Investigating the Impact of Musical Soundscapes on Well-being: A Qualitative Focus Group Study Using Arts-Based Methods

Individuals with concurrent visual and communication impairments necessitate specialized, multidisciplinary care, yet the adequacy of orthoptists' and speech pathologists' skills and resources remains underexplored. This research aims to examine these professionals' perspectives and test the acceptability of qualitative methods before a broader study. Qualitative focus group study with thematic analysis. Three, 1.5-hour semi-structured focus groups were conducted with a total of seven clinicians on videoconferencing platform, Zoom. Four orthoptists and three speech pathologists with at least 12 months of relevant clinical experience took part in focus groups. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes with 12 subthemes were identified. Theme 1, positive impacts of interprofessional care, reflected the value of collaboration, dual knowledge and addressing both disabilities in improving client outcomes. Theme 2 highlighted barriers to effective clinical management, including limited communication between professions, lack of interprofessional knowledge, poor role awareness, orthoptists use of objective measures, and resource barriers. Theme 3 related to participants’ lack of formal and informal training experiences, and theme 4 included enablers to improving clinical competency. All participants agreed with the allocated time for each focus group and believed the questions were appropriate and relevant to the aim of the study. A number of suggestions were made to enable a more successful focus group discussion in the future. This study revealed perceived gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration, skills, and knowledge, including a lack of role awareness and effective management practices for clinicians. Further training, resource development and research is warranted.

Mental health problems amongst young people in the UK have been rising, yet many still do not receive appropriate support. Involving young people in research can lead to more inclusive services. However, certain groups of young people, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, lower-income families, refugee, asylum-seeking and other immigrant backgrounds, non-native English speakers, disabled young people and those with long term health conditions remain under-represented in involvement in mental health research. Little research explores the perspectives of these young people on the barriers and enablers to their involvement. This qualitative focus group study used the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation model of behaviour (COM-B) to understand influencers on involvement. A group of youth advisors was involved throughout. Five focus groups were conducted, including 18 young people aged 16-25, many from under-represented backgrounds and without previous involvement experience. Thematic analysis was used to categorise barriers and enablers according to the COM-B model and intervention strategies proposed using intervention functions and behaviour change techniques which form part of the BCW. Nineteen themes were identified covering all six COM-B domains. Enablers included the perceived value and relevance of the research topic, personal benefits (including financial reward and skill development), as well as safe and inclusive environments where young people of shared experiences come together. Barriers included lack of awareness and access to involvement opportunities, emotional readiness, social norms and the influence of peers. Some barriers were highlighted as particularly relevant to certain groups. Youth advisors provided additional reflections on the findings. BCW informed intervention strategies include proactive outreach efforts, effective preparation of young people (including induction and capacity building), the use of role models and partnership with cultural organisations. Many barriers to inclusive youth involvement in mental health research exist. Researchers need to look beyond traditional approaches to include under-represented young people in research. This study highlights enablers that researchers can capitalise on to improve access to involvement opportunities and BCW derived strategies, supported by evidence and young people's ideas, to overcome barriers. Future research should implement and evaluate these strategies in practice.

BackgroundOsteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide, and represents a significant cost burden. Although guidelines are available for best practice in osteoporosis, evidence indicates that patients are not receiving appropriate diagnostic testing or treatment according to guidelines. The use of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) may be one solution because they can facilitate knowledge translation by providing high-quality evidence at the point of care. Findings from a systematic review of osteoporosis interventions and consultation with clinical and human factors engineering experts were used to develop a conceptual model of an osteoporosis tool. We conducted a qualitative study of focus groups to better understand physicians' perceptions of CDSSs and to transform the conceptual osteoporosis tool into a functional prototype that can support clinical decision making in osteoporosis disease management at the point of care.MethodsThe conceptual design of the osteoporosis tool was tested in 4 progressive focus groups with family physicians and general internists. An iterative strategy was used to qualitatively explore the experiences of physicians with CDSSs; and to find out what features, functions, and evidence should be included in a working prototype. Focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide using an iterative process where results of the first focus group informed changes to the questions for subsequent focus groups and to the conceptual tool design. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.ResultsOf the 3 broad categories of themes that were identified, major barriers related to the accuracy and feasibility of extracting bone mineral density test results and medications from the risk assessment questionnaire; using an electronic input device such as a Tablet PC in the waiting room; and the importance of including well-balanced information in the patient education component of the osteoporosis tool. Suggestions for modifying the tool included the addition of a percentile graph showing patients' 10-year risk for osteoporosis or fractures, and ensuring that the tool takes no more than 5 minutes to complete.ConclusionsFocus group data revealed the facilitators and barriers to using the osteoporosis tool at the point of care so that it can be optimized to aid physicians in their clinical decision making.

BackgroundEvaluating precision oncology outcomes requires access to real-world and clinical trial data. Access is based on consent, and consent is based on patients’ informed preferences when deciding to share their data. Decision-making is often modeled using utility theory, but a complex decision context calls for a consideration of how heuristic, intuitive thought processes interact with rational utility maximization. Data-sharing decision-making has been studied using heuristic theory, but almost no heuristic research exists in the health data context. This study explores this evidence gap, applying a qualitative approach to probe for evidence of heuristic mechanisms behind the health data-sharing preferences of those who have experienced cancer. Exploring qualitative decision-making reveals the types of heuristics used and how they are related to the process of decision-making to better understand whether consent mechanisms should consider nonrational processes to better serve patient decision-making.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore how patients with cancer use heuristics when deciding whether to share their data for research.MethodsThe researchers conducted a focus group study of Canadians who have experienced cancer. We recruited participants through an online advertisement, screening individuals based on their ability to increase demographic diversity in the sample. We reviewed the literature on data-sharing platforms to develop a semistructured topic guide on concerns about data sharing, incentives to share, and consent and control. Focus group facilitators led the open-ended discussions about data-sharing preferences that revealed underlying heuristics. Two qualitative analysts coded transcripts using a heuristic framework developed from a review of the literature. Transcripts were analyzed for heuristic instances which were grouped according to sociocultural categories. Using thematic analysis, the analysts generated reflexive themes through norming sessions and consultations.ResultsA total of 3 focus groups were held with 19 participants in total. The analysis identified 12 heuristics underlying intentions to share data. From the thematic analysis, we identified how the heuristics of social norms and community building were expressed through altruism; the recognition, reputation, and authority heuristics led to (dis)trust in certain institutions; the need for security prompted the illusion of control and transparency heuristics; and the availability and affect heuristics influenced attitudes around risk and benefit. These thematic relationships all had impacts on the participants’ intentions to share their health data.ConclusionsThe findings provide a novel qualitative understanding of how health data–sharing decisions and preferences may be based on heuristic processing. As patients consider the extent of risks and benefits, heuristic processes influence their assessment of anticipated outcomes, which may not result in rational, truly informed consent. This study shows how considering heuristic processing when designing current consent mechanisms opens up the opportunity for more meaningful and realistic interactions with the complex decision-making context.

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and recurrent affective disorder. Recovery is defined as the process by which people can live fulfilling lives despite experiencing symptoms.AimsTo explore how an opportunistically recruited group of service users with BD experience recovery and self-management to understand more about how a service users' recovery may be supported.MethodTwelve service users with BD took part in a series of focus groups. Service users' responses to questions about their personal experiences of self-management and recovery were analysed. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis ([. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101]) was employed to identify common themes in the data.ResultsFour key themes were identified: (1) Recovery is not about being symptom free; (2) Recovery requires taking responsibility for your own wellness; (3) Self-management: building on existing techniques; (4) Overcoming barriers to recovery: negativity, stigma and taboo.ConclusionService users with BD have provided further support for the concept of recovery and have suggested a number of ways recovery can be supported. A self-management approach informed by the recovery literature has been proposed as a way to support service users' recovery.

To understand healthcare professionals' perspectives of what works well and what can be improved in the supply and administration of anticipatory medications at the end of life in the community. Qualitative interpretive study using focus groups. Semi-structured focus groups included healthcare professionals with experience of using anticipatory medications, and public contributors with lived experiences of relatives' end-of-life care. Participants' demographic information was elicited in a brief questionnaire. Transcripts were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Data were collected in September 2022. Eight focus groups involved 58 UK-based participants. Each group included people with a variety of professional roles from diverse geographical areas, and public contributors with relevant lived experiences. The administration of anticipatory prescriptions was widely perceived to be a valuable intervention, but extensive operational challenges were identified, with three interconnected themes arising from the data: (a) Communication between healthcare teams; (b) Intuitive documentation; (c) Accessibility of medications. Addressing these challenges was perceived to be onerous, particularly for nurses and families. Operational barriers to the timely and appropriate administration of anticipatory medications risk were perceived as adversely affecting patient care and patients' and families' experiences. System-level improvements are needed to streamline care processes and ensure equitable, appropriate, and timely access to end-of-life symptom control medications in the community. This study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and follows the appropriate Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Our Public and Clinician Advisory Group helped shape questions and commented on findings. Focus groups included public participants with lived experience of end-of-life care in the community.

In England, people aged > 60 are typically required to pay for their prescriptions. Whilst exemption criteria enable people living with specified long-term health conditions to receive free prescriptions, Parkinson's disease is omitted from this list. People with Parkinson's are often reliant upon medications, and evidence suggests that medical fees can reduce quality of life and medicine adherence. We, therefore, aimed to explore the impact of prescription charges on people with Parkinson's and their family care partners (caregivers). This is a qualitative focus group study with people with Parkinson's and caregivers. Focus groups were semi-structured and conducted online. Participants were recruited through opportunity sampling. Eligible participants were adults aged 18 and over living in England who either (1) had a diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease or (2) provided unpaid care for someone with Parkinson's, including parents, adult children, siblings, or close friends. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within a critical realist paradigm. Five focus groups were conducted with people with Parkinson's (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 12). All focus groups comprised both people with Parkinson's and caregivers. Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) The financial toll of medication and its ripple effects; (2) Lack of inclusion and support; and (3) Difficulties of seeking support. People affected by Parkinson's disagreed with current policy and suggestions of per-prescription charge re-evaluation were expressed. Prescription charges have multifaceted negative impacts on people affected by Parkinson's. Current prescription charge policies, including their exemption criteria, should be reviewed, alongside initiatives to raise awareness of existing financial support systems, such as pre-payment certificates. Study protocol and analysis strategy are pre-registered on Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/y8ve5/ ).

Purpose This qualitative focus group study aimed to determine how participants responded to a motivational interviewing intervention and to further explore how it impacted whole-person lifestyle of participants with hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Methods Twenty participants attended one of five focus groups. A trained researcher led the one-hour focus groups using a semi-structured question guide. Responses were coded using thematic analysis and were then aggregated into six themes. Results The following six themes emerged most consistently: (1) the importance of a coach who can connect meaningfully with participants; (2) appreciation of the whole-person approach; (3) the power of “choice” in making health behaviour changes; (4) the effectiveness of goal setting and accountability; (5) the desire for increased contact and follow-up; (6) overall positive experience with mixed clinical results. Conclusion Focus group themes highlighted that this intervention may empower individuals to feel confident in their choices and attain their goals during their health and wellness journey.

Sounding off-Pharmacist insights on over-the-counter hearing aids: A qualitative focus group study.

BackgroundDuring the turbulent postpartum period, there is an urgent need by parents for support and information regarding the care for their infant. In the Netherlands, professional support is provided during the first 8 days postpartum and for a maximum of 8 hours a day. This care is delivered by maternity care assistants (MCAs). Despite the availability of this extensive care, a majority of women prefer to make use of a lesser amount of postpartum care. After this period, access to care is less obvious. Where parents are automatically offered care in the first 8 days after birth, they must request care in the period thereafter. To compensate for a possible gap in information transfer, electronic health (eHealth) can be a valuable, easily accessible addition to regular care.ObjectiveWe explored the needs and preferred content by new parents and health care professionals of a web-based platform dedicated to the postpartum period and identified barriers and facilitators for using such a platform.MethodsWe conducted 3 semistructured focus groups among (1) parents of newborns, (2) MCAs, and (3) clinicians and administrators in maternity care. A topic list based on a framework designed for innovation processes was used. Thematic content analysis was applied.ResultsIn the focus group for parents, 5 mothers and 1 male partner participated. A total of 6 MCAs participated in the second focus group. A total of 5 clinicians and 2 administrators—a member of a stakeholder party and a manager of a maternity care organization—participated in the third focus group. All user groups underlined that a platform focusing on the postpartum period was missing in current care, especially by parents experiencing a gap following the intensive care ending after the first week of childbirth. Parents indicated that they would perceive a postpartum platform as a proper source of reliable information on topics regarding breastfeeding, growth, and developmental milestones, but also as a tool to support them in seeking care with appropriate professionals. They also emphasized the need to receive personalized information and the opportunity to ask questions via the platform. MCAs acknowledged added value of providing additional information on topics that they address during the early postpartum period. MCAs as well as clinicians and administrators would guide parents to such a platform for additional support. All user groups experienced disadvantages of using an authentication procedure and filling out extra questionnaires to receive tailored information.ConclusionsOur research shows that parents of newborns, MCAs, and clinicians and administrators foresee the additional value of a web-based postpartum platform for at least the whole postpartum period. The platform should be easily accessible and personalized. Content on the platform should contain information regarding breastfeeding, growth, and developmental milestones. A chat function with professionals could be considered as an option.

Introduction: The diseases that are partly or wholly determined by genetic factors, gradually assume a ratio of greater importance in the epidemiological profile of the child population, becoming one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The perception of mothers of children affected by major congenital malformations has not been studied before in relation to the health system in Colombia. Objectives: To know the mother’s perceptions of children with congenital malformations, on the etiology of the disease for their children, medical care received and the potential consequences of the malformation. Methods: Qualitative exploratory descriptive study of focus groups with mothers of children suffering from major congenital malformations. Results: Mothers identified the problems of child care in relation to the health system, treatment ambivalent and prejudice of health personnel and the need for clear answers on the future of children, as well as the need for reforms in the health care of people affected.

As end-of-life (EOL) HIV cure-related research expands, understanding perspectives of participants’ next-of-kin (NOK) is critical to maintaining ethical study conduct. We conducted two small focus groups and two one-on-one interviews using focus group guides with the NOK of Last Gift study participants at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Participating NOK included six individuals (n = 5 male and n = 1 female), including a grandmother, grandfather, partner, spouse, and two close friends. Researchers double-coded the transcripts manually for overarching themes and sub-themes using an inductive approach. We identified six key themes: 1) NOK had an accurate, positive understanding of the Last Gift clinical study; 2) NOK felt the study was conducted ethically; 3) Perceived benefits for NOK included support navigating the dying/grieving process and personal growth; 4) Perceived drawbacks included increased sadness, emotional stress, conflicted wishes between NOK and study participants, and concerns around potential invasiveness of study procedures at the EOL; 5) NOK expressed pride in loved ones’ altruism; and 6) NOK provided suggestions to improve the Last Gift study, including better communication between staff and themselves. These findings provide a framework for ethical implementation of future EOL HIV cure-related research involving NOK.

BackgroundAlthough Internet-based interventions (IBIs) have been around for two decades, uptake has been slow. Increasing the acceptability of IBIs among end users may increase uptake. In this study, we explored the factors that shape acceptability of IBIs for problem gambling from the perspective of clients and clinicians. Findings from this qualitative study of focus groups informed the design and implementation of an IBI for problem gambling.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted three focus groups with clients experiencing gambling problems (total n = 13) and two with clinicians providing problem gambling treatment (total n = 21). Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a two-part inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis.ResultsAlthough both user groups reported similar experiences, each group also had unique concerns. Clinician perspectives were more homogeneous reflective of healthcare professionals sharing the same practice and values. Clinicians were more concerned about issues relating to the dissemination of IBIs into clinical settings, including the development of policies and protocols and the implications of IBIs on the therapeutic relationship. In comparison, client narratives were more heterogeneous descriptive of diverse experiences and individual preferences, such as the availability of services on a 24-h basis. There was consensus among clients and clinicians on common factors influencing acceptability: access, usability, high quality technology, privacy and security, and the value of professional guidance.ConclusionsAcceptability is an important factor in the overall effectiveness of IBIs. Gaining an understanding of how end users perceive IBIs and why they choose to use IBIs can be instrumental in the successful and meaningful design, implementation, and evaluation of IBIs.

Aim. To explore and understand perceptions of participating in bibliotherapy sessions. Material and methods. In a qualitative focus group study using an insider approach, focus group interviews with eight participants taking part in bibliotherapy sessions in Croatia were conducted. All focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results. We identifi ed three themes: (i) resonance and empathy, (ii) personal growth and acceptance, and (iii) bibliotherapy in healthcare. The participants perceived that bibliotherapy demonstrates the power of storytelling to evoke emotions, promote personal growth, create empathetic connections among individuals, and can be implemented in the healthcare setting. The participants had favorable experiences and believed that bibliotherapy is a valuable tool for introducing clinical and developmental concepts, promoting eff ective communication, and supporting the secure exploration of emotions and personal experiences. Texts can eff ectively convey challenging and distressing subjects about the emotional responses experienced by patients regarding diagnosis, treatment, and treatment outcomes. Conclusions. The participants highlighted the benefi ts of bibliotherapy, suggesting it is benefi cial for individuals across various age groups and medical conditions, from children to elderly patients in long-term care. Key words: bibliotherapy, communication, empowerment, nursing

BackgroundIn recent years, complex and rapidly changing healthcare settings have placed high demands on nursing graduates, who must effectively assume new professional roles with a wide variety of competencies. However, in an ever-altering environment it is impossible to teach students everything. This means that assessing nursing students’ perceptions of their ability to practise their competencies and assume their professional roles is critical for faculty to further develop the nursing education curriculum and to assist healthcare organisations in supporting the transition of graduates. The aim of the study was to explore newly graduated nurses’ perceptions of their new professional role and professional competency associated with this role.MethodsA qualitative study using the focus group method. The purposive sample included 18 nursing graduates with an average of 29 years, most of whom were female. The average time that had elapsed since graduation was 1.5 years. Four face-to-face focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsThree main themes describing newly graduated nurses’ perceptions were found: (1) significance of the transition period; (2) commitment to the nursing profession; and (3) perceived needs and challenges to professional competency.ConclusionThe transition from a safe academic environment to turbulent clinical practice is shaped by both graduates’ expectations and reality. The results of the study indicate a high level of commitment to the profession immediately after graduation and point to groups of competencies that need greater emphasis in the nursing curriculum. Although the responsibility for adequately preparing and supporting nursing students for their new professional roles rests with faculty and healthcare organisations, the responsibility for professional development should also lie on the students themselves.