Frequency Of Meetings Research Articles

Strategic digital product management: Nine approaches

Context:The role of product management (PM) is key for building, implementing and managing software-intensive systems. Whereas engineering is concerned with how to build systems, PM is concerned with ’what’ to build and ’why’ we should build the product. The role of PM is recognized as critical for the success of any product. However, few studies explore how the role of PM is changing due to recent trends that come with digitalization and digital transformation. Objectives:Although there is prominent research on PM, few studies explore how this role is changing due to the digital transformation of the software-intensive industry. In this paper, we study how trends such as DevOps and short feedback loops, data and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the emergence of digital ecosystems, are changing current product management practices. Methods:This study employs a qualitative approach using multi-case study research as the method. For our research, we selected five case companies in the software-intensive systems domain. Through workshop sessions, frequent meetings and interviews, we explore how DevOps and short feedback loops, data and artificial intelligence (AI), and digital ecosystems challenge current PM practices. Results:Our study yielded an in-depth understanding of how digital transformation of the software-intensive systems industry is changing current PM practices. We present empirical results from workshops and from interviews in which case company representatives share their insights on how software, data and AI impact current PM practices. Based on these results, we present a framework organized along two dimensions, i.e. a certainty dimension and an approach dimension. The framework helps structure the approaches product managers can employ to select and prioritize development of new functionality. Contributions:The contribution of this paper is a framework for ’Strategic Digital Product Management’ (SDPM). The framework outlines nine approaches that product managers can employ to maximize the return on investment (RoI) of R&D using new digital technologies.

Linkage of Hospital and Community level records for Epidemiological Research: Experiences from Kagando Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Western Uganda

BackgroundLinkage of census data and hospital records is crucial in conducting epidemiological research to inform public health decisions. In this study, we share our experiences in linking community-level data collected through census with hospital records and highlight the challenges and opportunities from our engagements with stakeholders. MethodologyWe undertook engagements with Uganda Christian University Ethics Research Committee, Hospital Management, and Community Health Volunteers to set up a platform to integrate hospital and census records using key identifiers. Trained data clerks prospectively linked data during patients’ visits following the data protection guidelines. ResultsFrom a population of approximately 30,000 people, we managed to link 1000 records within three months. Lessons learnt and opportunities: It is possible to link data with a set of identifiers, not only relying on common identifiers, especially for communities where ownership of a national identity card or birth certificate is not universal. Building stakeholder partnerships is essential, and frequent meetings with the hospital staff, epidemiologists and data programmers helped to identify problems and solutions. ChallengesLack of local capacity at the health facilities to develop linkage platforms. However, after development they can efficiently run the program. Frequent changes in the versions of the electronic system were later resolved. RecommendationsThere is a need to conduct regular capacity building for stakeholders to help them understand the importance of data linkage. ConclusionPublic engagement is an ethical imperative that enhances the quality, credibility, and long-term impact of research by incorporating the perspectives of the communities being studied.

Optimizing outcomes: Impact of palliative care consultation timing in the cardiovascular intensive care unit

BackgroundICU patients and their families experience significant stress due to illness severity and prognostic uncertainty, making palliative care (PC) integral for symptom management, family support, and end-of-life care goals. The impact of PC in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) remains unstudied. ObjectiveWe explore the impact of early palliative care consultation (PCC) on patient outcomes in the CICU, including mortality, length of stay, and family meeting frequency. MethodsThis retrospective study at MedStar Washington Hospital Center included 209 adult patients admitted to the CICU between December 2021 and June 2022 receiving PCC. We compared outcomes between those receiving early (<72 h) and late (>72 h) PCC, including mortality, length of stay, and family meeting frequency. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression models. ResultsThe study included 209 patients admitted to the (M age = 68 years, SD = 14; 45 % female; 62 % Black, 30 % White) who received PCC, most (79 %) within 72 h. Early PCC was associated with shorter CICU stays (median, 3 vs. 5.5 days; p = 0.005). Early PCC patients had higher odds of family meetings (IRR=3.59; p < 0.001) and experienced a change in code status sooner (median 1 day vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). Late PCC patients were more likely to undergo tracheostomy (13.6% vs. 2.4 %; p = 0.007), cardioversion (9.1% vs. 1.8 %; p = 0.037), and have PEG tubes placed (13.6% vs. 2.4 %; p = 0.007). ConclusionsEarly PCC in the CICU is associated with shorter CICU stays, fewer procedures, and more frequent family meetings.

Conscious Sedation Using Nitrous Oxide and Midazolam for Dental Procedures in Pediatric Patients in Armed Forces Hospital – Our Experience

Abstract Background and Aim: Management of pain and anxiety associated with dental procedures in pediatric age group is a big challenge. In this part of the world, counselling has been the main modality for managing such patients. It is associated with mixed outcome. We share our experience of managing 23 patients using a combination of inhalational nitrous oxide- oxygen and intravenous midazolam with satisfactory outcomes. Material and Methods: Patients aged more than six years, American society of anaesthesiologists classification (ASA) I or II, procedure that could be finished within one hour like pulpectomies, root canal treatments, extraction and multiple restorations were accepted for conscious sedation. Complete blood count was done and pre-anaesthetic checkup (PAC) with written informed consent from the parent was taken for the dental procedure under conscious sedation. We placed the nasal mask of the Conscious sedation anesthesia machine and made the child inhale Oxygen/Nitrous oxide mixture. After inhaling variable concentration of nitrous oxide/ oxygen mixture in proportion increasing from 30:70 to 70:30, procedure was done. After completion of the procedure, the patient was administered hundred percent oxygen for five minutes. Results: We have done a total of twenty-three cases till now with ages between five to seventeen years. The duration of procedures ranged from 30 min to one and half hour. Two patients less than six years were found to be uncooperative for the procedure. Conclusion: Minimum age group that was suitable for conscious sedation was six years and above. Frequent meetings and counselling by the same team should be facilitated prior to taking up for the procedure.

Expectation of the Communication Mechanism and its Gap in Public Administration: Approaches to Communication between Local Government and Public

Background: The gap in public administration is exacerbated by ineffective communication, limiting accessibility, and hindering underrepresented groups. Conventional methods like press releases and meetings may not always effectively involve the public. Innovative participatory communication techniques can improve governance quality, strengthen constituent ties, and increase openness. This study examines local government communication methods with the public, revealing expectations for transparency, openness, and participation, identifying communication gaps, and exploring effective strategies for public-government communication. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, involving 315 citizens, plus 6 staff, elected members, and local intellectuals in Ward No. 10 of Budhanilkantha municipality, using surveys and interviews. Results: While digital technology usage is moderate to high, fulfillment of public expectations for local government communication mechanisms was negative, with over 60% rating them negatively and 77.4% believing they were political. A majority of respondents (76.2%) received information from local governments or ward offices through social media, followed by man-to-man communication (54.6%) and mass media (52.7%). Ineffective communication can hinder citizen participation and challenge older adults and uneducated individuals. Key elements of successful communication include accuracy, efficiency, resourcefulness, immediate news flow, and technology use. Public recommendations include online feedback platforms, local government employees, and community outreach programs. Conclusion: The public expects open communication, digital tools, transparency, and freedom of politics. To foster trust and engage the public, frequent meetings, online discussions, local personnel recruiting, community outreach, trust development, and customized interaction are necessary. Novelty: The study could provide insights into a new approach to public-local government communication, emphasizing transparency, community concerns, and collaboration.

Cardiac (tele)rehabilitation in routine clinical practice for patients with coronary artery disease: protocol of the REHAB + trial.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs face the challenge of suboptimal participation, despite being a level Ia recommendation. Cardiac telerehabilitation, with its potential to engage patients who might otherwise not show interest, necessitates the adaption of existing center-based cardiac rehabilitation programs to facilitate rehabilitation at home. REHAB + is a mobile cardiac telerehabilitation program cocreated with patients and rehabilitation centers, aiming to future-proof cardiac rehabilitation and improve accessibility. The REHAB + application enables users to remotely communicate with their coach, receive on-demand feedback on health goal progression, and reduces the need for frequent in-person meetings at the cardiac rehabilitation center. The REHAB + study seeks to compare patient-related outcomes and characteristics of patients between those offered the option to participate in cardiac telerehabilitation and those attending center-based cardiac rehabilitation over a twelve-month period. The REHAB + study is a multicenter, prospective, matched controlled, observational study that includes (N)STEMI patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation. We aim to enroll 300 participants for cardiac telerehabilitation and 600 for center-based cardiac rehabilitation. Participants opting for cardiac telerehabilitation (REHAB+) will be matched with center-based cardiac rehabilitation participants. Additionally, characteristics of patients unwilling to participate in either center-based rehabilitation or telerehabilitation but are willing to share their demographics will be collected. The primary endpoint is quality of life measured with the SF-36 questionnaire at three and twelve months, with patient-related characteristics driving intervention choice as the most important secondary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include physical activity, modifiable risk factors, and digital health experience. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT05207072. The REHAB + trial is unique by offering patients freedom to choose between cardiac telerehabilitation and center-based rehabilitation. The integration of digital components into cardiac rehabilitation has the potential to complement behavioral change strategies for specific patient groups. Offering patients the option of cardiac telerehabilitation next to center-based rehabilitation could enhance overall cardiac rehabilitation participation rates.

Burnout, racial trauma, and protective experiences of Black psychologists and counselors.

The present study explored rates of burnout and racial trauma among 182 Black mental health professionals (BMHPs) and utilized racial-cultural theory to explore potential protective factors against burnout and racial trauma. We collected data from 182 Black psychologists and counselors who were active mental health professionals during 2020. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses of variance, follow-up univariate analyses of variance, bivariate correlations, and multiple regression analyses were used. Both burnout and racial trauma were considerably higher among BMHPs than has been reported across general samples of helping professionals and across a sample of Black participants across the United States. Differences among rates of burnout and racial trauma existed across genders and specialties (i.e., counseling and psychology). Higher levels of social support and an external locus of control significantly predicted lower levels of burnout and racial trauma. In addition, higher levels of resilient coping predicted lower levels of burnout. Last, more frequent meetings with a mentor significantly predicted lower levels of racial trauma. Results from this study suggest that BMHPs may be more susceptible to burnout and race-based traumatic stress as a result of their work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Members’ Feedback After a Spiritual Group Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential, and Intensive Treatment (SPIRIT)

ABSTRACT Six hundred and fifty-four inpatients who participated in a spiritual group therapy intervention provided qualitative feedback regarding what helped them and what could be improved. Patients revealed that enjoying a sense of connection with other people and a sense of openness in the groups and simply talking about spirituality with other people was helpful to them. Many group members requested that groups go on for a longer amount of time than 12 sessions, to have longer sessions, and to have more frequent meetings. In addition, members described improvements that could be made to the group, including members’ being better screened, leaders preventing individual members from dominating discussions or from being quiet or leaving the group early, and members’ wanting more structure as well as more open discussion. The findings highlight the importance of connection, openness, and spirituality when implementing spiritual group interventions in hospital settings. Implications for future research, training, and clinical interventions are discussed.

Parent–Teacher Meetings and Student Outcomes: curriculum and PTA meet

ABSTRACT— This study examines the vital functions that efficient Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings and a well-organized curriculum have in the educational ecology. The syllabus acts as a thorough manual that describes the goals of the course, the required readings, the timetable, the grading guidelines, and classroom behaviour. This helps parents and students understand what is expected of them. This paper provides a visible roadmap of the course and shows how a thorough syllabus improves academic performance, accountability, and student participation through systematic review and analysis. This article also explores the dynamics of PTA meetings, which serve as an essential forum for parents, educators, and school administration to communicate and work together. PTA meetings that are successful have well-planned agendas, open forums that promote engaged participation, and productive discussion. Through an analysis of case studies and best practices, the study shows how frequent and well-run PTA meetings help with problem-solving, school initiative support, and creating a sense of community within the school. The synergistic effect produced by integrating PTA meetings with the curriculum improves educational outcomes. The report ends with recommendations for improving PTA meeting formats and syllabus design in order to promote a more welcoming and encouraging learning environment. The research hopes to give educators and school administrators useful insights to enhance parent-teacher interaction and student success through these recommendations. INDEX TEARMS – Frontend development HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Backend development React, Database management PHP / MySQL, ChatGPT.

An Analysis of the Reasons, Practices and Preventive Measures of Bullying at Secondary School

This study investigates the preventive measures and existing practices of bullying at secondary school level in Hyderabad Sindh. Objectives of the study were to: determine the reasons of bullying at Secondary School Level in Hyderabad Sindh, investigate the consequences of bullying at Secondary School Level in Hyderabad Sindh and assess the preventions, measures and existence practices of bullying at Secondary School Level in Hyderabad Sindh. This study was quantitative. Survey was used as research design. The population of the study was consisted of 18,673 secondary school students of Hyderabad District. The sample of the study was comprised 217 secondary school level students at Hyderabad District. And simple random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Self-made close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Researchers collected data both from teachers and students of secondary schools in district Hyderabad. Percentages, frequencies and chi-square were used as statistical techniques to analyze and interpret the data. Findings of the study concluded that the majority of participants expressed agreement regarding the necessity for scholarly presentations, such as speeches or role-plays, to address bullying. Furthermore, most of the participants emphasized the importance of organizing discussion sessions and fostering open communication on topics such as reporting incidents of bullying. The study recommended that there must be frequent parents-teachers meetings to motivate parents for playing their role to stop bullying among their children. Keywords: Bullying, Preventive Measure, Secondary School

Finding the joy: effective mentoring in Teacher Education

ABSTRACT Effective support of student teachers is critical to the teaching profession. This research involved student teachers and those who support student teachers on a new two-year Postgraduate teaching course. Using a range of data collection, including creative methods such as the use of artefacts, participants’ interpretations of effective mentoring were explored. It is reported that it is important that mentors volunteer for, and proactively engage in their mentoring role. Also, that sufficient time is allocated to undertake mentoring responsibilities, which include frequent mentor meetings and professional learning. Key aspects identified for effective mentoring include the importance of a trusting relationship between the student teacher and mentor; nurturing student teacher self-reflection and ensuring that student teachers observe a range of teaching styles. The implications of the findings include the improvement and development of support materials for the programme’s mentors along with sharing effective mentoring practice case studies, that showcase effective approaches in different school contexts.

Board Characteristics and Bank Stock Performance: Empirical Evidence from the MENA Region

This study examined the relationship between the board characteristics and stock performance of commercial banks. Our analysis is based on a sample of 65 banks across 10 MENA countries and their quantitative data extracted between 2013 and 2022. This research employed pooled OLS, and fixed and random effect regression to confirm the association between board size, board independence, number of board meetings, and CEO duality with stock performance measured by the bank’s share price and market-to-book ratio. Further, several control variables were utilized such as the bank’s capital adequacy, profitability, and size. The empirical findings reveal that board independence positively affects the bank stock performance while the board size shows a negative relationship. This suggests that banks with fewer board members and high independence levels have their shares outperforming others. However, we found that having frequent board meetings per year and separate roles for the CEO and chairman have no impact on bank stock performance. Moreover, the findings indicate that the bank’s capital adequacy, size, and profitability have a positive effect on the stock performance. To test the robustness of our analysis, we implemented a one-limit Tobit model, which enables lower-bound censoring, and obtained similar findings thus confirming our hypotheses. From a practical perspective, our findings highlight the importance of the board size and the directors’ independence to MENA regulators and policymakers in an effort to implement an effective corporate governance system. Specifically, MENA banks are advised to decrease the number of board members, and this should reduce the number of annual board meetings which, in turn, should maximize performance.

Addressing environment, social and governance (ESG) investment in China: Does board composition and financing decision matter?

This study examined the link between board composition and environment, social and governance (ESG) investment, and how financing decisions moderate this nexus. The study constructed hypotheses using insights derived from stakeholder and agency theories. We used secondary data from 2010 to 2022 to conduct an empirical analysis using the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Fixed Effect (FE) estimators. This study found a positive and significant relationship between board independence, sustainability committee, gender diversity, managerial ownership, board meetings and ESG investment. We also found a negative connection between CEO duality, board size, foreign nationals on the board, annual remuneration, and ESG investment. Furthermore, financing decisions significantly moderated the relationship between board composition and ESG investment. The results confirm the importance of board composition and financing decisions in ESG investment in Chinese manufacturing firms. The results show that splitting the CEO and chairperson roles and frequent board meetings can improve a company's ESG investment. Policymakers should facilitate company operations by providing regulations for ESG investment.

Effectiveness of Audit Committee Features to Asymmetric Information with Audit Quality as Moderating

Purpose: The study aims to explore the effectiveness of audit committee features, such as the total members, meeting frequency, financial competence, and independence, as a determinant of asymmetric information with audit quality as moderating. Design/Method/Approach: We employed a regression model with panel data, analyzing 260 firm-year observations for entities whose shares traded on the Indonesia Stock Market from 2017 to 2021, all of which fall under the category of public interest entities. Findings: Our examination uncovered meeting frequency was statistically significant in reducing asymmetric information, and audit quality enhanced the interrelation of the meeting frequency, reducing asymmetric information. In contrast, our examination could not uncover any correlation between the total members, financial competence, and independence with asymmetric information. In addition, the study demonstrated no relationship between audit quality enhancing correlation between the total members, financial competence, and independence to mitigate asymmetric information. Theoretical Implications: The study supports agency and asymmetric information theories by demonstrating the significant role of oversight through frequent meetings in mitigating conflicts between agents and principals. This academic support enriches the existing literature and provides valuable insights for future research in the field. Practical Implications: Our findings suggest that the regular occurrence of dialogue between audit committees and management needs to be increased to provide better oversight and ultimately improve organizational performance, benefiting stakeholders and the board. Finally, our study implies the current regulations in Indonesia have not succeeded in encouraging the efficacy of audit committee monitoring through other features of audit committees as mandated by Indonesian regulation. Hence, regulatory breakthroughs by policymakers are essential to foster the performance of audit committees. Originality/Value: Our study provides a novel perspective on how audit committee features influence asymmetric information by providing insights by investigating the involvement of audit quality as a moderating factor. Research Limitations/Future Research: While our study may be limited in its applicability due to the constrained data sourced from the Indonesian Stock Market, the potential insufficiency of proxy variables in apprising audit committee efficacy, and the restricted use of control variables, addressing these constraints should be a focus of future studies to achieve a more comprehensive understanding. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: G34, O16

Examining the Influence of Risk Management Committee Dynamics on Financial Performance: A Case Study of Listed Insurance Companies in Nigeria

The Nigerian insurance industry has experienced substantial growth due to factors like increased awareness, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements. This research aimed to explore how the composition, structure, and activities of risk management committees influence key financial performance metrics, focusing on return on assets (ROA). Data from annual reports and audited financial statements of selected insurance companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group from 2013 to 2022 were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that risk management committee size and meeting frequency positively impact financial performance, suggesting that larger committees and more frequent meetings correlate with better financial outcomes. However, factors like committee independence and gender diversity had insignificant effects on financial performance. In conclusion, the presence and effectiveness of risk management committees significantly affect the financial performance of listed insurance companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that insurance companies prioritize diverse committee compositions to benefit from a wider range of expertise and perspectives.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF A SUBURBAN HOMESTAY: INSIGHT OF DESA CINTA KOBUNI HOMESTAY IN INANAM, SABAH, MALAYSIA

Several homestays in Malaysia are located in rural regions with the goal of providing guests with a genuine rural living experience and enhancing the economic well-being of local residents. While research on homestays in rural regions is increasing, there is a lack of studies on homestays in suburban settings. Founded in 2017, Desa Cinta Kobuni (DCK) Homestay, situated in a suburban region in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, has achieved many significant successes. This research intends to examine the practices and success factors identified by stakeholders of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in a suburban area, with a specific emphasis on DCK Homestay. This research used a qualitative technique to connect with ten key stakeholders of DCK Homestay, interviewing them to acquire insights into their views and experiences. The data was analysed using theme analysis, identifying four crucial characteristics - people, process, strategy, and enabler - that have significantly influenced the success factors of DCK Homestay. Key factors contributing to the success of CBT were effective collaboration with neighbouring villages, mutual support via frequent meetings, and the development of community culture. Collaborative projects and activities with other communities were seen as crucial factors in improving the overall tourist experience. DCK Homestay's success was attributed to creative relationships, community participation, sustainable methods, and cultural promotion. These factors have enhanced the favourable view of CBT in a suburban environment and promoted mutual support and cultural interaction among community members. This research illuminates the distinctive characteristics of suburban cognitive-behavioural therapy, with a focus on DCK Homestay. The results highlight how community engagement, sustainable methods, and smart collaborations are crucial for the success of suburban CBT projects. Stakeholders can improve the tourist experience, help the local community, and promote the cultural diversity of the area by comprehending and using these important variables.

Application Of Thought Stopping and Psycoeducation Therapy Families Towards Objective Loads And Resilience Family Caregiver In Caring For Clients Hypertension With Anxiety

Background: Anxiety is a mental problem that is often experienced by people in everyday life, especially those who experience physical illnesses such as hypertension. Objective: Writing this report is intended to provide nursing interventions for nurses, family psychoeducation and thought stopping (TS) therapy so that clients can control anxiety, and the family's ability to care for anxious clients. Methods: Nursing actions for 1 hypertensive client with anxiety were reported in the form of a case series carried out in four meetings (five sessions). Results: There were a decrease in signs of anxiety symptoms experienced due to trauma from an event. There is an increase in the client's ability to control anxiety and the family's ability to care for the client. Conclusion: This study is evidence based on the effectiveness of nursing actions by nurses and specialist nurses for clients with anxiety who require further evaluation with a larger sample size and more frequent meetings. In addition, it is necessary to research anxiety clients with physical illnesses by applying a combination of other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Implementing a Hospitalist Comanagement Service in Orthopaedic Surgery.

➤ Hospitalist comanagement of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery is a growing trend across the United States, yet its implementation in an academic tertiary care hospital can be complex and even contentious.➤ Hospitalist comanagement services lead to better identification of at-risk patients, optimization of patient care to prevent adverse events, and streamlining of the admission process, thereby enhancing the overall service efficiency.➤ A successful hospitalist comanagement service includes the identification of service stakeholders and leaders; frequent consensus meetings; a well-defined standardized framework, with goals, program metrics, and unified commands; and an occasional satisfaction assessment to update and improve the program.➤ In this article, we establish a step-by-step protocol for the implementation of a comanagement structure between orthopaedic and hospitalist services at a tertiary care center, outlining specific protocols and workflows for patient care and transfer procedures among various departments, particularly in emergency and postoperative situations.

Impact of a quality improvement initiative and monthly multidisciplinary meetings on outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF). However, there are relatively few studies investigating the effect of regular multidisciplinary team meetings on level selection, surgical performance parameters, and patient outcomes after PSIF for AIS. The aim of this study was to assess changes in intra- and postoperative outcomes following multidisciplinary team meeting implementation for patients undergoing PSIF for AIS. The medical records of 96 adolescents (10 to 18years old) diagnosed with AIS and undergoing PSIF at a major academic institution from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. A quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented in February 2020, including institution of monthly multidisciplinary conferences focusing on preoperative indications, level selection, postoperative review of surgical performance parameters for previous cases, and discussion and optimization of postoperative ambulation and pain control protocols. Patients were placed into "Pre-QI" (treated pre-February 2020) and "Post-QI" (treated post-February 2020) cohorts. Patient demographics, comorbidities, deformity characteristics, intraoperative variables, ambulation status, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and unplanned readmission rates were assessed. Of the 96 study patients, 44 (45.8%) were in the Pre-QI cohort, and 52 (54.2%) were in the Post-QI cohort. Mean major curve was not significantly different between the two cohorts (Pre-QI: 58.0 ± 7.3° vs Post-QI: 57.9 ± 14.5°, p = 0.169). The Pre-QI cohort had a greater mean minor curve degree (Pre-QI: 42.7 ± 11.8° vs Post-QI: 36.8 ± 12.4, p = 0.008). The Pre-QI cohort had significantly greater mean spinal levels fused (Pre-QI: 11.7 ± 1.7 vs Post-QI: 10.4 ± 2.6, p = 0.009), significantly greater mean estimated blood loss (Pre-QI: 1063.6 ± 631.5ml vs. Post-QI: 415.8 ± 189.9ml, p < 0.001), significantly greater mean operative time normalized to levels fused (Pre-QI: 0.6 ± 0.1h/level fused vs Post-QI: 0.4 ± 0.1h/level fused, p < 0.001), and a significantly greater proportion of patients with intraoperative drain placement (Pre-QI: 93.2% vs Post-QI: 5.8%, p < 0.001). The Post-QI cohort had significantly shorter time to postoperative ambulation (Pre-QI: 2.1 ± 0.9days vs Post-QI: 1.3 ± 0.5days, p < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of patients in the Pre-QI cohort developed any postoperative complication (Pre-QI: 72.7% vs Post-QI: 34.6%, p < 0.001), and mean LOS was significantly greater among Pre-QI patients (Pre-QI: 4.5 ± 1.1days vs Post-QI: 3.2 ± 0.8days, p < 0.001). Discharge disposition (p = 0.758) and 30-day unplanned readmissions (p = 0.207) were similar between the cohorts. Our findings suggest that monthly multidisciplinary pediatric spine team meetings may improve patient care. Further studies exploring the incorporation of QI implementation with frequent multidisciplinary team meetings into existing ERAS protocols are merited.

Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The specific objective of the study was to critically appraise the relationship between size of board of directors, composition of board members, frequency of board meetings and return on assets of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The data were sourced through secondary sources from annual reports and accounts of sampled deposit money banks in Nigeria. The stated Null Hypotheses were tested through data analysis by using the correlation analysis as analytical tool. The research findings reveal that board size has a positive and strong relationship with return on assets while board composition has a positive but moderately strong association with return on assets. Furthermore, frequency of board meetings has a negative and very weak relationship with return on assets of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The implication of the findings is that increased board size could result in the improvement of financial performance of deposit money banks. The research found that such increase in number of members of the board will generate the desired outcome if it centers on independent nonexecutive directors with wealth of corporate governance experience, sound and profitable contacts, good and relevant education. The negative relationship with frequency of board meetings implies that banks should begin to trim down on number of board meetings as research has found that frequent meetings signal a crisis or distress situation with perceptions of going concern issues and bank failure. The study recommends that new independent non-executive professionals with critical governance and management attributes could be introduced into the board to improve the quality of decisions, earnings and general performance. Frequency of Board Meetings should be reduced to save cost and time while virtual meetings should be called more often than physical meetings as distance is no longer a barrier.