Interview Experience Research Articles

Patient perspectives on low back pain treatment in primary care: a qualitative study of hopes, expectations, and experiences

BackgroundPatients’ hopes and expectations for low back pain treatment influence their consultation experiences and treatment outcomes. These hopes and expectations may evolve over time, potentially leading to a shift in what patients consider important before and after a consultation. Understanding the distinction between hopes and expectations, and how they evolve is important for improving patient care. This study explored patients’ hopes and expectations prior to LBP consultations and examined how these were reflected in their post-consultation experiences.MethodsWe employed a qualitative design consisting of individual semi-structured pre- and post-consultation interviews with patients seeking care for low back pain from general practitioners, physiotherapists, and chiropractors in Denmark. A convenience sample of 18 patients (10 females and 8 males) aged between 28 and 79 years were interviewed about their hopes and expectations before a consultation and their experiences immediately following the consultation. Data were analysed employing Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsTwo themes with five subthemes were developed: (1) “Something needs to be done,” which included subthemes related to life disruption, expectations of clinical assessment, and the clinicians as experts; and (2) “Experiences and emotional responses to the interaction with the clinician”, highlighting the importance of trust and the personal attributes of clinicians. Patients initially sought urgent help and clarity regarding their condition but shifted their focus post-consultation to the relational dynamics and emotional engagement experienced during interactions with clinicians.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the understanding of how patients’ hopes and expectations regarding low back pain consultations evolve, shifting from a focus on clinical actions and outcomes to valuing interpersonal relationships and emotional support from clinicians. Recognising these shifts can enhance clinician-patient interactions and improve overall patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Challenges in AI Implementation: Perspectives from Practice and Research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an inevitable topic for organizations across various sectors and sizes, offering promising applications as technological accessibility continues to expand. Despite its potential, practical implementation of AI-based Systems remains difficult with particular challenges tied to specific organizational contexts. Often companies invest heavily in AI development but encounter problems such as failure to achieve market readiness of the prototype or the systems struggling to deliver expected benefits. These setbacks often stem from flawed implementation strategies, excessive reliance on technology, or inadequate integration into existing organizational frameworks. Therefore, this paper addresses these challenges encountered at different phases of AI implementation projects. To this end, we initially conduct a Rapid Structured Literature Review (Armitage and Keeble-Allen, 2008), examining the literature on AI implementation cases and associated scholarly reviews. Extending the initial analysis, we experiment with AI driven document analysis as a means to integrate findings of a greater amount of publications into the review. The literature review is subsequently complemented by insights from our own consultancy experiences from the field of AI consultancy. The paper gives an overview of the most salient challenges in AI implementation projects and points out some approaches to mitigate those challenges. From a methodological standpoint it shows that AI driven reviews can yield similar results as conventional reviews, but may lack some explanatory depth. We find that a combination of manual and automated approaches tends to be the most effective strategy.

Experiences, impacts, and requirements of synchronous video consultations between nurses, allied health professionals, psychological therapists, and adult service-users: A review of the literature.

Telemedicine is increasingly used within healthcare worldwide. More is known about its efficacy in treating different conditions and its application to different contexts than about service-users' and practitioners' experiences or how best to support implementation. To review adult service-users' experiences of synchronous video consultations with nurses, allied health professionals and psychological therapists, find out how consultations impact different groups of service-users and identify requirements for their conduct at individual, organisational, regional, and national levels. CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO Scopus were searched for papers published between 01/01/2018 and 19/03/2021. One reviewer independently reviewed citations and a second reviewed those excluded by the first, in a liberal accelerated approach. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and data were synthesised narratively. 65 papers were included. Service-users' experiences of video consultations ranged from feelings of connection to disconnection and ease of access to challenges to access. Many were excluded from video consultation services or research, for example because of lack of access to technology. Individual service-users required clear orientation and ongoing technical support, whereas staff needed support to develop technical and online-relational skills. At organisational levels, technology needed to be made available to users through equipment loan or service models such as hub-and-spoke; services required careful planning and integration within organisational systems; and security needed to be assured. Regional and national requirements related to interorganisational cooperation and developing functionality. To support safe and equitable video consultation provision, we recommend: (1) providers and researchers consider how to maximise participation, for example through inclusive consent processes and eligibility criteria; (2) sharing video consultation user guides and technical support documentation; and (3) continuing professional development for practitioners, focusing on the technical and relational skills that service-users value, such as the ability to convey empathy online.

Interviewing Asylum-Seeking Children: A Scoping Review of Research to Inform Best Practices.

Immigration interviews with asylum-seeking youth have been largely understudied. In domestic legal settings, children interviewed about abuse and maltreatment provide more detailed, relevant responses when asked open-ended questions and when interviewed in a neutral environment, among other supportive practices. In asylum settings, guidance for interviews with youth derives from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is not clear to what extent best practices are employed during asylum interviews with youth. This scoping review was performed to (a) provide an overview of empirical literature on interviews with children in immigration settings, including border screenings, interviews with representatives, and asylum hearings, (b) explore whether best practices derived from forensic psychology and children's rights are observed in asylum interviews, (c) identify unique interview needs of asylum-seeking youth, and (d) derive implications for research and practice. A scoping review of three databases conducted in October 2023 yielded titles, of which 29 articles met inclusion criteria. These comprised quantitative and qualitative studies in English from 2003 to 2023. Three articles identified were quantitative, and 26 were qualitative. While several articles touched on interview practices and youth's experiences of interviews, only a few examined how asylum-seeking youth responded to different interview factors such as question type and interview setting. Key findings highlight inconsistent application of best practice principles, and several areas where best practices to support asylum-seeking children require clarification through further research.

To Answer or to Refuse? Investigating the Effect of Refusal to Answer Privacy‐Invasive Question on Applicants' Perceived Hireability

ABSTRACTJob applicants often find themselves stuck in a dilemma when asked about their private information during interviews. In line with the consensus of both the privacy literature and conventional wisdom, applicants tend to answer such questions as they worry about the negative effects of rejection and are motivated to enhance their employment opportunities. In this research, we challenge this belief. Drawing on person–environment fit theory, we argue that for privacy‐sensitive jobs, interviewers tend to perceive applicants as having a higher level of person–job fit if they refuse to answer privacy‐related questions. We test these propositions with three experiments among experienced interviewers from the United States (Study 1) and China (Studies 2 and 3). Across all three studies, we find that when applying for jobs with high privacy concerns, applicants are perceived to match such jobs better if they refuse to answer privacy‐invasive questions. We discuss the implications of these results for privacy in the selection process.

The barriers and facilitators of improving energy availability amongst females clinically diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a serious clinical condition. However, there is little research in athletes with a clinical diagnosis and limited evidence on the recovery of REDs. This is a cross-sectional retrospective study whereby 55 (25.62±6.33 years) female patients with a prior diagnosis of REDs by an experienced medical specialist participated in an online questionnaire designed to capture their experience of a sports dietitian consultation and subsequent implementation of a personalized energy availability (EA) plan. A 31% increase (N.=4 vs. N.=16, P=0.002) in normal menstruation, a 22% reduction (N.=39 vs. N.=27, P=0.032) in gastrointestinal symptoms, and a 94% reduction (N.=16 to N.=1) in a very poor/poor appetite were reported following the consultation and plan implementation. Required energy intake (EI) was under-estimated by 93% of participants. Intake pre-exercise was implemented most frequently (69%, N.=38), and least likely to elicit feelings of stress and anxiety (69%, N.=38). Weight gain/shape change was the most frequently reported barrier to implementation (62%, N.=34). Eating to a planned regime (35%, N.=19) and following a timing of intake (33%, N.=18) gave the most confidence. Providing an athlete with an education of their current and required EA, alongside an illustrated personalized EI plan structured around exercise, may provide the "lightbulb" moment needed to overcome the associated anxiety when increasing their EI when recovering from REDs.

Perform “like a king”: Novel learning strategies to optimise music students’ concert stage mastery

The role of tertiary music performance education is to prepare students for professional performance. Professional performers demonstrate stage mastery, and their concert preparation transcends the score to equip them for the concert stage. Music educators must translate professionals’ insights into performance education. This study developed, trialled and evaluated two learning modules for performance students, based on expert strategies. In Module 1, students engaged in a backstage immersion task. In Module 2, students roleplayed as expert performers and audience members. Participants reflected on their experiences in interviews. Workshops and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically. Students analysed the concert environment critically and observed their performance mindset. Emulating expert performers prompted compelling stage presence and students observed the effects of stagecraft on audiences. Peer-to-peer learning facilitated critical reflection on professional practice and students resolved to apply these skills to concert preparation. Future studies will develop these tools for pedagogues and students.

Enabling Impacts: Building a Broader Impacts Community of Practice at a Land-Grant University

The Broader Impacts (BI) activities required of researchers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) often involve public engagement, including K-12 outreach, informal science education, public exhibits and performances, advocacy and policy change, and business and entrepreneurship. The ARIS Broader Impacts Toolkit (Advancing Research Impacts in Society, 2024) is an online resource designed to help researchers develop BI plans for their NSF proposals. Several elements of the Toolkit address critical aspects of public engagement, making the Toolkit a valuable resource for researchers new to BI or public engagement, especially when integrated into wider BI communities of practice. We discuss how the national-level BI Community of Practice (BI-CoP) developed and sustained by the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impacts in Society (ARIS) contributed to the development and continuing evolution of an institutional-level BI CoP at a large land-grant public university. The personal narratives of members of the institutional-level BI-CoP reveal how the ARIS BI-CoP has supported their learning, fostered collaboration around BI at their institution, supported the development of an institutional BI-CoP, and increased their capacity to assist researchers with developing and implementing BI plans. The experiences of consultants and researchers demonstrate that supportive and well-resourced BI-CoPs at the national and institutional level are essential for making effective use of the Toolkit and developing BI plans that are innovative, inclusive, and impactful.

A service evaluation of patient and clinician experience of video consultations in a specialist outpatient neurorehabilitation service

IntroductionThere has been a rapid adoption of telerehabilitation services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with minimal guidance or evaluation of benefit. This survey explores experiences of video consultations in a specialist outpatient neurorehabilitation service. MethodsDigital surveys were designed to evaluate experience of Attend Anywhere. Anyone could answer the survey after attending a video consultation. Setting and participantsPatients and doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists from a specialist outpatient neurorehabilitation service, between January and November 2020. ResultsA total of 637 surveys were analysed. 74.6% of clinicians and 46.4% of patients indicated that video consultations were effective (X2=158.6, p < 0.001). Physiotherapists indicated that video consultation was not as effective as face to face (30.6%, X2=12.5, p = 0.052). Over 95% of clinicians and patients reported that they would use the video consultation system again X2=5.8, p < 0.016. ConclusionsVideo consultation offers potential for improving access to healthcare for patients with complex neurological conditions.

Behavioural intentions towards use of digital video consultations in primary care: a survey study on physicians’, nurses’ and psychologists’ perceptions in Swedish primary care

ObjectivesThe study aimed to describe the experiences of physicians, nurses and psychologists employed in primary care in using digital video consultations. The second objective was to study the association between...

Trust and confidence in telehealth-delivered services: a nation-wide cross-sectional study

Sustaining telehealth uptake hinges on people’s desire and ability to effectively engage with it. We explored trust and confidence in telehealth delivered by medical and allied health using cross-sectional survey of 1,116 Australians. Descriptive analysis presented factors that would improve trust and confidence in telehealth cross-tabulated with video consultation experience. Inferential statistics compared levels of trust in medical and allied health telehealth with user-related variables. Trust in medical telehealth was higher than in allied health, but practice with video calls, experience with high-quality telehealth, and good internet were associated with greater levels of trust in both groups. Telehealth with a known health professional and no additional costs were top-ranked factors to improve trust and confidence. Participants confident in troubleshooting trusted telehealth more. This first cross-sectional study on trust and confidence in telehealth suggests that digital upskilling and promoting quality video consultations can potentially enhance telehealth adoption.

The Adoption and Applications of Earth Observations and Allied Geoinformation Systems for Environmental Management in Ghana

Earth Observations (EOs) and allied technologies were initially adopted and applied to inform sustainable environmental resource management in Ghana. This paper examines the initial adoption of EOs in the early 1990s and subsequent applications. It highlights the transformative potentials of EO technologies in addressing critical environmental issues while also identifying barriers to their widespread adoption and options for optimal up-scaling. Literature review, in-depth interview, and personal experiences of the author were analyzed. The initial optimism bias generated may have masked the need for establishing the necessary sustainability arrangements. The adoption of EOs was driven by the need to generate data to inform natural and environmental resource management in the mid-1990s. Initially, EOs facilities were established in public organizations, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey Department, and the University of Ghana. Since then, EOs have been applied in various sectors for research and environmental resource management. Granted, there have been successes. Yet, challenges undermine the optimization and scaling-up of actual benefits. These include the misconceived technocentric view of EOs, which is a restricted domain for the technically initiated and map-making tool. Others, such as unfavourable organizational processes, unsustainable funding, and limitations in research and applications, have adversely contributed to suboptimal outcomes. Suboptimal institutionalization of EOs into management decisions has constrained EOs infrastructure acquisition, maintenance and data procurement. To sustainably enhance EOs applications in resource management, research, and governance, a shift from present misconceptions for effective mainstreaming and a leveraging of EOs as integral parts of decision-making processes are prerequisites. Decision-makers and management personnel should be educated on the relevance of EOs’ functionalities to the core strategies of environmental management.

Touching Technology-Parents' Experiences of Remote Consultations for Children With Severe Congenital Cardiac Conditions: Quasi-Experimental Cohort Study.

Remote consultations (RCs) using videoconferencing was recommended by the General Medical Council as the method for clinicians to provide patient consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitating this while providing high-quality care depends on the usability and acceptability of the technology. This project aimed to investigate parents' experiences of using videoconferencing technology for real-time RCs with children who had congenital heart defects during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This study's design was quasi-experimental and was underpinned by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model that seeks to explain and predict an individual's intention to use a technology. Parents were informed of this study by the medical team, posters were made available in the wards and clinics, and leaflets were left for browsing. Clinician screening of potential participants led to the identification of 33 children and parents who were enrolled on this study. The intervention was a web-based RC by medical staff using a secure, interactive videoconferencing platform (Pexip). Each child and their mother or father received 8 RCs with the same specialist doctor or nurse. Measurements were taken using web-based questionnaires pre and post consultation at the first, middle, and last events; questions were focused on the acceptability, usability, and clinical applicability of RCs. Parents' experiences were explored using recorded interviews and analyzed thematically. In total, 29 children aged 4-1052 (mean 95, SD 191.14) days completed the project, receiving a total of 189 RCs as part of their routine care. Parents' prior experience of consultation via videoconference was low; however, as time progressed, their use and acceptance of the technology increased. The intervention was warmly received by all parents who found the face-to-face component particularly useful for discussion with their child's medical team. Furthermore, parents noted the savings on time, money, and childcare. While in-person consultations are considered the gold standard of patient care, increasing pressures on health services and staff reduce availability. Given the ease of access and additional benefits experienced by parents and their children, it is proposed that hybrid models of consultation and care provision are equal, if not superior, to in-person consultations in the management of children with severe congenital heart defects while reducing costs and pressure on the health service and parents.

Remote monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (REMORA): study protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial and process evaluation of an integrated symptom tracking intervention

BackgroundManagement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relies on symptoms reported by patients during infrequent outpatient clinic visits. These reports are often incomplete and inaccurate due to poor recall, leading to suboptimal treatment decisions and outcomes. Asking people to track symptoms in-between visits and integrating the data into clinical pathways may improve this. However, knowledge on how to implement this into practice and its impact on services and outcomes remains scarce in RA. Therefore, we evaluate the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of integrated symptom tracking in people with RA over and above usual care, while generating insights on factors for successful implementation.MethodsIn this superiority stepped wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial with continuous recruitment short exposure design, 16 rheumatology outpatient departments (clusters) recruit a total of 732 people with active RA. They initially offer clinic visits according to standard of care before switching in pairs to visits with integrated symptom tracking. Clusters switch in randomized order every 3 weeks. Integrated symptom tracking consists of (1) a mobile app for patients to track their symptoms daily and other RA aspects weekly/monthly, and (2) an interactive dashboard visualizing the app data, which healthcare professionals access from their electronic health record system. Clinic visits happen according to usual practice, with tracked symptom data only reviewed during visits. Our primary outcome is a difference in marginal mean disease activity score at 12 ± 3 months between standard of care and integrated symptom tracking, after accounting for baseline values, cluster, and other covariates. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported disease activity, quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years, medication/resource use, consultation and decision-making experience, self-management, and illness perception. We also conduct interviews and observations as part of a parallel process evaluation to gather information on implementation.DiscussionOur trial will generate high-quality evidence of comparative and cost-effectiveness of integrated symptom tracking compared to standard of care in people with RA, with our process evaluation delivering knowledge on successful implementation. This optimizes the chances of integrated symptom tracking being adopted more widely if we find it is (cost-) effective.Trial registrationRegistered 4-Jun-2024 on https://www.isrctn.com/, ISRCTN51539448.Trial open science framework repositoryhttps://osf.io/sj9ha/.

“Hi. I’m Molly, Your Virtual Interviewer!” Exploring the Impact of Race and Gender in AI-Powered Virtual Interview Experiences

The persistent issue of human bias in recruitment processes poses a formidable challenge to achieving equitable hiring practices, particularly when influenced by demographic characteristics such as gender and race of both interviewers and candidates. Asynchronous Video Interviews (AVIs), powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), have emerged as innovative tools aimed at streamlining the application screening process while potentially mitigating the impact of such biases. These AI-driven platforms present an opportunity to customize the demographic features of virtual interviewers to align with diverse applicant preferences, promising a more objective and fair evaluation. Despite their growing adoption, the implications of virtual interviewer identities on candidate experiences within AVIs remain underexplored. We aim to address this research and empirical gap in this paper. To this end, we carried out a comprehensive between-subjects study involving 218 participants across six distinct experimental conditions, manipulating the gender and skin color of an AI virtual interviewer agent. Our empirical analysis revealed that while the demographic attributes of the agents did not significantly influence the overall experience of interviewees, variations in the interviewees' demographics, significantly altered their perception of the AVI process. Further, we uncovered that the mediating roles of Social Presence and Perception of the virtual interviewer critically affect interviewees' Perceptions of Fairness (+), Privacy (-), and Impression management (+).

Methodology for selecting potential CO2 sinks in Macaronesia: The case of Gran Canaria

Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. One of the several ways to mitigate CO2 emissions is through afforestation, which prevents catastrophic environmental consequences. The mean average emission per tourist in the Canary Islands on their way to the islands is 0.48 Tn. Like most urban cities, the island of Gran Canaria faces the problem of CO2 emissions due to anthropogenic and human activities. Vegetation coverage significantly influences the distribution of temperature. The correlation between Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of Gran Canaria, using satellite images from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2, revealed a strong inverse relationship within all land use types, with an R2 value of 0.39. Land suitability analysis is a prerequisite for optimum utilization of available land resources. This study developed a suitability map for afforestation based on land use land cover, topographic, meteorologic, and socio-economic factors. Eight factors, including distance from settlements, land use, distance from the road, distance from water, elevation, slope, precipitation, and temperature, were employed according to previous studies, expert consultation, and land suitability mapping experience. After the criteria decision and data acquisition, maps of each criterion were created and transformed using the Suitability Modeler of ArcGIS Pro. The current study results show that 87% of the total area is suitable for afforestation and reforestation projects in Gran Canaria. Instead of using reactive methods to lessen the effects, the study recommends a proactive approach to climate adaptation through nature-based solutions. The study is part of an umbrella project of the Canary Islands and Spain in general, which considers the contributions of local and institutional stakeholders at different stages of the project. The next stage will be to design a forest afforestation and reforestation project, considering the kind of tree species needed, the methods required to implement it, and the management guidelines about the initial years of installation and growth of the new trees. The most crucial technical choice is which forest species to choose, as it will determine the success of the reforestation effort. The new revegetated space's ability to sequester carbon dioxide will primarily rely on the productivity of the land used for forest reforestation, the species chosen, and the introduced planting density.

'So Let's Go On Like This?'-Shared Decision-Making and the Use of Outcome Information in Routine Care Management for People With Multiple Sclerosis.

This study aimed to investigate how shared decision-making (SDM) and the use of different types of outcome information are applied in routine care management for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in an academic outpatient clinic. This qualitative study used the following: (a) observations of clinical encounters (N = 23) between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), (b) interviews with those patients (N = 17)and (c) interviews with those HCPs (N = 7). HCPs were not trained in SDM before the study. Audio recordings were transcribed literally. Transcriptions were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Outcome information was hardly discussed with patients, apart from clinical outcome information at an individual level, such as MRI or lab results. This use of clinical outcome information did not automatically lead to a process of SDM. HCPs tended to implicitly present choices to patientsafter signalling and discussing 'problems'. In the interviews, patients indicated that they tended to consent to the advice given by HCPs and to prefer not too much change in treatment plans. However, they also emphasized the importance of being informed about available options with benefits and harms. We observed multiple discussions about patients'preferences, especially related to patients'experiences and priorities. Overall, SDM and the use of different types of outcome information did not seem to be enacted in routine care management for people with MS, mostly because choices werenot explicitly mentioned or discussed. However, discussions about patients'experiences and priorities did take place. Training HCPs further and developing patient information seem reasonable steps to proceed. People with MS contributed as research participantsand provided us with their experiences in interviews. Furthermore, representatives of two patient organizations contributed to the study by reviewing the interview protocol for people with MS.

Content and timing of the 6-8 week maternal postnatal check: a mixed methods study.

Since 2020, the General Medical Services contract requires GP practices in England to offer women a GP appointment 6-8 weeks after birth: the '6-8 week postnatal check' or 'consultation'. Historically, provision of checks was variable, and women still frequently report poor experiences. To explore GPs' and women's perspectives of the 6-8 week postnatal check, including key components and timing. Mixed methods study: focus groups of GPs and women, and an online survey of GPs in England. Focus groups explored GPs' and women's experiences of postnatal consultations. An online survey explored GPs' clinical approach, organisation, and improvement potential. Quantitative analysis examined associations between demographics and clinical approach. Thematic framework analysis was used for qualitative data. 18 women and 14 GPs participated in focus groups. 671 GPs completed the survey. Mental wellbeing and contraception were reported as important topics, although some women were not asked about mental health. GP survey responses indicated most recommendations from national guidance were 'always' or 'very often' covered by most, but not all GPs. Clinical coverage was higher for GPs who used clinical templates, had awareness of guidance, were female or a parent. Many GPs (n=326, 49%) needed more time than was allocated for the consultation: (n=524, 78% allocated<15 minutes; n=351, 52% completed in<15 minutes). This study suggests GPs are allocated insufficient time for postnatal consultations, with substantial variation in practice. Specifying consultation duration and consideration of template usage in policy may improve care and outcomes for women.

Preparing for Virtual Interviews: A Pilot Study to Understand the Needs of Interviewees.

Virtual interviews play a crucial role in the ranking process. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data shows a median number of 23.5 interviews per applicant. Considering this volume of interviews, graduate medical education programs must leverage the virtual pre-interview materials to impact applicants' attitudes and perceptions of the interview beforehand. This study is a secondary data analysis of an anonymous cross-sectional survey collected during two orientation sessions held in June and July 2022. Responses from 123 residents and fellows rated the usefulness of available print and virtual pre-interview resources. Using a 5-point Likert scale, social media sites scored an average usefulness score of 4.0, while the information packet and program website scored 3.88 and 3.90, respectively. This article provides recommendations for restructuring virtual resources to aid residents and fellows, specifically under-represented minorities in medicine (UiM) applicants, in having a quality interview experience.

The usability of a wireless vocal fold vibration switch for individuals with complex communication needs: a caregiver-inclusive iterative home-based evaluation

Purpose: A vocal fold vibration switch is a type of access technology that detects voluntary vibrations of the vocal cords. In two sequential usability studies, we evaluated successive prototypes of a novel wireless vocal fold vibration switch. Methods: Each usability study enroled 7 dyads consisting of individuals with complex communication needs and their caregivers. Each study entailed a 2-week period of independent home use flanked by initial and final usability tests. Each usability test comprised nine tasks including donning and configuration of the switch, connecting it to other devices, and actual activation of the switch. Perceived task difficulty was measured via nine 21-point scales, while caregiver impressions were captured through open-ended questions, both encapsulated within a usability questionnaire. Caregivers described their experience in an open-ended interview in the second usability study. Results: Perceived task difficulty was uniformly low with both prototypes. The vast majority of tasks could be completed either independently or with hints. A small number of contraindications for use were identified with the second prototype, which included episodes of dystonia and heavy breathing, and some aspects of the physical design and robustness were flagged as needing further improvement. Conclusions: The overall qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly positive with caregivers generally desiring to keep and eager to recommend the device to others. Additionally, caregivers expressed that the vocal fold vibration switch expanded the switch user’s capabilities, and they foresaw applications beyond the study setting. Overall, our findings suggest that the wireless vocal fold vibration switch is useable in the home setting.