scholarly journals Recruitment and Retention of Vulnerable Populations: Lessons Learned from a Longitudinal Qualitative Study

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalina van Wijk
Keyword(s):  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Rape Victims ◽  
Intimate Partners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Study Participants

The main focus of the researcher’s study was to examine the lived experiences of intimate partners of female rape victims within the first six months post rape. Yet, many publications describing longitudinal qualitative studies of sexual assault fail to provide a detailed report on the processes followed, the difficulties experienced, as well as the reasons for such difficulties. To fill theses gaps, in this paper, the researcher describes the strategies applied to recruit and retain the participants for the entire six-month period post rape. The lessons learned during recruitment and data collection are also described. The research question that guided the study was: what are the lived experiences of intimate partners of female rape victims during the six months following the rape? The selection of study participants involved purposeful sampling. After providing their informed consent, nine intimate partners of female rape victims living in Cape Town, South Africa, participated in four separate face-to-face, semi-structured interviews as follows: (a) within 14 days of, (b) a month after, (c) three months after and (d) six months after the rape. Recommendations were made for future researchers to make them aware of the difficulties encountered in accessing, recruiting, and retaining vulnerable populations in longitudinal studies, especially in the field of research into sexual violence.

scholarly journals Conceptualization and Realization of a National Trail in a Small Island-Nation: The Commonwealth of Dominica’s Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-94
Author(s):  
Colmore S. Christian
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Socioeconomic Benefits

The island-nation of Dominica, 790 km2 in area, is located approximately 1126.5 km Southeast of Florida, USA. In the mid-1990s, Dominica embarked on developing the 183.5 km Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), the first and only national trail model in the Eastern Caribbean. The 14-segment WNT, officially opened in May 2013, passes through some of the island’s most diverse landscapes. WNT was designed to link as many rural communities as possible and promote ecotourism and community socioeconomic development. Rehabilitation work continues on the WNT and the rest of Dominica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria of 2017. This article, based primarily on a limited questionnaire survey, selected interviews, and literature review, explored the research question ‘What were the challenges faced by a small-island nation in the development of a National Trail? Five specific research objectives focused on the conceptualization, implementation challenges, partnerships fostered, national and sub-regional significance, and future outlook of the Trail were considered. Questionnaire respondents identified the island’s topography and negotiations with private landowners as significant trail construction challenges. A 100% of survey respondents anticipate that reliable funding to support timely maintenance would likely be a critical future issue. Some respondents identified marketing, public engagement, and visitor safety as potential issues. Face-to-face interviews found strong support for the WNT. The interviewees were confident that Dominica would realize sustainable socioeconomic benefits from the Trail. The article concludes with lessons learned and proposes strategies and research themes to ensure the Trail’s sustainability.

scholarly journals The Learning History Methodology: An Infrastructure for Collective Reflection to Support Organizational Change and Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. pp71-83
Author(s):  
Julie Béliveau ◽  
Anne-Marie Corriveau
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Learning History ◽  
Action Research Approach

Organization members often complain about insufficient time to reflect collectively as they grapple with constant significant changes. The Learning History methodology can support this collective reflection. Given the scant empirical studies of this action research approach, the present paper fills this gap by giving an overview of this methodology and by presenting a qualitative study that answers the following research question: How does the Learning History methodology contribute to collective reflection among organization members during major organizational change? To answer this question, an empirical research project was led within five healthcare organizations in Canada during their implementation of the Planetree person-centered approach to management, care, and services. The data set includes 150 semi-structured interviews, 20 focus groups and 10 feedback meetings involving organization members representing all hierarchical levels in the five participating institutions. The results highlight the five types of contributions of the Learning History methodology to collective reflection within the five institutions that participated in the study: 1) a process of expression, dialogue, and reflection among organization members; 2) a portrait of the change underway; 3) a support tool for the change process; 4) a vector for mobilizing stakeholders; and 5) a source of organizational learning.  The results also show how organization members’ collective reflection is built through the various stages of the Learning History methodology. By demonstrating that this collective reflection leads to true organizational learning, the findings position the Learning History as a research-action method useful both from a research standpoint and as an organizational development tool. In the conclusion, lessons learned using the LH approach are shared from a researcher’s perspective. This paper should interest researchers and practitioners who seek research methodologies that can offer an infrastructure for collective reflection to support organizational change and learning.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Aging: Exploring Motivations of Masters Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142110446
Author(s):  
Susan L. Brilliant ◽  
Maria Claver ◽  
Patti LaPlace ◽  
Cynthia Schlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Community Programs ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Safety Guidelines

Physical activity benefits the health of older adults (e.g., lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and falls). However, less than one in four Americans meets guidelines for physical activity and inactivity increases with age. Masters athletes are exemplary because of their remarkable physical functioning. Swimming is a global, fast-growing sport in Masters athletics. This qualitative study explored motivations and barriers of 18 older adult members of a Masters swim club in Southern California. Guided by a primary research question: Why do Masters swimmers choose swim late in life, when most of their age cohort are becoming less physically active, semi-structured interviews delved into the lived experiences of the participants, and solicited peer feedback. Four main themes emerged: (1) I Just Love the Sensation of Being in the Water, (2) Tell Your Body What to Do Instead of the Other Way Around, (3) Make a Commitment to Your Friends That You’re Going to be There, and (4) I’ve Never Gone This Long in My Life Without Swimming. Participants expressed longing and regret that they could not swim due to COVID risk and safety guidelines. These findings can be used to design community programs to promote lifelong physical activity participation.

scholarly journals Hospital preparedness challenges in biological disasters: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohsen Aminizadeh ◽  
Mehrdad Farrokhi ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Gholam Reza Masoumi ◽  
Pirhossein Kolivand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health System ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Hospital Preparedness ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective: Identification of hospital preparedness challenges against biological events such as COVID-19 is essential to improve dynamics, quality and business continuity confidence in the health system. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the challenges of hospital preparedness in biological events. Methods: This study employed a qualitative method using content analysis in which 20 healthcare managers and experts who are experienced in biological events were selected through purposeful sampling. The data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as well as the Landman and Graneheim Approach. Results: Six main concepts (training and practice, resource management, safety and health, patient management, risk communication, and laboratory and surveillance) and 14 sub-concepts were extracted on hospital preparedness challenges in biological events through analyzing interviews. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the health system of the country faces many challenges in response to biological events and threats. Moreover, study participants indicated that Iranian hospitals were not prepared for biological events. It is recommended to design preparedness plans of hospitals based on preparedness standards for biological events. In addition, comprehensive measures are required to enhance their capacity to respond to biological emergencies.

Issues in the financing and provision of Orthotics and Prosthetics services in Iran: Protocol for a Qualitative Research Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Ahmad Ahmadi ◽  
Hosein Shabaninejad
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Policy Solutions

BACKGROUND The demand for rehabilitation services, including Orthotics and prosthetics services, is increasing. Traffic injuries, Eight-years imposed war, natural disasters, aging, and chronic diseases are the main causes of disability in Iran that lead to the great need for receiving these services. This study will attempt to identify the challenges in the financing and provision of Orthotics and Prosthetics services in Iran and declare the policy solutions to improve the financing and delivery of these services in line with the universal health coverage. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the challenges in the financing and provision of the Orthotics and Prosthetics services in Iran and propose policy solutions to strengthen this sector. METHODS This study will use the qualitative content analysis method for understanding the challenges. The study population of this study will be all clinicians, academics, and policy-makers who involved in the financing and provision of the Orthotics and Prosthetics services. The purposeful sampling, as well as the snowball sampling, will be used to select the informants. The individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews will be conducted in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Furthermore, telephone and Skype interviews will be applied to participants who lived in other regions. This project will be performed from 2019 to 2020. RESULTS We believe the results will lead to identifying challenges and also policy solutions to strengthen the Orthotics and Prosthetics services in the healthcare system and improve the utilization in Iran. CONCLUSIONS The findings will inform the policy-makers to better planning in Iran and internationally.

scholarly journals Western Faculty Members' Cross-Border Lived Experiences

2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Bu ◽  
Bill McCaw ◽  
Patty Kero
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The United States ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Central Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Branch Campuses ◽  
International Branch Campuses ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Level Method

Universities in China and the United States have been engaged in cross-border education through partnerships establishing international branch campuses (IBCs). This qualitative study used Moustakas’s (1994) strategy of inquiry as a framework and explored Western faculty members’ cross-border lived experiences at IBCs in China. IBCs in this study were coestablished by American universities and their Chinese partners. The central research question that guided this study asked about the lived experiences of Western faculty members at IBCs in China. This study purposefully selected 14 participants and data were collected through semistructured, one-on-one, face-to-face interviews. Moustakas’s (1994) seven-level method of analysis involving a process of meaning reduction was followed. The essence of the participants’ lived experiences described two components: value and adjustment. Findings from this study are valuable for leaders to rethink how to better support Western faculty in this joint higher education venture

scholarly journals Virtual knowledge production within a physician educational outreach program

2011 ◽  
pp. 24-34
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Production ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Educational Outreach ◽  
Physician Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Academic Detailing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Face To Face

This paper describe the impacts and lessons learned of using conferencing technologies to support knowledge production activities within an academic detailing group. A three year case study was conducted in which 20 Canadian health professionals collaborated on developing educational outreach materials for family physicians. The groups communicated in face-to-face, teleconferencing, and web-conferencing environments. Data was collected over three years (2004-2007) and consisted of structured interviews, meeting transcripts, and observation notes. The analysis consisted of detailed reviews and comparisons of the data from the various sources. The results revealed several key findings on the on the impacts of conferencing technologies on knowledge production activities of academic detailers. The study found that: 1) The rigid communication structures of web-conferencing forced group members to introduce other tools for communication 2) Group discussions were perceived to be more conducive in face-to-face meetings and least conducive teleconferencing meetings; 3) Web-conferencing had an impact on information sharing; 4) Web-conferencing forces group interaction “within the text”. The study demonstrates the impacts and lessons learned of academic detailing groups collaborating at a distance to produce physician education materials. The results can be used as the bases for future research and as a practical guide for collaborative academic detailing groups working within a virtual collaborative and educational environment.

scholarly journals Lived Experiences of Palestinian Patients With COVID-19: A Multi-center Phenomenological Study of Recovery Journey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidah Alkaissi ◽  
Fadi AlZiben ◽  
Mohammad Abu Rajab ◽  
Mahdia Alkony
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: Exploring lived experiences of recovered COVID-19 patients might have scientific, social, and policy relevance that apply to the healthcare infrastructure. This multi-center phenomenological study was conducted to explore lived experiences of Palestinian patients who recovered from COVID-19.  Methods: In this qualitative study, a phenomenological descriptive approach was used. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients who recovered from COVID-19 (n = 20). The transcripts of the audio recorded interviews were analyzed by using Giorgio’s phenomenological analysis method. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 male and 6 female participants. The age of the participants ranged from 25-50 years. Nine themes and multiple subthemes emerged from the qualitative data. The themes were relevant to patient’s feelings about the experience, mental issues, social discriminations/stigma, symptoms, life in isolation, using supportive treatment, personal preventive measures, social support, and life after recovery.Conclusion: Survivors who were interviewed in this study recounted devastating experiences with regard to their mental health, social stigmatization, feeling guilt, shame, and hesitant to regain contact with others. Mental health issues should be addressed as a part of the care plan for patients with COVID-19. More studies are still needed to investigate if introducing mental healthcare providers to the care team of patients with COVID-19 can improve the experiences of the patients.

Condom Use Self-Efficacy among Young Adult Ecstasy Users

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 981-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk W. Elifson ◽  
Hugh Klein ◽  
Claire E. Sterk
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Hiv Serostatus ◽  
Study Participants

Relying upon a sample of 283 young adult ecstasy users, this research examines three primary research questions: How high/low are young adult ecstasy users' levels of condom use self-efficacy? How does condom use self-efficacy relate to actual condom use in this population? What factors underlie condom efficacy levels in this population? The study entailed face-to-face interviews that were completed with the use of computer-assisted structured interviews (i.e., CASI). Study participants were recruited in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area between August 2002 and August 2004 using a targeted sampling and ethnographic mapping approach. Interviews took approximately two hours to complete. Condom use self-efficacy levels were found to be fairly high in this population. A strong, direct relationship was observed between condom use self-efficacy and actual condom use. Using a multiple regression approach, five factors were found to be predictive of greater condom use self-efficacy in this population. These were educational attainment, amount of communication in one's family of origin, having asked about one's most recent casual sex partner's HIV serostatus, no prior drug treatment, and level of self-esteem.

scholarly journals Trying for a second chance: Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Ebrahimzadeh Zagami ◽  
Robab Latifnejad Roudsari ◽  
Roksana Janghorban ◽  
Helen T Allan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Burden ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Continue Treatment ◽  
Unsuccessful Treatment ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Second Chance

Abstract Background: Despite significant advances, only 35% infertile couples conceive after ART. If IVF is unsuccessful, couples will need to decide whether to proceed again with assisted conception. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART to continue treatment.Methods: In this qualitative study participants were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using 36 semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews at a regional Infertility Center in Iran from April 2016 to June 2017. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA software.Results: Our findings suggest that couples’ decisions to continue treatment after unsuccessful ART is shaped by their social, emotional and financial circumstances. We have constructed two themes to describe their experiences: support to continue and trying for a second chance. Conclusions: Infertile couples rely on support from different sources in their lives to decide to have a further cycle after an unsuccessful ART. Our findings suggest that good marital and family support networks can support infertile couples during this period of decision making. Many of the couples found the financial burden of another cycle challenging. Considering the depression and anxiety caused by failed ARTs, which itself could affect the success rate of any further ARTs, the clinical team should effectively assess psychological readiness of couples who decide to continue with another ART after unsuccessful treatment.

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