scholarly journals What Are Schools Looking for in New, Inclusive Teachers?

2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-420
Author(s):  
Laura Sokal
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
New Teachers ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Central Canada ◽  
School Divisions ◽  
Essential Knowledge

Focus groups were conducted in four school divisions in central Canada in order to determine whether inclusive educators in schools could identify the knowledge base, skills set, and attitudes desirable in new inclusive teachers. Participants failed to identify an essential knowledge base for inclusive educators. Findings indicated that a focus on skills and attitudes was viewed as desirable, specifically skills related to flexibility, inter-dependence, communication. Participants also valued attitudes related to willingness on the part of new teachers to seek learning opportunities and accept help from other team members.

Behavioral Health Professionals’ Perceptions on Outcomes of Patient-Controlled Granular Information Sharing Study: Focus Groups and Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Ivanova ◽  
Tianyu Tang ◽  
Nassim Idouraine ◽  
Anite Murcko ◽  
Adela Grando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Patient Study ◽  
Actual Patient

BACKGROUND Granular information sharing studies rarely use actual patient electronic health record (EHR) information. In a previous study, behavioral health patients categorized their own EHR data into sensitive categories (e.g. mental health) and chose which care team members (e.g. pharmacists) should have access to those records. In this study, behavioral health professionals are provided access to the outcomes of a previous patient study to better understand the perspectives of health professionals on patient-controlled granular information sharing. OBJECTIVE Assess behavioral health professionals’: (1) perspectives on understanding and opinions about granular information sharing; (2) accuracy in assessing redacted medical information; (3) reactions to patient rationale for health data categorization, assignment of sensitivity, and sharing choices; and (4) recommendations on how to improve the process of granular health information sharing. METHODS Four two-hour focus groups and a pre- and post-survey were conducted at two integrated health facilities. During the focus groups, outcomes from a previous study on patients’ medical record sharing choices were shared. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS Twenty-eight professionals were initially unaware of or provided incorrect definitions of granular information sharing (56.0%). After having access to outcomes from a previous patient study, professionals increased their mixed perspectives (21.4% to 37.1%) on granular information sharing. A majority (81.3%) identified that key medical data had been redacted from the study case. Many (66.1%) stated they did not understand patient rationale for categorization or medical sharing preferences. Finally, participants recommended that a variety of educational approaches be incorporated to inform patients about granular information and health record sharing processes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights from behavioral health professionals on patient-controlled granular information sharing. Health professionals accurately identified information gaps resulting from patient-directed data redaction, improved in their overall concept comprehension, underscored the fine line between patient safety and patient rights, and expressed a commitment to help patients appreciate the risks and benefits associated with granular information sharing. Outcomes will inform the development, deployment and evaluation of an electronic consent tool for granular health data sharing.

scholarly journals Understanding decisions about antibiotic prescribing in ICU: an application of the Necessity Concerns Framework

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjqs-2020-012479
Author(s):  
Alyssa M Pandolfo ◽  
Robert Horne ◽  
Yogini Jani ◽  
Tom W Reader ◽  
Natalie Bidad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Clinical Vignettes ◽  
Molecular Microbiology ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Individual

BackgroundAntibiotics are extensively prescribed in intensive care units (ICUs), yet little is known about how antibiotic-related decisions are made in this setting. We explored how beliefs, perceptions and contextual factors influenced ICU clinicians’ antibiotic prescribing.MethodsWe conducted 4 focus groups and 34 semistructured interviews with clinicians involved in antibiotic prescribing in four English ICUs. Focus groups explored factors influencing prescribing, whereas interviews examined decision-making processes using two clinical vignettes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, applying the Necessity Concerns Framework.ResultsClinicians’ antibiotic decisions were influenced by their judgement of the necessity for prescribing/not prescribing, relative to their concerns about potential adverse consequences. Antibiotic necessity perceptions were strongly influenced by beliefs that antibiotics would protect patients from deterioration and themselves from the ethical and legal consequences of undertreatment. Clinicians also reported concerns about prescribing antibiotics. These generally centred on antimicrobial resistance; however, protecting the individual patient was prioritised over these societal concerns. Few participants identified antibiotic toxicity concerns as a key influencer. Clinical uncertainty often complicated balancing antibiotic necessity against concerns. Decisions to start or continue antibiotics often represented ‘erring on the side of caution’ as a protective response in uncertainty. This approach was reinforced by previous experiences of negative consequences (‘being burnt’) which motivated prescribing ‘just in case’ of an infection. Prescribing decisions were also context-dependent, exemplified by a lower perceived threshold to prescribe antibiotics out-of-hours, input from external team members and local prescribing norms.ConclusionEfforts to improve antibiotic stewardship should consider clinicians’ desire to protect with a prescription. Rapid molecular microbiology, with appropriate communication, may diminish clinicians’ fears of not prescribing or of using narrower-spectrum antibiotics.

Collective soul: The spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHANE SINCLAIR ◽  
SHELLEY RAFFIN ◽  
JOSE PEREIRA ◽  
NANCY GUEBERT
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Palliative Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Spiritual Journeys ◽  
Common Goals

Objective:Although spirituality as it relates to patients is gaining increasing attention, less is known about how health care professionals (HCP) experience spirituality personally or collectively in the workplace. This study explores the collective spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team, by studying how individuals felt about their own spirituality, whether there was a shared sense of a team spirituality, how spirituality related to the care the team provided to patients and whether they felt that they provided spiritual care.Methods:A qualitative autoethnographic approach was used. The study was conducted in a 10-bed Tertiary Palliative Care Unit (TPCU) in a large acute-care referral hospital and cancer center. Interdisciplinary team members of the TPCU were invited to participate in one-to-one interviews and/or focus groups. Five interviews and three focus groups were conducted with a total of 20 participants.Results:Initially participants struggled to define spirituality. Concepts of spirituality relating to integrity, wholeness, meaning, and personal journeying emerged. For many, spirituality is inherently relational. Others acknowledged transcendence as an element of spirituality. Spirituality was described as being wrapped in caring and often manifests in small daily acts of kindness and of love, embedded within routine acts of caring. Palliative care served as a catalyst for team members' own spiritual journeys. For some participants, palliative care represented a spiritual calling. A collective spirituality stemming from common goals, values, and belonging surfaced.Significance of results:This was the first known study that focused specifically on the exploration of a collective spirituality. The culture of palliative care seems to foster spiritual reflection among health care professionals both as individuals and as a whole. While spirituality was difficult to describe, it was a shared experience often tangibly present in the provision of care on all levels.

The Impact of Educational Level on Occupational and Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Professional Status

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Bellner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Occupational And Physical Therapy ◽  
The Impact

This article is a descriptive study of 356 occupational therapists and 346 physical therapists in Sweden regarding their perceptions of professional status. These groups were compared according to educational level to determine whether the transfer of their education to a university level had made a difference in their perception of their own professional status and that of others. The status differences between the groups remained, and the structure of professional status seemed stable through time and not dependent on educational level. Professionals with a more positivistic knowledge base—physical therapists—tended to perceive increased professional status of themselves and of other team members, and professionals with a more humanistic knowledge base—occupational therapists—tended to perceive a decreased status. A plausible explanation might be that university schooling and certification reinforce a positivistic view, which is most prevalent in physical therapy. The ongoing process of professionalization within occupational and physical therapy might be more influenced by the medical profession than expected. Whether or not these findings apply to therapists in other countries is worth continued exploration through similar research investigations. As the therapy professions are becoming more global, information about educational and professional concerns of peers in different countries can provide increased insights into the professions.

scholarly journals Improving The Effectiveness Of Human Resources Practices Through Transforming Care At The Bedside

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-168
Author(s):  
Melanie Lavoie-Tremblay ◽  
Patricia O’Conner ◽  
Joanna Streppa ◽  
Alain Biron ◽  
Judith Ritchie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Health Care Organization ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Team Members

In 2010, in an effort to increase patient involvement in decision-making about health care redesign, a Quebec university health care organization implemented the Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB). This article presents the results from a qualitative study exploring health professionals’ perceptions of TCAB and the effect on turnover and overtime. This descriptive, qualitative study utilized focus groups, individual interviews, and a review of administrative documents for data collection. Participants included hospital workers from five units implementing TCAB. The data generated by the interviews and focus groups were analyzed using NVivo with the method proposed by Miles and Huberman (1994). During the first year of implementation of TCAB, the team noted the importance of taking time to see the effects of the changes and thereby facilitate the involvement of other team members. A number of TCAB team members also cited communication as a facilitating element for informing team members of changes. According to the participants, the TCAB strategies that were implemented have had a positive impact on practice and on the work environment, and turnover showed an improvement. There was no change in absenteeism. TCAB has the potential to impact not only nurses’ work, but interprofessional team work as well, through changes that involve everyone. Future research should focus on how to support team members to reduce resistance to change and increase social support in order to implement and sustain changes. 

scholarly journals Identifying Barriers and Facilitators of Exoskeleton Implementation In The Operating Room

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 1113-1113
Author(s):  
Jackie S. Cha ◽  
Sara Monfared ◽  
Kaylee Ecker ◽  
Derek Lee ◽  
Dimitrios Stefanidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Transfer Task ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Surgical Team ◽  
Team Members ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Arm Support ◽  
Workforce Retention ◽  
Surgical Assistants

Introduction Members of the surgical team experience musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms that impact occupational health. Although the prevalence of MS symptoms in this population is well-recognized, limited interventions with sustained success exist for the operating room (OR) environment. The purpose of this work was to determine the facilitators of and barriers to exoskeleton technology in the OR, as a potential intervention to reduce upper-body MS pain and discomfort for surgical team members. Methods After providing informed consent, participants completed a two-part study: focus groups and a simulated laparoscopic skills task while wearing a passive arm-support exoskeleton (Levitate AirFrameTM). Seven surgical residents, four surgical technicians, and two attending surgeons participated in this study. A script including questions on technology adoption, supporting workers tasks/job, and safety and health (adapted from Kim et al., 2016) was used to guide each focus group. Content analysis of the focus groups was completed by three study team members to identify relevant themes from participants’ responses, and two raters coded all remaining sessions. Subsequently, nine participants completed repetitions of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery peg transfer task for 10 minutes wearing the noted exoskeleton. Afterwards, their overall impressions of the exoskeleton were assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS; Brooke, 1996). Results/Discussion Four main themes related to the adoption of exoskeletons in the OR were identified: characteristics of individuals, benefits, barriers, and intervention characteristics. Theme 1: Characteristics of individuals. It was noted that implementation of exoskeletons would require a champion at an institution to spearhead the efforts. Additionally, individual curiosity and awareness of MS ergonomics problems were found as facilitators of adoption. Theme 2: Benefits. Expected long-term benefits of an exoskeleton were mentioned. Specifically, stakeholders anticipated a decrease in MS symptoms and expected that it would help with workforce retention and prevention of early retirement. The user role that was identified to most benefit from exoskeletons were the surgical assistants ( n = 9). Theme 3: Barriers. Seven categories of barriers were found. Safety and sterility were major concerns in the OR. Main concerns included ensuring that the arm cuffs were not in the area of surgical scrub (i.e., below the elbows) and the added bulk to wear inside the surgical gown. Furthermore, the factors of familiarity, perception, buy-in, and immediate results were noted to influence the use of an exoskeleton. Theme 4: Intervention characteristics. The theme of intervention characteristics was identified separately from benefits and barriers, as the categories in this theme could either help facilitate or hinder the adoption of exoskeletons in the OR. Workers reported that investment, specifically monetary, and maintenance of the equipment would likely influence wide-spread adoption. Usability of the exoskeleton was indicated as having a large influence on adoption. Workers in all roles noted that whether they adopt the exoskeleton during surgical procedures would depend on usability. The mean SUS score for the exoskeleton tested was 82.2 out of 100 ( SD = 7.9), which was within the acceptable range of usability. Passive exoskeleton technology has the potential to minimize MS symptoms and fatigue for the surgical team (Liu et al., 2018). The current work identified themes for adopting exoskeletons in the OR, and thus builds a better understanding of facilitators of and hinderances to stakeholders using this technology. Exoskeletons were suggested as having the potential to improve workforce retention and decrease MS symptoms. These results suggest that the use of arm-support exoskeletons can be valuable, though barriers such as cost and team member buy-in need to be addressed. Acknowledgements. This work was supported by Cooperative Agreement T42 OH008455, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or DHHS. The exoskeleton used in this study was loaned by the Levitate company; the company had no involvement in study design, analysis, or interpretation, nor the decision for publication.

scholarly journals Integrating multiple community perspectives in intervention development

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamil� Molina ◽  
Karriem S Watson ◽  
Liliana G San Miguel ◽  
Karen Aguirre ◽  
Mariana Hernandez-Flores ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Breast Cancer Screening ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Develop Breast Cancer ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Community Perspectives

Abstract We offer a framework and exemplify how to integrate multiple community perspectives in research to develop breast cancer screening interventions among Latinas non-adherent to national guidelines. We leverage members of an academic institution’s community consultative service [community engagement advisory board (CEAB) members]; study team members [community health workers (CHWs)] and study-eligible individuals (non-adherent Latinas). First, we asked what was needed from CEAB members (N=17), CHWs (N=14) and non-adherent Latinas (N=20) in one-time semi-structured group consultations and focus groups. Second, we drafted materials. Third, we conducted group consultations and focus groups with a new set of CEAB members (N=13), CHWs (N=17) and non-adherent Latinas (N=16) to reflect on our initial analysis and draft materials. Fourth, we finalized interventions. Certain recommendations were shared across stakeholders and simple to integrate (e.g. costs → access to free services). Some recommendations varied, but complementary integration was possible (e.g. location versus recruitment → multiple recruitment in multiple community areas). Others were distinct across stakeholders and resulted in strategies to recognize participants’ agency and inform their choices about breast cancer screening (e.g. differences in preferred information about screening → personalized information and evidence about all screening options).

scholarly journals Should We Scale-Up? A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of an Intervention Targeting Sedentary Office Workers Using the RE-AIM QuEST Framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Bradley MacDonald ◽  
Ann-Marie Gibson ◽  
Xanne Janssen ◽  
Jasmin Hutchinson ◽  
Samuel Headley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Intervention Participant ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Team Members

Background: Interventions targeting a reduction in sedentary behaviour in office workers need to be scaled-up to have impact. In this study, the RE-AIM QuEST framework was used to evaluate the potential for further implementation and scale-up of a consultation based workplace intervention which targeted both the reduction, and breaking up of sitting time. Methods: To evaluate the Springfield College sedentary behaviour intervention across multiple RE-AIM QuEST indicators; intervention participant, non-participant (employees who did not participate) and key informant (consultation delivery team; members of the research team and stakeholders in workplace health promotion) data were collected using interviews, focus groups and questionnaires. Questionnaires were summarized using descriptive statistics and interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results: Barriers to scale-up were: participant burden of activity monitoring; lack of management support; influence of policy; flexibility (scheduling/locations); time and cost. Facilitators to scale up were: visible leadership; social and cultural changes in the workplace; high acceptability; existing health and wellbeing programmes; culture and philosophy of the participating college. Conclusions: There is potential for scale-up, however adaptations will need to be made to address the barriers to scale-up. Future interventions in office workers should evaluate for scalability during the pilot phases of research.

School of the Future

2011 ◽  
pp. 105-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Ott
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
New Teachers ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
School Education ◽  
Inclusive Classroom ◽  
New Learning ◽  
The Future ◽  
Achievable Goal ◽  
New Millennium

This chapter tackles the issue of e-inclusion in the field of school education. A picture of the new millennium learning panorama is outlined where new learners, new teachers, new tools and new pedagogies are around. Some experience –based reflections are also proposed on how, from this panorama, new learning opportunities may arise for “all” learners, irrespective of their individual differences and specific characteristics. The overall purpose of the chapter is to give an idea that the building up of a genuinely inclusive classroom is an achievable goal, provided that strong efforts are devoted not only in the direction of producing/using fully accessible e-tools but also (perhaps mainly) in the direction of making the most of them in order to suit the “different” needs of the “different” students.

scholarly journals How can leaders and managers in the Police support the learning of others and at the same time, support their own?

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenni Jones
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to attempt to demonstrate that formal mentoring is a helpful tool to develop managers within the changing context of the UK Police, and to highlight how managers can have an influence on mentoring programmes and the learning within them. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal qualitative case study approach was chosen and semi-structured interviews were conducted alongside focus groups. Findings The findings showed that both mentees and mentors perceived they were learning within the mentoring relationship. Also, despite some common themes in relation to the key moderating factors, managers were seen as both facilitating and hindering these mentoring relationships. Research limitations/implications It was recognised that although interesting to compare and contrast the findings between the two different case study organisations, the findings drawn from this study may not be directly applicable to other mentoring programmes beyond these UK Police Forces. More could have been explored in the focus groups and information could have been collected from those that did not attend the interviews or the focus groups. Originality/value This research adds value as there is little written about the mentoring and managers, within the interesting changing context of the UK Police force. The insights from this mentoring research suggest that there is much learning to be gained by both parties through mentoring and that line managers need to be encouraged away from the day to day reactive approach towards being more proactive with supporting the personal development of their team members (and themselves) into the future. If they are more involved and supportive of learning and development interventions, then they and their team members will gain more from the experience and this will ultimately help them to make a more positive difference within their role.

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