Aphasia management in Morocco: a survey of practices and barriers

This research examines the implementation of administrative procedure principles in the provision of digital public services, focusing on the experiences of EU countries and the Ukrainian practice. The objective of the study is to analyze the application of these principles, assess the effectiveness of their implementation, and draw insights for improving digital public service delivery. The research adopts a comparative analysis approach, studying the practices and legal frameworks of EU countries known for their advanced digital government systems. Additionally, the Ukrainian context is explored, considering the country's progress in digital transformation and e-Government initiatives. The analysis includes an examination of the principles of administrative procedure, such as transparency, accessibility, efficiency, and user-centricity, in the provision of digital public services. The main results reveal that EU countries have made significant strides in integrating administrative procedure principles into their digital service delivery, resulting in improved efficiency, user satisfaction, and trust in government services. The Ukrainian practice shows progress in aligning with these principles, with notable advancements in expanding the availability of electronic services and enhancing automation. However, challenges related to ethical and legal frameworks, data protection, and copyright issues in the use of digital technologies remain. This research contributes to the understanding of best practices in the field and offers practical recommendations for advancing digital public service delivery in Ukraine.

It has been crucial to solve the service delivery problem since civil society emerged. Even though several barriers to top-quality public service exist, there is little research based on evidence about how digital technologies help address these barriers in Ghana’s public sector. Public service quality remains a problem for people in Ghana who use government ministries, departments, and agencies on a daily basis. As a result, the study assessed the impact of digital technologies on service delivery and quality in Ghana’s public sector. The study used a causal research design with a quantitative approach. The study sample size was 384 respondents who mostly patronized the public institutions considered for the study. SPSS (version 26) was used to analyze all the data with descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and ANOVA to investigate the relationships among measured variables. A mediation analysis, was conducted to assess whether service expectation mediates the relationship between digital technology adoption and service delivery and quality. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between digital technology adoption and service quality and delivery (β = 0.315, p < 0.001). Service expectation also had a moderate significant positive influence on service quality and delivery (β = 0.508, p < 0.001), and significantly mediated the relationship between technology adoption and service quality (indirect effect: β = 0.237, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of service expectation as a key mechanism through which digital technology improves public service outcomes. Customers who patronize most public sector institutions should be provided with sustainable, high-quality digital experiences through the maintenance of digital infrastructure, including dependable Internet connectivity and accessible digital platforms, and should be given top priority by the management.

With the rising digitization and efficiency in digital service delivery, Estonia is a good example of how technology has revolutionized the traditional approach of governance and delivery of services by the government. This paper has presented a review of the current ecosystem of various e-governance initiatives in Estonia by reviewing major service delivery modules and initiatives. This paper also intends to deliver a policy framework and technological model for developing economies while focusing on government bodies and non-profits to embrace digitization mechanisms.

PurposeVarious digital banking platforms (website and apps) are offered to bank customers in order to create an experiential service, which is essential in retaining customers and generating brand bank loyalty. The current study aims to examine the dynamics of customer emotional experience generated during digital banking service delivery and investigate the effect of customer psychological engagement with various digital platform types on brand bank loyalty creation.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework was constructed. Data were collected from digital banking customers through a web-based survey conducted via an online Internet panel. It involved 502 participants. The study employs a path analysis method using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe empirical results suggest that there are two paths from emotional attachment to bank loyalty: a direct path and an indirect path shaped by customer psychological engagement with service platforms. Additionally, it was found that the digital platform (website vs apps) used by the customer determined the magnitude of the impact of emotional attachment to the bank on psychological engagement with service platforms.Practical implicationsThis research claims that features of digital banking services are sufficient to enhance affective brand responses and maintain long-lasting relationships with customers. Using experiential services and psychologically engaging the customers, this goal can be achieved. Additionally, well designed apps can improve interaction with services and subsequently enhance loyalty.Originality/valueThis study facilitates a better understanding of the customer's emotional–psychological state during engagement with digital service delivery. Its novelty and contribution to the literature focus on the notion that the impact of emotional attachment on bank loyalty is mediated by experiential psychological engagement with the digital platform and moderated by the type of digital platform used.

Emergency medical services (EMS) infrastructure development and operations in low- and middle-income countries: Formal, professional-driven (Tier-2) systems

Purpose Although rehabilitation is vital for cerebral palsy (CP), in Indonesia, where the prevalence is high, practices are understudied. This study aimed to describe rehabilitation practice, explore perceptions of service delivery, and examine how dosage correlated with perceptions to inform strategies. Methods A total of 233 Indonesian therapists (83% physiotherapists; 17% occupational therapists) completed an anonymous online survey between February and April 2025. Survey developed from existing literature and validated through expert review. The survey captured dosage and perceptions of service-related factors (Likert scale). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlations. Results Therapists reported using both recommended evidence-based practices (e.g., mobility training) and non‑recommended practices (e.g., neurodevelopmental therapy). Rehabilitation typically lasted 30–45 min, 1–2 times/week, with limited agreement on strong evidence-based practice (EBP) exposure, adequate workforce, and families’ financial readiness. Therapy time correlated with positive perceptions of EBP exposure (p < 0.001, r = 0.305), skill set (p = 0.001, r = 0.244), infrastructure (p = 0.001, r = 0.239), and workforce (p = 0.002, r = 0.231). Moreover, institutional support for training showed the strongest association with greater EBP exposure (p < 0.001, r = 0.700). Conclusion In Indonesia, rehabilitation practice stays below recommended dosages, mirroring trends elsewhere. Barriers include families’ financial constraints, limited workforce, and insufficient exposure to EBP. Institutional support for training is vital for improving therapy and EBP adoption. Increasing the therapist workforce through new programs could enhance the delivery of CP services.

Recent research has highlighted the clinical relevance of understanding the nature of short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) deficits in persons with aphasia and the way these deficits affect linguistic processing and functional communication in activities of daily living. The psychometric properties of tests commonly used to identify STM/WM problems in individuals with aphasia, however, have been questioned. No previous study has sought to investigate assessment practices and attitudes by speech-language pathologists involved in aphasia management. Accordingly, the aims of this study were (a) to investigate both attitudes toward STM/WM assessment in individuals with aphasia, as well as the types and frequency of STM/WM tests used with individuals with aphasia, and (b) to explore factors (e.g., educational background) that may influence STM/WM assessment practices. Respondents recruited via professional and aphasia support organizations completed an online survey. The survey elicited information about the respondents' demographic and clinical backgrounds and STM/WM assessment clinical practices and views, including frequency and preferred use of specific STM/WM tests. The majority of respondents reported regular use of STM/WM tests as part of aphasia management. Positive attitudes toward STM/WM assessments were also reported. The most popular rankings of tests were the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test (Helm-Estabrooks, 2001), the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Swinburn, Porter, & Howard, 2005), and the Token Test (McNeil & Prescott, 1978). Results suggested limited knowledge about measures that assess self-perceptions of functional memory abilities. Regression analyses showed that the frequency of reported STM/WM test use was similar between clinicians and dual-role researchers/clinicians, but their attitudes toward the value of STM/WM differed. U.S. and UK respondents reported similar assessment practices. It is reassuring that STM/WM is taken into consideration by clinicians when providing aphasia management. Two of the most popular tests, however, have poor psychometric properties, and caution should be exercised in clinical decision making. The different value placed on STM/WM testing by clinicians and researchers/clinicians has implications for continuing professional development.

Governments have increased their collaboration with the private sector regarding public service delivery, and their propensities to do so are largely shaped by their own in-house capacities. In this article, we theorize and analyze whether governments with an extremely low or extremely high technological capacity are more likely to collaborate with third-party platforms in order to jointly provide digital services. We expect there to be a U-shaped relationship between the technological capacity of those governments and their public–private partnership choices. An empirical analysis of digital service delivery across 290 prefecture-level cities in China corroborates this hypothesis. These results deepen our understanding of the competing motivations that drive the public–private partnership process. Points for practitioners Public–private collaboration has been widely adopted to promote digital service delivery. This article confirms the U-shaped relationship between government technological capacity and public–private collaboration in digital service delivery at the city level. To encourage the collaboration, it is crucial to target governments with varying capacities, which seems to be easier in large cities with high administrative rank and that are overall technologically mature and in a competitive environment technologically.

The COVID-19 pandemic required corrections agencies to rapidly adapt their service delivery models to minimise person-to-person contact. Digital service delivery played a key role in the process. This shift to remote service delivery highlighted the opportunities and benefits offered by digital service delivery technologies, as well as their risks and drawbacks. This paper draws on the results of a scoping review of digital developments in corrections. It examines the impact of the shift to digital platforms on the way that activities and services were delivered and on the way that these digital solutions were shaped by a range of technology and resourcing factors. It also explores the impact of the shift to virtual modes of communication and service delivery on service providers and service users.

Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces critical challenges, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities strain the healthcare system. This narrative review identifies key barriers, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure, a lack of trained professionals, and restricted access to essential medical supplies and emergency services. Financial constraints, caregiver health literacy gaps, and technological limitations, such as poor EMR systems and limited telemedicine, further hinder care. Geographical barriers delay interventions, especially in rural areas with poor transportation. Weak healthcare policies contribute to fragmented care, necessitating urgent reform. Solutions include strengthening infrastructure, expanding pediatric emergency training, leveraging digital health technologies, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Community engagement and caregiver education are crucial for timely access, whereas global collaboration is vital for resource mobilization and sustainable improvements in LMICs’ pediatric emergency care.

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe iWalk study showed significant increase in use of the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) poststroke following provision of a toolkit. This paper examined the influence of contextual circumstances on use of the toolkit and implementation strategy across acute care and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings.MethodsA theory-based toolkit and implementation strategy was designed to support guideline recommendations to use standardized tools for evaluation of walking, education, and goal-setting poststroke. The toolkit comprised a mobile app, video, and educational guide outlining instructions for 3 learning sessions. After completing learning sessions, 33 physical therapists and 7 professional leaders participated in focus groups or interviews. As part of a realist evaluation, the study compared and synthesized site-specific context-mechanism-outcome descriptions across sites to refine an initial theory of how the toolkit would influence practice.ResultsAnalysis revealed 3 context-mechanism-outcomes: (1) No onsite facilitator? No practice change in acute care: Without an onsite facilitator, participants lacked authority to facilitate and coordinate the implementation strategy; (2) Onsite facilitation fostered integration of select practices in acute care: When onsite facilitation occurred in acute care, walk test administration and use of reference values for patient education were adopted variably with high functioning patients; (3) Onsite facilitation fostered integration of most practices in rehabilitation settings: When onsite facilitation occurred, many participants incorporated 1 or both tests to evaluate and monitor walking capacity, and reference values were applied for inpatient and outpatient education and goal setting. Participants preferentially implemented the 10MWT over the 6MWT because set-up and administration were easier and a greater proportion of patients could walk 10 m.ConclusionFindings underscore contextual factors and activities essential to eliciting change in assessment practice in stroke rehabilitation across care settings.ImpactThis study shows that to foster recommended walking assessment practices, an onsite facilitator should be present to enable learning sessions and toolkit use.

Since the emergence of electronic or digital government two decades ago, the delivery of public services online has been a centrepiece in efforts to leverage the Internet and improve the performance of the public sector. Prodded by comparisons to banks and online retailers, governments at all levels have been enticed by the dramatically lower costs of a transaction online versus one involving mail, a telephone call centre, or in‐person service facility. Yet such comparators have also masked a much more complicated story for public sector service innovation and delivery reform. The recent advent of mobility further complicates this landscape since the term can be interpreted in one of two (partially related) manners: first, as a newer online channel via mobile devices that accentuates the search for efficiency as integration; and second, as a basis for more participative public engagement in the governance of service design and delivery. Drawing upon three inter‐related typologies of public sector governance (traditional public administration, new public management, and public value management), this article examines the evolution of a partially digitized sector service architecture, its mixed performance to date, and the challenges ahead. Specific attention is devoted to the Liberal Government's initial sign posts as well as the increasingly pressing inter‐governmental dimensions to more digitized service delivery.

This study mainly aimed at assessing asphalt road pavement rehabilitation and maintenance practices in West Showa Zone with particular reference to the roads from Ambo to Gedo which covers over 64kms. The study aimed at identifying pavement distresses and causes of pavement distresses. According to data collection and analysis, it was found that the material properties and composition (28.1%), construction quality (18.8%), and road maintenance standards (15.6%) were perceived to be the major causes of pavement distresses on the roadway under study. On the other hand, the result of survey condition data obtained from ERA was analyzed and major distresses were identified including longitudinal joint crack, bleeding and tripping, potholes, generalized marked fretting, deformation, subsidence, rutting, patch, wide block crack, isolated scabbing, low shoulder and wheel path rutting. Besides, limited skilled man power (x=3.78), lack of appropriate pavement management system (x =3.93), budget constraint (x=4.43), absence of appropriate machineries (x=3.53), and lack of monitory and quality control (x=3.75) were among the major challenges related to effective pavement work, road maintenance and rehabilitation practices on the roadway under study.

Access to safe and timely surgical care remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where health systems are often limited by inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and financial constraints. Despite representing a large share of the global population, LMICs perform only a small proportion of the surgical procedures required to meet their health care needs. This narrative review examines global disparities in surgical access and evaluates current promising strategies to improve surgical capacity in resource-limited settings. Telemedicine and telesurgery, supported by virtual and augmented reality, enable remote consultation, mentorship, and follow-up care. Simulation-based training has also emerged as a valuable tool for developing both technical and behavioral skills among surgical trainees. While international missions have provided short-term support, they often lack continuity and sustainability. In contrast, locally driven programs that focus on mentorship, digital infrastructure, and training are more likely to produce lasting results. However, challenges remain, including unreliable internet connections, high equipment costs, and the absence of standardized guidelines and data systems. Overcoming these barriers will require coordinated efforts among governments, academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations, with a focus on equitable, affordable, and locally appropriate solutions. Strengthening surgical systems in LMICs is essential for reducing global health inequities and meeting broader development goals.

BackgroundDigital technology is an increasing feature of social care practice, and its use has accelerated greatly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess social care practitioners’ experiences of delivering digital interventions to vulnerable children and families during the pandemic.MethodsA mixed methods study combining survey and qualitative research was conducted. In total, 102 social care practitioners working in the Republic of Ireland who delivered a range of digital social care support took part in a web-based survey. This survey captured practitioners’ engagement and experiences of delivering digital social care interventions to children and families as well as training and capacity building needs. Subsequently, 19 focus groups with 106 social care practitioners working with children and families were also conducted. These focus groups were directed by a topic guide and explored in more depth practitioners’ perceptions of digital social care practice, the perceived impact of digital technology on their work with children and families, and the future application of digital social care interventions.ResultsThe survey findings revealed that 52.9% (54/102) and 45.1% (46/102) of practitioners, respectively, felt “confident” and “comfortable” engaging in digital service delivery. The vast majority of practitioners (93/102, 91.2%) identified maintaining connection during the pandemic as a benefit of digital social care practice; approximately three-quarters of practitioners (74/102, 72.5%) felt that digital social care practice offered service users “increased access and flexibility”; however, a similar proportion of practitioners (70/102, 68.6%) identified inadequate home environments (eg, lack of privacy) during service provision as a barrier to digital social care practice. More than half of the practitioners (54/102, 52.9%) identified poor Wi-Fi or device access as a challenge to child and family engagement with digital social care. In total, 68.6% (70/102) of practitioners felt that they needed further training on the use of digital platforms for service delivery. Thematic analysis of qualitative (focus group) data revealed 3 overarching themes: perceived advantages and disadvantages for service users, practitioners’ challenges in working with children and families through digital technologies, and practitioners’ personal challenges and training needs.ConclusionsThese findings shed light on practitioners’ experiences of delivering digital child and family social care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both benefits and challenges within the delivery of digital social care support as well as conflicting findings across the experiences of practitioners were identified. The implications of these findings for the development of therapeutic practitioner–service user relationships through digital practice as well as confidentiality and safeguarding are discussed. Training and support needs for the future implementation of digital social care interventions are also outlined.