Discussion Groups Research Articles

An interpretative phenomenological study on nurses’ perceived affective wellbeing at work

Nurses face increasingly complex and challenging workloads, exacerbated by high rates of absenteeism, mental health issues, and low morale, all of which significantly impact patient care. This study focuses on exploring nurses’ perceived affective wellbeing, perceived workload burden, and the current working conditions they face. The objective was to understand nurses’ perspectives on affective wellbeing, self-care, and work-life balance. We utilized an interpretative phenomenological approach to design the data collection and management for this study. Through open dialogue, we explored the notion of wellbeing at work with nurses of varying levels of work experience, from fairly novice to expert practitioners who have worked for decades in their fields. The broader responsibilities of nurses of nurses within the National Health Service (NHS) were also examined. Two experts in interpretative phenomenological analysis led the discussion in three different groups, which each consisted of nurses with similar years of work experience, averaging 13 years. Thirty-eight registered nurses volunteered to participate in these discussion groups, with participants recruited from postgraduate courses and representing both acute and community care settings in regional hospitals. Nurses shared insights into what makes nursing a rewarding job but also acknowledged the significant challenges they face. Discussions highlight the stressful and traumatic circumstances nurses often encounter, particularly noting a lack of collegiality among nurses at all levels, limited career aspirations, inadequate support with workloads, and the emotional distress experienced in daily work life. Nurses described their jobs as exhausting and draining, leading to physical and emotional fatigue, detachment, and isolation. These findings hold relevance within the current landscape of nurse and resource shortages in the NHS. Of note, this study identified deeper concerns within the nursing workforce, including emotional dissonance, role dissonance, and disengagement.

Innovation in Local Digital Media: The Case of Sevilla Directo

Introduction: The journalistic company is immersed in a process of permanent transformation to overcome a crisis context. In this scenario, marked by disruptive changes in technology and in the behaviour of audiences and advertisers, a communication ecosystem emerges that facilitates the emergence of new media. Community social media, data journalism, and specialisation are some of the characteristics present in these business models. The objective of this research is to identify and understand the role of innovation in media adaptation to the current communication paradigm. Methodology: The case study will be used. For this, we will analyse a digital native medium in a city of approximately 700,000 inhabitants, Sevilla Directo. The techniques of information collection have been observation, analysis of websites, in-depth interviews, a discussion group between journalists, and reports and databases of the sector. Results and discussion: The results show that technological advances and the reach of social networks are fundamental for the growth of local media. However, it is observed that adaptive changes predominate with little disruption and little concern for R&D&I. The organisation under study lacks a business model that guarantees its long-term sustainability and bases its subsistence on traditional income routes. At the same time, social capital stands as a key element in financing.

Analyzing the Evolution of Uganda’s Decentralization System: Learning from Past Experiences

Decentralized systems have often been associated with effective and inherent opportunities that promote citizen involvement and improve efficiency in the delivery of local services. This paper presents findings from a study carried out among local government practioners in Uganda that aimed at analysing the evolution of the decentralization system and identifying lessons from its past experiences. Three discussion groups of public officials were organised in the Central, East and Northern Districts of the country and tasked to give account for the decentralisation policy as it evolved in the last twenty-five years. The methodology was qualitative and participants gave their own accounts based on experience as practioners in the system. Findings revealed that the ambitious system that was aimed at giving full transfer of political and administrative powers to local communities had fallen short of its expectations and instead met far-reaching shortcomings and challenges. These included diminished local accountability, insufficient human and financial resources, corruption, patronage, and eventual recall by the central government of some of the transferred functions all of which have restricted the implementation of decentralised reforms and putting participation and efficiency in service delivery at stake. The paper recommends a redefinition of the objectives of the decentralisation policy and embracing the lessons learn in the past implementation process.

Conditions for higher education study: the perspectives of prospective students from rural areas

ABSTRACT Background Access to higher education in rural areas has been a recurring theme of debates and government inquiries in many countries in recent decades. Previous research is relatively unequivocal regarding the importance of higher education for regional or national development, identifying the local presence of highly educated individuals in a municipality as crucial for its prosperity and development. Purpose This study aims to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge regarding linguistic discursive representations by rurally located prospective university students in Sweden, of the conditions for further study at university level. Method A total of 23 qualitative interviews and/or discussion groups were held with 34 prospective university students in three rural municipalities in Sweden. Data were collected and analysed to answer the research question: How do prospective university students in rural areas describe the conditions for further study at the university level? Findings Prospective university students created and reproduced a series of linguistic representations in two discursive categories: (1) proximity/distance to study; and (2) education offerings. In the first category, narratives related to the physical distance to study; commuting by public transport or private car; and moving to the home city of a higher education institution. In the second category, narratives focused around the importance of location; remote learning; and doubts about pursuing higher education and/or making the right choice. Conclusion Linguistic representations in both categories were tense, balancing depictions of conflict and consensus. This balancing act represents a linguistic means of creating and re-creating cohesion, involvement, integration, participation, unity, and normality in the discourse and can be interpreted as a form of social pedagogical recognition that is important for the individual’s success in the context that the narratives reflect.

Development of Waqf from an Islamic Perspective through the Land Professional Society of Malaysia in an Effort to Increase Waqf Literacy

Partners for this International Community Service activity are the Malaysian Land Professional Association (PERTAMA) community and also lecturers from various universities in Malaysia and Indonesia. The partners' problems are: 1) Community waqf literacy still needs to be improved, 2) Community participation in waqf still needs to improve, 3) The use of social media to disseminate information about waqf development still needs to be improved, and 4) Cooperation between institutions related to efforts to increase waqf literacy still needs to be improved. Based on these three problems, the solutions included: 1) Efforts to increase waqf literacy through discussions on waqf development, 2) Carrying out seminars on increasing community participation, especially in this activity, namely community members and lecturers, 3) Promote social media to disseminate waqf information and increase waqf literacy, and 4) Collaborating with PERTAMA to convey the waqf literacy message. A qualitative approach was used for data collection using the discussion group forum method. After the implementation of the activities, several changes occurred as follows: 1) The participants know the importance of developing waqf and the law regarding waqf, 2) The participants know about various training programs for waqf development, 3) Participants can understand how to use multiple social media to support increasing waqf literacy, and 4) Establishing collaboration/partnerships with PERTAMA communities to support the Zakat literacy program. This international community service activity successfully supported efforts to increase waqf literacy for academics from various universities and PERTAMA members in Malaysia.

Perceptions of the mouthguard in basketball, rugby, and soccer players. Qualitative study at a public university in Colombia

Background/aimOrofacial and dental injuries in athletes, both amateur and professional, are highly prevalent. Mouthguards are devices to prevent this type of injury; however, athletes believe that the mouthguard limits their performance in the game and decreases their confidence. This study analyzed the perception that some basketball, rugby and soccer players from a public university in Colombia have about the use of mouthguards.Material and MethodsComprehensive qualitative study with ethnographic approach. Twenty-nine players participated. Three data collection tools were used: semi-structured interviews, field diary and discussion groups. Content analysis was carried out using a categorical matrix and triangulation of sources.ResultsParticipants perceive the mouthguard as a device to prevent orofacial and dental injuries, but unattractive to wear during competitions. Factors that determine the use or non-use of the mouthguard are player comfort and adaptability, communication and economic cost.ConclusionsPlayers’ perception of mouthguards in soccer, basketball and rugby is multifactorial, and is mediated by the idea of contact risk during sports practice, prevention of orofacial injuries, influence on sports performance, comfort and adaptability to the mouthguard.

Equitable Access to Genomic Molecular Testing for Australian Cancer Patients: Insights from the Victorian Precision Oncology Summit.

The Victorian Precision Oncology Summit, convened in 2023, was a joint initiative between the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) and the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) and was proposed to guide a coordinated state-wide conversation about how the oncology sector can overcome some of the current obstacles in achieving equity of access to clinical cancer genomics for Victorian patients. Themes that emerged from discussion groups at the Summit include standardisation, centralisation, funding, education and communication and insights across those themes are outlined in this manuscript. The event served as a large consultation piece for the development of a broader precision oncology roadmap, which explores equitable access to molecular testing for Victorian patients, currently in development by the VCCC Alliance and MPCCC in collaboration with other key Victorian and national stakeholders. While this symposium was a Victorian initiative, it is felt that the insights garnered from this consultation piece will be of interest to consumer groups, clinicians, researchers, educators, policy makers and other key stakeholders in other states of Australia as well as in other countries implementing comprehensive genomic profiling within complex health systems.

When critical realism was ‘new' and what came after: an interview with William Outhwaite

ABSTRACT William Outhwaite is well-known as an early proponent of critical realism and for his work on European politics, critical theory and on Jürgen Habermas. In this wide-ranging interview, he discusses his life and career, including how he came to write on subjects that intersected with and developed themes Roy Bhaskar was also working on at the time. This work resulted in three early books, Understanding Social Life, Concept Formation in Social Science and New Philosophies of Social Science, the last of which makes the case for the incorporation of critical theory and hermeneutics into critical realism. He goes on to discuss various issues, including, briefly, his involvement in an early discussion group with Bhaskar, his participation in the Realism and the Human Sciences conferences and how he and Margaret Archer came to edit Andrew Collier’s Festschrift.

Participation profiles in Chilean ECE professional associations and unions: assemblages of agency and professional field orientation

ABSTRACT This article explains how early childhood education (ECE) teachers in Chile participate in ECE teachers’ Professional Associations and Unions (ECEPAUs), building professionalism amid a constraining context composed of an entirely feminized workforce, and educational policies influenced by neoliberalism. Following the Constructivist-Grounded Theory (CGT) abductive approach, this is a single holistic case study with a sample of ECE teachers participating in ECEPAUs. Data collection drew on individual in-depth interviews and discussion groups; the analysis was developed through Constant Comparison coding. Findings show an assemblage of four ECE teachers’ participation profiles in ECEPAUs; each one is shaped by the crossing of two axes: “Agency” and “ECE field.” These profiles are termed Communalist, Representativist, Field-centered, and Child-centered. To conclude, we discuss how these profiles, despite having some trappings of the definitions of professionalism usually described in the literature, do not have a one-to-one correspondence with the latter. This implies that these four profiles show that ECE teachers’ participation in ECEPAUs is not tied to the monolithic approach toward professionalism imposed by standardization and accountability. Optimistically, this loose-connectedness of teachers’ participation among ECEPAUs assembles an alternative ecosystem to navigate the constraining context but also may reflect the fragility of professionalism in the ECE field caused by fragmentation.

Advancing the future of equitable access to health care: recommendations from international health care leaders.

Disparities in access to health care are persistent and contribute to poor health outcomes for many populations around the world. Barriers to access are often similar across countries, despite differences in how health systems are structured. Health care leaders can work to address these barriers through bold, evidence-based actions. The Future of Health (FOH), an international community of senior health leaders, collaborated with the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy to identify priority organizational and policy actions needed to improve equitable access to health care through a consensus-building exercise, a targeted literature review, and an expert discussion group. This paper describes four key action areas for health care leaders that FOH members identified as critical to enabling the future of equitable access to health care: ensuring prioritization of and accountability for equitable access to care; establishing comprehensive, organization-wide strategies to address barriers to access; clearly defining and incentivizing improvement on key measures related to reducing disparities in access; and establishing cross-sector partnerships to improve equitable access.

Identifying Lower Extremity Deformities in the Coronal Plane: Lessons From Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AO Foundation, an orthopedic education organization, had to transition its live education programs to an online format. Skills that were previously evaluated and corrected in person by educators were now assessed through online lectures and discussion groups. Our goal was to evaluate an online course designed to teach the skill of "leg length and coronal deformity measurement" and to assess participants' ability to demonstrate this skill using online software. Methods An IRB-approved study was conducted during an online osteotomy course. A total of 176 participants were instructed on how to measure length and angulation through the course lectures and planning tutorials. The Bonesetter App (Detroit Bonesetter, Detroit, Michigan, USA) was used as the digital planning tool. Participants analyzed four cases of coronal deformity using long-leg standing radiographs. They were required to identify any deformities present, specify the type of deformity, and determine whether it affected the femur, tibia, or joint. Additionally, participants needed to calculate the deformity as part of the osteotomy planning process. Their measurements and drawings were saved and subsequently evaluated by two independent observers. Results Out of 176 online participants, 76% (315 out of 417) correctly completed the four exercises. The most frequent errors occurred in measuring total deformity and joint deformity. The average standard deviation of length measurements was ±0.29 cm (based on 244 measurements), while for angular measurements, it was ±0.71 degrees (based on 688 measurements). The intraclass correlation coefficient was greater than 0.96. Conclusions The online course effectively taught coronal deformity measurement, although participants struggled most with measuring joint angles and total deformity. Future courses should provide more detailed explanations for these measurements.

FRAP 2.0: a community engagement method applied to cervical cancer disparities among Hispanic women

focused Rapid Assessment Process (fRAP) 2.0 is a community engagement approach combining geospatial mapping with rapid qualitative assessment in cyclical fashion within communities to capture multifactorial and multilevel features impacting...

Procedural simulators for teaching and learning vasectomy techniques: a scoping review.

Procedural simulators can facilitate teaching and improve learning vasectomy surgical techniques. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify available vasectomy simulators (scrotal models), and to assess their characteristics and potential suitability for optimal transfer of surgical skills of most recommended techniques in clinical practice. We performed searches up to December 2023 using PubMed and Google search engines to identify existing vasectomy simulators. Articles and Web pages reporting vasectomy simulators were also examined using a snowball strategy. In addition, we asked members of the Vasectomy Network, an international Google discussion group, if they knew any other simulators. Two members of the research team performed the initial evaluations of the physical and functional characteristics of retrieved simulators. All team members made consensus on final evaluations. We retrieved 10 relevant scrotal models through PubMed (n=2), Google (n=4), and the Vasectomy Network (n=4). Three were commercially available simulators produced by Gaumard® in the USA and seven were homemade models. All had limited visual and haptic realism of internal and external structures. Most, however, were suitable for simulating some basic skills of the no-scalpel technique to deliver the vas deferens. Fascial interposition could not be simulated with any model. Commercially available models had no advantage over homemade models. Most vasectomy simulators currently available allow learning some basic surgical skills of the procedure but have limitations for optimal learning of the recommended techniques and skill transfer in clinical practice. There appears to be a need to develop and evaluate new simulators with enhance visual and haptic characteristics for teaching and learning vasectomy techniques.

Uses and Appropriation of Technologies in Initial Teacher Training Centers: A Comparative Study in Uruguay and Chile

Objective. This article aims to compare the use and appropriation of digital technologies (ICT) by faculty in initial teacher training centers in Uruguay and Chile. Methodology. This research employed a mixed, sequential exploratory, quantitative-qualitative approach and data analysis, including two stages: (I) an online questionnaire administered to directors of centers in Uruguay and Chile; (II) interviews and discussion groups with members of selected centers in each country. Results. Results show that Chilean teachers most frequently use laptops, followed by cell phones. In Uruguay, the order is reversed. Concerning the use of ICT for pedagogical or professional development purposes, including videoconferencing, the creation of professional learning communities, and content creation, Chile is better positioned. Nonetheless, because of the pandemic and the adoption of other techniques, Uruguay has begun to increase its use of ICT for pedagogical purposes. Likewise, teachers have been identified both as facilitators of digital inclusion, thanks to their motivation, and as obstacles, due to fears, advanced age, and training. Conclusions. These findings show the relevance to keep intervening at the level of teacher education as a key focus to improve digital inclusion for pedagogical and professional development purposes.

Why did Taiwanese Youth Protest in 2014? Emergence of protests from the Perspective of Mobilization Structures and Shared Grievances

The purpose of the paper is to restudy the reasons for youth activism in Taiwan in 2014, which led to the so-called Sunflower Movement. The study is based on desk research and semi-structured interviews and expert interviews conducted by the authors, and in the framework of the Daybreak Project. Additionally the analysis on the social media posts during the movement was conducted. Data were analyzed through the Bert Klandermans’ model on reasons for collective mobilization. The supply side of mobilization was divided into the role of mobilizing structures and the appeal. The demand side was analyzed through: sociopolitical characteristics of the participants; social embeddedness; shared grievances and shared emotions; group identification. The paper assumes that participation in the protests was a result of mobilizational structures – student discussion groups and the sense that the authorities were violating procedural justice principles – mainly in connection with the processing of the CSSTA.

Application of PowerPoint Media-Assisted Demonstration Method to Improve Learning Outcomes of Islamic Religious Education at Cirebon Maritim Academy

This study examines the extent to which the application of power point assisted by the demonstration method for Islamic religious subjects at the Cirebon Maritime Academy. This research is based on the problem of the rapid development of the technological era in the era of globalization, of course the world of education will be affected, education now must refer to the pattern of 21st century education which focuses on students to think critically and be able to use information technology. Lecturers must be able to properly apply the PowerPoint-assisted demonstration method to Islamic religious subjects. This research uses descriptive qualitative research. The purpose of this study was to find out how the application of the PowerPoint assisted demonstration method was carried out in the eyes of the Islamic religion at the Cirebon Maritime Academy. This research was conducted with the following procedures: data collection, data compaction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. Data collection techniques by observing, interviewing and documentation. The conclusion from this study is that the application of powerpoint assisted by the demonstration method by lecturers can help the student learning process, so that students can receive good learning in class. The results of this study consist of the application and support of PowerPoint-assisted demonstration methods in Islamic religious subjects. At the implementation stage it is quite good, as evidenced by the presence of lecturers who carry out learning using PowerPoint media, lecturers who actively teach using several teaching methods and lecturers who always lead discussion groups. However, the support stage is not yet perfect because the media and facilities on campus are inadequate, such as limited computers on campus, limited projector equipment in class and the current lack of electrical installations or electrical connectors in class.

Analysis of the Design and Curricular Practices in an Educational Re-Engagement Program

<p style="text-align:justify">In this article, which is part of a broader investigation based on the study of the educational and socio-occupational re-engagement processes of young people in vulnerable situations, the curricular design of the vocational training programs (VTP) is described. Further, the curricular practices developed in the classrooms of these programs are analyzed, based, above all, on how the contents are selected, as well as the methodological approaches for their development. The research methodology that was followed responds to the conduct of multiple case studies with the integration of quantitative and qualitative processes. The data collection instruments used for this purpose were questionnaires, interviews, and discussion groups. The conclusions reveal the selection of contents that are relevant, interesting, and close to the reality of the students. The development of these contents is displayed through varied methodological strategies and diverse activities that enhance the students’ involvement and the practical sense of their learning.</p>

The Vision of University Students from the Educational Field in the Integration of ChatGPT

ChatGPT has significantly increased in popularity in recent months because of its capacity to generate novel content and provide genuine responses to questions. Nevertheless, like all technologies, it is crucial to assess its limitations and features prior to implementing it into an educational setting. A major obstacle associated with ChatGPT is its tendency to produce consistent yet occasionally unreliable and inaccurate responses. Our study provides students with training in this area, and its objective was to analyse the opinion of those same university students studying education-related degrees regarding the efficacy of the usefulness of ChatGPT for their learning. We used a mixed methodology and two instruments for data collection: questionnaires and discussion groups. The sample comprised 150 university students pursuing degrees in teaching and social education. The results show that the majority of students are familiar with the technology but have not had any formal training in a university. They use this tool to complete academic assignments outside the classroom, and they emphasise the need for training in it. Furthermore, following the training, the students highlight an increase in motivation and a positive impact on the development of generic skills, such as information analysis, synthesis and management, problem solving, and learning how to learn. Ultimately, this study provides an opportunity to consider the implementation of educational training of this tool at the university level in order to ensure its appropriate use.

CONSCIOUS ADOLESCENCE

The field research focused on teenage pregnancy had the general objective of sensitizing and educating the school community about the challenges associated with early pregnancy, promoting prevention, quality of life formation, and appropriate support. To achieve these objectives, the research utilized an exploratory and descriptive methodology, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. During the research, questionnaires and interviews were conducted to collect data on students’ knowledge about contraceptive methods, the consequences of teenage pregnancy, and the importance of family planning. Additionally, discussion groups were held to promote open dialogue about sexuality, prevention, and support for pregnant teenagers. The findings indicated significant gaps in understanding of contraceptive methods, family planning, and the implications of teenage pregnancy among the participants. Consequently, most participants expressed a need for more information and educational resources on the subject. The educational and awareness activities were well-received, and participants reported an improved understanding of the issues addressed. The research also highlighted the importance of adequate support for pregnant teenagers, emphasizing the need for emotional and social support in schools. Thus, the field research not only contributed to raising awareness about teenage pregnancy but also provided practical directions for future interventions, focusing on preventive education and support for pregnant teenagers within the school environment.

Optimization of National Zakat Management through the Effectiveness of the Role of Stakeholders of Zakat Management Organizations

This research shows that stakeholders are running the Zakat governance system effectively. There is a contradiction in the role between the regulatory and executive functions of the national zakat management institution. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, which compares ideal conditions with actual conditions through secondary data research, interviews, and group discussions. The data processed are in the form of zakat law documents, government regulations, BAZNAS regulations, zakat acquisition calculation index, data from the central statistics agency, minutes of discussion group forums and confirming interviews with sources of amil zakat, samples using the purposive sampling method by finding samples through snowball sampling techniques. The study results show that reforms need to be carried out immediately on the role of zakat governance stakeholders so that national zakat management is more optimal and effective and, in the end, can provide more comprehensive benefits for the community