Results Of Focus Groups Research Articles

The Role of Faith in Medical Decision-Making

Abstract Background Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews face complex decisions when their doctors’ instructions contradict their rabbis’ advice. This study examines how their belief system affects their trust and decision-making in such situations, using socio-economic club theory and Gilligan’s listening guide. Methods Excerpts from 16 focus groups with 128 ultra-Orthodox Jews were analyzed to understand their perspectives on the relationship between doctors and rabbis. The socio-economic approach of Berman’s club theory was applied to explain their behavior, and Gilligan’s listening guide was used to analyze the focus group results. Results The strict behaviors in the relationships between doctors, rabbis, and patients function as social capital, raising the status of ultra-Orthodox Jews as members of an exclusive club. They balance critical health decisions with the social demand to obey religious leaders. However, listening to different voices (‘I,’ ‘we,’ and ‘they’) provides nuanced insights into their decisions, revealing dynamic changes in the community’s perceptions of the doctor-rabbi relationship and varying perspectives within the heterogeneous ultra-Orthodox community. Conclusions Combining Berman’s theory with Gilligan’s listening guide is an effective method for conducting in-depth qualitative research on sensitive issues with religiously strict groups. Understanding the belief systems underlying healthcare decisions is essential for providing culturally sensitive medical care to religious communities and training medical staff serving these communities. Key messages • Ultra-Orthodox Jews balance complex health decisions with social demands, revealing nuanced perspectives through strict doctor-rabbi relationships. • Combining theories and qualitative methods effectively studies sensitive issues in religious groups, informing culturally sensitive healthcare.

Development and validation of the questionnaire of OSCE's educational effects.

One of the most common assessment tools for examining the competencies of health professionals is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). In this study, an Educational Effects of OSCE Questionnaire (EEOQ) was developed and validated in seven steps: (1) Reviewing the literature, (2) Holding focus groups, (3) Synthesizing the results of literature review and focus groups, (4) Developing items, (5) Evaluating content validity, (6) Conducting cognitive interviews, and (7) Implementing a pilot test. The analysis of the literature review and focus groups revealed that the educational effects of OSCE are influenced by factors related to the test, the examiner, the peers, and the student. Initially, 22 items were developed, but one item was excluded based on the results of the I-CVR and I-CVI indices. In the Exploratory Factor Analysis, the KMO index was computed to be 0.85, and the significance of Bartlett's test of sphericity was confirmed (p < 0.001). The Total Variance Explained table showed that the educational effects of OSCE were grouped into four factors: content, structure, reflection and review, and feedback along with OSCE. This study found good evidence of validity and reliability for a questionnaire measuring the educational effects of OSCEs. It was discovered that OSCE can have different effects on student learning processes.

Analysis of Metaverses Structure and Characteristics

Statement of the problem: The fundamental changes currently taking place in the development of networks and communication systems are concentrated in the concept of creating metaverses. Despite the fact that this concept appeared within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union only in 2023, research in this area already occupies the first line in scientific publications on networks and communication systems. In the Russian Federation, this area of investigation is currently not given the required attention. The goal of the paper is to analyze the documents of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) and determine the structure and characteristics of metaverses based on the results of the ITU-T focus group on metaverses. The method used is systems analysis. Result: definition, structure, including virtual and mirror worlds, characteristics of metaverses. Novelty: The conducted analysis allowed us to define the concept of the metaverse and its constituent worlds: virtual world and mirror world, as well as an important feature of metaverses such as logging, which is a log of the life of users and objects. These results allow us to accurately determine the vector of further research. Theoretical/Practical significance: a fundamental definition of metaverses, their structure and characteristics are obtained. From a practical point of view, the results obtained make it possible to begin a set of scientific investigations on metaverses on conceptual and systemic basis that meets international standards.

Barriers and facilitators to skin cancer prevention among Hispanics: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn the past two decades, melanoma incidence among Hispanic people has risen greatly. This qualitative study explored Hispanic people’s perceived barriers and facilitators to skin cancer-related preventive behaviors.MethodsFive focus groups among Hispanic people (2 in Spanish and 3 in English; n = 34; 11 Spanish-preferring and 23 English-preferring) were conducted, where participants discussed their perceptions and behaviors relating to skin cancer, sun protection, and skin self-examination. Additionally, healthcare providers (n = 9) and Hispanic community leaders (n = 6) were recruited for individual interviews to complement the results of focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on all transcripts.ResultsPerceived barriers to sun protection included: 1) Low levels of knowledge and awareness/misperception; 2) low perceived importance or not a priority, 3) economic issues or limited access, 4) downsides/concerns about engaging in sun protection behaviors, and 5) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., machismo). Facilitators to sun protection included: 1) relevance/care for family, 2) negative consequences of sun exposure, and 3) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., familismo). Barriers to skin examination included: 1) low levels of knowledge and awareness, 2) lack of insurance coverage or access, and 3) difficulty or discomfort associated with practicing skin self-examination. Facilitators to skin examination included: 1) relevance/previous experience and 2) having insurance coverage or access.ConclusionsFuture interventions should focus on individual, community, and system-level strategies to address misperceptions in the Hispanic community, increase knowledge and awareness, address perceptions of cultures regarding skin cancer preventive activities, and emphasize the importance or priority of health issues related to skin cancer.

Benefits and challenges of geographic information systems (GIS) for data-driven outreach in black communities experiencing overdose disparities: results of a stakeholder focus group

BackgroundBlack individuals in the U.S. face increasing racial disparities in drug overdose related to social determinants of health, including place-based features. Mobile outreach efforts work to mitigate social determinants by servicing geographic areas with low drug treatment and overdose prevention access but are often limited by convenience-based targets. Geographic information systems (GIS) are often used to characterize and visualize the overdose crisis and could be translated to community to guide mobile outreach services. The current study examines the initial acceptability and appropriateness of GIS to facilitate data-driven outreach for reducing overdose inequities facing Black individuals.MethodsWe convened a focus group of stakeholders (N = 8) in leadership roles at organizations conducting mobile outreach in predominantly Black neighborhoods of St. Louis, MO. Organizations represented provided adult mental health and substance use treatment or harm reduction services. Participants were prompted to discuss current outreach strategies and provided feedback on preliminary GIS-derived maps displaying regional overdose epidemiology. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to extract themes.ResultsFour themes were identified that contextualize the acceptability and utility of an overdose visualization tool to mobile service providers in Black communities. They were: 1) importance of considering broader community context; 2) potential for awareness, engagement, and community collaboration; 3) ensuring data relevance to the affected community; and 4) data manipulation and validity concerns.ConclusionsThere are several perceived benefits of using GIS to map overdose among mobile providers serving Black communities that are overburdened by the overdose crisis but under resourced. Perceived potential benefits included informing location-based targets for services as well as improving awareness of the overdose crisis and facilitating collaboration, advocacy, and resource allocation. However, as GIS-enabled visualization of drug overdose grows in science, public health, and community settings, stakeholders must consider concerns undermining community trust and benefits, particularly for Black communities facing historical inequities and ongoing disparities.

Toward better outcome measurement for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Insomnia, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, is common in autistic children. In a previous report, we described the results of focus groups with parents of autistic children toward the development of the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale. In this article, we report on the steps taken to complete the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale. With help from the Simons Foundation registry, we collected information from parents on 1185 children with autism spectrum disorder to test the new measure. These results were evaluated using standard statistical methods such as factor analysis. To confirm the validity of the new measure, we enrolled a separate sample of 134 autistic children for a detailed assessment by video conference. This step showed that the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale is clearly measuring symptoms of insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder and not related problems such as hyperactivity, repetitive behavior, or anxiety. We also showed that the total score on the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale is stable when repeated over a brief period of time. This is important because a measure that is not stable over a brief period of time would not be suitable as an outcome measure. In summary, the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale is a brief and valid measure of insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder that provides reliable scores.

An online evidence-based dictionary of common adverse events of antidepressants: a new tool to empower patients and clinicians in their shared decision-making process

BackgroundAdverse events (AEs) are commonly reported in clinical studies using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA), an international standard for drug safety monitoring. However, the technical language of MedDRA makes it challenging for patients and clinicians to share understanding and therefore to make shared decisions about medical interventions. In this project, people with lived experience of depression and antidepressant treatment worked with clinicians and researchers to co-design an online dictionary of AEs associated with antidepressants, taking into account its ease of use and applicability to real-world settings.MethodsThrough a pre-defined literature search, we identified MedDRA-coded AEs from randomised controlled trials of antidepressants used in the treatment of depression. In collaboration with the McPin Foundation, four co-design workshops with a lived experience advisory panel (LEAP) and one independent focus group (FG) were conducted to produce user-friendly translations of AE terms. Guiding principles for translation were co-designed with McPin/LEAP members and defined before the finalisation of Clinical Codes (CCs, or non-technical terms to represent specific AE concepts). FG results were thematically analysed using the Framework Method.ResultsStarting from 522 trials identified by the search, 736 MedDRA-coded AE terms were translated into 187 CCs, which balanced key factors identified as important to the LEAP and FG (namely, breadth, specificity, generalisability, patient-understandability and acceptability). Work with the LEAP showed that a user-friendly language of AEs should aim to mitigate stigma, acknowledge the multiple levels of comprehension in ‘lay’ language and balance the need for semantic accuracy with user-friendliness. Guided by these principles, an online dictionary of AEs was co-designed and made freely available (https://thesymptomglossary.com). The digital tool was perceived by the LEAP and FG as a resource which could feasibly improve antidepressant treatment by facilitating the accurate, meaningful expression of preferences about potential harms through a shared decision-making process.ConclusionsThis dictionary was developed in English around AEs from antidepressants in depression but it can be adapted to different languages and cultural contexts, and can also become a model for other interventions and disorders (i.e., antipsychotics in schizophrenia). Co-designed digital resources may improve the patient experience by helping to deliver personalised information on potential benefits and harms in an evidence-based, preference-sensitive way.

Implementation Mapping of the Collaborative University of California Teleophthalmology Initiative (CUTI): A Qualitative Study Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework.

Background This study aimed to investigate the rationale, barriers, and facilitators of teleretinal camera implementation in primary care and endocrinology clinics for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening across University of California (UC) health systems utilizing the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Methodology Institutional representatives from UC Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Davis participated in a series of focus group meetings to elicit implementation facilitators and barriers for teleophthalmology programs within their campuses. Site representatives also completed a survey regarding their program's performance over the calendar year 2022 in the following areas: DR screening camera sites, payment sources and coding, screening workflows including clinical, information technology (IT), reading, results, pathologic findings, and follow-up, including patient outreach for abnormal results. Focus group and survey results were mapped to the EPIS framework to gain insights into the implementation process of these programs and identify areas for optimization. Results Four UC campuses with 20 active camera sites screened 7,450 patients in the calendar year 2022. The average DR screening rate across the four campuses was 55%. Variations between sources of payment, turn-around time, image-grading structure, image-report characteristics, IT infrastructure, and patient outreach strategies were identified between sites. Closing gaps in IT integration between data systems, ensuring the financial sustainability of the program, and optimizing patient outreach remain primary challenges across sites and serve as good opportunities for cross-institutional learning. Conclusions Despite the potential for long-term cost savings and improving access to care, numerous obstacles continue to hinder the widespread implementation of teleretinal DR screening. Implementation science approaches can identify strategies for addressing these challenges and optimizing implementation.

An interprofessional model of care for adolescents with perinatal HIV: A qualitative study.

The number of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) is increasing however many health care systems are not prepared for this population and their health challenges, specifically a model of care (MoC) is lacking. Thus the objective of this study was to develop and propose a MoC for PHIVA. Through a qualitative study design, a MoC was developed and ratified with two focus groups, consisting of PHIVA and healthcare professionals. Seven participants were included in each focus group and the following themes were developed: relatable attributes; missing components; implementation and suggestions. Changes were made to the drafts of the MoC in response to the focus group results, leading to the finalisation of a MoC for PHIVA. The MoC focused on the importance of interprofessional health care and addressed the physical sequelae that PHIVA are likely to encounter. A schematic of the MoC was created for the use in general public education. It is important that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the specific needs of PHIVA. The interprofessional MoC developed in this study helps to address the requirements of this population.

Exploratory Study: Social Media Impact on Mental Health Perception in Colombian Gen Z

This exploratory study aimed to discern and comprehend the social media usage patterns and their perceived impact on mental health among Generation Z students at a Colombian university. Employing a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 361 Colombian Gen Z individuals. A focus group guide and a self-reported questionnaire, informed by focus group results, were utilized to evaluate diverse constructs. Qualitative data underwent iterative categorization (IC), while quantitative data underwent statistical analysis using SPSS software. Participants predominantly utilized social media for communication and entertainment, with indications of a link between social media use and anxiety. However, participants did not perceive social media as significantly influential in their decision-making processes or relationships. Notably, female participants reported higher anxiety levels. This study of Colombian Gen Z freshmen unveiled social media's notable influence on body image, mental health, and social rewards. It underscores the necessity for tailored interventions to foster positive online experiences, address gender-specific challenges, and reassess brand engagement strategies within this demographic. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research within the Colombian university context. Though the employed instrument exhibited acceptable validity and reliability levels, future research could benefit from enhancements. This paper represents the initial endeavor to analyze social media consumption among Generation Z in Colombia through a mixed methods approach. Examining social media consumption patterns and their impact on mental health contributes to academic discourse on this relationship, informing the design of appropriate pedagogic strategies while considering reported gender differences. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between social media use and mental health among Colombian Gen Z students. Addressing these dynamics is pivotal in formulating targeted interventions and strategies to support the mental well-being of this demographic within university settings. Future investigations should focus on refining measurement tools and delving deeper into nuanced aspects of social media's influence on mental health within educational environments.

A quantitative feedback intervention to reduce binge drinking in young adults.

Existing binge drinking reduction interventions such as brief intervention and personalized normative feedback have shown modest impact. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility (recruitment and retention rates), acceptability, and preliminary efficacy testing of a short-term "know your numbers (KYN)" intervention on motivating young adults to reduce their engagement in binge drinking. Young adults (N=94, mean age 21 years) with a history of binge drinking received a 4-week KYN intervention that included information about their U.S. Alcohol Use Disorders Test (USAUDIT) scores and the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) level in relationship to different risk levels of alcohol use. At baseline and 4-weeks, measures included USAUDIT scores, PEth levels, motivation (Alcohol Contemplation Ladder) and other drinking measures. Focus groups were conducted at 4-weeks for feedback on the KYN approach. The recruitment rate was 82.26% (retention rate 76.9%). At 4-weeks there was a 62% increase in contemplation scores (indicating higher motivation), a decrease in USADUIT scores with an increase in the percent of participants classified as low-risk drinkers. No differences were found between baseline and 4-week PEth levels or number of binge episodes. Focus group results revealed satisfaction with the KYN approach but the need to understand how PEth levels and USAUDIT scores corresponded to health consequences and alcohol use levels. Results from this pilot study support the acceptability and potential use of a KYN approach in helping young adults understand their drinking levels.

Performance evaluation of off-grid solar systems for critical medical instruments in remote regions

In areas with limited access to electricity or during power outages, ensuring continuous and reliable use of grid-powered electrical instruments is challenging, especially in remote emergency centers. A stable source of electricity is crucial to prevent disruptions in power supply, as they can lead to severe medical complications, jeopardize patient well-being, and even result in fatal incidents. To address this issue, integrating renewable electricity sources such as off-grid solar systems into existing power supply infrastructure can be a viable solution. Recent studies suggest that off-grid solar systems can be reliable and sustainable options for powering medical facilities, particularly in areas lacking uninterrupted grid connectivity. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of integrating off-grid power to support critical medical instruments. Based on an extensive literature review, interviews with experts, and surveys among relevant users, this study finds that the system has the capability to maintain a consistent, dependable power supply, even during adverse weather conditions. Cost and feasibility are highlighted as paramount considerations, based on surveys and focus group results. The study concludes that off-grid solar systems offer an economical, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable alternative for remote medical facilities. Finally, this study proposes recommendations to optimize critical device performance during power outages and improve overall system functionality and efficiency.

Barriers and Facilitators of Using R for Decision Analytic Modeling in Health Technology Assessment: Focus Group Results.

Decision models for health technology assessment (HTA) are largely submitted to HTA agencies using commercial software, which has known limitations. The use of the open-source programming language R has been suggested because of its efficiency, transparency, reproducibility, and ability to consider complex analyses. However, its use in HTA remains limited. This qualitative study aimed to explore the main reasons for this slow uptake of R in HTA and identify tangible facilitators. We undertook two semi-structured focus group discussions with 24 key stakeholders from government agencies, consultancy, pharmaceutical companies, and academia. Two 1.5-hour discussions reflected on barriers identified in a previous study and highlighted additional barriers. Discussions were recorded and semi-transcribed, and data were organized and summarized into key themes. Human resources constraints were identified as a key barrier, including a lack of training, prioritization and collaboration, and resistance to change. Another key barrier was the lack of acceptance, or clear guidance, around submissions in R by HTA agencies. Participants also highlighted a lack of communication around accepted packages and decision model structures, and between HTA agencies on standard decision modeling structures. There is a need for standardization, which can facilitate decision model sharing, coding homogeneity, and improved country adaptations. The creation of training materials and tailored workshops was identified as a key short-term facilitator. Increased communication and engagement of stakeholders could also facilitate the use of R by identifying needs and opportunities, encouraging HTA agencies to address structural barriers, and increasing incentives to use R.

Конституирующие нарративы локальной исторической памяти жителей регионов Сибири: между личным и общественным

The article examines the narratives of local historical self-identification of residents of the Siberian regions of Russia. The main objective of the study was to search for specific ideas, not related to the typical historical myths of the Russian periphery, through which Siberians construct their own social identity. The information base for the study was the results of focus groups conducted in 9 cities of Siberia and the Urals: Perm, Tyumen, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Kemerovo, Tomsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk. It was revealed that the local historical self-identification of Siberians is based on the perceived uncritically typical heroic narrative of the Russian periphery, associated with its development by representatives of the “country,” which is understood as the central government. Among the narratives of local historical memory, narrow local subjects associated with specific territories dominate - from the construction of a bridge across the Ob in Novosibirsk to the development of the coal industry in Kuzbass. Common myths are the narratives of the heroic “development of Siberia” from Ermak to Soviet industrial construction projects. In this form, the identified set of historical myths has a clearly Moscow-centric character and cannot serve as a basis for constructing local identity. However, as soon as the peripheral national narrative comes into conflict with the personal or family experiences of respondents, it corrodes. This leads to a critical understanding of the constitutive narratives of local historical self-identification.

Learning About Resilience from Rural Interprofessional Healthcare Teams: Insights from the “First Wave” of COVID-19

Building resilience is a key concern for adult educators today as we face unprecedented global challenges such as the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Nowhere is this more apparent than in educational initiatives with health professionals who experience many stressors in their work, now amplified by the pandemic. This paper reports the results of focus groups with three interprofessional primary healthcare teams in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, in the fall of 2021. The aim was to learn about their lived experience during the first year of the pandemic, as a basis for considering how resilience could be nurtured and supported in rural team-based collaborative practices settings. Findings reveal that, while each collaborative team experienced recognized COVID-19 workplace stressors, they leveraged a store of collective resilience to navigate the pandemic. The trust, sense of purpose, and shared problem-solving skills they derived from working in collaborative structures over time enabled them to regain equilibrium and to adapt to new norms, and to transform thier practices. The study highlights the power of collaborative learning to strengthen overall ability for resilient performance, and the adaptive capacity that is required to deliver and sustain quality healthcare. The study highlights the need for continuing professional education that values naturally occurring practice-based learning. Adult educators are well positioned to support health professionals and health systems to nurture and support resilient action. They bring an understanding of effective collaborative tools and processes that foster dialogue and collective awareness that leads to a shared identity and understanding. As this study reveals, it is this shared identity and capacity arising within a group that enables them to draw on their collective sources of support to deal with adversity.

Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Caregivers of Persons with Pain Strategies to address stress and improve self-care.

This article is part of a series, Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute. Results of focus groups, conducted as part of the AARP Public Policy Institute's No Longer Home Alone video project, supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members. This series of articles and accompanying videos aims to help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home. This new group of articles provides practical information nurses can share with family caregivers of persons living with pain. To use this series, nurses should read the articles first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers. Then they can refer caregivers to the informational tear sheet-Information for Family Caregivers-and instructional videos, encouraging them to ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses. Cite this article as: Tonkikh, O., et al. Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Caregivers of Persons with Pain. Am J Nurs 2023; 123 (6): 55-61.

Targeted placement for people with disabilities in Italy: a perspective from Lombardian companies

PurposeThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) recognizes the right of disabled people to access work. Against this legislative backdrop, this study explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Italian system of targeted placement for disabled people, based on Law 68/1999, which delegates to regional authorities the management of the labor market. The examination centers on the perspective of companies, the primary stakeholders in the inclusion of persons with disabilities within organizational structures.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses the results of focus groups conducted with 28 managers of large, medium and small enterprises in Lombardy (Italy). Qualitative analysis was employed, and the results were structured using a simplified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, incorporating practical recommendations.FindingsThe analysis leads to practical suggestions to improve the entire targeted placement process at the regional level, from selection and accompaniment to evaluation, such as improving the networking of local stakeholders who deal with the inclusion of disabled people, homogeneity of the procedures in different regions, making all employees aware of diversity management, etc. The territorial network and the welfare environment are particularly important in achieving a successful targeted placement and to promote an inclusive corporate culture.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is not representative of Italy as a whole, as it remains a qualitative investigation focused on a single region.Originality/valueThis contribution accomplishes an in-depth study of the law of labor inclusion of people with disabilities observed from the point of view of companies, which are still usually reluctant to integrate people with disabilities into their organizations or encounter difficulties in doing so.

Masculinities and the Lived Understandings of Bystander Responses to Everyday Violence

Among criminologists there has been an expanded contemporary interest in measures that encourage bystander intervention in the social settings of escalating and potentially violent incidents. These broadly include partner abuse and domestic disputes, as well as confrontational social interaction and other forms of targeted harassment and violence (racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist etc.), in everyday life. This article considers the likely success or failure of seeking to foster such measures as a core strategy of violence prevention, with discussion of the author’s Sydney-based study of the understandings of violence arising from young men’s lived experience of its various forms. It particularly concentrates on the results of focus groups conducted with a mixed sample of young men (aged 16-25 years) between 2018-2020. These participants had personal engagements with violence and potential violence, that shaped their reservations and doubts about regular intervention and general male anti-violence advocacy as reasonable and achievable social practices.

Energy Management Education in Persons with Long COVID-Related Fatigue: Insights from Focus Group Results on Occupational Therapy Approach.

Long COVID is a growing condition among individuals, with fatigue being one of the main symptoms experienced. Energy Management Education (EME) is a structured occupational therapy group intervention that aims to reduce the impact of fatigue in daily life. This study utilized focus groups to explore the experiences of individuals with post-COVID-related fatigue who participated in the EME program. Six participants engaged in discussions about the program immediately after its completion and again two months later. Additionally, five occupational therapists shared their experiences. Former participants reported implementing strategies learned in the program to manage their condition effectively. They emphasized the importance of understanding fatigue and found the support provided by the peer group valuable. Occupational therapists highlighted the unique challenges faced by individuals with post-COVID-related fatigue compared to other populations with similar fatigue symptoms. Furthermore, insights were obtained regarding the ways individuals live and cope with post-COVID-related fatigue. EME participants were involved in a dynamic and complex occupational therapy process and were experiencing a slow change towards having more control over their daily routines. The study gathered valuable feedback and suggestions from participants and occupational therapists which can be used to optimize the EME program.

Новая роль «бизнес- партнер в области управления персоналом» на рынке труда России

Introduction: the current changes in social life affect labor market, forming new professions and changing priorities in professional activity. The labor market in the personnel management segment is experiencing similar changes; the professional sphere has consistently undergone a transformation from personnel document management, through personnel selection and development, to meeting the needs of business units in the field of personnel. Objectives: to identify the prerequisites, study the current representation and determine the prospects for the development of a HR-business partner role in the Russian labor market. Methods: HeadHunter (hh.ru) platform data analysis, focus groups, document analysis. Results: the article analyzes the data of the hh.ru platform for the period from 2019 to 2022 in terms of HR-business partner role supply in the labor market. According to our estimates, the presence of an HR-business partner role has grown 5 times over the past 4 years; the labor market is creating stable requirements for this role. The article presents the results of an expert focus group on the development prospects for HR-business partner profession, demonstrating a demand for new educational programs, competency models, and the exchange of experience between companies. Conclusions: the presented results provide for formulating ideas on the development of the profession. The growing interest in HR-business partner role in the HR segment of the labor market brings about restructuring of supply and demand on the part of employers and employees in the field of HR.