Quality Of Life Experiences Research Articles

Good-enough Care? How Patients' Perceptions of Counselors' Professional Skills Relate to Everyday Life in Forensic Long-stay Units.

The overall goal of long-term forensic care is to strive toward acceptable levels of adaptation and quality of life (QoL) of the forensic patient in the institutional context. While the bulk of the literature has focused on the deleterious consequences of personality pathology in this regard, research investigating the contribution of the quality of the therapeutic relationship has remained rather scant. Assuming that the perceived competence of the direct counselor, as perceived by patients, forms an important aspect in this regard, the central aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patients' perceptions of their therapist's professional skills, their self-reported maladaptive behavior on the ward, and their experienced QoL. To this end, we recruited patients (N = 60) in long-stay forensic units and investigated their perceptions of 10 specific skills displayed by their therapist, along a "too little-too much" rating scale. The results revealed that patients who had the overall impression that their counselor was equipped with an adequate set of professional skills showed less maladaptive behavior and perceived a higher QoL on the ward. Conversely, at a more specific competence level, only a positive relationship between a counselor's predictability and self-reported QoL was found. Taken together, these results highlight that an overall professional skill evaluation matters in the context of forensic patients' adaptation and QoL in their long-stay units, with the counselor's predictability serving as a crucial aspect in obtaining the most favorable outcomes.

Measures for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Monitor Their Transitions in Care, Health, Function, and Quality of Life Experiences and Needs: A Protocol for Co-Developing a Self-Evaluation Tool.

Evaluating the experiences of persons with spinal cord injury (PwSCI) regarding their transitions in care and changes in health, function, and quality of life is complex, fragmented, and involves multiple tools and measures. A staged protocol was implemented with PwSCI and relevant expert stakeholders initially exploring and selecting existing measures or tools through a modified Delphi process, followed by choosing one of two options. The options were to either support the use of the 10 selected tools from the Delphi method or to co-develop one unique condensed tool with relevant measures to evaluate all four domains. The stakeholders chose to co-develop one tool to be used by persons with SCI to monitor their transition experiences across settings and care providers. This includes any issues with care or support they needed to address at the time of discharge from acute care or rehabilitation and in the community at 3, 6, and 12 months or longer post-discharge. Once developed, the tool was made available online for the final stage of the protocol, which proposes that the tool be reliability tested prior to its launch, followed by validation testing by PwSCI.

Charting the Future of Oral Health: A Bibliometric Exploration of Quality-of-Life Research in Dentistry.

In recent decades, the focus of health research has shifted to the impact of disease or impairment on how people proceed, behave, and experience quality of life. People's lives are affected by oral diseases in various ways. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is inextricably linked to general health and well-being, and it has far-reaching consequences for clinical practice and dentistry research. Particularly in Indonesia, increasing attention to OHRQoL is related to several concerning oral conditions, such as the extremely high number of cases of tooth decay and inflammation of dental supportive tissue that inexplicably lowers the population's OHRQoL. To date, there has yet to be a bibliometric study of OHRQoL research in Indonesia. We intend to map the existing scientific literature on OHRQoL research in Indonesia during the last five years and investigate its research gaps. Scopus and the Sinta Database (a national database through Google Scholar) were used to retrieve Indonesian OHRQoL research publications from 2018 to 2023. Bibliographic data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and VOS Viewer 1.6.19. The data demonstrate that the number of OHRQoL-related publications in Indonesia and the number of local writers have increased over time. More of these publications were published in prestigious national journals than foreign ones. The study found that local researchers tended to conduct OHRQoL research on children and older populations, raising the issue of tooth decay or tooth loss. Exploring other subjects, such as dental anxiety, patient satisfaction, chewing performance, aesthetics, and appearance, and other populations (people with oral cancer and other systemic conditions) could broaden the environment of OHRQoL research in Indonesia.

Effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy for Treatment of PTSD Following Childhood Trauma: A Single-Case Series Design.

Narrative exposure therapy (NET) has shown promising outcomes for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees and veterans. Its effectiveness in patients with PTSD following childhood trauma is, however, still unknown. We investigated whether NET is an effective treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma. We studied treatment outcomes of nine adult patients in an outpatient setting. An AB single-case series design was used with a baseline of 4 weeks prior to treatment. Participants filled in weekly online questionnaires to assess their PTSD symptoms (using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale [PDS]) and their experienced quality of life (using the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life [MANSA]). Data were analysed visually and using a mixed-effect model. Results revealed no significant reduction of PTSD symptoms during NET treatment, nor an increase in quality of life, as compared to baseline. The results of our study do not underscore the effectiveness of NET treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of NET in this population.

The Efficacy of Omentopexy During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Comparative Analysis of Surgical Outcomes, Complications, and Quality of Life.

The increasing popularity of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a bariatric procedure has been accompanied by concerns about potential complications, including staple line bleeding and leaks. Additionally, postoperative quality of life can be affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and food-related issues. In light of these factors, there is a need to compare the outcomes of standard LSG with LSG with omentopexy. This comparative analysis aims to provide insights into the distinct recovery processes associated with these two approaches. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of LSGin two groups: LSG alone and LSG with omentopexy. Data collected from January 2022 to April 2022 included patient characteristics, surgical details, complications, medication usage, and follow-up. Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores were recorded at postoperative intervals of 15 days, one month, and three months. This study analyzed 29 patients who underwent standard LSGand 36 patients who underwent LSG combined with omentopexy. The two groups exhibited similarities in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, surgical duration, complications, hospitalization duration, and medication requirements (p > 0.005). Telephone consultations were significantly higher in the LSG with omentopexy group (p < 0.001). Nausea (p = 0.486) and vomiting (p = 0.603) rates did not significantly differ, but the constipation rate at one month was higher in LSG with omentopexy (p = 0.244). The flatulence rate at one month was significantly higher in LSG with omentopexy (p < 0.007). GIQLI scores were significantly lower in LSG with omentopexy at 15 days (p < 0.001) and one month (p < 0.001), but not at three months (p = 0.884). This study demonstrates that LSG and LSG with omentopexy have similar surgical outcomes and short-term complications. However, differences exist in postoperative symptoms and quality of life experiences.

Tailored internet-based psychological treatment for psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

The COVID-19 pandemic influence mental health in both infected and non-infected populations. In this study we examined if individually tailored internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) could be an effective treatment for psychological symptoms related to the pandemic. Following recruitment we included 76 participants who were randomized to either a treatment group (n = 37) or a waitlist control group (n = 39). The treatment group received 8 modules (out of 16 possible) during 8 weeks with weekly therapist support. We collected data on symptoms of depression, experienced quality of life, anxiety, stress, anger, insomnia, PTSD, and alcohol use before, after the treatment and at one year follow-up. Using multiple regression analysis, group condition was found to be a statistically significant predictor for a decrease, favoring the treatment group, in symptoms of depression, insomnia, and anger with small to moderate effect sizes. The improvements remained at one year follow-up. Group condition did not significantly predict changing symptoms regarding experienced quality of life, anxiety, stress, PTSD and alcohol use. Findings indicate that ICBT is an effective intervention for some psychological symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for further studies on mechanisms of change and on tailored ICBT for problems associated with crises like the pandemic.

Quality of Life and Personal Life Goals of Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients after Curative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Mixed Methods Study

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with poor quality of life (QoL) and early mortality. In the Netherlands, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as curative treatment option for adult SCD patients was first introduced in 2018. A thorough understanding of the impact of undergoing HSCT on QoL is essential for health care professionals to be able to meet the needs of this patient population. Aim: To explore the perspectives of adult SCD patients on the impact of curative HSCT on physical, mental, and social health. Methods: Adult SCD patients who underwent HSCT at the Amsterdam UMC ≥ 1 year ago were eligible for this study. A mixed methods approach consisting of an exploratory qualitative design and a questionnaire component was used. All patients participated in a semi-structured interview on their experienced QoL and personal life goals. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using MAXQDA® software. Results were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Additionally, participants completed a Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) questionnaire measuring 9 item banks on physical, mental, and social health at the time of the interview. Results of the PROMIS® questionnaires (T-scores) were related to reference T-scores of the general Dutch population using descriptive statistics (IBM SPSS statistics 28.0). Results: Ten SCD patients with a median age of 29.5 years (range 19-49) participated in the study between October 2021 and May 2022. The median time since HSCT was 2.7 years ranging from 1 to 3.5 years. Mean T-scores of all participants fell within normal limits for all 9 PROMIS® item banks, as compared to the Dutch general population (Table 1). However, T-scores varied between patients. Two patients with serious avascular bone necrosis (AVN), developed prior to HSCT, scored mild, moderate, or severe on ≥7 of 9 item banks. Another patient scored mild or moderate on all 3 mental health item banks. These differences between patients, as well as a general satisfaction with their current QoL despite having experienced physical and psychosocial difficulties were reflected in the outcome of the interviews. Eight central themes emerged from the Thematic Analysis: (1) pain, (2) physical wellbeing, (3) mental wellbeing, (4) perspective, (5) counseling/guidance, (6) education and work, (7) family and friends, and (8) activities and participation. These themes were categorized in mental, physical, and social health, following the PROMIS framework, and subsequently described based on four phases: before HSCT, HSCT - 1st year post transplantation, current situation, and future expectations. Most patients reported to experience improved physical, mental, and social health after HSCT and being able to set and achieve personal life goals. However, many participants also described an (ongoing) mental impact of having had SCD their whole life even after curation by HSCT. They expressed a clear need for psychological counseling before, during, and after HSCT. Furthermore, persistence of pain due to AVN had a negative influence on the perceived physical health of some patients. Several patients experienced a discrepancy between their expectations of HSCT and the outcome; either above- or below-expected. Conclusion: QoL of adult SCD patients who underwent curative HSCT seemed generally comparable to the Dutch general population; patients reported to experience improved QoL, and the ability to pursue personal life goals. However, the physical, mental, and social impact after curation can be extensive, ranging from positive to negative and differed between patients. Patients expressed a need for psychological support before, during, and after HSCT. Moreover, irreversible SCD-related organ damage can negatively influence the QoL of transplant recipients and patient expectations should be actively discussed by health care professionals before HSCT. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Exploring urban empty-nesters’ using WeChat influencing factors and quality of life: A qualitative descriptive study

ObjectiveTo explore urban empty-nesters using WeChat influencing factors and experiences of improving their quality of life. Methods14 registered empty-nesters who had used WeChat in Fuzhou communities were recruited via convenience and purposive sampling methods with a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews and analyzed according to content analysis. ResultsThe research revealed two primary themes with associated sub-themes: 1) influencing factors of using WeChat, and 2) quality of life experiences. DiscussionsPhysiological factors, education level, and social support were using WeChat influencing factors by urban empty-nesters. WeChat is a convenient channel to improve empty-nesters’ daily lives and a practical platform to meet empty-nesters’ needs. Identifying these experiences could help older adults, especially empty-nesters’ accept the era of intelligence and provide inspiration and reference for the increasingly normalized empty nest life.

Development of A User-Centered Design Framework for Palliative and Hospice Care Patients for a Better Quality of Life Experience

Goal Three of the Sustainable Development Goals emphasizes the concept of “leaving no one behind”; a model for inclusivity and coherence. Amongst those that are often “left behind” are patients at the end stage of their life due to a terminal illness or a medical diagnosis. These are often left to die without thought to the quality of life that they receive before their demise, and many experience this stage at home due to fear of expenses, or in a best-case scenario at a hospital to help alleviate or manage pain. In many places worldwide, this is where palliative and hospice care come in and focus on the End-of-Life care provided to patients who fit the criteria.The number of architecture and design related studies in this field are not numerous, and those that are there do not focus on the patient as a user with rights, but merely as a patient that is there. The concept of a user-centered design is forgotten in midst of all the pain and suffering of all concerned, namely, the patient, his beloved, and his caregivers. However, focusing on this nexus at the core of the design project may help promote this painful and stressful time in life and induce serenity and acceptance in a time that is often dark and ominous. This research aims to develop a design framework for places that deal with End-of-Life care and how to provide a better quality of End-of-Life experience for terminally ill patients.

Quality-of-Life Scores for Nursing Home Residents Are Stable Over Time: Evidence From Minnesota

ObjectiveQuality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional construct that assesses the quality of lived experience in nursing homes (NHs). QoL is directly important to NH residents. However, QoL is only publicly reported in a few states, partly because of concerns regarding measure stability. To address these concerns, we tested the stability of Minnesota’s NH QoL measure over one year.Study DesignA pair of two-year cohorts of Minnesota NH residents who responded to the 2012-2013 (N = 4,448) or 2014-2015 (N = 4,644) QoL survey in consecutive years. Stability was measured using the intra-class correlation (ICC) from hierarchical linear models. Models were fit without any covariates, then individual and facility-level characteristics were added. Principal Findings: Overall QoL had ICCs of 0.602 and 0.614 in the earlier and later cohort respectively. Domain-level ICCs were lower, ranging from 0.374 (positive mood) to 0.571 (lack of negative mood) in the 2012-2013 cohort, with similar trends for the later cohort. Adjusting for important covariates reduces the ICCs slightly, but they remained at 0.565 or higher for the summary score.ConclusionsPerson-reported summary QoL has adequate stability over a period of one year. Our results provide impetus to assess and report NH QoL on a national level. Consumers can be confident that if an NH’s QoL scores improve from year to year, that represents a real improvement, and not just the scores varying due to which residents were sampled. Some caution, however, is warranted when presenting facility-level domain scores, as these are less stable.

Occupations creating joy for people living with advanced cancer: A qualitative descriptive study

Introduction For people living with advanced cancer, the possibilities for experiences of joy are seriously influenced by the consequences of the illness. Due to the limited expected lifetime, the need to support such experiences that may entail joy and contribute to quality of life are of importance. Research shows that people with advanced cancer experience quality of life through occupations they are able to perform and enjoy. The aim of this study was to describe which occupations contribute to joy for people living with advanced cancer and explore how they reflect upon these occupations during an occupational therapy intervention. Methods In total, 111 people with advanced cancer from the intervention group in a randomised controlled trial participated in the present study. Thirty-six of these participants were interviewed, and for 10 participants, this was combined with participant observations. A directed and a conventional content analysis were applied. Results 148 occupations contributing to joy were categorised into self-care, leisure and productivity. Most occupations were placed into leisure (89%). Participants had three distinct approaches to occupations contributing to joy: Finding solutions to maintain occupations contributing to joy; having an all or nothing approach; and hoping to resume occupations contributing to joy. Conclusion This study found a wide range of occupations contributing to joy and shows the importance of focusing on enabling leisure occupations for people living with advanced cancer. The wide range of occupations as well as participants’ approaches to occupations may be useful to inform future interventions to enable enjoyment for people living with advanced cancer.

CORTICAL INTEGRATIVE THERAPY EFFECTIVENESS IN THE TREATMENT OF POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a relatively prevalent condition that emerges after sustaining a head injury. Individuals with PCS experience prolonged impairments and distress associated with the injury which can impact the individuals’ quality of life experiences. In this retrospective chart review of refractory adult patients diagnosed with PCS and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), the effectiveness of Cortical Integrative Therapy (PedroCIT®) was investigated by comparing measures of postural stability, brain sequencing and timing, and self-reports of physical and psychosocial symptoms of PCS obtained before and after PedroCIT®. Multivariate and Repeated Measures General Linear Models showed improvements across the measures from before to after treatment in all subjects, highlighting the effectiveness of PedroCIT®. To further underscore the capacity of PedroCIT® to elicit improvements in patients who have been resistant to treatment prior to PedroCIT®, the duration of time that the subjects underwent PedroCIT® was compared to the duration of time since the injury to the subjects’ first PedroCIT® intervention session. The findings of this study showed significant improvements from pre- to post-treatment in postural stability, brain sequencing and timing, and self-reported symptoms for patients affected by PCS and mTBI, and treatment outcomes were largely not contingent upon the severity of the condition at the beginning of treatment. Altogether, this retrospective study suggests that refractory individuals affected by PCS and mTBI can benefit from undergoing PedroCIT® and their treatment outcomes may not be related to the degree of impairment presented at the beginning of treatment.

Associated factors of hope in cancer patients during treatment: A systematic literature review.

To identify the associated factors of hope during treatment in cancer patients. Hope is very important to cancer patients at all stages of the disease process. Hope is seen as an important coping mechanism. Most research about hope in cancer patients considered the end of life or in palliative care. Several and different factors are associated with hope. It is not yet sufficiently clear which factors are associated with hope during the treatment. A systematic literature review of quantitative empirical studies on hope in cancer patients during treatment. Search in MEDLINE (PubMed interface), CINAHL (EBSCO interface), Psychinfo and Cochrane (January 2009-December 2018). Empirical quantitative studies were included regardless of the disease stage, written in English or Dutch, measuring hope from the perspective of cancer patients. Two authors independently screened all the studies and assessed their quality. Thirty-three studies were included. Positive relationship has been established between hope and quality of life, social support, spiritual and existential well-being. Hope appears to be negatively associated with symptom burden, psychological distress and depression. There appears to be no relationship between hope and demographic and clinical variables. The relationship between anxiety and hope remains unclear. Hope primarily seems to be a process that takes place in a person's inner being rather than being determined from outside. Health professionals may want to focus on the meaning of hope for cancer patients in relation to the associated factors. A better understanding of the meaning of hope during treatment can be of great value in supporting cancer patients with regard to treatment decisions, psychosocial support, the experienced quality of life and symptom burden and any wishes they may have with regard to advanced care planning.

The impact of egoresilience and social support on the quality of life and stress experience by paramedic students during field practice

The impact of egoresilience and social support on the quality of life and stress experience by paramedic students during field practice

Abstract 3349: Collected experiences of young-onset colorectal cancer caregivers

Abstract The Colorectal Cancer Alliance launched a survey for caregivers of young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and survivors. A caregiver of young-onset CRC is an unpaid or paid member of a person's social network who helps them with activities of daily living. Caregivers who participated in our survey (n=427) are diverse: in age, gender, and racial/ethnic group. The majority of them were between the ages of 30-39. The caregivers reported they faced many challenges including lack of resources and information on young-onset disease and the course of the disease progression. Also, many caregivers indicated they had difficulty understanding the different treatment options offered by the physicians as well as the risk and long-term side-effects associated with these aggressive treatments. Only 40 percent of providers talked to patients about genetic testing and explained to the patient's family member their elevated risk of the disease and the associated need for timely screening. The majority of caregivers (59%) reported that their loved one experienced changes in their ability to perform expected social tasks, including those of a spouse, child rearer, friend, or worker. Some caregivers also mentioned the loss of sexuality, depression, pain, despair, lack of sleep, sadness, and stress, along with a loss of faith and hope, which may cause additional strain on their relationships. Thirty-two percent of caregivers reported insufficient psychosocial (66%) and financial support (44%) to effectively care for their patients. Participants also indicated that resources such as transportation, child care, household maintenance, prevention, and surveillance information for family members are limited. Overall, about one in three caregivers reported they were missing 24 hours or more of work each month to care for their loved one. A caregiver stated she needed, “Emotional and basic help around the house with her children and someone responsible enough to stay in the house to understand what we were going through as a family.” Taken together, our survey indicates that additional resources are needed to improve the ability for caregivers to manage everyday tasks, potentially helping caregivers feel more organized and in control. The ability of caregivers to care for themselves and use tools to care for their loved ones will reduce emotional and physical demands involved with caregiving that can cause strain and burnout. The Alliance will use these survey results to learn about and track the self-reported medical, psychosocial, and quality of life experiences of this often overlooked group. Citation Format: Kimberley L. Newcomer, Ronit Yarden, Never Too Young Advisory. Collected experiences of young-onset colorectal cancer caregivers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3349.

Perceptions of self-determination and quality of life among Swedish home care recipients - a\xa0cross-sectional study

BackgroundIt is acknowledged that preservation of self-determination is very important in order for older adults to experience good quality of life, but to what degree and in what areas people receiving help from home care service experience self-determination is unknown. Few studies have examined the perception of self-determination in relation to quality of life among older adults living at home with help from home care services. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions of self-determination among older adults living at home with the support of home care services, and to test whether older adults who perceive a higher degree of self-determination also feel they have a better quality of life.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in one municipality in northern Sweden. A total of 134 older adults (≥ 65 years) were included. Data were collected by means of a survey including questionnaires about background characteristics, self-determination, and health-related quality of life. Descriptive statistics regarding background characteristics for groups with high and low self-determination respectively were presented and the differences between the groups were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsOur main finding shows that the majority of older adults with support from home care services experience self-determination in the dimensions use of time, and self-care. However, a wide variation was found in self-reported self-determination in all dimensions. Results also show that the group with higher self-reported self-determination also reported a greater degree of experienced quality of life in comparison with the group with lower self-reported self-determination.ConclusionsIn line with earlier research, our results found a positive relation between self-determination and quality of life. The results are relevant for the care of older adults and indicate a need of further research. The results presented in this paper could serve as a guide when planning for improved self-determination among older adults in home care service.Trial registrationNCT02846246.

Young-onset colorectal cancer patients disproportionately diagnosed with advanced disease: Patient self-reported journey of symptom duration and misdiagnosis.

3567 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among males and females in the US. Despite a decrease in overall incidence and mortality, there has been an alarming increase of CRC diagnosis among young adults (20-49 years old). The Colorectal Cancer Alliance launched a comprehensive survey for young-onset CRC patients and survivors via social media to track the self-reported clinical, psychosocial, financial and quality of life experiences of this often overlooked, group. Methods: The survey was completed by 1195 living patients and survivors. The majority of participants (57%) were diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49, 33% of patients/survivors were diagnosed between the ages 30-39 and about 10% were diagnosed before the age of 30. Only 8% of the respondents were diagnosed with Lynch syndrome although about 28% reported some family history. Results: Our survey revealed a higher proportion of the young-onset patients and survivors (71%), diagnosed with advanced stage tumors, compared with ACS report for overall CRC patients (60%). The late stage diagnosis subjected young patients to aggressive therapies and a substantial decrease in quality of life including neuropathy, anxiety, clinical depression, and sexual dysfunctions. Most respondents (63%) waited 3-12 months before visiting a doctor, with higher proportion of females waited more than 12 months compared with males (22% vs. 15% p = 0.02). Moreover, even when visited their doctors, most patients indicated that they were initially misdiagnosed. The majority of the respondents (67%) saw at least 2 physicians, and some more than 4 physicians, prior to their diagnosis. Patients that saw 3 or more physicians prior to diagnosis were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease. Interestingly, half of the patients that were seen by one physician also claimed they were initially misdiagnosed. Conclusions: Our survey indicates that medical professionals and young adults need to be aware of the increasing incidence of young-onset CRC, and the importance of timely screening when signs and symptoms are present, regardless of age. Yet, 50% of physicians did not explain to the patients’ family members about their elevated risk of the disease and their need for screening.

Taking Intersectionality Seriously

In recent years, preservation agencies at the federal, state, and locals levels have advanced more inclusive approaches to historic preservation by commissioning theme studies, surveys, and nominations to registers of historic places that address previously neglected aspects of US heritage. Much of the work done under the broad umbrella of inclusive histories has been focused on communities defined by a single aspect of identity. This essay raises questions about the effectiveness of single-community studies in addressing previously overlooked aspects of history at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, and more. We encourage preservation professionals to take seriously the concept of intersectionality, which acknowledges the multivalent quality of lived experience, addresses the complexity of identity, and recognizes the multiplicity of communities with a stake in the preservation and interpretation of any given historic property. This essay argues for the strategic importance of learning from recent studies of LGBTQ resources to refine intersectional approaches to preservation planning, while identifying hidden barriers to inclusion and cultural equity in programs and projects that use a single lens to identify cultural resources associated with underrepresented groups.

Exploring Wellbeing in Youth with Vision Impairment: Insights for Vision Rehabilitation

This article explores the discussions of 21 young Australians (aged 12–25) with vision impairment regarding their lived experiences and what it meant for them to be well. It follows calls for the development of the theoretical underpinnings for vision rehabilitation services. The youth participated in interviews or focus groups and collected complementary soundscapes and reflections during a participatory audio-recording task. Participants identified multiple valuable elements of their life contributing to the positive quality of their experiences: for example, success in their pursuits; caring, like-minded and jocular relationships; independence and freedom; and, their healthy body and associated feelings of vitality. These elements fit within four thematic domains: social connection; physical health; capability; and, control. Thematic analysis also identified two larger themes present in how participants discussed their quality of lived experience. First, their understandings of the elements in each domain and the level of value they placed on each element was determined by their contextually-situated sense of identity to which they explicitly and implicitly referred. Second, the young people’s notions of a good life were seen to sit within a conceptual space of ‘situated sameness’: they perceived the elements that they valued as also valuable to the general population, but uniquely shaped by their own vision impairment and other life circumstances. These findings suggest that vision rehabilitation providers need to adopt a more relational approach to wellbeing among youth.

Sustainable development (urban transport and mobility) - “sharpening the saw” in shaping liveable cities towards quality of life experiences

“Sharpening the saw” attempts to refresh and re-energise in enabling us to understand better through a brief insight to the topics on: Liveability, Urban Transport, Quality of Life, and Sustainability associate to Sustainable Development (Urban Transport and Mobility) as the urban challenges through the “Mind – paradigm shifting” principle that creates new way of thinking: Strategic Thinking in “Doing the Right Things”, and Tactical Thinking in “Doing the Things Right”, which can lead to shift in behaviour that transform ourselves with added values in four dimensions of focus towards developing the “Arts of Sustainability - Sustainable Development quadrant (urban transport and mobility) “. The SD Quadrant, a loop-framework with the four dimensions of focus: Leadership: championing “think global, act local”; Stakeholder Engagement: aligning purpose, wants and needs; Smart Growth: innovating the future we want and; Transformational Edge: shaping liveable city, enabled and direct us to kick-starting the sustainable development initiatives through individual and collective participation for mutual benefits with urban transport and mobility focus. This is a way forward in shaping Liveable City together towards QoL experiences within the concept of sustainability that not only benefit us now but our future generation to come – a responsibility that we own and owe.