scholarly journals Diagnostic self-tests

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 137-157
Author(s):  
Flavio Scaloni ◽  
Marie-Eve Laporte ◽  
Miloje Savic ◽  
Ouidade Sabri
Keyword(s):  
Medical Condition ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Major Trend

At a time when patient empowerment is being talked about as a major trend, diagnostic self-tests might seem like a good option for both the population and healthcare institutions seeking to influence health policies. Such tests enable individuals to assess their own medical condition in an autonomous way, and they could also help control healthcare budgets by providing earlier diagnoses. In France, the market for self-tests has recently expanded with a battery of new tests available for a variety of health conditions. However, these tests are still at an early stage of adoption and have stirred controversy in the medical community with regard to the usability of the information delivered to patients. The present study’s objective is to explore whether the general population between 30 and 50 years of age is ready to adopt these self-tests. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to investigate the thinking of 22 participants living in or around Paris with regard to medical self-testing in general and the latest types of self-tests in particular. The study’s findings highlight the participants’ low awareness of self-tests and their double-edged attitude toward them. The results suggest there is a discrepancy between patients’ stated willingness to emancipate themselves from medical professionals and their level of dependency when it comes to receiving a diagnosis. This finding calls patients’ willingness to be empowered into question and emphasizes a strong need for guidance by the medical community.

A design contribution to the entrepreneurial experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan David ROLDAN ACEVEDO ◽  
Ida TELALBASIC
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
User Centric ◽  
Constant Growth

In recent history, different design approaches have been entering fields like management and strategy to improve product development and service delivery. Specifically, entrepreneurship has adopted a user-centric mindset in methodologies like the business canvas model and the value proposition canvas which increases the awareness of the users’ needs when developing solutions. What happens when a service design approach is used to understand the entrepreneurs’ experience through the creation of their startups? Recent literature suggests that entrepreneurial activity and success is conditioned by their local entrepreneurship ecosystem. This study investigates the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem of Medellín, Colombia - an ecosystem in constant growth but that lacks qualitative analysis. The sample consists of 12 entrepreneurs in early-stage phase. The data was gathered with two design research methods: Cultural Probes and Semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the information collected facilitated the development of 4 insights about the entrepreneurs and an experience map to visualise and interpret their journey to create a startup. The results of this study reflected the implications of the ecosystem, the explanation of the users’ perceptions and awareness and propose a set of ideas to the local government to improve the experience of undertaking a startup in Medellín.

Identifying Communities’ Perspectives on their Health Needs in Impoverished Villages to Guide Non-government Organizations’ Health Promotion Efforts in Guatemala

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Claudia Bale
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Non Profit

Objective: The aim of this mixed-methods study is to capture and understand impoverished Guatemalan community members’ perspectives of their own health needs on a community level in order to guide Hope of Life (HOL) Non-Profit organization’s health promotion interventions in the villages they serve. Methods: A modified health needs assessment survey was conducted with 96 participants from four impoverished villages in the department of Zacapa, Guatemala. Survey responses were analyzed for significant differences in 4-item individual, family, and community health scores across demographic variables and significant correlations with reported personal health conditions and children’s health conditions. Five semi-structured interviews were also conducted with community leaders from three of the villages surveyed. Interviews were audio recorded and responses were transcribed verbatim and translated from Spanish to English. Thematic analysis using HyperRESEARCH qualitative analysis software version 4.5.0. was conducted to identify major themes. Results: The mean age of the 96 participants surveyed was 40.4 years and the majority were women, married or in Union, and have children. Women reported a significantly lower individual and family health score than men. The most rural village included in the study had significantly lower family health scores than the three sub-urban villages in the study. Among the personal health problems reported by participants, alcohol consumption, dental problems, and malnutrition were significant predictors of lower individual health scores. Themes that emerged from the interview analysis included the greatest community health needs, perceived negative community health behaviors, barriers to health care access, HOL’s impact, and suggestions for community health promotion.   Conclusion: The results of this study reveal many unmet health needs and barriers to healthcare that Guatemalan village communities face. Community-based participatory research using a mixed approach voices communities’ perspective on their perceived needs and is an important tool to guide non-profit aid and intervention serving impoverished communities.

Care for delirium superimposed on dementia at an early stage

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Good Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Adequate Care ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Delirium Superimposed On Dementia

Delirium is a common serious complication in dementia that is associated with poor prognosis and a high burden on caregivers and healthcare professionals. Appropriate care is therefore important at an early stage for patients with delirium superimposed on dementia To gain insight into the care of six patients with delirium superimposed on dementia, 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted focused on the experiences of caregivers and professionals. The interviews revealed four themes that appeared to play a role: 1. experiences with and views on behavioral problems of these patients, 2. recognition and diagnosis of delirium in dementia, 3. views on good care and 4. organizational aspects. Knowledge gaps about delirium in dementia, as well as ethical considerations, play an important role in organizing timely and adequate care for patients with delirium superimposed on dementia.

scholarly journals Testing the Mig-HealthCare Algorithm in Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Riza ◽  
P Karnaki ◽  
D Zota ◽  
A Linos
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Local Hospital ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Significant Burden ◽  
Care Systems

Abstract The Mig-HealthCare Algorithm is a tool, comprising a set of questions developed with the aim to (a) guide the user on how to access all the categories and tools that are available through the Roadmap & Toolbox (b) help the user identify the health issues of importance when providing care to a specific migrant/refugee. At the end of a series of questions, a brief report summarizing the main outcomes is generated. The algorithm was tested in Greece in two mainland reception centres and a local hospital in an area serving migrants/refugees. Results discuss the usefulness of the algorithm for improving the delivery of appropriate health services to migrants/refugees and its importance in raising awareness about the health conditions which are crucial for migrants/refugees and are expected to pose a significant burden on the health care systems of host countries unless dealt with adequately at an early stage.

scholarly journals Educational Intervention to Improve Citizen’s Healthcare Participation Perception in Rural Japanese Communities: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1782
Author(s):  
Ryuichi Ohta ◽  
Yoshinori Ryu ◽  
Jun Kitayuguchi ◽  
Chiaki Sano ◽  
Karen D. Könings
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Japanese Elderly

In this mixed-methods study, we hypothesized that social cognitive theory (SCT)-based educational interventions for healthcare participation can improve the self-efficacy of older rural citizens in participating in their health management without any difficulties. Quasi-experimental study before and after SCT-based educational interventions and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Participants were Japanese elderly (>65 years) from rural communities. Propensity score matching was performed to estimate the effectiveness of educational interventions on participants’ perception (intervention: n = 156; control: n = 121). Interview contents were transcribed verbatim and analyzed based on thematic analysis. The intervention group scored significantly higher than the control group for participation in planning and managing self-care. Interviews revealed three themes: ability to manage health conditions, relationship with medical professionals, and relationship among citizens. Participants reported difficulties in judging symptoms and communicating with medical professionals. Hierarchy and low motivation to participate in healthcare hindered collaboration. The findings suggest that SCT-based educational interventions can positively impact rural citizens’ self-efficacy in healthcare participation.

scholarly journals Zero Carbon Building Practices in Aotearoa New Zealand

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4455
Author(s):  
Thao Thi Phuong Bui ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Niluka Domingo ◽  
Casimir MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Zero Carbon

In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received renewed attention. However, there has been no detailed investigation of zero carbon building practices. This paper undertakes an exploratory study through the use of semi-structured interviews with government representatives and construction industry experts to examine how the New Zealand construction industry plans and implements zero carbon buildings. The results show that New Zealand’s construction industry is in the early stage of transiting to a net-zero carbon built environment. Key actions to date are focused on devising a way for the industry to develop and deliver zero carbon building projects. Central and local governments play a leading role in driving zero carbon initiatives. Leading construction firms intend to maximise the carbon reduction in building projects by developing a roadmap to achieve the carbon target by 2050 and rethinking the way of designing and constructing buildings. The research results provide an insight into the initial practices and policy implications for the uptake of zero carbon buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

scholarly journals Organisational change in hospitals: a qualitative case-study of staff perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Pomare ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Janet C. Long ◽  
Louise A. Ellis ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
The Face ◽  
Negative Expectations

Abstract Background Organisational change in health systems is common. Success is often tied to the actors involved, including their awareness of the change, personal engagement and ownership of it. In many health systems, one of the most common changes we are witnessing is the redevelopment of long-standing hospitals. However, we know little about how hospital staff understand and experience such potentially far-reaching organisational change. The purpose of this study is to explore the understanding and experiences of hospital staff in the early stages of organisational change, using a hospital redevelopment in Sydney, Australia as a case study. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 clinical and non-clinical staff working at a large metropolitan hospital. Hospital staff were moving into a new building, not moving, or had moved into a different building two years prior. Questions asked staff about their level of awareness of the upcoming redevelopment and their experiences in the early stage of this change. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Some staff expressed apprehension and held negative expectations regarding the organisational change. Concerns included inadequate staffing and potential for collaboration breakdown due to new layout of workspaces. These fears were compounded by current experiences of feeling uninformed about the change, as well as feelings of being fatigued and under-staffed in the constantly changing hospital environment. Nevertheless, balancing this, many staff reported positive expectations regarding the benefits to patients of the change and the potential for staff to adapt in the face of this change. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that it is important to understand prospectively how actors involved make sense of organisational change, in order to potentially assuage concerns and alleviate negative expectations. Throughout the processes of organisational change, such as a hospital redevelopment, staff need to be engaged, adequately informed, trained, and to feel supported by management. The use of champions of varying professions and lead departments, may be useful to address concerns, adequately inform, and promote a sense of engagement among staff.

Implementation of the Vinehealth application, a digital health tool, into the care of patients living with brain cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13582-e13582
Author(s):  
Andrew Gvozdanovic ◽  
Riccardo Mangiapelo ◽  
Rayna Patel ◽  
Georgina Kirby ◽  
Neil Kitchen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Brain Cancer ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Mixed Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strong Basis ◽  
Eortc Qlq

e13582 Background: Cancers of the brain lead to significant neurocognitive, physical and psychological morbidities. Digital technologies provide a novel platform to capture and evaluate these needs. Mobile health (mHealth) applications typically focus on one aspect of care rather than addressing the multimodal needs of the demographic of these patients. The Vinehealth application aims to address this by tracking symptoms, delivering machine learning-based personalised educational content, and facilitating reminders for medications and appointments. Where mHealth interventions traditionally lack the evidence-based approach of pharmaceuticals, this study acts as an initial step in the rigorous assessment of a new digital health tool. Methods: A mixed methodology approach was applied to evaluate the Vinehealth application as a care delivery adjunct. Patients with brain cancer were recruited from the day of their procedure ± 7 days. Over a 12-week period, we collected real-world and ePRO data via the application. We assessed qualitative feedback from mixed-methodology surveys and semi-structured interviews at onboarding and after two weeks of application use. Results: Six participants enrolled of whom four downloaded the application; four completed all interviews. One patient set up their device incorrectly and so couldn't receive the questionnaires; excluding this patient, the EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-BN20 completion rates were 100% and 83% respectively. Average scores (±SD) at onboarding and offboarding were EQ-5D-5L: 2.07±1.28 and 1.73±1.22, and QLQ-BN20: 13.33 and 22.5. In total: 212 symptoms, 174 activity, and 47 medication data points were captured, and 113 educational articles were read. Participants were generally optimistic about application use. All users stated they would recommend Vinehealth and expressed subjective improvements in care. Accessibility issues in the ePRO delivery system which impacted completion rate were identified and have subsequently been fully addressed. Conclusions: This feasibility study showed acceptable patient use, led to a subjective improvement in care, and demonstrated effective collection of real-world and validated ePRO data. This provides a strong basis to further explore the integration of the Vinehealth application into brain cancer care. This study will inform the design of a larger, more comprehensive trial continuing to evaluate improvements in care delivery through data collection, educational support and patient empowerment.

Benefits and challenges to applying IPD: experiences from a Norwegian mega-project

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Rieger Rodrigues ◽  
Søren Munch Lindhard
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Concept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Collaboration And Communication ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
Supporting Element ◽  
Early Phases

Purpose The traditional construction delivery method is challenged by low trust and collaboration issues, resulting in increased project costs. The integrated project delivery (IPD) method is developed, through a contractual agreement, to overcome these challenges by creating a common set of terms, expectations and project goals. Design/methodology/approach A singular construction case was followed during a four-month period. Data collection consisted of contract documents and a series of semi-structured interviews with representatives from the owner, design-group and contractors. Findings The IPD contract was found to have a number of positive effects; it improved project behavior (e.g. trust, collaboration and communication), increased ownership among project participants and improved buildability of the design, leading to fewer surprises and interruptions in the construction phase. The study also revealed a number of challenges including contractual and legal challenges and involving too many participants in the early phases. Moreover, co-location was identified as a particular important supporting element, to build relations and improve collaboration. Originality/value This research identified lessons learned from the application, as well as initial barriers and persistent barriers for implementing IPD. To improve IPD application the top three lessons were as follows: 1) the contractual documents should be adapted and signed at an early stage as this increases financial transparency, 2) cost estimates should be carried as an iterative process and project main concept be freezed at an early stage to increase understanding and minimize risks, 3) only the most important project developers should be involved in the early phases, to avoid going into detailed design issues before the main concept is completed.

Hitting the right note for child and adolescent mental and emotional wellbeing: a formative qualitative evaluation of Sistema Scotland’s “Big Noise” orchestral programme

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Harkins ◽  
Lisa Garnham ◽  
Aileen Campbell ◽  
Carol Tannahill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Causal Pathways

Purpose – Previous research emphasises the need for preventative interventions to reduce mental health problems among disadvantaged children and adolescents. There is however little consensus concerning the delivery and impacts of such interventions particularly non-clinical, arts-based models delivered within community settings. The purpose of this paper is to begin to address this deficit through a qualitative assessment of the short- to medium-term impacts to participants’ mental and emotional wellbeing within Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise orchestral programme. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews, observation, participant drawing exercise, participatory filmmaking, focus group and analysis of programme engagement were undertaken to examine the mental and emotional wellbeing impacts of the programme which are observable at this early stage of programme delivery and participants’ lives. Findings – The qualitative findings indicate that participation in the Big Noise programme enhances participant mental and emotional wellbeing in three ways; first, the happiness and enjoyment of taking part in the programme and orchestra, particularly from music making; second, the security, belonging and relationships fostered through participation; the quality of musician/participant relationship is important here as is programme design which enables support, routine and structure; and third, increased pride, confidence and self-esteem, as a result of acquiring difficult musical skills, receiving regular praise and having frequent opportunities to demonstrate these acquired skills through regular orchestral performances. Originality/value – There is little evidence or understanding of community-based, preventative, arts interventions like Big Noise: their delivery, their life-course impacts and their potential contribution to mental health and to addressing social and health inequalities. The causal pathways in the field are under-theorised. These early findings are important as they serve as an important basis from which to consider the programme’s wider and longer term impacts, which will be assessed through an on-going longitudinal, mixed method summative evaluation.

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