Holistic Program Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Curriculum Sustainability at University: A Key Challenge for Improving the Professional Development of Teachers of the Future

This article presents a systematic literature review on curriculum sustainability in the initial education of primary school teachers. It analyses aspects related to the methodologies, keywords, geographical area, scope, theoretical frameworks of reference and main existing lines of research obtained from 38 documents between 2015 and 2021. Some research questions were as follows: What methodologies does it relate to? Are there elements that facilitate or hinder the development of curricular sustainability? What impact are programmes developing curricular sustainability having? Some of the results were as follows: (a) most of the documents analysed were published in Europe; (b) the main theme was the promotion of a committed and collective education; (c) approaches have to be based on sustainability competencies; (d) there was a lack of knowledge about sustainability competencies, a lack of training in education for sustainable development (ESD), and a lack of systemic and creative thinking; and (e) there is a need for ESD training to enhance knowledge and to develop sustainability competencies. In conclusion, the priority is to develop interdisciplinary, holistic and active methodology-based programmes that integrate deep changes throughout education. Study programmes should be modified in order to have a positive impact on the development of ESD.

Lived experiences of stroke survivors in India: A phenomenological study.

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and has a potentially enormous emotional and socio-economic impact on patients, their families, and health services. Perceptions of patients with stroke have already been studied worldwide, which are unique in terms of their cultural background. However, in India, there is a lack of studies about the experience of the disease by stroke survivors and their perspectives of understanding the situation. This study aimed to explore lived experience of stroke survivors in India. A phenomenological study design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten stroke survivors who had experienced post-stroke deficits three months to one year after stroke. Data were analyzed using Diekelmann's hermeneutical approach to identify underlying themes. Two main themes emerged: (1) emergence of stroke (actual occurrence, mental perception, and recognition of illness) and (2) therapeutic concerns (enhanced and weakened recovery). Recognizing how patients experience the illness is crucial in planning care for stroke survivors. Strengthening factors enhancing recovery and limiting the hindering factors through effective therapeutic management is a necessity. The findings might also contribute to refining existing interventions and designing holistic multi-component rehabilitation programs that facilitate easy recovery. The study also highlights the need for providing information to general public on recognizing warning signs of stroke.

Seeing Infrastructure, Interrogating Infrastructure: Making explicit the implicit of LIS education and learning environments

Seeing Infrastructure, Interrogating Infrastructure: Making explicit the implicit of LIS education and learning environments

So You Think You Won’t Be A Supervisor?

Collaboration between faculty, faculty practitioners, and practitioners enhances teaching and research opportunities, provides more hands-on learning opportunities, and improves the knowledge and experience of all of those involved. Students benefit from learning about real world scenarios to couple with theoretical knowledge. Such experience improves student outcomes and informs their professionalism. Practitioners bring value added to the department with real-time information on new practices, trends, and solutions. Administrations recognize this value added and are striving to foster more inclusivity. Collaboration builds more resiliency into LIS programs and encourages the development of new leaders in our classrooms.
 Most LIS programs include a management course and usually required. Anecdotally many students react to the course with a distain or non-preference for supervisory work and self-identify as not expecting to move into management or supervision. Many course designs include an assignment meant to have students interact with practicing library supervisors or managers in order to learn through that lens.
 This panel will encourage participants to think critically about the role of practitioners in LIS education, with a particular emphasis on preparing students for future roles in administration. Practitioners, whether as adjunct faculty, guest speakers, or full-time lecturers, bring greater emphasis to the lived experiences of the field to the classroom. This blend of current research with current experience offers a more holistic program to the student. Both administrators and accrediting agencies recognize the depth this blend brings to departments as evidenced by shifting attitudes and the development of greater support.
 This panel will discuss:
 
 Resilience and leadership in action
 The concept of capacity and the impact on leadership effectiveness
 Discussion of data collected from current practitioners through interviews conducted by current LIS students under the guidance of practitioner educators
 Exploration of resilience and leadership in library administrations during the challenges of COVID (2020-2022)

Experiences of German health care professionals with spiritual history taking in primary care: a mixed-methods process evaluation of the HoPES3 intervention.

Spiritual needs gain importance in old age but are often ignored in health care. Within the 'Holistic care program for elderly patients to integrate spiritual needs, social activity and self-care into disease management in primary care (HoPES3)' a complex intervention was evaluated in a cluster-randomized trial. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, benefits, and harms of a spiritual history taken by general practitioners (GPs) as part of the complex intervention. In this mixed-methods study telephone interviews with 11 German GPs and 12 medical assistants (MAs) of the HoPES3 intervention group were conducted and analysed using a content-analytical approach. Furthermore, GPs were asked to complete a questionnaire after each spiritual history. One hundred and forty-one questionnaires from 14 GPs were analysed descriptively. GPs considered the spiritual history very/quite helpful for the patient in 27% (n= 38) and very/quite stressful in 2% (n = 3) of the cases. Interviews indicated that GPs found discussing spiritual history easier than anticipated. GPs and MAs saw a difficulty in that many patients associated spirituality with religion or church and reacted with surprise or rejection. Benefits for patients were seen in the opportunity to talk about non-medical topics, and increased awareness of their own resources. Benefits for GPs mainly related to information gain and an intensified patient-physician relationship. A spiritual history in general practice has the potential to reveal important information about patients' lives and to improve the patient-physician relationship. Implementation barriers identified in this study have to be considered and addressed.

Educational approaches to enable marketplace metacognition and social intelligence in subsistence consumers

PurposeSubsistence marketplace can be characterized as a marketplace with widespread cognitive and social vulnerabilities, due to low income and low literacy levels. This may result in retailers exploiting the consumers. The purpose of this research paper is to develop a holistic learning program to impart marketplace intelligence to overcome these vulnerabilities of subsistence consumers.Design/methodology/approachUsing vicious cycle approach, the authors illustrate the self-perpetuating nature of consumer vulnerabilities. The authors argue that retailers behave in an opportunistic manner and exploit the consumers. This further reinforces the vulnerabilities of subsistence consumers resulting in a vicious cycle. The authors draw insights from Sen’s capability approach and propose marketplace intelligence as a potential solution to eradicate consumers’ vulnerabilities. The authors apply Biggs’s 3Ps model to design a learning program to impart two types of marketplace intelligence – marketplace metacognition and marketplace social intelligence.FindingsBased on a review of literature on subsistence marketplace initiatives, persuasive knowledge management and education research, the authors have devised a holistic learning program comprising an integrated learning environment (presage), problem-based approach (process) and assessment strategies for learning outcomes (product).Originality/valueThis study marks a pioneering effort toward liberating subsistence consumers from the vicious cycle of retailers’ exploitation by empowering them with marketplace intelligence. This study’s novelty lies in conceptualizing consumer vulnerabilities in the subsistence marketplace as a self-perpetuating phenomenon and subsequently designing a holistic learning program to impart intelligence toward alleviating these vulnerabilities.

George P. Prigatano’s contributions to neuropsychological rehabilitation and clinical neuropsychology: A 50-year perspective

In the 1970s and 1980s, a multitude of cognitive rehabilitation programs proliferated to facilitate recovery after brain injury. However only a few programs provided a framework for ameliorating disturbances in the cognitive, psychological, and interpersonal spheres of the brain-injured patient. Greatly influenced by Leonard Diller and Yehuda Ben-Yishay’s ideas and methods, George P. Prigatano began, in early 1980, a holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation program at the Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma). The objective of this paper is to summarize the contributions of George P. Prigatano to neuropsychological rehabilitation and clinical neuropsychology during his 50th year of practice. The main body of the paper is structured in three sections. The first section briefly explains the history of neuropsychological rehabilitation in the twentieth century and the emergence of holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation programs in the 1970s. The second section describes the contributions of George P. Prigatano to neuropsychological rehabilitation and clinical neuropsychology (written by AGM). In the third section, the second author (GPP) prepared an autobiographical statement, which attempts to summarize some of the personal and professional experiences which influenced his work. George P. Prigatano’s contributions to neuropsychological rehabilitation and clinical neuropsychology are essential to understanding the therapeutic approaches currently used in the treatment of brain-injured patients.

REFOCUSING TEACHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA FOR GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES: ISSUES, CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD

<p>The paper highlighted some of the issues and challenges facing teacher education in Nigeria. These include: Government’s neglect of the education sector, poor funding and shortage of qualified teachers to meet the manpower needs at all levels of the educational system in Nigeria. The paper also highlighted some global best practices in countries like Finland, Canada, Singapore and Australia. The paper recommended that a conscious and conscientious effort needs to be<strong> </strong>made to refocus teacher education in Nigeria. Teacher education policies need to be implemented in practical terms to provide highly motivated, conscientious, and efficient classroom teachers for all levels of education in Nigeria. The paper strongly advocated for a holistic teacher education programme in Nigeria, in line with global best practices.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0579/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Strengthening Zooeyia: Understanding the Human-Animal Bond between Veterans Living with Comorbid Substance Use and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and their Service Dogs

Zooeyia includes the potential benefits that interactions and relationships with companion animals can bring to human health. These potential benefits have been grouped into four components to describe the means through which they may occur: pets as builders of social capital, agents of harm reduction, motivators for health behavior change, and active participants in treatment plans. This construct has been used to examine the human-animal bond (HAB) and understand animal-assisted interventions. It has not, however, been intentionally applied within the context of military Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid substance use paired with Service Dogs (SD). A qualitative approach to analysis using zooeyia was applied to data collected during an exploratory patient-oriented, time-series research design with Veterans teamed with SDs through a national holistic Canadian training program. All four components of zooeyia were present in the experiences of Veterans with SDs; SDs were builders of social capital, agents of harm reduction, motivators for health behavior change, and active participants in treatment plans. While Veterans working with SDs reported many benefits, the pairs also experienced specific complex challenges, beyond the expected concerns for a household pet. The human-animal relationship between Veterans in this study and their SDs, and the subsequent growing bond, is a key contributing component and step to the strengthening of zooeyia. This analysis of zooeyia extends our understanding of how SDs support veterans’ health, including better management of PTSD and problematic substance use. Because the HAB is reciprocal, this analysis also challenges One Health to recognize and embrace concerns for animal welfare.

Satisfaction with life and associated factors among elderly people living in two cities in northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of life satisfaction and identify associated factors among elderly people living in two cities in northwest Ethiopia.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study.SettingTwo cities in northwest Ethiopia...

Exploring the voices of health promotion stakeholders concerning the implementation of physical activity programs for the social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls

Physical activity and sport programs have been promoted as a strength-based way to enhance social and emotional wellbeing in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. However, there is limited evidence that describes how these programs may be tailored for girls. Semi‐structured interviews with health promotion stakeholders (N = 11) explored organizational perceptions of the needs and preferences of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in relation to physical activity and social and emotional wellbeing. Interviews also investigated best practice approaches for implementing holistic health programs for the population. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) Perceived physical activity and health service needs, preferences and behaviours and (2) Best practice engagement strategies and associated challenges. A need for culturally safe, youth-friendly services was emphasized, where physical activity and sport may play an influential role. Program development recommendations included focussing upon health literacy, utilizing co-design and creating culturally secure, fun environments.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients presenting with advanced HIV disease in the “treat all” era: a retrospective cohort study from rural Rwanda

BackgroundIn 2016 Rwanda adopted “treat all” where all patients with HIV are immediately eligible for ART regardless of disease progression. Despite widespread availability of treatment, it is unknown whether presentation with advanced HIV persists.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort among patients aged ≥ 15 who enrolled in care between July 2016 and July 2018 in three rural Rwandan districts. We estimated the prevalence of advanced HIV, defined as presenting with CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4, and compared baseline characteristics of patients with and without advanced HIV. We compared cumulative incidences and time to events using Chi squared tests and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively, for (a) viral load tests; (b) viral suppression; (c) death; and (d) treatment failure (a composite of death, lost to follow up, or virologic failure).ResultsAmong 957 patients, 105 (11.0%) presented with advanced HIV. These patients were significantly more likely to have low body mass index, come from Burera district, be older, and be identified through inpatient settings rather than through voluntary or prenatal testing. Patients with advanced HIV had significantly higher risks of death at 12-months (9.5% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) and 18-months (10.5% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001) and significantly higher risk of treatment failure at 12-months (21.9% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.037). After adjusting for confounders, patients with advanced HIV had still higher rates of death (adjusted Hazard ratio [aHR] = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.9, 10.2, p < 0.001) and treatment failure (aHR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.5, p = 0.017), but no difference in viral load testing (aHR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.5, p = 0.442) or viral suppression (aHR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.4, p = 0.949). When allowing for the hazard ratio to vary over time, patients with advanced HIV experienced elevated rates of treatment failure in the first six of enrollment, but not after nine months.ConclusionPresenting with advanced HIV remains common and is still associated with poor patient outcomes. Sensitization of the community to the benefits of early ART initiation, identification of patients with advanced HIV, and holistic support programs for the first 6 months of treatment may be needed to improve outcomes.

A-191 The Relationship between Demographic and Injury-Related Factors and Return to Driving following Holistic Milieu-Oriented Neurorehabilitation

Abstract Objective: Return to driving (RTD) following an acquired brain injury (ABI) positively impacts an individual’s productivity, quality of life, and community re-integration. Research illustrates that the return to driving is a complex process influenced by personal, cognitive, psychological, medical, neurological, and environmental factors. This study examined the association between demographic and injury factors and RTD at discharge following intensive neurorehabilitation. Method: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 178 individuals with heterogeneous acquired brain injuries who participated in a holistic milieu-oriented outpatient neurorehabilitation program from 2012 to 2022. Demographic information (age, education, race/ethnicity), injury history (injury type, age at injury, chronicity), program participation variables (length of program participation, age at participation), and driving status at discharge were collected. Results: Individuals with more chronic injuries were less likely to present with a RTD goal at admission, (p = .004). 71% (N = 88) of individuals met their RTD goal by discharge. There was no significant relationship between age at injury, age at admission, chronicity, days in treatment, or education and successful RTD at discharge. Type of brain injury (traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other [i.e., anoxia, seizure, and infection]), gender, and race/ethnicity were not related to successful RTD at discharge. Conclusions: The majority of ABI survivors met their RTD goal at discharge. Findings illustrate that the holistic milieu-oriented treatment approach is effective with regard to addressing RTD goals across a variety of brain injury etiologies, demographics factors, and injury variables.

Effect of Spiritual Care Program on Resilience in Patients with Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background:Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic disease that appears to affect resilience. One of the important programs that may affect resilience is a spiritual care program. As a result, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of a spiritual care program on the resilience of patients with HF.Materials and Methods:This randomized clinical trial study was performed at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, Iran in 2020. Eighty-four patients were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups using a block size of 6. Connor-Davidson Scale and Parsian and Dunning Spirituality Questionnaire were completed by both groups before and after the intervention. For the experimental group, two educational sessions were carried out in one hour and thirty minutes and then continued three times a week for 1 month in order to practice spiritual care via WhatsApp. The control group did not receive the intervention that is done for the experimental group during performing intervention. In the end, the data related to 74 patients in each group (n = 37) were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA).Results:Dimensions of individual competence (F = 12.85, p = 0.001) and negative emotion tolerance of resilience (F = 8.71, p = 0.005) increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group and caused a significant increase in the total resilience score of the patients (F = 7.78, p = 0.007).Conclusions:Results of the study showed that a spiritual care program has a great role in improving the total resilience score and can be considered as a part of the holistic treatment program.

Relationships between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes in students, faculty, and staff of an American university

Objective This study examined relationships between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes of university affiliates. Participants 166 university affiliates of an American university (including students, faculty, and staff) participated between October 2018 and March 2020. Methods Participants completed fitness measurements, wore a device to measure physical activity (PA) and sleep for one week, and completed a survey evaluating happiness and job satisfaction. Multiple regression models evaluated associations between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes. Results 45% of participants had “poor” cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and unhealthy % fat. CRF, body composition, and muscular endurance were related to PA while body composition was related to sleep duration. Muscular endurance was related to GPA and job satisfaction. Conclusions Findings suggest 45% of university affiliates had deficient physical fitness and may benefit from increasing PA and sleep. Universities should evaluate fitness within holistic programs to improve affiliates’ health and, ultimately, occupational success.

A systematic review of Indigenous parents' educational engagement

AbstractThe vital role of parents in Indigenous children's education has long been recognised in the school system; however, there is still limited understanding of the complex challenges experienced by parents in their educational engagement. This systematic review synthesised evidence from 41 studies to provide an understanding of Indigenous parents' perceptions about their educational engagement and strategies used by schools to facilitate their engagement. By employing a qualitative thematic synthesis, we identified three main themes: (1) the self‐perceived roles of Indigenous parents; (2) factors that hinder educational engagement; and (3) strategies that can support Indigenous parents. The findings suggest that cultural issues greatly influence the way parents perceive their role and are at the root of the hindering factors and effective strategies for increasing parental engagement. Schools' personnel can create opportunities for authentic collaboration with parents by undertaking a comprehensive identification of impeding factors and employing a strength‐based framework that acknowledges the importance of integrating cultural aspects and culturally responsive approaches. Context and implicationsRationale for this studyIndigenous parental engagement in schools has continued to be a concern. Although such engagement is widely recognised as essential, fundamental enablers of parental engagement are not thoroughly examined. This study aimed to explore how home‐school relations could be established in ways that accommodate the preferences of Indigenous parents.Why do the new findings matterThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of how home‐school partnerships could be undertaken to produce an authentic collaboration between schools and Indigenous parents. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge about the factors hindering Indigenous parental engagement and culturally responsive strategies to enhance it.Implications for practitioners and policy makersWith the recognition of Indigenous cultures, schools can strengthen their genuine commitments to build an authentic and inclusive collaboration with Indigenous parents by empowering parents to engage in their children‘s education, building culturally responsive relationships with parents, and supporting the whole family and students‘ development. Moreover, policy makers might comprehensively investigate any culturally inappropriate and unsafe regulations in the existing policies and consider holistic programmes that are more culturally responsive.

Smoking cessation support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age: findings from the Which Way? study.

ObjectiveTo identify smoking cessation support strategies that resonate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.Design, setting and participantsA national cross‐sectional survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 16–49 years who were smokers or ex‐smokers was conducted online during the period July to October 2020.Main outcome measuresPreferred strategies, providers and locations for smoking cessation support.ResultsAmong a total of 428 women who participated in the survey, group‐based support and holistic support were the most preferred strategies (preferred by 31.8% and 22.2% of women, respectively). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with choosing holistic support programs (prevalence ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00–1.28]). Women with high or moderate nicotine dependency were more likely to consider group‐based support to be helpful (prevalence ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, ≥ 1.00–1.27]) than those with low nicotine dependency. The most preferred providers for smoking cessation support were Aboriginal health workers (64.3%). Most women (73.4%) preferred face‐to‐face support at an Aboriginal health service, 38.8% preferred online support and 34.8% preferred phone support. A higher percentage of older women (≥ 35 years) preferred online or phone support (prevalence ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.03–2.80]) compared with younger women (16–20 years). Use of an Aboriginal health service was positively associated with preference for an Aboriginal health worker (prevalence ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.12–1.62]), and receiving face‐to‐face support at an Aboriginal health service (prevalence ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10–1.49]).ConclusionAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women prefer a range of cessation supports, with most women preferring group support and holistic approaches. Cessation supports that resonated with women varied by age, remoteness, nicotine dependence, and whether participants used an Aboriginal health service. Women want support to quit smoking from the Aboriginal health workers at their Aboriginal health service, at their health care providers and in their community. Comprehensive, multifaceted supports are required. Online support and phone‐based support are also preferred by some women, which helps to increase accessibility. Appropriate models of care — including sufficient funding for Aboriginal health services and Aboriginal health workers — are required and should be developed in partnership with communities to implement meaningful and culturally safe cessation care. This research demonstrates the need for and importance of multifaceted, comprehensive cessation support strategies.

Living Without a Diagnosis: A Patient's Perspective on Diabetic Macular Ischemia.

Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that can result in progressive and irreversible vision loss. DMI is associated with damage in the vessels that supply blood to the retina and the enlargement of the foveal avascular zone. Currently, there are no approved treatments specifically for DMI. Furthermore, there is limited published information about the prognosis, prevalence or outcomes of DMI, and there is no consensus regarding diagnostic criteria. It is vital to ensure that there is sufficient, accessible and accurate information available to support patients, caregivers and physicians. To lay the foundation for more research into DMI and its impact on patients, we (a patient with DMI and an expert ophthalmologist) have worked together to interweave our personal perspectives and clinical experiences with a review of currently available literature on DMI. The development of a set of confirmed diagnostic criteria for DMI would assist both patients and physicians, allowing patients to access validated information about their condition and supporting the development of clinical trials for treatments of DMI. Training for physicians must continue to emphasise the importance of treating a patient holistically, rather than only treating their symptoms. Most importantly, developing trust and a healthy rapport between a patient and their physician is important in managing health anxiety and ensuring adherence to beneficial treatments or lifestyle adjustments; physicians must cultivate an open and flexible management approach with their patients. Finally, holistic educational programmes for patients, physicians and the general public around DMI and how it can affect daily functioning would facilitate general understanding and disease awareness.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-022-00546-3.

Factors Affecting Physical and Mental Health of Working From Home (WFH) Employees: Basis for a Wellness Program for a Holding Company

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the concept of traditional working from home. The quick transition to full-time WFH significantly affected the employees' well-being. This study focused on the effect of the lifestyle and home environment, occupational environment, and home office environment on the employees? physical and mental health or well-being who are working from home full time due to the pandemic. This quantitative study utilized an online survey distributed to all employees of a Holding Company using google forms. Purposive sampling was used to select the 100 sample respondents based on the computed sample size using G-Power application. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics was used to describe the variables and simple regression was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results of this study showed that lifestyle and home environment and occupational environment had significant effect on physical well-being of the employees WFH while home office environment had no significant effect. For the mental well-being, lifestyle and home environment and home office environment had significant effect while occupational environment had no significant effect. Also, there was an average changes in the physical and mental well-being status of the employees WFH compared to pre-pandemic work arrangement. This study was able to identified factors that significantly affect workers' physical and mental well-being and established the framework for thinking about how to best create a great WFH experience. As such, this study intended to develop a CAPSTONE Project in a form of a holistic wellness program and working from home guidelines to ensure and promote the well-being of the employees working remotely.

Teachers’ Experiences and Role in the Design Process of Online Degree Programmes in Higher Education

Background The study was conducted at a university of applied sciences in Finland. The viewpoint is of those online degree programme teachers involved in the initial steps of design and implementation of the first online degree programmes in the organisation that follows a pedagogical strategy in all its operations.&#x0D; Objectives The teachers as implementers of the intended pedagogical solution have an important role in the design process. Their views were sought to gain information about their experiences of the intended design of online degree programmes in the local context.&#x0D; Methods This study presents the results of the second cycle of a design-based research (DBR) process in the holistic design of online degree programmes. Focus group interview and thematic analysis were used to gain the teachers’ experiences of the holistic design to further develop the initial design created in the first cycle. &#x0D; Findings The results reveal teachers’ positive and negative experiences of the holistic online degree programme design in three layers: organisational, pedagogical and online degree programme. Results include several new considerations, including management support, collegial support, collaboration and co-creation, online degree community, extended online and onsite teaching environments, blended education, and international aspects.&#x0D; Conclusions The results indicate that it is important for higher education organisations to involve teachers in the design process of online degree programmes. The resulting design principles may be of interest to those managers, coordinators and educators developing higher education online degree programmes.