Community Sector Research Articles

Comparing the experiences of community and hospital pharmacy learners completing a pre-registrant research training program

Background and purposeResearch training programs in the community pharmacy sector have not been well established. This study showcases a year-long guided research training program undertaken in hospital and community workplaces by pre-registrant pharmacists, and compares the perceived impact on learners in both sectors. Educational activity and settingA two-year cohort study (2021−2022) of pre-registrant pharmacists enrolled in a research training program requiring them to undertake an individual project at their workplace over one year at either a community or hospital workplace. Outcome measures were pre-registrant perceptions of training impact and type of projects completed. FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that the year-long guided research training program delivered to 403 pre-registrant pharmacists was perceived to be impactful to both community and hospital pre-registrant pharmacists and gave them the confidence to pursue further research and see research skills as an important attribute for the profession. Barriers to research included lack of time for both sectors but workplace support and lack of project ideas were especially noted in the community sector. Research project designs were mainly cross-sectional surveys or retrospective audits. SummaryPrograms seeking to adopt a similar model may wish to pay particular attention to supporting community pharmacy learners in providing a pre-selection of project ideas, offering training to workplace supervisors, ensuring enough academic support is given and having more check-in points/deliverables to ensure more feedback opportunities.

POLICY RECOMMENDATION FOR INTEGRATED SMART HEATING SYSTEM

In the context of the challenges posed by global climate change and the need for a sustainable energy transition, this study addresses the ways in which innovative strategies contribute to the formulation of public policies aimed at optimising heating systems. This research aims to identify solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase energy efficiency in the field of heating, essential aspects in achieving global sustainability goals to formulate policy recommendations for an integrated heating system. Adopting a mixed methodological approach, this analysis combines the literature review with a systematic examination of different initiatives and solutions adopted at the urban level to extract patterns of good practice and highlight relevant relationships and differences. The research emphasises the importance of the synergy between innovation, governance, and financing mechanisms in promoting sustainable and effective solutions. In the light of good practices and lessons learned from cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Vancouver, and Freiburg, the authors' contribution focuses on identifying governance strategies that facilitate the transition to optimised heating systems. These cities demonstrate how the implementation of well-designed public policies can act as a catalyst for the adoption of sustainable heating solutions, highlighting the essential role of public policy in mediating urban development needs and the effective implementation of sustainability initiatives. The research results show that adopting an integrated and participatory approach involving all relevant actors can speed up the adoption of more efficient heating systems with reduced environmental impact. This underlines the importance of adopting legislative and public policy frameworks that stimulate heating innovation and encourage collaboration between the public, private and community sectors. Beneficiaries of this research include policy makers, energy professionals, and the academic community, providing them with a solid foundation for the development and implementation of effective public policies. The study concludes that it is essential to develop public policy strategies that promote the adoption of sustainable heating solutions, based on lessons learned from cities that have successfully implemented such initiatives. Thus, progress towards a sustainable energy future can be accelerated, contributing significantly to global efforts to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

The Role of Digital Social Entrepreneurship in Driving Green Economy and SDGs

<p class="Default"><em><span lang="EN-US">Environmental conservation and sustainable development are gaining increasing attention globally. Environmental problems such as climate change, environmental degradation, and resource crises are the focus of the attention of various parties, including the community, government, and private sector. This research aims to explore the role of the digital ecosystem and social entrepreneurship practices among the youth of Lintang Nuswantara Cirebon in supporting the Green Economy and Sustainable Development Goals. A qualitative approach with a case study was used to understand the role of this ecosystem. The results of this study show that excellent programs such as Youth Social Care Camp (YSCC), Lintang Muda Mengabdi (LMM), and the mangrove planting program with NGO Grow Up Institute (GUI) have contributed positively to advancing the Green Economy and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. This community has successfully created a sense of mutual aid and empowered the community through innovative digital initiatives</span></em></p>

A geographical analysis of social enterprises: the case of Ireland

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a geographical analysis of the distribution and type of activities developed by social enterprises in rural and urban areas of Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses data of more than 4,000 social enterprises against a six-tier rural/urban typology, using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to test six hypotheses.FindingsThe study shows a geographical rural–urban pattern in the distribution of social enterprises in Ireland, with a positive association between the remoteness of an area and the ratio of social enterprises, and a lack of capital-city effect related to the density of social enterprises. The analysis also shows a statistically significant geographical rural–urban pattern for the types of activities developed by social enterprises. The authors observe a positive association between the remoteness of the areas and the presence of social enterprises operating in the community and local development sector whereas the association is not significant for social enterprises developing welfare services.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows the potential of using recently developed rural–urban typologies and tools such as geographical information systems for conducting geographical research on social enterprises. The findings also have implications for informing spatially sensitive policymaking on social enterprises.Originality/valueThe merging of a large national data set of social enterprises with geographical tools and data at subregional level contributes to the methodological advancement of the field of social enterprises, providing tools and frameworks for a nuanced and spatially sensitive analysis of these organisations.

Factors influencing the commissioning and implementation of health and social care interventions for people with dementia: commissioner and stakeholder perspectives

BackgroundDespite several interventions demonstrating benefit to people living with dementia and their caregivers, few have been translated and implemented in routine clinical practice. There is limited evidence of the barriers and facilitators for commissioning and implementing health and social care interventions for people living with dementia. The aim of the current study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to commissioning and implementing health and social care interventions for people with dementia, using a dementia friendly exercise and physical activity-based intervention (PrAISED [Promoting Activity, Stability and Independence in Early Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment]) as a case study.MethodsQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders from a range of backgrounds including individuals from health and social care, local government, the voluntary and community sector, universities, and research centres in England. The Consolidated Framework for Intervention Research (CFIR) was used to guide the design and analysis.ResultsFourteen participants took part, including commissioning managers, service managers, partnership managers, charity representatives, commercial research specialists, academics/researchers, and healthcare professionals. Data were represented in 33 constructs across the five CFIR domains. Participants identified a need for greater support for people diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers immediately post dementia diagnosis. Key barriers included cost/financing, the culture of commissioning, and available resources. Key facilitators included the adaptability of the intervention, cosmopolitanism/partnerships and connections, external policy and incentives, and the use of already existing (and untapped) workforces.ConclusionSeveral barriers and facilitators for commissioning and implementing health and social care interventions for people with dementia were identified which need to be addressed. Recommended actions to facilitate the commissioning and implementation of dementia friendly services are: 1) map out local needs, 2) evidence the intervention including effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, 3) create/utilise networks with stakeholders, and 4) plan required resources.

Experiences of support for people who access voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations for self-harm: a qualitative study with stakeholder feedback

BackgroundPrevalence of self-harm In England is rising, however contact with statutory services remains relatively low. There is growing recognition of the potential role voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) organisations have in the provision of self-harm support. We aimed to explore individuals’ experiences of using these services and the barriers and facilitators to accessing support.MethodsQualitative, online interviews with 23 adults (18+) who have accessed support from VCSE organisations for self-harm in the Yorkshire and the Humber region were undertaken. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo software.ResultsParticipants described how a lack of service flexibility and the perception that their individual needs were not being heard often made them less likely to engage with both statutory and VCSE organisations. The complexity of care pathways made it difficult for them to access appropriate support when required, as did a lack of awareness of the types of support available. Participants described how engagement was improved by services that fostered a sense of community. The delivery of peer support played a key role in creating this sense of belonging. Education and workplace settings were also viewed as key sources of support for individuals, with a lack of mental health literacy acting as a barrier to access in these environments.ConclusionsVCSE organisations can play a crucial role in the provision of support for self-harm, however, pathways into these services remain complex and links between statutory and non-statutory services need to be strengthened. The provision of peer support is viewed as a crucial component of effective support in VCSE organisations. Further supervision and training should be offered to those providing peer support to ensure that their own mental health is protected.

Hybrid housing models for older Australians: institutional framework and policy challenges

Older people seeking affordable housing in the mainstream housing tenures such as home ownership, private renting and social housing face increasing difficulties in accessing and remaining in appropriate housing. The mainstream housing tenures face pressure due to widening housing affordability problems in home ownership and the private rental sector in many advanced economies, exacerbated by declining investment in social housing. Hybrid housing models are often promoted as affordable and sometimes appropriate and adequate housing options for older people. These models combine aspects of ownership and renting in diverse ways, often posing challenges for tenure-based housing policies. Drawing on the case of Australia, the paper presents the findings of an institutional review of the production, consumption, management, and exchange of land lease communities, often marketed as a more affordable form of housing for older people compared to the more established hybrid form of retirement villages. Noting difficulties in scoping the size and significance of the land lease community sector from current data collections, we find (a) entry of large institutional investors risks undermining the relative affordability of the sector for older people; (b) security of occupancy is a critical policy issue and (c) concentration in rural areas raises concerns around risk of natural disasters and access to aged care and other services. These issues are often overlooked in housing policy and pose challenges for other policy domains including income support, social care, and health services.

Evaluation Literacy and Use in Community Organizations: Insights and Implications for Evaluation Capacity Building

Past research on evaluation capacity in community organizations has focused on their capacity to conduct rather than use evaluation. This study sought to address this gap by exploring evaluation use and the supporting processes, systems, and structures in the community sector. The authors administered an online survey to 102 individuals working or involved in community organizations to measure their perceptions of their organization’s capacity to use evaluation. The survey was based on an adaptation of Bourgeois and Cousins’ evaluation capacity framework and a related assessment tool, the Organizational Evaluation Capacity Assessment Instrument, for the community sector context. Their findings offer empirical insights into three critical dimensions of the adapted framework associated with evaluation use in community organizations: evaluation literacy, organizational decision-making, and learning benefits. This exploratory study generated several key findings, including the need for tools and policies that establish a strong link between evaluation and decision-making, expanding the scope of engagement in data interpretation beyond primary users, and extending the dissemination of findings to external stakeholders. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Implementasi Kebijakan Program Kartu Identitas Anak (KIA) di Kelurahan Krembangan Utara Kota Surabaya

Population issues continue to be a problem in Indonesia, and population registration is being carried out in Kembangan Utara Subdistrict in Surabaya City. The government's effort to overcome this population problem is by publishing Child Identity Cards (KIA). KIA is organized by the Population and Civil Registration Service (Disdukcapil) in districts/cities throughout Indonesia with the aim of providing population identity to children in Indonesia. Apart from that, the implementation of KIA aims to protect and fulfill children's constitutional rights, which is a national program. The aim of the research is to examine the implementation of the KIA policy at the Population and Civil Registration Service and the Residents of Krembangan Utara Subdistrict, Surabaya City, as well as to provide information on the driving and inhibiting factors for the implementation of the policy. The method used in this research is descriptive and qualitative, and data collection techniques use interview, observation and documentation methods. Secondary data was also obtained from journals and previous research. The results of this research show that the implementation of the KIA policy at the Population and Civil Registration Service in Krembangan Utara Subdistrict, Surabaya City is quite good, but there are still many advantages and disadvantages in terms of communication and resources, implementation and bureaucratic structure. Second, facilities and cooperation with third parties are supporting factors for implementing KIA at the Population and Civil Registry Service, Krembangan Utara Subdistrict, Surabaya City. On the other hand, the inhibiting factor is in the community sector.

Trust Framework for Self-Sovereign ID in Metaverse Health Care Applications

The research community and digital sector are currently engaged in the development of diverse services within the metaverse ecosystems. Conversely, as concerns about safeguarding personal privacy mount, individuals anticipate exercising greater authority over the way third parties make use of sensitive information, such as medical data. This study aims to develop tools that can facilitate the provision of healthcare services within the metaverse ecosystem in a safe and trustworthy way. This project proposes a trust framework for digital healthcare applications to run in a metaverse environment. The framework is based on the use of self-sovereign identity (SSI) and has been tested on the design principles outlined for the SSI-based architecture. This study outlines two use-case scenarios that can serve as foundations for implementing a trust framework.

Social prescribing for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers: what works, for whom, under what circumstances and why – protocol for a complex intervention systematic review

IntroductionDementia is a complex medical condition that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and support services. People living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers experience complex needs often exacerbated by...

Book review - COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts, and Adaptation

Book review - COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts, and Adaptation

Collaborative Governance as an Innovative Strategy in Overcoming Stunting in East Flores District

Despite various intervention programs to address stunting in East Flores Regency, the stunting prevalence rate has not yet reached the target of 10% by 2023. One of the challenges is the lack of community and private sector involvement in handling stunting. In fact, stunting intervention is not only the responsibility of the government, but also requires cross-sector collaboration to work together in optimizing the program. This research discusses collaborative governance as an innovative strategy in overcoming stunting in East Flores Regency. The research method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Five health workers and two community development cadres became research informants who were selected purposively. Data analysis used the interactive model of Miles B. Huberman. Data validity was strengthened through triangulation. The results showed that the application of collaborative governance with the penta helix model, namely government, entrepreneurs, academics, civil society, and mass media, is an innovative solution that can be applied in overcoming stunting. The five main stakeholders in the penta helix collaborative governance model can work together synergistically to achieve optimal results in overcoming stunting problems.

Perspectives on community-based system change for people living with persistent pain: insights from developing the "Rethinking Pain service".

In this perspective article we advocate community-based system change for people living with persistent pain. Our view is that greater use of the voluntary and community sector, in partnership with the clinical sector, creates the conditions for a "whole person" approach to pain management, leading to greater personalised care for adults living with long-term pain whilst having the potential to ease some of the pressures on General Practitioners and other clinical services. We advocate pain care that is socially connected, meaningful within socio-cultural contexts and aligned with the principles of salutogenesis. We provide an example of a UK National Health Service (NHS) commissioned pain service called "Rethinking Pain" that operationalises this perspective. Led by the voluntary and community sector, Rethinking Pain works in partnership with the clinical sector to provide a central holistic pathway of care for people experiencing persistent pain. This is the first time that this model of care has been commissioned for persistent pain in this area of England. The Rethinking Pain service is underpinned by core values to work with people to manage their pain holistically. The Rethinking Pain team proactively engage with people in the community, actively approaching and engaging those who experience the biggest health inequalities. In this article we provide an overview of the context of pain services in the UK, the rationale and supporting evidence for community-based system change, and the context, pathway, values, goals, and aspirations of the Rethinking Pain service.

Development of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model: Enhancing Intersectoral Approaches in Tackling Health Inequalities- A Mixed Methods Study Protocol

Public health research presents compelling evidence that health is socially determined. To address structural inequalities and inequities in health, public policies require intersectoral development and implementation. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an established approach for analysing potentially detrimental health impacts of policies, programmes, and projects, as well as potentially positive impacts and opportunities. National public health policy, Healthy Ireland (2013–2025), endorses an intersectoral whole-of-system approach to ensure that health is a central part of all relevant policy areas. HIA is endorsed in this policy as one way to drive this agenda. Synergising with this policy commitment for HIA, the all-island Institute of Public Health Ireland produced revised HIA guidance in 2021. Two HIAs will be carried out as part of this project, including one at a local policy level, addressing the Cork City Development Plan (2022–2028), and the second HIA at a national policy level, addressing the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan (2024). The updated HIA guidance will be used in the conduct of these HIAs. This research project involves a co-creation of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model by employing an action research approach with implementation science frameworks to the conduct of the two HIAs. Therefore, the process of doing the HIAs will form the basis for the research study. In order to enhance meaningful community involvement in HIA in Ireland, the project will co-create a Community Engagement Toolkit for HIA. This Model will strengthen researcher, policy actor, practitioner, community, and voluntary sector capacity to collaboratively develop and implement intersectoral and equitable policy responses to major population health issues.

Participation, agreement and reduced acrimony through family mediation: Benefits for the ambivalent client in a mandatory setting

AbstractIn Australia, it is mandatory for separating couples to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR/mediation) before taking a parenting matter to court. In this context some clients may attend FDR solely as a means of accessing court processes. This article examines key outcomes across a large sample of FDR clients in a community sector organization. Participation, rates of agreement, levels of satisfaction, and levels of acrimony are assessed for the sample as a whole and for a subgroup of those indicating their intention to proceed to court. Strong rates of participation, agreement, and satisfaction are reported for the full sample, and significant reductions in acrimony are evident among those who reached agreement in FDR. We find that those who indicate ambivalence to negotiating parenting matters in FDR nevertheless derive benefit from participation in terms of reduced acrimony, satisfaction with the process, and reaching some level of agreement.

ANALISA FAKTOR INDIVIDU TERHADAP PENYEBAB KEMISKINAN EKSTRIM DI KABUPATEN TANGERANG

This research was conducted with the main aim of examining individual factors that contribute to extreme poverty in the Tangerang Regency, especially in 12 villages located across four district regions: Pakuhaji District, Rajeg District, Solear District, and Sindang Jaya District. By gaining a deeper understanding of the factors driving extreme poverty, it's hoped that poverty alleviation efforts in this area can be more effective and targeted. The research utilized a qualitative descriptive method as the primary approach. Findings indicate that individual factors, particularly in education and employment aspects, significantly contribute to extreme poverty in this region. Analysis reveals that the majority of the population in these 12 villages have low educational attainment, with most having only completed primary or lower secondary education. Additionally, livelihoods are predominantly in the agricultural sector, manual labor, odd jobs, and other informal occupations, showcasing limited job options available. Possible steps to address this include raising awareness about the importance of education through community and private sector participation, enhancing the knowledge and skills of the workforce, improving educational infrastructure, providing job training and internships within local companies, creating new labor-intensive job opportunities, boosting economic infrastructure, and improving access to financing while providing support for community-driven initiatives

Addressing ethical issues in outdoor health practice: a scoping review

The Australian Outdoor Health (OH) sector provides diverse practices that support an interconnected human and ecological approach to health and wellbeing. There is an urgent need for the OH sector to develop a comprehensive ethical practice framework, to enable professional recognition and other initiatives to progress. This would bring the sector in line with similar health and wellbeing occupations including social work, psychology, and counselling that have established professional recognition. A key feature of professional recognition is the acceptance of a Code of Ethics or Ethical Framework to guide practice and enhance standing in the field. This scoping review of the literature is undertaken to aid in developing an OH ethical practice framework. Findings suggest the framework should incorporate two overarching themes of beneficence and nonmaleficence, and contain six guiding principles: diversity, equity, advocacy, justice, accountability, and competence. We discuss these findings, situate them within broader OH community and health sector discourses, and make recommendations for establishing an Australian ethical practice framework to assist the move towards professional recognition and drive ethical OH practice.

Action priorities to facilitate planning of the transition to adulthood of young people with profound intellectual disability

Objectives It is essential for parents and professionals to be engaged in identifying and developing solutions that facilitate the transition to adulthood of young people with profound intellectual disability. However, most of them are dissatisfied in various ways with the current services available. To date, there is a paucity of literature guiding the development of solutions to meet the needs of young people with profound intellectual disability, their parents and their professionals. This study aimed to understand actions priorities to facilitate transition planning for young people with profound intellectual disability according to parents and professionals. Methods Parents and professionals from the education, health and community sectors participated in a three-stage prioritization process. Results The multistage methodological process for obtaining the viewpoints of parents and professionals involved in the planning of the transition to adulthood appear to be a relevant and realistic method. Both parents and professionals prioritized solutions in the informational and material support categories. They identified the creation of a transition guide and support for the development of meaningful activities for individuals with profound intellectual disability as the most feasible and important solutions. Both also highlighted the need to increase the number of places in day activity centres and to have a one-stop-shop for both information and guidance from a single actor during transition process. Conclusions Parents and professionals had similar action priorities, which pointed to the most interesting ways forward to develop in future studies of the transition to adulthood of young people with profound intellectual disability.

COVID-19 and Christian Faith-Based Organizations in Great Britain: A Research and Resource Review of Organizational, Financial and Human Contributions and Impacts in the Context of a Wider “Christian Ecology”

The COVID-19 pandemic presented what, on both global and national levels, has arguably so far been the most extensive health, economic and social challenge of the 21st century. Responding to this challenge, it soon became clear that, while having a vital role in the contextual provision of necessary services, public authorities also needed to engage with organizations in the voluntary, community sector, including Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs). This article presents and discusses and analyzes a digest of research and resource evidence from the beginning of 2020–to the end of 2023 concerning the organizational, financial and human contributions of and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on, in particular, Christian FBOs in Great Britain. It goes on to analyze these contributions and impacts within the analytical framework of what it calls a wider “Christian ecology” as the context within which such FBOs live, to which they contribute, and, as argued by this review, apart from which they cannot be properly understood. Finally, in exploring some of the lessons to be learned from the evidence and analysis presented, the article identifies and considers some key opportunities and issues that arise at the interface between the work of (especially, but not only, Christian) FBOs and the structures and processes of the governmental powers-that-be.