipants; (3) a cross-sectional survey to assess factors associated with participation and links to social isolation, loneliness, and social connectedness; (4) face-to-face interviews with survey respondents screened at risk for loneliness. Methodological recommendations are provided to guide future collaborative research with local authorities, program developers, and administrators, aimed at minimizing social isolation and loneliness among older people. These include the need for clear communication and documentation of mutually agreed research objectives and responsibilities from project initiation to completion, identifying and working with local agencies to maximize recruitment among “hard to reach” groups, understanding the dimensions of loneliness addressed in the selected instrument used to screen for loneliness, and integrating innovative data collection techniques when working with vulnerable groups such as socially isolated older people.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods study evaluating the impact of an excursion-based social group on quality of life of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Siette ◽  
Mikaela Jorgensen ◽  
Amy Nguyen ◽  
Gilbert Knaggs ◽  
Stuart Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Social isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community. Despite some availability of social support programs to address social isolation, their effectiveness is not routinely measured. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative excursion-based program offering unique social experiences to older adults receiving aged care services. Methods This six-month before and after mixed-methods study evaluated the outcomes of an Australian excursion-based program which offered social and physical outings to bring older adults receiving aged care services into the wider community. The study combined two parts: Part 1 was a pre-post survey assessing the quality of life of older adults who received the excursion-based program for 6 months (n = 56; two time-points, analysed using signed rank test) and Part 2 involved qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 24 aged care staff, older adults and carers; analysed using thematic analysis). Results Older adults experienced a significant increase in quality of life scores (p < 0.001) between baseline and 6 months. Interviews confirmed these observations and suggested that benefits of participation included increased opportunities for social participation, psychological wellbeing, physical function, and carer respite. Interviews also revealed being in a group setting, having tailored, convenient and accessible activities, alongside supportive staff were key drivers in improving the wellbeing of participants. Conclusions Participating in an excursion-based community program may improve wellbeing in older adults. Aging policy should focus on prioritizing initiatives that promote social connectivity with the wider community and assist in improving outcomes for older adults.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Loneliness in Early COVID-19 Social Distancing: Implications of Rurality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R Fuller ◽  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Phone Interview ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Abstract Objectives Older adults face greater health risks due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet preventative social distancing measures may cause increased social isolation, potentially heightening risk of loneliness. In this mixed-methods study we examine changes in older adults’ loneliness due to social distancing, explore variability in perceptions, and identify whether such changes differ by rurality. Methods A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 (mean age = 82; 74% female; 95% White; 39% rural) completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during early weeks of regional social distancing. Participants completed retrospective and current assessments of loneliness, including providing explanations of their responses. Results On average, loneliness increased during early social distancing, yet variability was evident. Those experiencing increased loneliness described a feeling of loss or lack of control, whereas those experiencing stability in loneliness identified adaptability in social connection modes or feeling accustomed to social isolation. Rural older adults experienced a significantly smaller increase in loneliness than their nonrural counterparts. Discussion These findings suggest nuanced experiences among older adults, but generally negative implications for loneliness. Interventions to address older adults’ social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 are warranted.

Determining Emotional Tone and Verbal Behavior in Patients With Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 660-672
Author(s):  
Suzanne H. Kimball ◽  
Toby Hamilton ◽  
Erin Benear ◽  
Jonathan Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Verbal Behavior ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Emotional Tone ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Results

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the emotional tone and verbal behavior of social media users who self-identified as having tinnitus and/or hyperacusis that caused self-described negative consequences on daily life or health. Research Design and Method An explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Two hundred “initial” and 200 “reply” Facebook posts were collected from members of a tinnitus group and a hyperacusis group. Data were analyzed via the LIWC 2015 software program and compared to typical bloggers. As this was an explanatory mixed-methods study, we used qualitative thematic analyses to explain, interpret, and illustrate the quantitative results. Results Overall, quantitative results indicated lower overall emotional tone for all categories (tinnitus and hyperacusis, initial and reply), which was mostly influenced by higher negative emotion. Higher levels of authenticity or truth were found in the hyperacusis sample but not in the tinnitus sample. Lower levels of clout (social standing) were indicated in all groups, and a lower level of analytical thinking style (concepts and complex categories rather than narratives) was found in the hyperacusis sample. Additional analysis of the language indicated higher levels of sadness and anxiety in all groups and lower levels of anger, particularly for initial replies. These data support prior findings indicating higher levels of anxiety and depression in this patient population based on the actual words in blog posts and not from self-report questionnaires. Qualitative results identified 3 major themes from both the tinnitus and hyperacusis texts: suffering, negative emotional tone, and coping strategies. Conclusions Results from this study suggest support for the predominant clinical view that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. The extent of the suffering described and patterns of coping strategies suggest clinical practice patterns and the need for research in implementing improved practice plans.

EXPERIENCES, FRUSTRATIONS, AND BARRIERS, OF IPAD USAGE IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION: LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM FROM EDUCATORS PERSPECTIVE

2018 ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
D. J. Sullivan ◽  
S. Labby ◽  
A. Koptelov ◽  
S. L. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Special Educator ◽  
Communications Systems ◽  
Communication Device ◽  
Communication Devices

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the barriers that special educator teachers encounter when using iPads within the Life Skills classroom. The research investigates the experiences, frustrations, and barriers through educators’ perceptions of iPad implementation. The influence of these issues suggests why iPad usage is not a device that special education classrooms are using in a widespread daily manner. Exploration of iPads as an educational tool and as a communication device is also discussed, along with considerations of other communications systems such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems and Alternative and Augmented Communication Devices is considered. Recommendations for further possible research are also discussed.

Rapid Evaluation of the Special Measures for Quality and Challenged Provider Regimes: A mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Fulop ◽  
Estela Capelas Barbosa ◽  
Melissa Hill ◽  
Jean Ledger ◽  
Pei Li Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Rapid Evaluation
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document