scholarly journals Development of a Survey Instrument to Explore the Characteristics of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Seaton ◽  
Anne Jones ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Karen Francis
Keyword(s):  
Research Team ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Free Text Response ◽  
Health Practitioners

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey instrument that can be used to explore the characteristics of Australian private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions. Methods: A multiphase process was used to develop the survey instrument. The research team conducted a literature search which resulted in the generation of 34 individual survey items. After the initial pool of survey items was developed, three experienced physiotherapists were invited to review the items. The draft survey instrument was then subject to online testing with private physiotherapy practitioners to evaluate the utility of the instrument. Results: All three physiotherapists invited to review the initial pool of survey items provided written feedback to the research team. Following revision, five private physiotherapy practitioners participated in pilot testing the survey instrument. Pilot testing revealed that approximately 10 minutes was required to complete the online survey. Conclusions: The final survey instrument has 29 questions in six sections with categorical, Likert and free text response options and can be used to explore the characteristics of Australian private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions. Information obtained from future research projects utilising this survey may guide the development of effective interventions aimed at enhancing the nature and quality of clinical interactions between private physiotherapy practitioners and other health practitioners working in Australia.

Reopening the Conversation Between Music Psychology and Music Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Emily Carlson ◽  
Ian Cross
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Analysis Of Results ◽  
Common Interests

Although the fields of music psychology and music therapy share many common interests, research collaboration between the two fields is still somewhat rare. Previous work has identified that disciplinary identities and attitudes towards those in other disciplines are challenges to effective interdisciplinary research. The current study explores such attitudes in music therapy and music psychology. A sample of 123 music therapists and music psychologists answered an online survey regarding their attitudes towards potential interdisciplinary work between the two fields. Analysis of results suggested that participants’ judgements of the attitudes of members of the other discipline were not always accurate. Music therapists indicated a high degree of interest in interdisciplinary research, although in free text answers, both music psychologists and music therapists frequently characterized music therapists as disinterested in science. Music therapists reported seeing significantly greater relevance of music psychology to their own work than did music psychologists of music therapists. Participants’ attitudes were modestly related to their reported personality traits and held values. Results overall indicated interest in, and positive expectations of, interdisciplinary attitudes in both groups, and should be explored in future research.

scholarly journals People with Parkinson’s Disease: What Symptoms Do They Most Want to Improve and How Does This Change with Disease Duration?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Port ◽  
Martin Rumsby ◽  
Graham Brown ◽  
Ian F. Harrison ◽  
Anneesa Amjad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Walking Balance ◽  
Non Motor Symptoms

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition with a diverse and complex pattern of motor and non-motor symptoms which change over time with disease duration. Objective: The aims of the present study were to discover what symptoms matter most to people with the condition and to examine how these priorities change with disease duration. Methods: A simple free-text online survey (using SmartSurvey) was developed by Parkinson’s UK, which asked participants to identify up to three aspects of the condition they would most like to see improvement in. Results: 790 people participated reporting 2,295 issues related to PD which were grouped into 24 broad symptom domains. Of these, 1,358 (59.1%) were categorised as motor symptoms, 859 (37.4%) as non-motor issues and 78 (3.4%) as medication problems. This study reveals how certain features of PD become more or less important to patients as the condition progresses. Non-motor symptoms were highly cited from the very earliest stages of PD. Problems with walking, balance and falls, speech problems, freezing and dyskinesia become increasingly important as the condition progresses whereas tremor, stiffness and psychological health become decreasingly important as the condition progresses. Conclusions: The data suggest that the priorities of people affected by PD for improving life are personal and change with duration of the condition. These findings have implications for developing person-centred management and care, as well as for directing future research to improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Microdosing as a response to the meaning crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rotem Petranker ◽  
Juensung Kim ◽  
Thomas Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Optimal Dosing ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Future Research Directions

Background: The use of psychedelic substances like LSD and magic mushrooms in research and to treat mental health conditions has been increasing in the last decade. In particular, the practice of microdosing – using sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics – has been increasing (Anderson et al., 2019), but large-scale systemic qualitative analyses are still scant.Aims: This study attempted to recognize emergent themes in qualitative reports regarding the experience of microdosing so as to enrich the theoretical landscape in psychedelics research and propose future research directions for both basic and clinical research.Methods: This study used qualitative analysis to analyze free-text responses from individuals who participated in an online survey disseminated on various social media platforms. Participants had reported microdosing at least once in the past year.Results: Data from 118 informative responses suggested four main emergent themes: reasons for microdosing, the practice of microdosing, outcomes linked to microdosing, and meta-commentary about microdosing. Participants mostly reported microdosing for clinical reasons and to improve productivity, and mentioned that the practice is often challenging due to unknown optimal dosing regimen. The outcomes of microdosing varied widely between strong endorsement of the practice and disappointment at the lack of effect. Meta-commentary included warning against overexcitement with the practice. We couch our findings in meaning-making theory and propose that, even at low doses, psychedelic substances can provide a sense of meaning currently lacking in Western culture.Conclusion: Our results suggest that there many of the reported benefits occur regardless of motivation to microdose and are likely due to the enhanced psychological flexibility and sense of connectedness made possible due to the use of psychedelics. Double-blind, placebo controlled experiments are required in order to substantiate these reports.

scholarly journals A mixed methods exploratory study of women’s relationships with and uses of fertility tracking apps

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205520761878507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Gambier-Ross ◽  
David J McLernon ◽  
Heather M Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Women's Relationships ◽  
Data Informed

Digital self-tracking is rising, including tracking of menstrual cycles by women using fertility tracking apps (FTAs). However, little is known about users’ experiences of FTAs and their relationships with them. The aim of this study was to explore women’s uses of and relationships with FTAs. This exploratory study employed a mixed methods approach, involving the collection and analysis of an online survey and follow-up interviews. Qualitative analysis of survey and interview data informed hypothesis development. Online surveys yielded 241 responses and 11 follow-up interviews were conducted. Just over a third of women surveyed had experience of using FTAs (89/241) and follow-up interviews were conducted with a proportion of respondents (11/241). Four main motivations to use FTAs were identified: (a) to observe cycle (72%); (b) to conceive (34%); (c) to inform fertility treatment (12%); and (d) as contraception (4%). Analysis of the free-text survey questions and interviews using grounded theory methodology highlighted four themes underpinning women’s relationships with FTAs: (a) medical grounding; (b) health trackers versus non-trackers; (c) design; and (d) social and ethical aspects. Participants who used other health apps were more likely to use FTAs ( p = 0.001). Respondents who used contraception were less likely to use FTAs compared with respondents who did not use contraception ( p = 0.002). FTA usage also decreases ( p = 0.001) as age increases. There was no association between FTA usage and menstrual status ( p = 0.259). This research emphasises the differing motivations for FTA use. Future research should further explore the diverse relationships between different subgroups of women and FTAs.

scholarly journals Attitudes and opinions of US neurosurgical residents toward research and scholarship: a national survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Fraser Henderson ◽  
Steven Tenny ◽  
Jian Guan ◽  
Jeremy W. Amps ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
National Level ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Resident Research ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Interest In Research

OBJECTIVEThe analysis of resident research productivity in neurosurgery has gained significant recent interest. Resident scholarly output affects departmental productivity, recruitment of future residents, and likelihood of future research careers. To maintain and improve opportunities for resident research, the authors evaluated factors that affect resident attitudes toward neurosurgical research on a national level.METHODSAn online survey was distributed to all US neurosurgical residents. Questions assessed interest in research, perceived departmental support of research, and resident-perceived limitations in pursuing research. Residents were stratified based on number of publications above the median (AM; ≥ 14) or below the median (BM; < 14) for evaluation of factors influencing productivity.RESULTSA total of 278 resident responses from 82 US residency programs in 30 states were included (a 20% overall response rate). Residents predominantly desired future academic positions (53.2%), followed by private practice with some research (40.3%). Residents reported a mean ± SD of 11 ± 14 publications, which increased with postgraduate year level. The most common type of research involved retrospective cohort studies (24%) followed by laboratory/benchtop (19%) and case reports (18%). Residents as a group spent on average 14.1 ± 18.5 hours (median 7.0 hours) a week on research. Most residents (53.6%) had ≥ 12 months of protected research time. Mentorship (92.4%), research exposure (89.9%), and early interest in science (78.4%) had the greatest impact on interest in research while the most limiting factors were time (91.0%), call scheduling (47.1%), and funding/grants (37.1%). AM residents cited research exposure (p = 0.003), neurosurgery conference exposure (p = 0.02), formal research training prior to residency (p = 0.03), internal funding sources (p = 0.05), and software support (p = 0.02) as most important for their productivity. Moreover, more productive residents applied and received a higher number of < $10,000 and ≥ $10,000 grants (p < 0.05). A majority of residents (82.4%) agreed or strongly agreed with pursuing research throughout their professional careers. Overall, about half of residents (49.6%) were encouraged toward continued neurosurgical research, while the rest were neutral (36.7%) or discouraged (13.7%). Free-text responses helped to identify solutions on a departmental, regional, and national level that could increase interest in neurosurgical research.CONCLUSIONSThis survey evaluates various factors affecting resident views toward research, which may also be seen in other specialties. Residents remain enthusiastic about neurosurgical research and offer several solutions to the ever-scarce commodities of time and funding within academic medicine.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding-related social media: an online survey of UK mothers’ perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Visram ◽  
T Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Breastfeeding Rates

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is beneficial for both maternal and infant health, contributing to reduced risk of infections and chronic disease. Despite public health efforts, just 1% of mother-infant dyads in the UK meet international recommendations to breastfeed exclusively until six months. Numerous studies have investigated the influences on suboptimal breastfeeding rates, exposing a myriad of interconnected physiological, psychological and social barriers. Conversely, social support has been shown to be positively associated with breastfeeding duration. The objective of this study was to determine whether and how UK mothers use social media to access breastfeeding advice and support. Methods An online survey was developed, piloted and distributed via social media using a snowball sampling approach. Responses to closed questions were analysed using SPSS and appropriate statistical tests performed. Free-text responses were analysed manually using thematic analysis. Results The survey was completed by 1012 mothers, with 992 (98%) reporting use of social media for breastfeeding advice and/or support. Responses revealed a largely positive perception of breastfeeding-related social media. Supportive peer networks and easily accessible information were highlighted as unique features that help to encourage and normalise breastfeeding. Non-university educated mothers were significantly more likely to report this support as “very influential” with regard to how comfortable they felt breastfeeding in public (p = 0.006). Peer-led groups were preferentially used over professional-led groups, particularly by younger women (p = 0.007). Conclusions There is growing interest in social media as a health platform, particularly in light of recent funding cuts impacting on access to formal support services. By supporting mothers and normalising breastfeeding, social media may help to increase UK breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequalities. Key messages Many mothers successfully use breastfeeding-related social media for information and support, with a preference for peer-led as opposed to professional-led groups. Future research should explore how public health services can update their practice to better harness these platforms for breastfeeding promotion.

scholarly journals Concerns that Linger: Medical School Perspectives on the UKMLA and Shared Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Margaret MacDougall
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
System Response ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Curriculum Innovation ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Response Data ◽  
Free Text Response

The General Medical Council have closed their formal consultation process soliciting recommendations on how to develop a UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). The output of this consultation goes a considerable way to identifying concerns about implementation of such an assessment. However, there is scope for more attention to detail in specifying concerns held by individual UK medical schools, even where these schools have indicated acceptance or approval of the UKMLA. There is therefore a need for increased transparency in identifying stakeholder viewpoints to ensure these lingering concerns can be addressed during the current development phase. The current study contributes to addressing this need through providing an overview of UK medical school views on introducing a UKMLA and relatedly, on shared assessment as a source of uniformity in competency across medical schools. Using a secure online survey system, response data were collected during 13-30 January, 2014 from recommended assessment specialists, representing their respective medical schools. Likert scale and free text response data were collected. Based on Likert sale data, more medical schools appeared accepting of these ideas than either those who expressed disapproval or those who expressed uncertainty.  Nevertheless, concerns still lingered. Areas of concern included stifling of curriculum innovation, supporting students who fail the UKMLA and quality and administration of assessment. Eleven recommendations have emerged for addressing respondent concerns. In presenting these recommendations arising specifically from participant feedback, I invite responses from all categories of stakeholder in order to promote open discussion beyond the formal consultation period. 

scholarly journals The Notion of Presence in a Telematic Cross-Disciplinary Program for Music, Communication and Technology

2020 ◽  
pp. 77-101
Author(s):  
Robin Støckert ◽  
Andreas Bergsland ◽  
Anna Xambó
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Free Text Response ◽  
Text Response ◽  
Learning Scenarios ◽  
Communication And Technology ◽  
Communications System

This chapter examines how students in a two-campus, cross-disciplinary program in Music, Communication and Technology (MCT) experience the sense of presence of peer students and teachers, some physically co-localized while others are present via an audiovisual communications system. The chapter starts by briefly delineating the MCT program, the audiovisual communications system and the learning space built around it, named the Portal, and the research project SALTO which frames the current study. We then review research literature on presence relevant to this particular context and use this as a basis for the design of an online survey using a combination of Likert items and free text response. Our main findings, based on responses from the 16 students who participated in the survey, are that the mediating technologies of the Portal affect the experience of presence negatively, but that formal learning scenarios are less affected than informal scenarios that require social interaction.

Employability of the Doctor of Athletic Training Degree within Academe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie L Van Lunen ◽  
Stephanie H Clines ◽  
Tyler Reems ◽  
Lindsey E Eberman ◽  
Dorice Ann Hankemeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Department Chairs ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Enrollment ◽  
Advanced Degree ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract Context: The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree has recently been introduced into academe. Limited literature exists regarding how individuals with this degree can be utilized as athletic training faculty. Objective: To identify department chairs' perceptions of the DAT degree and determine whether they view the degree as viable when hiring new faculty within a post-baccalaureate professional AT program. Design: Cross-sectional survey design Setting: Online survey instrument Patients or Other Participants: 376 department chairs who had oversight of Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education athletic training programs were invited to participate. 190 individuals (50.5%) accessed the survey and 151 of the 190 department chairs completed (79.5%) all parts of the survey. Intervention(s): A web-based survey instrument, which included several demographic questions and 4-point Likert-scale items related to perceptions of the DAT degree, was completed. Main Outcome Measures: Independent variables included institutional control, student enrollment, degree granting classification, faculty with a clinical doctorate, and advanced degree requirements. The dependent variables were the department chairs' responses to the survey items. Results: More than 80% of department chairs were moderately or extremely familiar with the concept of an advanced practice doctoral degree and 64% reported it would be extremely to moderately beneficial to hire someone with this degree within the AT program. Furthermore, 67% of department chairs reported they were very likely or likely to hire someone with a DAT degree, and believed they would do so in the next 5 years. Characteristics associated with higher perception scores included higher institutional student enrollment, having more current faculty with an advanced practice doctoral degree, and increased level of institutional degree granting classification. Conclusion(s): Department chairs recognize the DAT degree as a viable degree qualification to teach within professional AT programs. Future research should examine the need for the DAT degree within clinical practice settings.

scholarly journals Attitudes Toward the Amish: Contact, Social Dominance, and Beliefs in Equality

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-95
Author(s):  
Bryan D. Byers ◽  
William McGuigan ◽  
James A. Jones
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Social Dominance ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Abusive Behavior

This study measured prejudice toward the Amish among the non-Amish using the Attitude Toward Amish scale. A sample of university students in the state of Indiana (N = 107) responded to an online survey instrument that was designed to replicate a previous study on what factors predict prejudice toward the Amish. The findings support some but not all of the predictors of anti-Amish prejudice found in the prior study. This study also measured knowledge of anti-Amish abusive behavior carried out by nonAmish. It was discovered that, as contact with the Amish increased, the odds of a respondent either hearing about or directly knowing of such conduct increased. The full findings are discussed, along with study strengths and weaknesses, potential application of the findings, and future research.

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