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Kolesnyk, A. "Optical System for Led Luminaire." Metrology and instruments, no. 4 (September 7, 2019): 62–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.33955/2307-2180(4)2019.62-67.
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Lighting devices are an important element of a large number of technical systems, including road, living, industrial lighting, lighting systems of vehicles. It is known that the light instrument must fulfill two basic lighting tasks: to redistribute the light source of light source in the right way and to limit its dazzling effect. The introduction of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for lighting necessitated a completely new quality in the construction of luminaires. The different production technology required new methods and designing tools. It also challenged designers with new problems to solve. LEDs are light sources emitting in one hemisphere, which requires a special approach to designing an LED lighting unit. However, for the illumination of premises with high spans or streets, roads such a light distribution is not suitable. For luminaires with solid-state light sources, other materials and new technology must be used; moreover, light distribution needs to be formed using different methods.
 This paper presents the design process of a LED luminaire from concept to implementation, exemplified by road lighting, and describes the methods and procedures used by the designer. Also, technological problems influencing the quality of the above lighting are addressed. Optical systems for LEDs are considered. The peculiarities of the use of secondary optical elements in the form of lenses for purpose of obtaining different diagrams of the spatial distribution of light intensity of light-emitting diodes are analyzed. Features and problems of calculation of secondary optical systems are considered. Massive collimators do not have to be elements that focus a narrow beam of light. They are able to form a beam in accordance with any accepted distribution that is appropriate for a given application. They are also able to form a beam in a specific way that is required for outdoor lighting luminaires. The stages of a project for designing a road luminaire require the application of the knowledge and experience gained in various research projects. The design methods described in this paper have been developed designing activity and are also to be used successfully in lighting production.
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Boughton, Bob, Donna Ah Chee, Jack Beetson, Deborah Durnan, and Jose Chala LeBlanch. "An Aboriginal Adult Literacy Campaign Pilot Study in Australia using Yes I Can." Literacy and Numeracy Studies 21, no. 1 (2013): 5–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.5130/lns.v21i1.3328.
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In 2012, the remote Aboriginal community of Wilcannia in western NSW hosted the first Australian pilot of a Cuban mass adult literacy campaign model known as Yes I Can. The aim was to investigate the appropriateness of this model in Aboriginal Australia. Building on an intensive community development process of ‘socialisation and mobilisation’, sixteen community members with very low literacy graduated from the basic literacy course, with the majority continuing on into post-literacy activities, further training and/or employment. The pilot was initiated by the National Aboriginal Adult Literacy Campaign Steering Committee (NAALCSC) consisting of Aboriginal leaders from the education and health sectors, and managed by the University of New England (UNE), working in partnership with the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council as the local lead agency. The pilot was supported by a Cuban academic who came to Australia for this purpose, and included a Participatory Action Research (PAR) evaluation led by the UNE Project Manager. In this paper, members of the project team and the NAALCSC describe the pilot and reflect on its outcomes.
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Ortiz, Victor, Rachael Cain, Scott W. Formica, Rebecca Bishop, Haner Hernández, and Lorena Lama. "Our Voices Matter: Using Lived Experience to Promote Equity in Problem Gambling Prevention." Current Addiction Reports 8, no. 2 (2021): 255–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00369-5.
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Abstract Purpose of Review The field of problem gambling has been historically disconnected from the community experience of gambling and people of color, leading to a lack of integration of those with lived experience into programming. The aim of this article is to describe community-centered efforts to prevent and mitigate harm from problem gambling in Massachusetts—including a pilot program, the Massachusetts Ambassador Project, which is grounded within public health and lived experience frameworks. Recent Findings To engage Massachusetts communities in problem gambling prevention, planning processes were conducted to develop culturally appropriate prevention strategies. One of the recurrent themes was the desire of men in the substance misuse recovery community to share their knowledge with others, specifically, men of color who experience racism and health disparities. This finding informed the development of the Ambassador Project, a novel, peer-based, community-centered, and culturally responsive approach for men of color who have a history of substance misuse to engage other men of color in problem gambling prevention. Two organizations pilot tested the project and reached 4388 individuals. The pilot led to several findings in the design and implementation of related projects. Lessons are shared in three categories: structure, support, and implementation. Summary This article demonstrates an innovative approach to connect the field of problem gambling prevention to the community experience, using a public health and social justice lens. Others in the field should acknowledge the disconnect between problem gambling and the lived experience of those disproportionately impacted by creating opportunities for community voice to be at the center of programming.
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Dillenburger, Karola, Lidija Godina, and Maxine Burton. "Training in Behavioral Social Work: A Pilot Study." Research on Social Work Practice 7, no. 1 (1997): 70–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/104973159700700104.
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Social work practice has recently become much criticized. Misapplication of procedures and ill-defined theoretical approaches have led to a view of social work as a semiprofession. A thorough theoretical and procedural revision is necessary. In this article, we will argue that a natural science approach to human behavior, such as that offered by behavior analysis, constitutes a fundamental basis for effective and accountable social work practice. A program that was designed as part of a postgraduate social work course is introduced and evaluated. The aim of this program was to establish students' professional social work competence using well-established knowledge of the principles of behavior. Contingency arrangements for students included tests, project work, and oral presentations. Program design and student progress are reported. A number of examples of student projects are given.
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Malickova, K., V. Pesinova, M. Bortlik, et al. "P373 Telemedicine and inflammatory bowel disease: Results of the IBD assistant pilot project." Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 14, Supplement_1 (2020): S352—S353. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz203.502.
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Abstract Background Telemedicine enables proper and immediate monitoring of the patient’s current health state, followed by well-timed and customised treatment. The aim of our study was to assess feasibility and safety of telemonitoring in Czech patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we wanted to evaluate the impact of telemonitoring on the number of outpatient′s visits and direct health-care cost. Methods We performed randomised controlled study including patients with IBD in stable remission on conventional therapy who were randomised either to telemonitoring (IBDA) or control (CTRL) group and were followed-up for 12 months. All IBDA patients had access to a specific web application which contained a set of questioners assessing disease activity and complications which were filled-in at least every 3 months. Evaluation of clinical activity was accompanied by measurement of faecal calprotectin (FC) at home using CalproSmart test. Individuals in the CTRL group were followed under the standard conditions as other outpatients. Results A total of 131 were included (42% males; 47% with Crohn′s disease) and randomised to IBDA (n = 94) or control group (n = 37). HBI/pMayo activity indexes were not significantly different at baseline (p = 0.636 and p = 0.853) and end of study (p = 0.517 and p = 0.890) in the two groups. Similarly, no significant difference in inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, FC) was observed in either group (p>0.05). The occurrence of intercurrent infections (0.93 vs. 0.81 cases of infection/patient-year, p = 0.87) or the need for hospitalisations (1 vs. 0) was similar between the groups. The number of outpatient visits was significantly lower in the IBDA than in the CTRL group (median number in IBDA group 0, in the CTRL group 4.2 visits, respectively, p < 0.0001). Telemedicine led to a reduction in the direct annual health-care cost of patient follow-up by ~25% compared with the standard care. Conclusion Results of the first Czech IBD telemedicine study confirm the effectiveness and safety of the telemedicine approach, which led to a reduction in outpatient visits and savings in health-care costs while maintaining a high standard of health care. Acknowledgements: Supported by the IBD-Comfort Endowment Fund.
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Das, Rosalina, Patricia Avissar, Jessica Diaz, et al. "4049 Evaluating Miami CTSI’s Pilot, Translational, and Clinical Studies Program using research success measures and CTSA Common Metrics." Journal of Clinical and Translational Science 4, s1 (2020): 71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cts.2020.234.
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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The goal of this project was to a) evaluate the first five years of Miami CTSI’s Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program using outcome measures that quantify research productivity augmented by the CTSA Common Metrics; and b) use the results to shape future program management. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Pilot Program applicant and awardee demographic data were collected during the first 5-year cycle of the Miami CTSI grant. Projects were categorized into the translation spectrum based on type of research using published guidelines. Research productivity from funded pilot projects were tracked annually using internal institutional grant award databases and external databases such as PubMed and NIH Reporter. CTSA Common Metrics were tracked using the Results Based Accountability framework. Relative Citation Ratio (RCR), NIH percentile and translation impact of pilot project publications were determined using the iCite tool (NIH Office of Portfolio Analysis). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The Miami CTSI’s Pilot Award Program demonstrated notable success in its first five years. Of the twenty-two projects that were funded during that time period, 45% led to follow-on funding for a total of $17.2M—a strong return on investment of 15:1. Further, 77% of awardees had at least one publication. A total of four patents and 43 publications resulted directly from the funded projects. The mean RCR for all publications was 2.7, weighted RCR was 99.87, and nine papers were been cited by clinical documents. Overall, 63% of the projects were classified as T1/T2 (pre-clinical/clinical research) and 37% as T3/T4 (post-clinical translational research/public health). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Miami CTSI’s Pilot Award Program demonstrated success in scholarly output, follow on funding, and scientific impact. These results will serve as benchmarks going forward and will allow the CTSI to leverage program strengths in collaborating with other institutional internal award mechanisms.
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Azariah, Sunita, Stephen McKernon, and Suzanne Werder. "Large increase in opportunistic testing for chlamydia during a pilot project in a primary health organisation." Journal of Primary Health Care 5, no. 2 (2013): 141. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/hc13141.
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INTRODUCTION: The Auckland chlamydia pilot project was one of three funded by the Ministry of Health to trial implementation of the 2008 Chlamydia Management Guidelines. Chlamydia is the most commonly notified sexually transmitted infection in New Zealand. AIM: To increase opportunistic testing in under-25-year-olds and to improve documentation of partner notification in primary care. METHODS: A four-month pilot was initiated in Total Healthcare Otara using a nurse-led approach. Laboratory testing data was analysed to assess whether the pilot had any impact on chlamydia testing volumes in the target age-group. Data entered in the practice management system was used to assess follow-up and management of chlamydia cases. RESULTS: During the pilot there was a 300% increase in the number of chlamydia tests in the target age-group from 812 to 2410 and the number of male tests increased by nearly 500%. Twenty-four percent of people tested were positive for chlamydia, with no significant difference in prevalence by ethnicity. The pilot resulted in better documentation of patient follow-up in the patient management system. DISCUSSION: There was a large increase in chlamydia testing during the pilot with a high prevalence found in the population tested. Chlamydia remains an important health problem in New Zealand. The cost benefit of increased chlamydia screening at a population level has yet to be established. KEYWORDS: Chlamydia; notification, partner; pilot project; prevalence; primary health care
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Diamandis, Stephanos. "Management of Chestnut Blight in Greece Using Hypovirulence and Silvicultural Interventions." Forests 9, no. 8 (2018): 492. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f9080492.
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Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is an important tree for Greece. The invasive fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, which causes chestnut blight, was first found in Central Greece in 1963. It has since spread all over the country, significantly reducing the national annual nut production. The increasing decline of forests and orchards due to the disease led to a project in 1995, which aimed at studying the feasibility of applying biological control. A prerequisite study of the existing vegetative compatibility types of the pathogen showed only four, and their distribution was mapped. A pilot project (1998–2000) that consisted of clear cutting heavily infected coppice stands and introducing hypovirulence to the remainder was implemented on Mt. Athos on a 7000 ha sweet chestnut forest. Two evaluations (in 2003 and 2011) revealed that hypovirulence was established in the sweet chestnut forests and spread more or less homogeneously. A nationwide project introducing hypovirulence to 29 counties was implemented in two, 3-yr-periods 2007–2009 (17 counties) and 2014–2016 (12 counties). The new evaluations showed that hypovirulence spread profoundly and forests and orchards started recovering. The appearance of natural hypovirulence cannot be predicted. Introduced hypovirulence and silvicultural interventions can be used to manage the disease. It is the responsibility of the forest/orchard manager to decide whether to wait for appearance of natural hypovirulence, or to introduce it for a faster decline in disease.
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Johnson, Daniel C., and Ann Marie Stanley. "A Pilot Project Exploring Rural Classroom Music Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices via an Online Professional Development Course." Journal of Music Teacher Education 30, no. 3 (2021): 99–114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/10570837211008658.
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Music teachers in urban, suburban, and rural communities face a multitude of challenges and opportunities. To identify and examine specific experiences that may be unique to rural general music teachers, we recruited six teacher-participants to complete a 5-week online professional development (PD) course for this exploratory study. We created a teacher-led approach for this PD, implementing topics and solutions generated by the participants. Using qualitative content analysis, we found two categories of themes in the online discussion posts that either connected or disconnected our participants with other music teachers on their general music context or their geographic setting. Although participants clearly articulated the influences of setting and place-based pedagogy, we found shared issues related to general music that transcended location. Implications for future PD include the importance of online delivery methods and developing PD differentiated by teaching contexts and geographic settings.
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Song, Youchan, Zachary Nelson, and Krista Gens. "171. Effectiveness and Feasibility of Pharmacist-Driven Penicillin Allergy De-Labeling Pilot Program." Open Forum Infectious Diseases 7, Supplement_1 (2020): S93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.215.
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Abstract Background Prevalence of true hypersensitivity to penicillins is low (0.5–2%). Documented penicillin allergies have been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, Clostridioides difficile infections, and surgical site infections. “De-labeling” of inappropriately documented allergies can decrease the use of unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics and prevent negative outcomes, but labor-intensive skin testing and oral challenges can be a barrier to program implementation. The goal of this project is to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a pharmacist-led penicillin allergy de-labeling process that does not involve skin testing or oral challenges. Methods Adult patients with penicillin allergies were identified using a report within the electronic health record during a 3-month pilot period. Patients identified were interviewed by an infectious diseases pharmacy resident, and an allergy history was assessed utilizing a standardized checklist. The patients’ answers determined the ability to de-label via pharmacist utilization of an evidence-based and standardized checklist developed for this project. All documentation included a detailed patient allergy history along with a beta-lactam cross-reactivity chart to help guide future antibiotic choices. Results 66 patients were interviewed during the pilot. 12 patients (18%) met criteria for de-labeling and consented to the removal of the allergy. 4 patients (6%) met criteria for de-labeling but declined the removal of the allergy. Average time spent during patient interview was 5.2 minutes per patient. 58.3% of patients (7/12) who were de-labeled were subsequently prescribed a beta-lactam, and 100% (7/7) were able to tolerate the agents. 1 out of 4 patients (25%) who declined de-labeling but had their allergy updated to reflect intolerance was prescribed beta-lactams and was able to tolerate the agents (1/1, 100%). Conclusion A pharmacist-led penicillin allergy de-labeling process utilizing a standardized checklist is an effective method for removing penicillin allergies in patients who do not have a true allergy to penicillins. This pharmacist-led process is a feasible method for sites unable to perform oral challenges or skin testing. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
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Ghiron, Laura, Eric Ramirez-Ferrero, Rita Badiani, et al. "Promoting Scale-Up Across a Global Project Platform: Lessons from the Evidence to Action Project." Global Implementation Research and Applications 1, no. 2 (2021): 69–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s43477-021-00013-4.
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AbstractThe USAID-funded flagship family planning service delivery project named Evidence to Action (E2A) worked from 2011 to 2021 to improve family planning and reproductive health for women and girls across seventeen nations in sub-Saharan Africa using a “scaling-up mindset.” The paper discusses three key lessons emerging from the project’s experience with applying ExpandNet’s systematic approach to scale up. The methodology uses ExpandNet/WHO’s scaling-up framework and guidance tools to design and implement pilot or demonstration projects in ways that look ahead to their future scale-up; develop a scaling-up strategy with local stakeholders; and then strategically manage the scaling-up process. The paper describes how a scaling-up mindset was engendered, first within the project’s technical team in Washington and then how they subsequently sought to build capacity at the country level to support scale-up work throughout E2A’s portfolio of activities. The project worked with local multi-stakeholder resource teams, often led by government officials, to equip them to lead the scale-up of family planning and health system strengthening interventions. Examples from project experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda illustrating key concepts are discussed. E2A also established a community of practice on systematic approaches to scale up as a platform for sharing learning across a variety of technical agencies engaged in scale-up work and to create learning opportunities for interacting with thought leaders around critical scale-up issues.
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Williamson, Dean. "Collecting and using youth development outcomes data to improve youth work practice." Queensland Review 24, no. 1 (2017): 123–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/qre.2017.15.
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AbstractThere is increasing scrutiny on the factors necessary to ensure that youth development programs consistently enhance the learning and development of young people. One of these key factors is the involvement of high-quality youth work practitioners who can facilitate an individual or group process to the benefit of all participants. While the practice of reflective learning is a core best-practice principle of youth workers, there is little emphasis on their own structured learning and development beyond their initial qualification. Based on findings from a pilot project testing the first practitioner-led outcomes framework in New South Wales, Australia, this article examines the role of outcomes data in contributing to the ongoing development of youth workers and youth development organisations. It argues that external performance data is both critical to individual and organisational development, and can enhance existing reflective practices such as workplace supervision.
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Truong, Dothang, and Thawatchai Jitbaipoon. "How Can Agile Methodologies Be Used to Enhance the Success of Information Technology Projects?" International Journal of Information Technology Project Management 7, no. 2 (2016): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijitpm.2016040101.
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Dynamic and unpredictable business environments in the information technology (IT) sector have led to a rapid growth of agile methodologies. Organizations claim that using agile methodologies can enhance the success of IT projects in such environments. However, fluctuating patterns of successful and failed agile IT projects recently raise a question about a path to successful IT projects using agile methodologies. The purpose of this research is to examine agile driven factors and relationships between them and IT project success. Data collected from a pilot survey of agile practitioners were used to confirm important agile driven factors: Agile Team Capability, IT Development Agility, and Agile Culture. The research also tested a structural model that examined indirect impacts of IT development agility and agile culture on project success via a mediation of agile team capability. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
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Mehta, N., R. J. Williams, M. E. Smith, et al. "Can trainees design and deliver a national audit of epistaxis management? A pilot of a secure web-based audit tool and research trainee collaboratives." Journal of Laryngology & Otology 131, no. 6 (2017): 518–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002221511700038x.
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AbstractObjective:To investigate the feasibility of a national audit of epistaxis management led and delivered by a multi-region trainee collaborative using a web-based interface to capture patient data.Methods:Six trainee collaboratives across England nominated one site each and worked together to carry out this pilot. An encrypted data capture tool was adapted and installed within the infrastructure of a university secure server. Site-lead feedback was assessed through questionnaires.Results:Sixty-three patients with epistaxis were admitted over a two-week period. Site leads reported an average of 5 minutes to complete questionnaires and described the tool as easy to use. Data quality was high, with little missing data. Site-lead feedback showed high satisfaction ratings for the project (mean, 4.83 out of 5).Conclusion:This pilot showed that trainee collaboratives can work together to deliver an audit using an encrypted data capture tool cost-effectively, whilst maintaining the highest levels of data quality.
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Field, Joseph A., Dennis J. Elbert, and Steven B. Moser. "The Use Of Social Media In Building Interest In Wellness On A College Campus." American Journal of Business Education (AJBE) 5, no. 5 (2012): 515–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.19030/ajbe.v5i5.7207.
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The usage of social media networks, such as websites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, had become the number one activity on the internet by 2010. The sweeping increase in usage led organizations to explore the marketing possibilities the networks offered. The turning point occurred when organizations began to ask whether it was feasible to use social media networks as a primary marketing strategy and reduce or ultimately replace traditional marketing efforts. A pilot project focused on a marketing plan that was implemented at a student fitness center, using social media networks as the primary marketing strategy.
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Davidovic, M., L. Djokic, A. Cabarkapa, and M. Kostic. "Warm white versus neutral white LED street lighting: Pedestrians' impressions." Lighting Research & Technology 51, no. 8 (2018): 1237–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1477153518804296.
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The subjective impressions of pedestrians are necessary in order to decide on the appropriate colour of light to be used for street lighting. Therefore, a pilot project aimed to compare subjective evaluations of the sidewalk illumination under two street lighting installations, realised by LEDs of 3000 K (warm white) and 4000 K (neutral white), was recently conducted in Belgrade. Both installations had comparable sidewalk illuminances as well as other relevant photometric parameters. The evaluation was done through a questionnaire. A group of 139 (61 male and 78 female) respondents, all of them university students, was asked to grade both lighting installations for the sidewalk light intensity, the appearance of human faces, the colour of light and the colour rendering as well as the overall impression. According to the median values, the 3000 K LED installation was considered better than the 4000 K installation for all aspects assessed as well as the overall impression. Although the survey results convincingly showed a preference for 3000 K LEDs for this comparison, additional research is needed using a more representative sample of people and a wider range of locations before a definite conclusion can be reached.
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Blaisdell, Caralyn, Lorna Arnott, Kate Wall, and Carol Robinson. "Look Who’s Talking: Using creative, playful arts-based methods in research with young children." Journal of Early Childhood Research 17, no. 1 (2018): 14–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1476718x18808816.
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Young children are often ignored or marginalised in the drive to address children’s participation and their wider set of rights. This is the case generally in social research, as well as within the field of Arts-Based Education Research. This article contributes to the growing literature on young children’s involvement in arts-based research, by providing a reflective account of our learning and playful engagement with children using creative methods. This small pilot project forms part of a larger international project titled Look Who’s Talking: Eliciting the Voices of Children from Birth to Seven, led by Professor Kate Wall at the University of Strathclyde. Visiting one nursery in Scotland, we worked with approximately 30 children from 3 to 5 years old. Seeking to connect with their play-based nursery experiences, we invited children to participate in a range of arts-based activities including drawing, craft-making, sculpting, a themed ‘play basket’ with various props, puppetry and videography. In this article, we develop reflective, analytical stories of our successes and dilemmas in the project. We were keen to establish ways of working with children that centred their own creativity and play, shaped by the materials we provided but not directed by us. However, we struggled to balance our own agenda with the more open-ended methods we had used. We argue that an intergenerational approach to eliciting voice with young children – in which adults are not afraid to shape the agenda, but do so in responsive, gradual and sensitive ways – creates the potential for a more inclusive experience for children that also meets researcher needs.
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Song, You-Chan, Zachary J. Nelson, Michael A. Wankum, and Krista D. Gens. "Effectiveness and Feasibility of Pharmacist-Driven Penicillin Allergy De-Labeling Pilot Program without Skin Testing or Oral Challenges." Pharmacy 9, no. 3 (2021): 127. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9030127.
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Documented penicillin allergies have been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. The goal of this project was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a pharmacist-led penicillin allergy “de-labeling” process that does not involve labor-intensive skin testing or direct oral challenges. Adult patients with penicillin allergies were identified and interviewed by an infectious diseases pharmacy resident during a 3-month pilot period. Using an evidence-based standardized checklist, the pharmacist determined if an allergy qualified for de-labeling. In total, 66 patients were interviewed during the pilot period. The average time spent was 5.2 min per patient interviewed. Twelve patients (18%) met the criteria for de-labeling and consented to the removal of the allergy. Four patients (6%) met the criteria but declined removal of the allergy. In brief, 58.3% of patients (7/12) who were de-labeled and 50% of patients (2/4) who declined de-labeling but had their allergy updated to reflect intolerance were subsequently prescribed beta-lactam antibiotics and all (9/9, 100%) were able to tolerate these agents. A pharmacist-led penicillin allergy de-labeling process utilizing a standardized checklist is an effective and feasible method for removing penicillin allergies in patients without a true allergy.
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Gautier, Lara, Abdourahmane Coulibaly, Manuela De Allegri, and Valéry Ridde. "From Amsterdam to Bamako: a qualitative case study on diffusion entrepreneurs’ contribution to performance-based financing propagation in Mali." Health Policy and Planning 34, no. 9 (2019): 656–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czz087.
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Abstract For the past 15 years, several donors have promoted performance-based financing (PBF) in Africa for improving health services provision. European and African experts known as ‘diffusion entrepreneurs’ (DEs) assist with PBF pilot testing. In Mali, after participating in a first pilot PBF in 2012–13, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene included PBF in its national strategic plan. It piloted this strategy again in 2016–17. We investigated the interactions between foreign experts and domestic actors towards PBF diffusion in Mali from 2009 to 2018. Drawing on the framework on DEs (Gautier et al., 2018), we examine the characteristics of DEs acting at the global, continental and (sub)national levels; and their contribution to policy framing, emulation, experimentation and learning, across locations of PBF implementation. Using an interpretive approach, this longitudinal qualitative case study analyses data from observations (N = 5), interviews (N = 33) and policy documentation (N = 19). DEs framed PBF as the logical continuation of decentralization, contracting policies and existing policies. Policy emulation started with foreign DEs inspiring domestic actors’ interest, and succeeded thanks to longstanding relationships and work together. Learning was initiated by European DEs through training sessions and study tours outside Mali, and by African DEs transferring their passion and tacit knowledge to PBF implementers. However, the short-time frame and numerous implementation gaps of the PBF pilot project led to incomplete policy learning. Despite the many pitfalls of the region-wide pilot project, policy actors in Mali decided to pursue this policy in Mali. Future research should further investigate the making of successful African DEs by foreign DEs advocating for a given policy.
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Creton, Daniel, Mary Halter, and Clayre LaTrobe. "PP33 A service evaluation of the experiences of specialist paramedics working in rotational environments using a retrospective cohort." Emergency Medicine Journal 37, no. 10 (2020): e16.1-e16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-999abs.33.
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BackgroundThe number of ambulance service-employed paramedic practitioners moving to work in primary care is increasing. Several Health Education England-supported pilot rotational programmes are underway. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of nine paramedic practitioners in one ambulance service their first year of working on a similar local commissioner-led rotational project (segment one GP home visiting [GPHV], segment two ambulance service solo response vehicle [SRV] and emergency operations control room [EOC] whose aim was to mitigate attrition rates for both the ambulance service and primary care.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study, using electronic anonymous, self-completion, mixed methods questionnaires administered seven times – pre-project, at the end of each rotation, and at the end of the first year of the rotational project. Descriptive statistics of closed questions on challenges, influence over practice, skills used, satisfaction and likelihood of leaving were conducted, and thematic analysis of the open responses conducted.ResultsThe survey response rate was 100% pre-project, 62.2% (n=28/45) over five rotations (n=15 after GPHV and n=13 after SRV/EOC] and 100% at end year one. Reported challenges included inappropriate utilisation of skills (33% GPHV, 55% SRV/EOC) and poor work life balance (27% GPHV), while opportunities were identified as clinical autonomy, collaboration with other healthcare professionals and clinical development (67%, 60%, 33% GPHV; 54%, 69%, 62% SRV/EOC, respectively). Satisfaction was 67% at year one, attributed to support and development from peers, GPs and immediate managers. Likelihood of leaving was reported to be decreased.ConclusionAlthough small in scale, in one locality and only quantitatively descriptive this study has identified that a rotational model contributes to clinically developing and retaining PPs, and offers PPs’ views on why that is. Findings support the rotational model, though further research with a larger sample across regions and/or greater qualitative depth is required.
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Blitz, Lisa V., Denise Yull, Martha G. Solá, and John E. Jones. "Teaching Macro Social Work through Experiential Learning: Student Reflections on Lessons Learned in Building School-Community Partnerships." Advances in Social Work 17, no. 2 (2017): 254–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.18060/18978.
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A faculty-led experiential learning project was implemented with Master of Social Work students at their field placement sites to teach macro practice skills and research methods. As part of a grant-funded school-university partnership, MSW students were placed in school social work field placements, where their practice focused on individual and small group interventions with youth. Ten MSW students participated in asset-based collective family engagement in diverse, low-income communities, using community organizing skills and community-based participatory research methods. To examine student learning, a pilot study gathered narrative data from seven of the students and three supervisors. MSW students’ learning from the project is discussed in the context of CSWE’s 2015 EPAS competencies. Participation in the experiential/service-learning project supported the ability of the MSW students to build a sense of themselves as professionals bringing value to the community, enhanced their understanding of cultural diversity and family engagement, and provided context for vulnerable students’ struggles in school and the families’ difficulties with school engagement. This project illustrates the potential of school-university partnerships involving MSW field students to help bridge the gaps in school-family partnerships, particularly in diverse and low-income communities, and highlights areas where different teaching methods can be used to reinforce competencies learned.
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Bestman, Amy, Jane Lloyd, Barbara Hawkshaw, Jawat Kabir, and Elizabeth Harris. "The Rohingya Little Local: exploring innovative models of refugee engagement in Sydney, Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 26, no. 5 (2020): 367. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py20045.
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The Rohingya community living in the City of Canterbury-Bankstown in Sydney have been identified as a priority population with complex health needs. As part of ongoing work, AU$10000 was provided to the community to address important, self-determined, health priorities through the Can Get Health in Canterbury program. Program staff worked with community members to support the planning and implementation of two community-led events: a soccer (football) tournament and a picnic day. This paper explores the potential for this funding model and the effect of the project on both the community and health services. Data were qualitatively analysed using a range of data sources within the project. These included, attendance sheets, meeting minutes, qualitative field notes, staff reflections and transcripts of focus group and individual discussions. This analysis identified that the project: (1) enabled community empowerment and collective control over funding decisions relating to their health; (2) supported social connection among the Australian Rohingya community; (3) built capacity in the community welfare organisation –Burmese Rohingya Community Australia; and (4) enabled reflective practice and learnings. This paper presents an innovative model for engaging with refugee communities. Although this project was a pilot in the Canterbury community, it provides knowledge and learnings on the engagement of refugee communities with the health system in Australia.
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Nanduri, Aparna P., Sally Fullman, Lori Morell, Steve Buyske, and Mary L. Wagner. "Pilot Study for Implementing an Osteoporosis Education and Exercise Program in an Assisted Living Facility and Senior Community." Journal of Applied Gerontology 37, no. 6 (2016): 745–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0733464816672045.
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Background: Project Healthy Bones (PHB) is a 24-week, peer-led exercise and education program for older adults at risk of osteoporosis. Method: Residents from an assisted living and senior community program were enrolled after medical clearance. Participant demographics, geriatric fitness assessments, exercise logs, quizzes, and surveys were collected at baseline and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and ANOVA of change scores for the pooled data within the R statistical environment. Results: Forty of the 53 enrolled participants completed the program. Participants improved their strength, balance, posture, and flexibility, resulting in a reduced risk of falls and fractures. In addition, their knowledge of bone health, nutrition, and fall prevention increased. Conclusion: Offering low-cost disease-specific programs such as PHB helps minimize the complications of osteoporosis and improve the overall health of participants. Implementing disease-specific public health programs in assisted living centers can increase access to programs.
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Walsh, Christopher S., Clare Woodward, Mike Solly, and Prithvi Shrestha. "The Potential of Mobile Phones to Transform Teacher Professional Development to Build Sustainable Educational Futures in Bangladesh." Asian Association of Open Universities Journal 10, no. 1 (2015): 37–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-10-01-2015-b005.
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Futures thinking is used by governments to consider long-term strategic approaches and develop policies and practices that are potentially resilient to future uncertainty. English in Action (EIA), arguably the world's largest English language teacher professional development (TPD) project, used futures thinking to author possible, probable and preferable future scenarios to solve the project's greatest technological challenge: how to deliver audio-visual TPD materials and hundreds of classroom audio resources to 75,000 teachers by 2017. Authoring future scenarios and engaging in possibility thinking (PT) provided us with a taxonomy of question-posing and question-responding that assisted the project team in being creative. This process informed the successful pilot testing of a mobile-phone-based technology kit to deliver TPD resources within an open distance learning (ODL) platform. Taking the risk and having the foresight to trial mobile phones in remote rural areas with teachers and students led to unforeseen innovation. As a result, EIA is currently using a mobile-phone-based technology kit with 12,500 teachers to improve the English language proficiency of 700,000 students. As the project scales up in its third and final phase, we are using the new technology kit — known as the 'trainer in your pocket' — to foster a 'quiet revolution' in the provision of professional development for teachers at scale to an additional 67,500 teachers and nearly 10 million students.
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Saddour, Inès. "Methodological considerations when piloting an interview protocol: the example of Syrian asylum seekers in France." Journal of French Language Studies 30, no. 2 (2020): 211–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0959269520000101.
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AbstractThis article discusses some methodological issues that arose when analysing data collected in a pilot study of the SOFRA project. We aimed at piloting a semi-structured interview protocol designed to collect qualitative data with nine Syrian asylum seekers and refugees studying French at university, using an interview schedule that targeted, among other things, information about learners’ interaction opportunities and attitudes about their new environment and learning experiences. Analysing the manners in which the interviewer asked the questions and coped with comprehension difficulties, as well as the way the interviewees responded to the questions, led to the identification of a number of problems that are partly related to question type and wording. The article concludes with a reflection on how to elicit relevant answers during a semi-structured interview with migrant learners.
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Othman, Muhaini, Norhafizah Mohd Halil, M. Mohd Yusof, R. Mohamed, and Mohd Hafizul Afifi Abdullah. "Empowering Self-Management through M-Health Applications." MATEC Web of Conferences 150 (2018): 05018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201815005018.
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The advancement in mobile technology has led towards a new frontier of medical intervention that never been thought possible before. Through the development of MedsBox Reminder (MBR) application for Android as a pilot project of M-Health, health care information system for patient selfmanagement is made possible. The application acts as an assistant to remind users for their timely medicine intake by notifying them through their mobile phone. MedsBox Reminder application aims to facilitate in the self-management of patient's health where they can monitor and schedule their own medicine intake more efficiently. Development of the application is performed using Android Studio 1.4, Android SDK, MySQL database, SQLite, Java language and Netbeans IDE 8.1. Object-Oriented System Development (OOSD) methodology has been adapted to facilitate the development of the application.
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Avery, Pearl. "Using e-health tools and PROMs to support self-management in patients with inflammatory bowel disease." British Journal of Nursing 30, no. 7 (2021): 394–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.7.394.
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Background: The use of digital health or e-health is growing. The potential positive impact on IBD care from supported self-management using these tools emerged from a literature review carried out in preparation for a service improvement project. A patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM) with validation across IBD sub-types was already available for use. This internationally recognised tool has potential for use with existing or new e-health systems. Aims: In order to test the concept of using PROMs to support practice and follow up a small-scale pilot study was designed. The aim of the study was to understand if empowering patients to undertake supported self-management could lead in turn to improved flow through outpatient services. Methods: An audit was carried out of PROMs looking at quality of life (QoL) as well as disease activity using an electronic platform in real time at the point of patient contact. The disease activity indices used were the Harvey Bradshaw Index and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, due to the author's familiarity with these tools. Results: Of the 15 participants, 10 reported themselves as ‘well’ or ‘well with questions’ all participants reported an acceptance of supported remote self-management using e-health. Conclusion: This evaluation led to PROMs being captured on a tablet in the outpatient setting in the pre-pandemic period. Allowing patients to use the PROM as a tool in the outpatient setting has led to longitudinal data being added to the e-health system for each individual. Well patients could be managed remotely, freeing capacity in outpatient clinics.
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Chamania, S., R. Chouhan, A. Awasthi, et al. "Pilot project in rural western Madhya Pradesh, India, to assess the feasibility of using LED and solar-powered lanterns to remove kerosene lamps and related hazards from homes." Burns 41, no. 3 (2015): 595–603. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2014.09.001.
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Rapisarda, Venerando, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Martina Barchitta, et al. "A Combined Multidisciplinary Intervention for Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Pilot Study." Journal of Clinical Medicine 10, no. 7 (2021): 1512. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm10071512.
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The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a joint health promotion intervention on a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The HCWs were assessed at three different times, i.e., time zero (T0), after 6 months (T6), and after 12 months (T12). The following parameters were measured at a medical examination: physical activity, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), routine laboratory tests, plicometric analysis, work ability index (WAI), and body image dissatisfaction (BID). Among the 447 HCWs, 38 HCWs were included in the study; 45% (n = 17) were male. At T12, the average blood pressure, waist/hip ratio (WHR) index, BMI, total cholesterol, triglyceride level, and blood glucose values were reduced. The levels of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet had progressively increased. The WAI showed a significant shift from low to good work performance at T12, as well as BID score. This is the first study that has analyzed work performance in relation to a workplace health promotion through a multidisciplinary approach. This health promotion intervention that combined diet and sport activity has led to a significant change in HCWs’ lifestyles and body perceptions, as well as their ability to work. This project highlights the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach and the workplace setting in health promotion programs.
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Binitah Bosibori, Onsongo, and Moses Otieno. "Influence of Project Management Practices on The Implementation of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ Projects: A Case of World-Wide Fund for Nature- Kenya, Kwale County." Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management 6, no. 1 (2021): 24–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.47941/jepm.543.
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Purpose: Non-Governmental Organizations are faced with project implementation challenges specifically 70% of environmental projects fail to meet their estimated timeline, budget and objectives. These factors have led researchers to look for possible solutions to pilot smooth execution of projects. The study’s’ drive was to institute the effect of Project Management Practices on Implementation of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ projects: A Case of World-Wide Fund for Nature- Kenya-Kenya, Kwale County. The study measured Stakeholders’ Engagement, Project Design, Project Team competence and Monitoring and Evaluation to establish their influence the execution of environmental projects of Non-Governmental Organizations.
 Methodology: Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The target population was 3,486 drawn and a sample of 90 respondents was arrived using purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package to develop descriptive statistics and draw inferences.
 Results: The findings clearly showed that all the factors were present in environmental NGOs projects since they had high average means of 4.45, 4.22, 4.37 and 4.5 for the independent variable while the dependent variable Y had a mean of 4.35. Hypothesis was tested after each alternative as per the objective of the researcher using the Chi-Square test and it was determined that all the factors have significant influence on successful implementation of environmental donor-funded projects since they had a significance P value of less than 0.05. The findings further showed that all the four factors; Stakeholders’ Engagement, Project Design, Project Team competence and Monitoring and Evaluation have a positive influence on implementation of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ projects. The study established that Stakeholders’ Engagement, had the highest influence on successful implementation of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ projects with a significant positive change of 77% if a unit of it is increased, followed by Project Team competence with 72%, Monitoring and Evaluation had an influence of 63% and lastly Project Planning process, had a 47% influence on sustainable implementation of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ projects
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommended improved stakeholder involvement and project team competence and improving the monitoring and evaluation function for better performance of environmental Non-Governmental Organizations’ projects.
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Tully, Mark A., Conor Cunningham, Ashlene Wright, et al. "Peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive 60- to 70-year-olds: Walk with Me pilot RCT." Public Health Research 7, no. 10 (2019): 1–124. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr07100.
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Background Levels of physical activity decline with age. Some of the most disadvantaged individuals in society, such as those with a lower rather than a higher socioeconomic position, are also the most inactive. Peer-led physical activity interventions may offer a model to increase physical activity in these older adults and thus help reduce associated health inequalities. This study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a peer-led, multicomponent physical activity intervention in socioeconomically disadvantaged community-dwelling older adults. Objectives The study aimed to develop a peer-led intervention through a rapid review of previous peer-led interventions and interviews with members of the target population. A proposed protocol to evaluate its effectiveness was tested in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Design A rapid review of the literature and the pilot study informed the intervention design; a pilot RCT included a process evaluation of intervention delivery. Setting Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. Participants Fifty adults aged 60–70 years, with low levels of physical activity, living in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, recruited though community organisations and general practices. Interventions ‘Walk with Me’ is a 12-week peer-led walking intervention based on social cognitive theory. Participants met weekly with peer mentors. During the initial period (weeks 1–4), each intervention group participant wore a pedometer and set weekly step goals with their mentor’s support. During weeks 5–8 participants and mentors met regularly to walk and discuss step goals and barriers to increasing physical activity. In the final phase (weeks 9–12), participants and mentors continued to set step goals and planned activities to maintain their activity levels beyond the intervention period. The control group received only an information booklet on active ageing. Main outcome measures Rates of recruitment, retention of participants and completeness of the primary outcome [moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity measured using an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer (ActiGraph, LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA) at baseline, 12 weeks (post intervention) and 6 months]; acceptability assessed through interviews with participants and mentors. Results The study planned to recruit 60 participants. In fact, 50 eligible individuals participated, of whom 66% (33/50) were female and 80% (40/50) were recruited from general practices. At 6 months, 86% (43/50) attended for review, 93% (40/43) of whom returned valid accelerometer data. Intervention fidelity was assessed by using weekly step diaries, which were completed by both mentors and participants for all 12 weeks, and checklists for the level of delivery of intervention components, which was high for the first 3 weeks (range 49–83%). However, the rate of return of checklists by both mentors and participants diminished thereafter. Outcome data indicate that a sample size of 214 is required for a definitive trial. Limitations The sample was predominantly female and somewhat active. Conclusions The ‘Walk with Me’ intervention is acceptable to a socioeconomically disadvantaged community of older adults and a definitive RCT to evaluate its effectiveness is feasible. Some modifications are required to ensure fidelity of intervention delivery is optimised. Future research needs to identify methods to recruit males and less active older adults into physical activity interventions. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN23051918. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 7, No. 10. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding for the intervention was gratefully received from the Health Improvement Division of the Public Health Agency.
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Eades, Michael, Kathryn Lord, and Claudia Cooper. "‘Festival in a Box’: Development and qualitative evaluation of an outreach programme to engage socially isolated people with dementia." Dementia 17, no. 7 (2016): 896–908. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1471301216658158.
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We co-designed and piloted ‘Festival in a Box’, an outreach programme to enable socially isolated people with dementia to engage with and enjoy cultural activities in their homes. It comprised 3–4 weekly home visits, each led by a professional artist to create art works using materials brought in ‘the box’. Activities included music, poetry, pottery, crafts and photography. We qualitatively interviewed 13 participants (6 people with dementia, 4 artists, 3 befrienders). Six participants with dementia completed, enjoyed and engaged with the planned visits. Main themes were: engagement, reflection on value of previous cultural activities, precariousness and isolation in current neighbourhood and the importance of a voice and being heard. Befrienders reported their preconceptions of what participants could do were challenged. Artists reported shifts in their preconceptions about dementia and the influence of the project on their professional practice. We propose that the ‘Festival in a Box’ pilot study suggests a means through which community arts festivals could work with socially isolated people with dementia to contribute to the creation of ‘Dementia Friendly Communities’. A larger-scale pilot study is now needed to develop this hypothesis.
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Srinivasan, M. S., and Graham Elley. "The Cycle of Trust Building, Co-Learning, Capability Development, and Confidence Building: Application of a Co-Innovation Approach in a Multi-Stakeholder Project." Case Studies in the Environment 2, no. 1 (2018): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1525/cse.2018.001255.
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Through learnings and reflections from a water-use efficiency (WUE) pilot study, this paper examines the use of co-innovation. Led by hydrologists, this paper tracks the cycle of trust building among stakeholders, co-learning of WUE problem, co-developing of possible solutions and practices, identifying the need for capability development to overcome constraints, and finally enabling confidence among stakeholders in adapting new practices. The hydrologists built the trust among stakeholders by matching and validating stakeholders’ experiential knowledge through on-farm biophysical observations of water use (irrigation) practices. This trust allowed the stakeholder group to identify constraints to improving WUE and helped the hydrologists to devise biophysical solutions and practices that support farmers in better managing their irrigations. Observations also indicated that the process of capability development needed to take into account of farmers’ experiential knowledge and integrate a learning–practice–confirmation cycle that would boost their (farmers’) confidence in using newly acquired capability.
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Zelmer, Jennifer, Elettra Ronchi, Hannele Hyppönen, et al. "International health IT benchmarking: learning from cross-country comparisons." Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association 24, no. 2 (2016): 371–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocw111.
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Objective: To pilot benchmark measures of health information and communication technology (ICT) availability and use to facilitate cross-country learning. Materials and Methods: A prior Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development–led effort involving 30 countries selected and defined functionality-based measures for availability and use of electronic health records, health information exchange, personal health records, and telehealth. In this pilot, an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Working Group compiled results for 38 countries for a subset of measures with broad coverage using new and/or adapted country-specific or multinational surveys and other sources from 2012 to 2015. We also synthesized country learnings to inform future benchmarking. Results: While electronic records are widely used to store and manage patient information at the point of care—all but 2 pilot countries reported use by at least half of primary care physicians; many had rates above 75%—patient information exchange across organizations/settings is less common. Large variations in the availability and use of telehealth and personal health records also exist. Discussion: Pilot participation demonstrated interest in cross-national benchmarking. Using the most comparable measures available to date, it showed substantial diversity in health ICT availability and use in all domains. The project also identified methodological considerations (e.g., structural and health systems issues that can affect measurement) important for future comparisons. Conclusion: While health policies and priorities differ, many nations aim to increase access, quality, and/or efficiency of care through effective ICT use. By identifying variations and describing key contextual factors, benchmarking offers the potential to facilitate cross-national learning and accelerate the progress of individual countries.
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Soler Pardo, Betlem, and María Alcantud Díaz. "A SWOT analysis of the Communicative English Language Skills Improvement Programme: A Tool for Autonomous EFL Learning." Complutense Journal of English Studies 28 (November 24, 2020): 97–108. http://dx.doi.org/10.5209/cjes.63845.
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The digital revolution of recent years has led to new ways of learning by combining innovative and traditional methods. In order to engage the students in these new methods, a pilot project called the Communicative English Language Skills Improvement Programme (CELSIP) has been designed. Thus the learners will be able to achieve a higher level of communication in English through a wide range of multimedia resources, such as audio-books, learning apps, educational websites, TV series, films, board games, and music. These multimodal tools are of easy access to students since the vast majority are user-friendly. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to analyse and verify the feasibility of the CELSIP using a SWOT framework analysis to show the self-learning potential regarding English as a foreign language. In order to do so, we shall first describe the characteristics of the project named CELSIP. It is hoped that the SWOT analysis will provide an objective and critical perspective of the Programme's usefulness and effectiveness as a whole. Also, this analysis could offer prompts involved in the analysis of what is effective and less effective in the programme sections and procedures.
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Blair, Erik. "A reflexive exploration of two qualitative data coding techniques." Journal of Methods and Measurement in the Social Sciences 6, no. 1 (2015): 14. http://dx.doi.org/10.2458/v6i1.18772.
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In an attempt to help find meaning within qualitative data, researchers commonly start by coding their data. There are a number of coding systems available to researchers and this reflexive account explores my reflections on the use of two such techniques. As part of a larger investigation, two pilot studies were undertaken as a means to examine the relative merits of open coding and template coding for examining transcripts. This article does not describe the research project per se but attempts to step back and offer a reflexive account of the development of data coding tools. Here I reflect upon and evaluate the two data coding techniques that were piloted, and discuss how using appropriate aspects of both led to the development of my final data coding approach. My exploration found there was no clear-cut ‘best’ option but that the data coding techniques needed to be reflexively-aligned to meet the specific needs of my project. This reflection suggests that, when coding qualitative data, researchers should be methodologically thoughtful when they attempt to apply any data coding technique; that they do not assume pre-established tools are aligned to their particular paradigm; and that they consider combining and refining established techniques as a means to define their own specific codes. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v6i1_blair
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Blade, Joan, Miguel Ángel Calleja, Juan José Lahuerta, José Luis Poveda, Héctor David de Paz, and Luis Lizán. "Defining a set of standardised outcome measures for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma using the Delphi consensus method: the IMPORTA project." BMJ Open 8, no. 2 (2018): e018850. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018850.
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ObjectiveTo define a standard set of outcomes and the most appropriate instruments to measure them for managing newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM).MethodsA literature review and five discussion groups facilitated the design of two-round Delphi questionnaire. Delphi panellists (haematologists, hospital pharmacists and patients) were identified by the scientific committee, the Spanish Program of Haematology Treatments Foundation, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacies and the Spanish Community of Patients with MM. Panellist’s perception about outcomes’ suitability and feasibility of use was assessed on a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus was reached when at least 75% of the respondents reached agreement or disagreement. A scientific committee led the project.ResultsFifty-one and 45 panellists participated in the first and second Delphi rounds, respectively. Consensus was reached to use overall survival, progression-free survival, minimal residual disease and treatment response to assess survival and disease control. Panellists agreed to measure health-related quality of life, pain, performance status, fatigue, psychosocial status, symptoms, self-perception on body image, sexuality and preferences/satisfaction. However, panellist did not reach consensus about the feasibility of assessing in routine practice psychosocial status, symptoms, self-perception on body image and sexuality. Consensus was reached to collect patient-reported outcomes through the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) Core questionnaire 30 (C30), three items from EORTC-QLQ-Multiple Myeloma (MY20) and EORTC-QLQ-Breast Cancer (BR23), pain Visual Analogue Scale, Morisky-Green and ad hoc questions about patients’ preferences/satisfaction.ConclusionsA consensual standard set of outcomes for managing newly diagnosed patients with MM has been defined. The feasibility of its implementation in routine practice will be assessed in a future pilot study.
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Dunn, Ashley, Linda Lucian, Gordon Saul, Paul Yock, and Mark Cullen. "3432 Stanford MedTech: An Innovative CTSA-Supported Pilot Program." Journal of Clinical and Translational Science 3, s1 (2019): 126–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cts.2019.287.
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OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Helping researchers assess and effectively translate innovations into healthcare improvements is a complex process (Terry et. al., 2013). The Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSA)—supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) under the auspices of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)— provide the resources and support needed to strengthen our nation’s clinical and translational research (CTR) enterprise. In 2008, Stanford University was awarded a CTSA from the NIH, establishing Spectrum (the Stanford Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Education). Under the Spectrum umbrella, the Byers Center for Biodesign manages the MedTech Pilot Program with the goal of translating discoveries into novel health technologies that address important unmet health needs. The MedTech Pilot Program is an innovative funding mechanism that seeks to (1) stimulate clinical translational research, (2) help promising projects bridge the gap between the bench and the patients’ bedside, and (3) encourage collaborative, transdisciplinary work. Specifically, the Pilot Program offers up to $50,000 to support projects involving medical devices and mobile technologies used for (1) therapeutic applications and (2) device-based patient-specific (or POC) diagnostic applications. This analysis of the MedTech Pilot Program will: 1) describe the Program’s structure and process; 2) highlight the intensive, hands-on mentorship and practical guidance awardees receive that enables them to more efficiently and effectively advance their projects toward patient care; and 3) characterize the progress of the 36 funded projects. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Key elements of the Pilot Program’s infrastructure and mentoring processes as they relate to project outcomes were identified. Additionally, outcomes data were collected from two sources: (1) annual survey of Pilot Awardees and (2) publicly available information relevant to the pilot projects. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The Pilot Program’s framework and infrastructure has supported a diverse group of transdisciplinary projects. These projects were evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional metrics (e.g., patents, startups, publications). The initial investment of $1.5 million to fund 36 projects has led to over $88 million dollars in additional funding. Additionally, taking full advantage of the expertise in Silicon Valley, strong mentorship has helped advance projects along the clinical and translational path. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The Pilot Program has benefited Stanford innovators and researchers by providing seed funding to help promising projects bridge the gap between the bench and the bedside. The intensive, hands-on mentorship, early pilot funding, and practical guidance pilot awardees receive effectively help translate their technologies into patient care.
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Flood, M., M. Ennis, A. Ludlow, et al. "Using Human-Centred Design to Develop Innovative Approaches to Improve Delivery of Brief Interventions in Primary Care: The HealthEir Project." International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 29, Supplement_1 (2021): i16—i17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riab016.020.
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Abstract Introduction A priority action of the Healthy Ireland implementation plan is the Making Every Contact Count initiative (MECC) that aims to leverage the 30 million annual contacts with the healthcare system by asking every health worker to deliver brief interventions [1]. Benefits of brief interventions are well established, but GPs and pharmacists report challenges implementing them in practice including limited training, time, and poor fit with existing practices [2]. Aim This government-funded Sláintecare project aimed to develop a novel method for brief interventions in pharmacy/GP settings using human-centred design. Methods User research was carried out with twelve users, including patients (3), GPs (4), and pharmacists (5) to identify their needs and priorities. Participants were recruited via email using a purposive sampling approach and completed semi-structured interviews with a design researcher. All participants invited agreed to participate. Next, a series of design sprints were completed with the research team. Design sprints allowed the team to integrate insights from user research with findings from a literature review/secondary research to understand pain points, identify stakeholder and user goals, and develop a list of initial design specifications. This list was used to develop and iterate a series of prototype solutions. Prototype service blueprints and wireframes (simple, two-dimensional schematic illustrations of the digital interface) were developed and tested with users before final versions were agreed. Results Findings from the interviews and literature review indicated (1) the main barrier to adoption was time, (2) patients and pharmacists were very positive about brief interventions with GPs more hesitant, (3) an approach blending technology with a consultation was preferred, and (4) having a specific list of local supports was important. Prototyping and evaluation processes identified that a simple interface with a clear indication of progress were preferred. A blended intervention combining a tablet-based digital tool and structured interaction was developed. The interface was designed to maximise use of patient and healthcare professional time, and mapped to the 5As approach (which is underpinned by principles of motivational interviewing, shared-decision making, and readiness to change frameworks). The HealthEir digital tool enables patients to self-complete the Ask, Advise, and Assess phases of a brief intervention using a tablet device while waiting to see their pharmacist/GP. The pharmacist or GP then review the patient’s responses, risk level, and importance confidence and readiness scores. They complete the Assist and Arrange elements during the consultation, supported by a directory of local/national patient support services before printing information tickets for the patient to keep. The HealthEir intervention has been successfully rolled out at eight pilot pharmacy sites nationally, with a mix of urban/rural sites, and independent/chain pharmacies. Conclusions Adopting an interdisciplinary approach based on human-centred design principles led to the development of a blended brief intervention that has been successfully introduced in pilot sites across Ireland. While the implementation has been smooth despite COVID-19 challenges, and initial feedback has been very positive, the impact cannot yet be fully evaluated as research is ongoing. Future work will involve extending the intervention to include other healthcare professionals. References 1. Making Every Contact Count Framework https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/making-every-contact-count/framework/framework.html (accessed Oct 10, 2020) 2. Keyworth C, Epton T, Goldthorpe J, Calam R, Armitage CJ. ‘It's difficult, I think it's complicated’: Health care professionals’ barriers and enablers to providing opportunistic behaviour change interventions during routine medical consultations. British journal of health psychology. 2019 Sep;24(3):571–92.
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Bell, Sara F. E., Luke Coffey, Joseph Debattista, et al. "Peer-delivered point-of-care testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae within an urban community setting: a cross-sectional analysis." Sexual Health 17, no. 4 (2020): 359. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sh19233.
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Abstract Background The advent of fully automated nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) technology brings new public health opportunities to provide Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) point-of-care testing (POCT) in non-traditional settings. Methods: This pilot study evaluated the integration of the CT/NG Xpert diagnostic assay into an urban peer-led community setting providing HIV and syphilis POCT. A comprehensive protocol of testing, result notification, referral and follow up, managed by peer test facilitators, was undertaken. Results: Over 67 weeks, there were 4523 occasions of CT/NG testing using urine, oropharyngeal and anorectal samples with 25.7% (803) of the 3123 unique participants returning for repeat testing. The prevalence of CT and NG was 9.5% and 5.4% respectively. Where CT and or NG infection was detected, 98.4% (604/614) of participants were successfully notified of detected infection and referred for treatment. Evaluation Survey responses (11.4%, 516/4523) indicated a substantial proportion of respondents (27.1%, 140/516) ‘would not have tested anywhere else’. Of note, 17.8% (92/516) of participants reported no previous CT/NG test and an additional 17.8% (92/516) reported testing more than 12 months ago. A total of 95.9% (495/516) of participants ‘Strongly agreed’ or ‘Agreed’ to being satisfied with the service. Conclusion: The project successfully demonstrated an acceptable and feasible model for a peer-delivered community-led service to provide targeted molecular CT/NG POCT. This model offers capacity to move beyond the traditional pathology and STI testing services and establish community-led models that build trust and increase testing rates for key populations of epidemiological significance.
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Perri, Giulia-Anna, Nada Abdel-Malek, Aysha Bandali, Haddas Grosbein, and Sandra Gardner. "Early integration of palliative care in a long-term care home: A telemedicine feasibility pilot study." Palliative and Supportive Care 18, no. 4 (2020): 460–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1478951520000012.
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AbstractObjectivePalliative care plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life and quality of death for residents in long-term care homes (LTCHs). Access to palliative care specialists is one barrier to providing palliative care to LTCHs. This project focused on palliative telemedicine, specifically evaluating whether integration of early palliative care specialist consultation into an LTCH would be feasible through the implementation of videoconferencing during routine interdisciplinary care conferences.MethodThis was a mixed-methods evaluation of a pilot program implementation over 6 months, to integrate early palliative care into an LTCH. There were two pilot communities with a total of 61 residents. Resident demographics were collected by a chart review, and palliative telemedicine feasibility was evaluated using staff and family member surveys.ResultsFor the 61 residents, the average age of the residents was 87 years, with 61% being female and 69% having dementia as the primary diagnosis. The mean CHESS (Change in Health, End-Stage Disease, Signs, and Symptoms) and ADL (Activities of Daily Living) scores were 0.8 and 4.0, respectively, with 54% having a Palliative Performance Scale score of 40. Seventeen clinical staff surveys on palliative teleconferences were completed with the majority rating their experience as high. Ten out of the 20 family members completed the palliative teleconference surveys, and the majority were generally satisfied with the experience and were willing to use it again. Clinical staff confidence in delivering palliative care through telemedicine significantly increased (P = 0.0021).Significance of resultsThe results support the feasibility of videoconferencing as a means of palliative care provision. Despite technical issues, most clinical staff and families were satisfied with the videoconference and were willing to use it again. Early integration of palliative care specialist services into an LTCH through videoconferencing also led to improved self-rated confidence in the palliative approach to care by clinical staff.
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Nosrati, Fariba, Claudia Crippa, and Brian Detlor. "Connecting people with city cultural heritage through proximity-based digital storytelling." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 50, no. 3 (2018): 264–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000618769972.
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This paper describes a research investigation on a project led by two libraries, Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University Library, in Hamilton, Canada, concerning the use of proximity-based technologies to share digital stories about a city’s culture. Proximity-based technology systems, such as iBeacons, allow users to receive information automatically when they are close to a physical spot. The project involved the setup of iBeacons that disseminated digital stories pertaining to Gore Park – a prominent historical park in the heart of downtown Hamilton. To test the viability of using iBeacon technologies to raise interest in a city and promote appreciation for a city’s cultural heritage, a pilot study was conducted. The study included one-on-one interviews and a short survey with 50 participants from the general public immediately after these participants used an iBeacon app to experience digital stories about Gore Park. Findings suggest iBeacons are viable tools to share city cultural heritage stories that yield improved perceptions of a city and greater appreciation for a city’s culture and history. Participants were appreciative of the digital stories and the iBeacon app. All participants mentioned that they learned something new about the city and that the app was very informative. Findings indicate that individual differences are important and can affect not only the acceptance and use of an iBeacon digital storytelling app, but also the extent to which the app can promote interest in a city and appreciation for a city’s cultural heritage.
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Meiksin, Rebecca, Jo Crichton, Matthew Dodd, et al. "A school intervention for 13- to 15-year-olds to prevent dating and relationship violence: the Project Respect pilot cluster RCT." Public Health Research 8, no. 5 (2020): 1–338. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr08050.
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Background ‘Dating and relationship violence’ is intimate partner violence during adolescence. Among dating adolescents in England, 66–75% of girls and 32–50% of boys report victimisation. Multicomponent school-based interventions might reduce dating and relationship violence. We optimised and piloted Project Respect, a new intervention in secondary schools in England, and study methods, to assess the value of a Phase III randomised controlled trial. Objectives To optimise Project Respect and to then conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial in southern England, addressing whether or not progression to a Phase III trial is justified in terms of prespecified criteria. To assess which of two dating and relationship violence scales is optimal, to assess response rates and to consider any necessary refinements. Design Optimisation activities aimed at intervention development and a pilot randomised controlled trial. Setting Optimisation in four secondary schools across southern England, varying by region and local deprivation. A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial in six other such schools (four intervention schools and two control schools), varying by region, attainment and local deprivation. Participants School students in years 8–10 at baseline and staff. Interventions Schools were randomised to the intervention or control arm in a 2 : 1 ratio; intervention comprised staff training, mapping ‘hotspots’ in school for dating and relationship violence, modifying staff patrols, school policy review, informing parents and carers, an application supporting student help-seeking, and a classroom curriculum for students in years 9 and 10 (including student-led campaigns). Main outcome measures Prespecified criteria for progression to Phase III of the trial, concerning acceptability, feasibility, fidelity and response rates. Primary health outcomes were assessed using the Safe Dates and short Conflicts in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory measures collected and analysed by individuals who were masked to allocation. Feasibility of economic analysis was assessed. Data sources Baseline and follow-up student and staff surveys, interviews, observations and logbooks. Results The intervention was optimised and approved by the Study Steering Committee. The student response rates in intervention and control groups were 1057 (84.8%) and 369 (76.6%) at baseline, and 1177 (76.8%) and 352 (83.4%) at follow-up, respectively. Safe Dates and the short Conflicts in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory had high levels of completion and reliability. At follow-up, prevalence of past-year dating and relationship violence victimisation was around 35% (Safe Dates scale and short Conflicts in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory). Staff response rates were very low. Training occurred in all four schools, with suboptimal fidelity. The curriculum was delivered with optimal fidelity in three schools. Other components were delivered inconsistently. Dating and relationship violence was addressed in control schools via violence prevention and responses, but not systematically. Intervention acceptability among students and staff was mixed. An economic evaluation would be feasible. Limitations One school did not undertake baseline surveys. Staff survey response rates were low and completion of the logbook was patchy. Conclusions Our findings suggest that progression to a Phase III trial of this intervention is not indicated because of limited fidelity and acceptability. Future work High prevalence of dating and relationship violence highlights the ongoing need for effective intervention. Potential intervention refinements would include more external support for schools and enhanced curriculum materials. Any future randomised controlled trials could consider having a longer lead-in from randomisation to intervention commencement, using the short Conflicts in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory as the primary outcome and not relying on staff surveys. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN65324176. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Webster, E. Kipling, Chelsea L. Kracht, Robert L. Newton Jr, Robbie A. Beyl, and Amanda E. Staiano. "Intervention to Improve Preschool Children’s Fundamental Motor Skills: Protocol for a Parent-Focused, Mobile App–Based Comparative Effectiveness Trial." JMIR Research Protocols 9, no. 10 (2020): e19943. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/19943.
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Background Preschool age is an important time to master fundamental motor skills (FMS) through structured physical activity, yet many young children lag behind in motor skill development. Objective The Promoting Lifelong Activity in Youth (PLAY) study is a pilot comparative effectiveness trial to test the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a mobile app delivered to parents to promote FMS development in their preschool children (aged 3-5 years). Methods We conducted a 2-arm, parallel-design, randomized comparative effectiveness trial in 72 parent-child dyads from the southeastern United States. Experts in motor development and developmental psychology developed an app designed to deliver a 12-week program to parents of preschoolers using 1 of 2 curricula: an FMS program (intervention) that involved peer modeling, parent engagement, and structured skills-based activities and an unstructured physical activity (comparator) curriculum that provided suggestions for child-led physical activity (ie, free play). Primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability of the app and child’s FMS measured at end of intervention (week 12). Exploratory outcomes are child’s objective physical activity, perceived movement competence, and parent report of self-regulation at the end of treatment (week 12) and sustained outcomes at follow-up (week 24). Results This project was funded in September 2018, with institutional review board approval in August 2018. Data collection took place from May 2019 through February 2020. To date, the project team has completed data collection on 69 preschool-age children, and results are expected to be published by 2021. Conclusions The PLAY study examines the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a mobile app, parent-led curricula to promote FMS proficiency for preschool children. If found to be effective, the app has the potential for wide-scale dissemination to parents of preschoolers and to provide a model for the utilization of mobile apps to promote young children’s motor skill development. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03901300; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03901300 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/19943
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Martin, Guy, Louis Koizia, Angad Kooner, et al. "Use of the HoloLens2 Mixed Reality Headset for Protecting Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prospective, Observational Evaluation." Journal of Medical Internet Research 22, no. 8 (2020): e21486. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/21486.
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Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to rapid acceleration in the deployment of new digital technologies to improve both accessibility to and quality of care, and to protect staff. Mixed-reality (MR) technology is the latest iteration of telemedicine innovation; it is a logical next step in the move toward the provision of digitally supported clinical care and medical education. This technology has the potential to revolutionize care both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective This pilot project sought to deploy the HoloLens2 MR device to support the delivery of remote care in COVID-19 hospital environments. Methods A prospective, observational, nested cohort evaluation of the HoloLens2 was undertaken across three distinct clinical clusters in a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Data pertaining to staff exposure to high-risk COVID-19 environments and personal protective equipment (PPE) use by clinical staff (N=28) were collected, and assessments of acceptability and feasibility were conducted. Results The deployment of the HoloLens2 led to a 51.5% reduction in time exposed to harm for staff looking after COVID-19 patients (3.32 vs 1.63 hours/day/staff member; P=.002), and an 83.1% reduction in the amount of PPE used (178 vs 30 items/round/day; P=.02). This represents 222.98 hours of reduced staff exposure to COVID-19, and 3100 fewer PPE items used each week across the three clusters evaluated. The majority of staff using the device agreed it was easy to set up and comfortable to wear, improved the quality of care and decision making, and led to better teamwork and communication. In total, 89.3% (25/28) of users felt that their clinical team was safer when using the HoloLens2. Conclusions New technologies have a role in minimizing exposure to nosocomial infection, optimizing the use of PPE, and enhancing aspects of care. Deploying such technologies at pace requires context-specific information security, infection control, user experience, and workflow integration to be addressed at the outset and led by clinical end-users. The deployment of new telemedicine technology must be supported with objective evidence for its safety and effectiveness to ensure maximum impact.
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Chelin, Jacqueline Ann. "Open Doors: library cross-sector co-operation in Bristol, UK." Interlending & Document Supply 43, no. 2 (2015): 110–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ilds-02-2015-0006.
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Purpose – This paper outlines the aims, activities and outcomes of a project to pilot a reciprocal borrowing scheme between public and academic libraries using existing cards, i.e. public library cards in the academic library and university ID cards in the public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study providing practical information about the establishment and promotion of the service, and recounting the feedback from surveys of participants, prospective users and library staff. Findings – The project outcomes indicate that the reciprocal use of existing library cards between institutions and public libraries in a geographical area: was relatively simple once set up; was appreciated by all those who participated; had few teething problems; had had no appreciable impact on the availability of academic stock to University of the West of England (UWE) students; increased public library and academic library usage by target groups, e.g. school students 16 years and over, enabled the public library service to provide a significantly better offer of resources to its community, especially those who needed access to specialised stock, not normally available in a general public library service. Originality/value – The partnership between LibrariesWest (led by South Gloucestershire Libraries) and UWE Bristol Library Services is not unusual. However, the approach taken, i.e. to allow borrowers to use their own libraries’ cards without any data sharing between the respective systems, is fairly unique. The processes involved and the evaluation of the scheme are of value to other prospective partnerships where organisations are geographically aligned.
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White, James, Jemma Hawkins, Kim Madden, et al. "Adapting the ASSIST model of informal peer-led intervention delivery to the Talk to FRANK drug prevention programme in UK secondary schools (ASSIST + FRANK): intervention development, refinement and a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial." Public Health Research 5, no. 7 (2017): 1–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr05070.
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BackgroundIllicit drug use increases the risk of poor physical and mental health. There are few effective drug prevention interventions.ObjectiveTo assess the acceptability of implementing and trialling two school-based peer-led drug prevention interventions.DesignStage 1 – adapt ASSIST, an effective peer-led smoking prevention intervention to deliver information from the UK national drug education website [see www.talktofrank.com (accessed 29 August 2017)]. Stage 2 – deliver the two interventions, ASSIST + FRANK (+FRANK) and FRANK friends, examine implementation and refine content. Stage 3 – four-arm pilot cluster randomised control trial (cRCT) of +FRANK, FRANK friends, ASSIST and usual practice, including a process evaluation and an economic assessment.SettingFourteen secondary schools (two in stage 2) in South Wales, UK.ParticipantsUK Year 8 students aged 12–13 years at baseline.Interventions+FRANK is a UK informal peer-led smoking prevention intervention provided in Year 8 followed by a drug prevention adjunct provided in Year 9. FRANK friends is a standalone informal peer-led drug prevention intervention provided in Year 9. These interventions are designed to prevent illicit drug use through training influential students to disseminate information on the risks associated with drugs and minimising harms using content from www.talktofrank.com. Training is provided off site and follow-up visits are made in school.OutcomesStage 1 – +FRANK and FRANK friends intervention manuals and resources. Stage 2 – information on the acceptability and fidelity of delivery of the interventions for refining manuals and resources. Stage 3 – (a) acceptability of the interventions according to prespecified criteria; (b) qualitative data from students, staff, parents and intervention teams on implementation and receipt of the interventions; (c) comparison of the interventions; and (d) recruitment and retention rates, completeness of primary, secondary and intermediate outcome measures and estimation of costs.Results+FRANK and FRANK friends were developed with stakeholders [young people, teachers (school management team and other roles), parents, ASSIST trainers, drug agency staff and a public health commissioner] over an 18-month period. In the stage 2 delivery of +FRANK, 12 out of the 14 peer supporters attended the in-person follow-ups but only one completed the electronic follow-ups. In the pilot cRCT, 12 schools were recruited, randomised and retained. The student response rate at the 18-month follow-up was 93% (1460/1567 students). Over 80% of peer supporters invited were trained and reported conversations on drug use and contact with trainers. +FRANK was perceived less positively than FRANK friends. The prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use was 4.1% at baseline and 11.6% at follow-up, with low numbers of missing data for all outcomes. The estimated cost per school was £1942 for +FRANK and £3041 for FRANK friends. All progression criteria were met.ConclusionsBoth interventions were acceptable to students, teachers and parents, but FRANK friends was preferred to +FRANK. A limitation of the study was that qualitative data were collected on a self-selecting sample. Future work recommendations include progression to a Phase III effectiveness trial of FRANK friends.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN14415936.FundingThis project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full inPublic Health Research; Vol. 5, No. 7. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. The work was undertaken with the support of the Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer). Joint funding (MR/KO232331/1) from the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Medical Research Council, the Welsh Government and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the UK CRC, is gratefully acknowledged.
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Howard, Rebecca, Stephanie Fry, Andrew Chan, Brigid Ryan, and Yvonne Bonomo. "A feasible model for early intervention for high-risk substance use in the emergency department setting." Australian Health Review 43, no. 2 (2019): 188. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah17148.
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Objective In response to escalating alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related emergency department (ED) presentations, a tertiary Melbourne hospital embedded experienced AOD clinical nurse consultants in the ED on weekends to trial a model for screening, assessment and brief intervention (BI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative contributions of AOD to ED presentations and to pilot a BI model. Methods Using a customised AOD screening tool and a framework for proactive case finding, screened participants were offered a comprehensive AOD assessment and BI in the ED. Immediate effects of the intervention were evaluated via the engagement of eligible individuals and a self-administered ‘intention to change’ survey. Results Over the 32-month pilot, 1100 patients completed a comprehensive AOD assessment, and 95% of these patients received a BI. The most commonly misused substances were, in order, alcohol, tobacco, amphetamine-type stimulants, gamma-hydroxybutyrate and cannabis. Thirty-two per cent of patients were found to be at risk of dependence from alcohol and 25% were found to be at risk of dependence from other substances. Forty per cent of the people assessed reported no previous AOD support or intervention. On leaving the ED, 78% of participants reported an intention to contact community support services and 65% stated they would change the way they used AOD in the future. Conclusion This study of a pilot program quantifies the relative contribution of AOD to ED presentations and demonstrates that hospital EDs can implement a feasible, proactive BI model with high participation rates for people presenting with AOD-related health consequences. What is known about the topic? Clinician-led BI for high-risk consumption of alcohol has been demonstrated to be effective in primary care and ED settings. However, hospital EDs are increasingly receiving people with high-risk AOD-related harms. The relative contribution of other drugs in relation to ED presentations has not been widely documented. In addition, the optimal model and effects of AOD screening and BI programs in the Australian ED setting are unknown. What does this paper add? This paper describes a ‘real-life’ pilot project embedding AOD-specific staff in a metropolitan Melbourne ED at peak times to screen and provide BI to patients presenting with AOD-related risk and/or harms. The study quantifies the relative contribution of other drugs in addition to alcohol to ED presentations and reports on this model’s much higher levels of patient engagement in receiving BI than has been reported previously. What are the implications for practitioners? This study demonstrates the relative contribution of drugs, in addition to alcohol, to ED presentations at peak weekend times. Although BI has been well proven, the pilot project evaluated herein has demonstrated that by embedding AOD-specific staff in the ED, much higher rates of patient engagement, screening and BI can be achieved.
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Athingo, Rauna, Tenzin Tenzin, Andre Coetzer, et al. "Application of the GARC Data Logger—a custom-developed data collection device—to capture and monitor mass dog vaccination campaigns in Namibia." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14, no. 12 (2020): e0008948. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008948.
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Domestic dogs are responsible for 99% of all cases of human rabies and thus, mass dog vaccination has been demonstrated to be the most effective approach towards the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies. Namibia demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by applying government-led strategic rabies vaccination campaigns to reduce both human and dog rabies incidences in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia since 2016. The lessons learnt using paper-based form for data capturing and management of mass dog vaccination campaign during the pilot and roll out phase of the project (2016–2018) led to the implementation of a simple and accurate data collection tool in the second phase (2019–2022) of the rabies elimination program. In this paper, we describe the implementation of such custom-developed vaccination tracking device, i.e. the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Data Logger (GDL), and the integration of the collected data into a website-based rabies surveillance system (Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin—REB) during 2019 and 2020 campaigns. A total of 10,037 dogs and 520 cats were vaccinated during the 2019 campaign and 13,219 dogs and 1,044 cats during the 2020 campaign. The vaccination data were recorded with the GDL and visualized via REB. Subsequent GIS-analysis using gridded population data revealed a suboptimal vaccination coverage in the great majority of grid cells (82%) with a vaccination coverage below 50%. Spatial regression analysis identified the number of schools, estimated human density, and adult dog population were associated with the vaccination performance. However, there was an inverse correlation to human densities. Nonetheless, the use of the GDL improved data capturing and monitoring capacity of the campaign, enabling the Namibian government to improve strategies for the vaccination of at-risk areas towards achieving adequate vaccination coverage which would effectively break the transmission of rabies.
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McEwen, S., C. Dunphy, J. Norman Rios, et al. "Development and pre-testing of a rehabilitation planning consultation for head-and-neck cancer." Current Oncology 24, no. 3 (2017): 153. http://dx.doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3529.
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Background In contrast with other major chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke, cancer care does not routinely integrate evidence-based rehabilitation services within the standard continuum. The objectives of the present project were to develop a rehabilitation planning consultation (rpc) for survivors of head-and-neck (hn) cancer, to test its feasibility, and to make refinements.Methods Using intervention mapping, the rpc-alpha was developed by examining potential theoretical methods and practical applications relative to the program objectives. During feasibility testing, a single case series was conducted with survivors of hn cancer who had completed their cancer treatment within the preceding 11 months; iterative refinements were made after each case.Results The rpc-alpha was led by a rehabilitation professional and was based on self-management principles. The initial consultation included instruction in a global cognitive strategy, goal-setting, introduction to available resources, action planning, and coping planning. A follow-up consultation was conducted a few weeks later. Of 9 participants recruited, 5 completed post-intervention assessments. Participants reported that the rpc helped them to make rehabilitation plans.Conclusions The rpc was feasible to use and satisfactory to a small group of hn cancer survivors. A pilot test of the refined version is in process.