Face-to-face Group Research Articles

Train 4 Good - an eight-month mindfulness program live on Internet for long-term mental fatigue and emotional distress after an acquired brain injury

Long-term psychosocial and emotional difficulties and mental fatigue after stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common and there is a need for rehabilitation and support. Mindfulness can contribute to well-being and can be delivered in groups and also on Internet. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether an eight-month mindfulness program, Train 4 Good, could be successfully delivered live on Internet (10 participants) for participants suffering from long-term mental fatigue after a TBI or stroke. A face-to face group was used for comparison (10 participants). The program Train 4 Good, includes cultivation of the four mental states of the Brahma Viharas; metta/loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity. The Train 4 Good program was designed to enable people suffering from long-term mental fatigue and emotional distress after an acquired brain injury to further explore meditation, enhance well-being and to deepen their meditative practice after having completed a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Significant improvement in self-compassion (Self Compassion Scale short form) was achieved after the Train 4 Good program. In conclusion, we suggest that it is possible to deliver the Train 4 Good program live on Internet for people suffering from mental fatigue and emotional distress after an acquired brain injury with a similar alleviation of self-compassion as for a face-to-face group. Mindfulness programs can be a valuable option for rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury when the fatigue and emotional burden can become long-lasting or lifelong. Development of longer mindfulness programs is warranted, since mental health problems only improve slowly and long-term support is requested.

The Relation between Academic Procrastination of University Students and Their Assignment and Exam Performances: The Situation in Distance and Face-to-Face Learning Environments

The relation between assignment and exam performances of the university students and their academic procrastination behaviors in distance and face-to-face learning environments was investigated in this study. Empirical research carried out both in face-to-face and online environments have generally shown a negative correlation between academic procrastination and academic performance. However, the effect of academic procrastination on assignments in distance learning setting has not been analyzed extensively. To understand the interaction between academic procrastination and the learning environment; assignment and exam performances of eighty-eight university students in face-to-face (FtF) and distance learning (DL) environments were investigated. According to the findings of the study, students’ academic procrastination and assignment scores were negatively correlated in both environments but especially in DL setting. Contrary to this, academic procrastination and exam scores were correlated to each other only in FtF environment. On the other hand, there was no correlation between total assignment and exam scores for DL group, while a medium positive correlation was found in FtF group. The findings of binary logical regression analysis demonstrated that predictive value of the DL environment for assignment score is much stronger than academic procrastination behavior of students.

Assessment of Aphasia Across the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Using an iPad-Based Application.

Access2Aphasia™ is an iPad™-based aphasia assessment application that enables real-time audiovisual communication between people with aphasia (PWA) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and the use of supported conversation techniques. This study aimed to establish the reliability of aphasia assessment across the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) using Access2Aphasia, and compare it with face-to-face (FTF) assessment. Consumer perspectives of Access2Aphasia were also examined. Thirty PWA were randomized into two conditions: online-led and FTF assessment. Participants in the online-led group were assessed remotely using Access2Aphasia™ in their own homes, while an FTF SLP scored silently simultaneously. Participants in the FTF group were assessed FTF using standard administration materials. Assessment included two subtests of the Psycholinguistic Assessment of Language Processing Activities (PALPA) and the Assessment of Living with Aphasia (ALA) to allow for outcomes to be captured across the ICF domains. Consumer perspectives on Access2Aphasia were obtained from both PWA and research SLPs in the online-led group. Kappa statistics indicated moderate to almost perfect agreement between online and FTF SLPs (k = 0.71-1.00). Intrarater and interrater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.99-1.00) and equivalent for the online-led and FTF conditions. Both PWA and research SLPs in the online-led group reported being satisfied with the experience overall, with suggestions provided by research SLPs to improve Access2Aphasia. This study supports the provision of iPad-based aphasia assessments across the ICF in the online environment, with comparable reliability to FTF assessments. Future research is warranted to support the development of iPad-based aphasia assessment and treatment as an alternative mode of service delivery to PWA.

Endocrinology Telehealth Consultation Improved Glycemic Control Similar to Face-to-Face Visits in Veterans.

Rates of diabetes for veterans who receive health care through the Veterans Health Administration are higher than rates in the general population. Furthermore, many veterans live in rural locations, far from Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, thus limiting their ability to readily seek face-to-face endocrinology care for diabetes. Telehealth (TH) technologies present an opportunity to improve access to specialty diabetes care for such patients; however, there is a lack of evidence regarding the ability of TH to improve glycemic control in comparison to traditional face-to-face consultations. This was a retrospective cohort study of all new endocrinology diabetes consultations at the Denver VA Medical Center over a 1-year period. A total of 189 patients were included in the analysis. In all, 85 patients had received face-to-face (FTF) endocrinology consultation for diabetes and 104 patients had received TH consultation. Subjects were mostly males (94.7%) and the mean age was 62.8 ± 10.1 years old. HbA1c improved from 9.76% (9.40% to 10.11%) to 8.55% (8.20% to 8.91%) (P < .0001) for the TH group and from 9.56% (9.16% to 9.95%) to 8.62% (8.22% to 9.01%) (P < .0001) for the FTF group after 1 visit. This change in HbA1c was not significantly different in the TH and FTF groups (P = .24). TH visits were associated with a hypothetical savings in median distance traveled of 231.2 miles per trip (which equates to $94.79 saved per trip). Endocrinology TH consultations improved short-term glycemic control as effectively as traditional FTF visits in a veteran population with diabetes.

Comparative outcomes of face-to-face and virtual review meetings

BackgroundThe present study proposes to evaluate the effects of face-to-face (FF) and virtual review (VR) sessions on peer reviewers' scores and consistency of peer review. MethodsRetrieved review sessions conducted between 2012 and 2014 yielded 119 and 51 discussed applications for the FF and VR groups, respectively. Changes between preliminary scores, post discussion scores and final matrix scores were analyzed. Consistency between the two meeting modalities was measured by percentage and increments of score changes. ResultsDiscussion changed the preliminary scores in 37% of applications reviewed in the FF group and 24% of applications reviewed in the VR group (no difference between groups). Applications that received a preliminary score in the 10 to 30 point-range were more positively than negatively impacted by discussion in both modalities. FF discussion led to a wider range of scoring changes (−10 points to 17 points) than VR (−7 points to 10 points), but discussion was not found to differentially improve or worsen scores between the two modalities. When comparing post-discussion and final matrix scores, 27 (23%) applications' scores changed in the FF meetings compared to 13 (25%) in the VR meetings (no difference between groups). ConclusionsFF and VR sessions result in (1) minimal differences in preliminary scores, (2) non-significant percentage changes in scoring, and (3) non-significant change in the percentage of magnitude of scoring. The two review methods appear to be similar in evaluating grant applications.

Effects of Group Counseling Transmitted Through Videoconferencing on Changes in Eating Behaviors

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of constructivism-based dietary group counseling transmitted through videoconferencing (VC) and face-to-face (FF) counseling on changes in eating behaviors. MethodsAltogether, 74 participants with high risk of type 2 diabetes were divided into FF and VC groups based on their place of residence in northern Finland. Constructivism-based dietary group counseling, a nonrandomized intervention, was performed (evaluations at 0, 6, and 21 months). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18 was used to evaluate cognitive restraint eating (CR), emotional eating (EE), and uncontrolled eating (UE). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA (significance level of 0.05). ResultsCognitive restraint eating increased and UE decreased between baseline and 6 months in both groups, but between baseline and 21 months only in the FF group (P = .005 and P = .021, respectively). Emotional eating decreased only in the VC group (P = .016). There were no differences between groups at 6 or 21 months. Conclusions and ImplicationsConstructivism-based counseling delivered through videoconferencing was effective at improving eating behaviors.

Comparison of traditional face-to-face teaching with synchronous e-learning in otolaryngology emergencies teaching to medical undergraduates: a randomised controlled trial.

Undergraduate otolaryngology teaching in the UK is generally limited primarily due to curriculum time constraints with traditional face-to-face (FtF) teaching being restrained by the limitations of time and location. Advances in network technology have opened up new doors for the delivery of teaching in the form of online learning. This study compares a traditional instructor-led lecture with synchronous e-learning (SeL) using otolaryngological emergencies teaching as an educational intervention. A randomised controlled trial was designed involving two groups of medical students attending an otolaryngology emergencies management lecture: one present FtF and the other viewing the streamed lecture online. The primary outcome measure was improvement between pre-and post-lecture test scores. Secondary outcomes comprised the students' ratings of the lecture on a Likert-type scale. Students in both groups had improved test scores following the lecture (p < 0.001 for both groups) and there was no difference in magnitude of improvement in test scores between the two groups (p = 0.168). There was no difference in student ratings between the two groups for the usefulness of the lecture (p = 0.484), interactivity (p = 0.834) and meeting educational needs (p = 0.968). The FtF group, however, was more satisfied overall (p = 0.034). This study demonstrates that SeL may be as effective as FtF teaching in improving students' knowledge on the management of otolaryngological emergencies, and that it is generally positively perceived by medical undergraduates. This highlights the potential utility of e-learning technology in undergraduate otolaryngology training.

Evaluation of Time in Therapeutic Range on Warfarin Therapy Between Face-to-Face and Telephone Follow-Up in a VA Medical Center.

Background: Few studies have evaluated percent time in therapeutic range (TTR) for warfarin managed via face-to-face (FF) to telephone (TELE) visits-all finding no difference between groups. Objective: Compare and evaluate TTR for warfarin in patients who received pharmacist-managed care via FF or TELE. Methods: Single-center, retrospective study. Eligible participants were ≥18 years old, on indefinite warfarin therapy, followed by clinical pharmacists via FF or TELE from 2010 to 2012. Primary outcome (TTR) calculated via Rosendaal method. Event data included rates of any bleeding, significant bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident, hospitalizations, and death. Clinics were also compared by location. Results: Two hundred subjects (90 FF and 110 TELE) were included. Mean TTR was 68.17% and 69.57% in FF and TELE groups, respectively. The FF group had statistically significant higher rates of any bleeding (48.9% vs 30.9%). Rates of significant bleeding in FF versus TELE were not significantly different (6.67% vs 2.73%). The majority followed FF with significant bleeding were at a higher bleeding risk than those followed via TELE. There were low rates of venous thromboembolism (1.1% and 1.8%). Conclusions: TTR was ≥65% for most subjects with minimal variability in TTR between clinics. Mean TTR results for each group were greater and above the threshold that has been commonly described in the literature as quality control, suggesting a progression in implementation of telephone-based anticoagulation management.

The Effects of Wiki Activities on Undergraduates’ EFL Grammar Achievement and Its Relationship to Time on Task

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of wiki-based language learning activities with Face-to-face (FTF) language learning activities on the development of English grammatical competence at a Taiwanese university. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design was utilized. A convenience sample of 84 EFL undergraduates officially enrolled in the college voluntarily participated in the study. An ANCOVA was conducted to assess whether wiki activities can bring about significantly better outcomes regarding English grammar usage. Results indicated that the wiki group significantly outperformed the FTF group. The results also indicated that there was a significant difference in students’ time devoted to English grammar activities between the treatment group and the control group in favor of the treatment group. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship between the time spent on wiki sites and students’ English grammar achievement gains. The time students in the treatment group spent on grammar activities increased when they used the wiki. Overall, treatment group students’ devotion to the wiki activities brought about effective language learning.

Telemedicine and Face-to-Face Care for Pediatric Obesity

The University of California Davis Medical Center (Sacramento, CA) has pioneered the use of telemedicine in its approach to childhood obesity to cover more than 20 rural clinics in California. In our study, we compared the outcomes of the Telemedicine Weight Management Clinic (TM) with those of its face-to-face (FTF) Weight Management Clinic counterpart over the last 5 years, predicting the results to be equivalent or in favor of TM. All children seen in the TM from June 2006 to June 2011 were included (n=121), and encounter notes in medical records were reviewed. For comparison, an equivalent sample of FTF patients was selected from that time frame (n=122). Data that were also abstracted from the medical record included age at first visit, gender, race, referral site, and comorbid diagnoses. Forty-two percent of TM patients compared with 52% of FTF patients received a change in diagnosis. Thirty-nine percent of TM patients received a change in diagnostic evaluation compared with 67% of patients in FTF. When comparing patients who received more than one visit with either form of consultation, the TM group demonstrated substantially more improvement than the FTF group in improving nutrition (88% versus 65%), increasing activity (76% versus 49%), and decreasing screen time (33% versus 8%). Substantially more TM patients were successful with a combined outcome of any one of the weight parameters that included weight loss, weight maintenance, or slowing of weight gain (69% TM versus 44% FTF). Our study suggests that telemedicine can serve as a feasible strategy to increase access to medical care for childhood obesity in rural communities and promote changes in lifestyle with the goal of maintaining a healthy weight.

Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Background and aimsIn the past decade, a large body of research has demonstrated that internet-based interventions can have beneficial effects on depression. However, only a few clinical trials have compared internet-based depression therapy with an equivalent face-to-face treatment. The primary aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of an internet-based intervention with a face-to-face intervention for depression in a randomized non-inferiority trial. MethodA total of 62 participants suffering from depression were randomly assigned to the therapist-supported internet-based intervention group (n=32) and to the face-to-face intervention (n=30). The 8 week interventions were based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles. Patients in both groups received the same treatment modules in the same chronological order and time-frame. Primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II); secondary outcome variables were suicidal ideation, anxiety, hopelessness and automatic thoughts. ResultsThe intention-to-treat analysis yielded no significant between-group difference (online vs. face-to-face group) for any of the pre- to post-treatment measurements. At post-treatment both treatment conditions revealed significant symptom changes compared to before the intervention. Within group effect sizes for depression in the online group (d=1.27) and the face–to-face group (d=1.37) can be considered large. At 3-month follow-up, results in the online group remained stable. In contrast to this, participants in the face-to-face group showed significantly worsened depressive symptoms three months after termination of treatment (t=−2.05, df=19, p<.05). LimitationsDue to the small sample size, it will be important to evaluate these outcomes in adequately-powered trials. ConclusionsThis study shows that an internet-based intervention for depression is equally beneficial to regular face-to-face therapy. However, more long term efficacy, indicated by continued symptom reduction three months after treatment, could be only be found for the online group.

Equivalent weight loss for weight management programs delivered by phone and clinic.

Face-to-face (FTF) weight management is costly and presents barriers for individuals seeking treatment; thus, alternate delivery systems are needed. The objective of this study was to compare weight management delivered by FTF clinic or group conference calls (phone). Randomized equivalency trial in 295 overweight/obese men/women (BMI = 35.1±4.9, Age = 43.8±10.2, Minority = 39.8%). Weight loss (0-6 months) was achieved by reducing energy intake between 1,200 and 1,500 kcal/day and progressing physical activity (PA) to 300 min/week. Weight maintenance (7-18 months) provided adequate energy to maintain weight and continued 300 min/week of PA. Behavioral weight management strategies were delivered weekly for 6 months and gradually reduced during 7-18 months. A cost analysis provided a comparison of expenses between groups. Weight change from baseline to 6 months was -13.4 ± 6.7% and -12.3 ± 7.0% for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. Weight change from 6-18 months was 6.4 ± 7.0% and 6.4 ± 5.2%, for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. The cost to FTF participants was $789.58 more per person. Phone delivery provided equivalent weight loss and maintenance and reduced program cost. Ubiquitous access to phones provides a vast reach for this approach.

Hospital2home: face to face conferences and telephone conferences, is the outcome different?

The Hospital2home (H2H) Service was initiated to improve handover communication between the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and the primary care team. Patients who are no longer receiving active anti-cancer...

Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Dissemination of a Theory-Based After School Nutrition and Physical Activity Training and Curriculum

This study was conducted to compare two different online delivery methods to train after school program leaders (ASPLs) to implement a nutrition and physical activity curriculum for children to each other and to a face-to-face (FTF) training model. A three-group design was used in which ASPLs from 12 states were randomized to either standard (n = 34) or an enhanced interaction (n = 31) online training, while a FTF group (n = 24) served as comparison. All ASPLs completed training and implemented curriculum lessons over 16 weeks from March to June 2007. Weekly evaluations and pre and post-intervention questionnaires compared number of lessons implemented, subjective ratings of lesson success, and pre and post leader nutrition and physical activity knowledge. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used for among-group comparisons, paired Ttests for within-group knowledge change. Knowledge scores increased significantly (p < .001) within each group. All ASPLs fulfilled the goal of conducting at least 9 lessons, and they rated 64% of lessons successful. After adjustment, knowledge change and success scores did not differ among groups. Implementation was significantly higher for FTF (+2.23 lessons, p = .013) than for enhanced interaction, but not for standard. Online training for ASPLs, such as the standard condition, are viable means of nutrition and physical activity education and program dissemination.

Blending Makes the Difference: Comparison of Blended and Traditional Instruction on Students’ Performance and Attitudes in Computer Literacy

Purpose of this study is to compare students’ course achievement and attitudes towards computers in computer literacy course between two course delivery methods: Blended and face-to-face (FTF). Using a pretest-posttest control group experimental design model, participants were assigned to experimental and control groups purposefully in order to achieve group equivalency. The study was conducted during the fall of the 2006-2007 academic year. Participants were 179 students from the Faculty of Education at Uludag University in Turkey. 86 students were taught with the blended mode of delivery, which involved using both FTF and online modes of instruction; 93 students were taught with FTF mode alone. At the beginning of the study, prior knowledge about computer literacy and attitudes towards computers were measured in both groups. At the end of the study, students’ final course scores and attitude scores towards computers were evaluated. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests. A statistically significant difference was found between the FTF and blended group (p<0.05). The analysis showed that the blended group was more successful than the traditional group in terms of both course achievement and attitudes towards computers.

Evaluation of a web-based graduate continuing nursing education program in Japan: A randomized controlled trial

Web-based learning provides educational opportunities for students who are independent and self-directed. While the complexities of educational outcomes of web-based learning have not yet been completely documented, further studies are required using rigorous research design techniques to study the outcomes of web-based learning as compared to traditional face-to-face learning. The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess the learner outcomes of web-based learning as compared to face-to-face learning group, and (2) explore methods that maximize the use of web-based learning for continuing nursing education. A randomized controlled trial of web-based learning in comparison to face-to-face lectures for registered nurses or midwives was conducted. One hundred and one nurses and midwives were eligible to participate and 93 were randomized, 45 for the web-based learning and 48 for the face-to face group. Thirty-seven (82.2%) completed the web-based learning and 33 (68.8%) the face-to-face program. There was no difference in the post-test scores between the web-based learning group (mean=76.2) and the face-to-face learning group (mean=79.4) (t=0.66, df=68, p=0.51). There were three distinct advantages to the web-based group, even though both group demonstrated the same learning outcomes. First the dropout rate was lower in the web-based program. Second the flexibility of web-based learning was reported by several participants. Finally, web-based learning was attractive to an affordable for a wide age range of the nurses.

A comparison of telehealth and face-to-face presentation for school professionals supporting students with chronic illness

We compared the perceptions of school professionals who received education about students with chronic illness by videoconference (VC) or by face-to-face (FTF) presentation. Forty-five different one-hour presentations were provided by a paediatric educator to a total of 1389 subjects - 919 viewed FTF presentations and 417 viewed VC presentations. Subjects completed a 10-item survey to assess satisfaction and other perceptions, such as access and convenience of the sessions, on a 5-point Likert scale. The results for the two different modalities were compared using analysis of variance. Participants at the FTF presentations (mean 4.6, SD = 0.6) and VC presentations (mean 4.3, SD = 0.7) indicated that they were very satisfied with the instruction they received. The FTF participants were significantly more satisfied than the VC participants (P < 0.001). Similarly, comfort with the sessions, perceived preparedness, convenience and other items were also highly rated in both groups, although the FTF group rated many of these perceptions significantly higher. Regression analysis showed that the comfort level with the presentations was a predictor of satisfaction, suggesting that people might not be familiar enough with VC sessions to be comfortable and satisfied with this delivery mechanism. Nonetheless, VC delivery appears to be a viable alternative when FTF is not possible, particularly in rural areas.

Videoconferencing a stroke assessment training workshop: Effectiveness, acceptability, and cost

Videoconferencing (VC) is becoming a common method for the delivery of continuing education (CE) to clinicians in remote locations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness, acceptability, and costs of a full-day training workshop (TW) delivered through two different formats: face-to-face (FTF) and VC. The TW was designed to teach administration and scoring guidelines for the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment, an outcome measure used by rehabilitation professionals. The TW was delivered simultaneously in FTF and VC formats to a total of five remote communities on two separate occasions. Participants completed a test of scoring competency at the beginning (pretest) and end (posttest) of the TW as well as a feedback questionnaire. A cost comparison was also undertaken. Forty-four physical and occupational therapists participated. No significant between-group differences were found in posttest scoring competency related to delivery format (FTF or VC): (F(1,38) = 0.6, MSE = 3.6, p > 0.4), or for the two workshops: (F(1,38) = 1.4, MSE = 3.6, p > 0.2). Despite technical difficulties, participant experience was rated as "good" to "excellent." The VC method offered considerable cost savings to participants and their organizations, at a minimum of $7,437 (Canadian). Clinicians participating in the TW via VC performed as well as those in the FTF group on the competency test. Videoconferencing improves access to CE, is well received by participants, and provides a cost-effective method of course delivery. Further evaluation of other CE events delivered through VC is indicated.

The Impact of Group Size and Social Presence on Small-Group Communication

This study evaluates the impact of varying group size and social presence on small-group communication. It compares key communication factors—faceto-face (FtF) without computer-mediated communication (CMC) support, FtF with CMC support, and virtual with CMC support—on two different small group sizes (3 and 6). Results indicate that smaller groups establish and maintain higher levels of communication quality, and FtF with CMC support groups have higher levels of communication quality than virtual with CMC support groups; however, no significant difference between traditional FtF groups and virtual groups with CMC support was found. Also, CMC minimized the impact of increased group size. Process losses that a larger FtF group might ordinarily experience can be reduced through the use of CMC. These results should help project managers plan for and deal with the difficulty of communication between project group members in virtual environments.

A cost analysis of participation via personal attendance versus telemedicine at a head and neck oncology multidisciplinary team meeting

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are used for establishing diagnosis, for tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification and for treatment in head and neck tumour patients in the western region of Sweden. Because of the distances, telemedicine was introduced to link the regional hospital to two of the three district general hospitals (DGHs). We evaluated the costs of presenting patients face to face (FTF) versus via telemedicine. Cost analyses were based on questionnaires completed by patients presented at the MDT meeting. A total of 39 patients were included in the FTF group and 45 patients in the telemedicine group. The cost analysis showed that FTF presentation cost SEK 2267 versus SEK 2036 by telemedicine (difference not significant). The small difference was explained by the fact that the responsible physician accompanied only six of 39 patients when presented FTF, but when presented via telemedicine the DGH physician always participated. A sensitivity analysis revealed that if the responsible physician always accompanied his/her patient for presentation FTF, the cost would be SEK 5366 per patient. This study shows that costs may be saved by carrying out MDT meetings by means of telemedicine instead of FTF.