Layperson's Perspective Research Articles

Diving into the Digital Landscape: Assessing the Quality of Online Information on Neonatal Jaundice for Parents.

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns. While mild cases of jaundice are common and typically resolve spontaneously, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious neurologic complications if left untreated. With the constant adaptation of guidelines, clinical management has significantly improved, and treatment has become routine for pediatricians. However, for parents of affected children, managing the condition is not routine. In today's digital age, parents often seek additional information by accessing a wide range of medical resources on the internet. While this can be empowering, it also presents challenges, as the quality and accuracy of online medical information can vary widely. Therefore, we analyzed the current quality of information on jaundice found on the internet by parents. A simulated internet search (using the Google search engine) was conducted from a layperson's perspective using German ("Neugeborenes Gelbsucht", "Baby Gelbsucht") and English ("jaundice newborn", "jaundice baby") search terms. Subsequently, the quality of the search results was assessed by two independent neonatologists based on the DISCERN Plus Score, HONcode certification, and the JAMA criteria. Websites targeting non-medical laypersons exhibited significant variability in quality. Notably, the content of English websites was superior to that of websites in the German language. The majority of English sites were predominantly institutional, whereas most German sites were commercially oriented. Although information on jaundice is readily accessible online for non-medical individuals, there were notable differences in quality based on language and significant variability in the quality of information warranting attention from healthcare professionals. Furthermore, German websites providing information on jaundice were often hosted by commercial organizations. We propose that pediatric societies engage in developing and maintaining organization-based medical information to improve online resources for parents.

Layperson assessment of smile lines and upper lip combined images in smile esthetics

The esthetic assessment of smile lines by laypersons is a subject of ongoing debate. However, smile lines often appear with different types of upper lip curvature, which further complicates the esthetic assessment process, and studies on this combination are lacking. The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate a layperson's esthetic perception of smile lines and upper lip combined images. Twenty-six smile images resulting from combinations of 3 upper lip types, 4 anterior smile line types, and 3 posterior smile line types were generated by an image editing software program. Eighty-three laypersons (39 men and 44 women; 18 to 35 years of age) completed rating images using a visual analog scale. Unattractive smiles were designated to be those with scores <50 and attractive ones with scores ≥50. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=.05). High anterior smile line with gingival display >4mm obtained significantly lower scores of <50 when combined with all upper lip curvatures (upward: 28.29 ±22.79, straight: 38.74 ±23.00, downward: 30.67 ±22.25, P<.01). High anterior smile lines with gingival display ≤4mm combined with upward and straight upper lip curvature images obtained significantly higher scores, and all were ≥50 (upward: 63.24 ±22.22, straight: 61.40 ±21.58, P<.01). From a layperson's perspective, high anterior smile lines with gingival display >4mm combined with any lip type were determined to be unattractive. If gingival display was ≤4mm combined with both upward and straight lip types, the smile was assessed as attractive.

TCS overuse and withdrawal reactions: a UK lay-person's perspective.

TCS overuse and withdrawal reactions: a UK lay-person's perspective.

The Impact of Dental Midline on Asymmetric Faces: Perspective of Laypersons and Dentists.

Background: The objective was to determine if asymmetric facial features, nasal and chin deviations, affect the perception of attractiveness of a dental midline angulation, and if it is consistent among both dentists and laypeople. It was also analyzed if factors, such as the sex, age group of the participants and the dentist’s area of operation are relevant in their assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study, approved by the Ethics Committee of Fernando Pessoa University. From a symmetrical facial model (SFM) image, a natural-looking asymmetrical face was created. Based on this asymmetric facial model six images were created, with different directions and degrees of inclination of the dental midline. In total, 236 laypersons and 242 dentists completed the online questionnaire where they rated the self-perception of attractiveness of the eight images (VAS scale from 0 to 10). Non-parametric comparisons (IBM© SPSS Statistics vs. 27.0, p < 0.05). Results: The results showed a significant difference in the perception of attractiveness between laypeople and dentists. This finding was consistent regarding every image, except for the SFM. The factors, sex of the people participating and dentist’s area of operation, seemed only to contribute to a significant difference in the perception when it came to the SFM. The perceived attractiveness of the images, for dentists and laypersons, did not differ by age group of the participant, apart from images 6 and 8. Conclusions: Dentists are more rigorous about dental midline inclinations than laypersons. The perception of attractiveness was affected by the age group and sex of the participants and the dentist’s area of operation.

Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Lower Face Contouring: Layperson Perceptions of Attractiveness and Personality Traits.

Traditional approaches to lower face contouring involve ostectomy of the mandibular angle or body. More recently, nonsurgical techniques have gained popularity, including neurotoxin injection to the masseter muscle. This study aims to evaluate layperson perceptions of patient attractiveness and personality traits following lower face contouring using either surgical or nonsurgical treatment. In this survey study distributed via Amazon's Mechanical Turk, respondents viewed a series of 14 patient images obtained in clinic before and after surgical or nonsurgical jawline slimming, or without any facial aesthetic procedure. Respondents rated changes in attractiveness and personality trait scores between the before and after image (score: -50 to 50, with 50 representing the greatest posttreatment increase and 0 representing no change). We used descriptive statistics and multivariable regression to determine differences in respondent ratings between patient images. A total of 415 respondents (mean age 38 years, 50.6% female) successfully completed the survey. Compared to patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment, those who received surgery had significantly greater increases in perceived attractiveness (P < 0.001), femininity (P < 0.001), friendliness (P < 0.001), intelligence (P < 0.001), trustworthiness (P < 0.001), financial wealthiness (P < 0.001), dominance (P < 0.01), and self-esteem (P < 0.001). Gonial angles increased and jaw widths decreased following both surgical and nonsurgical intervention, with no statistically significant difference between treatment groups. From the layperson perspective, surgical compared to nonsurgical jawline contouring offers greater improvements in perceptions of attractiveness and favorable personality traits.

Trust in technology: interlocking trust concepts for privacy respecting video surveillance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to defend the notion of “trust in technology” against the philosophical view that this concept is misled and unsuitable for ethical evaluation. In contrast, it is shown that “trustworthy technology” addresses a critical societal need in the digital age as it is inclusive of IT-security risks not only from a technical but also from a public layperson perspective. Design/methodology/approach From an interdisciplinary perspective between philosophy andIT-security, the authors discuss a potential instantiation of a “trustworthy information and communication technology (ICT)”: a solution for privacy respecting video surveillance. Here, strong data protection measures address grave concerns such as the threat of bulk biometric tracking of citizens. In a logical argument, however, the authors show that this technical notion of “trust” needs to be complemented by interlocking trust relations to justify public trust. Findings Based on this argument, the authors demonstrate that the philosophical position considering “trust in technology” to denote either “reliability” or “interpersonal trust” is too limited as it fails to address critical aspects of IT-security. In a broader, socio-technical sense, however, it is shown that several distinct accounts of trust – technical, interpersonal and institutional – should meaningfully interlock, to address concerns with ICTs. Originality/value This conceptual study demonstrates the potential of “trust in technology” for a more comprehensive evaluation of ICTs within the context of operation. Furthermore, it adds to the discussion of trust in IT-security by highlighting the layperson’s challenge of judging a technology’s trustworthiness. Vice versa, it contributes to Ethics of Technology by highlighting crucial IT-security needs.

Stakeholder involvement in the development of trial material for a clinical trial.

BackgroundStakeholder involvement includes not just patients and public, but also those delivering treatment for example clinicians and students. Each stakeholder brings unique experiences to the process. The aim of this stakeholder exercise was to explore readability and understanding of the trial material for the future trial to be conducted by the authors: Biomechanical Effects of Manual Therapy—A Feasibility Study.DesignVolunteers from identified stakeholder groups were provided with trial material which included the information sheet, consent form, questionnaires and home management booklet. They provided feedback on content (readability, understanding) and style (font, layout). An additional document was provided with genres of pictures to choose the most appropriate style to be used in the booklet.Readability formulas were used to calculate reading age before and after feedback to objectively measure ease of reading.ResultsThe public group provided a layperson's perspective to clarify the information sheet for patients, whereas practitioner and intern groups indicated where information could be clarified. The reading age of all documentation decreased following feedback; however, templated sections of the documentation did not. The majority (87%) of volunteers chose coloured classic cartoons for the booklet.ConclusionThis process highlighted the importance of involving different stakeholder groups in the development of research materials as each group made a unique contribution. Readability and understanding of the trial material were improved, feeding back into the consent process contributing towards fully informed consent.Patient or Public ContributionPublic helped develop materials for a future trial but not with manuscript preparation.

The effect of apology on emotional and decisional forgiveness: The role of personality

Links between contextual variables and forgiveness have been widely acknowledged in the literature. From the layperson's perspective, receipt of an apology is one of the most important reasons to forgive the offender, while lack of apology is a major reason not to forgive (Younger et al., 2004). The effect of apology or remedial behaviors on forgiveness has been confirmed by many studies. However, more in-depth analyses of the associations have been undertaken very rarely. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between apology and forgiveness moderated by the personality variables, such as the Big Five dimensions and trait anger. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in Polish samples consisting, respectively, of 259 and 236 individuals aged 15–79. Polish versions of the Decision to Forgive Scale, the Emotional Forgiveness Scale, the Abridged Big Five Dimensional Circumplex, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 were used. Perceived apology was rated using a five-point scale. The results showed that apology was positively related to both emotional and decisional forgiveness. Agreeableness, as the only personality dimension, moderated the link between apology and decisional forgiveness. Participants with average and higher levels of agreeableness showed a greater decision to forgive their offenders.

What do laypersons believe characterises a competent psychotherapist?

AbstractAimAlthough research and clinical definitions of psychotherapeutic competence have been proposed, less is known about the layperson perspective. The aim was to explore the views of individuals with different levels of psychotherapy experience regarding what—in their views—constitutes a competent therapist.MethodIn an online survey, 375 persons (64% female, mean age 33.24 years) with no experience, with professional experience, or with personal pre‐experience with psychotherapy participated. To provide low‐threshold questions, we first presented two qualitative items (i.e. “In your opinion, what makes a good/competent psychotherapist?”; “How do you recognize that a psychotherapist is not competent?”) and analysed them using inductive content analysis techniques (Mayring, 2014). Then, we gave participants a 16‐item questionnaire including items from previous surveys and from the literature and analysed them descriptively.ResultsWork‐related principles, professionalism, personality characteristics, caring communication, empathy and understanding were important categories of competence. Concerning the quantitative questions, most participants agreed with items indicating that a therapist should be open, listen well, show empathy and behave responsibly.ConclusionInvestigating layperson perspectives suggested that effective and professional interpersonal behaviour of therapists plays a central role in the public's perception of psychotherapy.

Valuation of Medieval Churches; Taking Account of Laypersons’ Views

Abstract Local voluntary groups often play an important role in the day-to-day care for historic churches, therefore the perspective of laypersons is very relevant for their conservation. In this paper, we investigate laypersons’ valuation of historic buildings, their experiences of thermal comfort in those buildings and contrast this with their views on the appropriateness of energy efficiency measures. This paper presents four case studies of medieval churches in Groningen, Netherlands. We applied interviews and photo-elicitation to investigate the values held by local committees that take daily care of the churches in our sample. Our theoretical contribution lies in the combination of valuation studies and heritage approaches. Valuation studies is used to investigate the values that are attached to historic buildings by various stakeholders. We apply the ‘heritage-as–a-spatial-vector’ approach which focuses on using heritage as a resource and to position heritage in relation to developments in society. We conclude that for a more balanced assessment of historic buildings, laypersons’ valuations should be further integrated in heritage studies. In particular, community values and comfort needs should be more fully addressed in value assessments.

Perceptions of trained laypersons in end-of-life or advance care planning conversations: a qualitative meta-synthesis

BackgroundLaypersons including volunteers, community health navigators, or peer educators provide important support to individuals with serious illnesses in community or healthcare settings. The experiences of laypersons in communication with seriously ill peers is unknown.MethodsWe performed an ENTREQ-guided qualitative meta-synthesis. We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and AMED to include qualitative studies with data regarding communication and laypersons in advance care planning, palliative care, or end-of-life settings. Study quality was appraised using a standardized tool. The analysis identified key domains and associated themes relating specifically to laypersons’ perspectives on communication.ResultsOf 877 articles, nine studies provided layperson quotations related to layperson-to-peer communication associated with advance care planning (n = 4) or end-of-life conversations (n = 5). The studies were conducted in United Kingdom (n = 4) or United States settings (n = 5). The synthesis of layperson perspectives yielded five main domains: 1) layperson-to-peer communication, focusing on the experience of talking with peers, 2) layperson-to-peer interpersonal interactions, focusing on the entire interaction between the layperson and peers, excluding communication-related issues, 3) personal impact on the layperson, 4) layperson contributions, and 5) layperson training. Laypersons described using specific communication skills including the ability to build rapport, discuss sensitive issues, listen and allow silence, and respond to emotions.ConclusionsPublished studies described experiences of trained laypersons in conversations with peers related to advance care planning or end-of-life situations. Based on these layperson perspectives related to communication, programs should next evaluate the potential impact of laypersons in meaningful conversations.

Crowdsourcing &amp; Data Analytics: The New Settlement Tools

By protecting the right to a jury, the State and Federal Constitutions recognize the fundamental value of having civil and criminal disputes resolved by laypersons. However actual trials are relatively rare, in part because parties seek to avoid the risks and cost of trials, and courts seek to clear dockets efficiently. Even as settlement may be desirable, it is sometimes difficult to resolve a dispute. Parties naturally view their cases from different perspectives, and these perspectives often cause both sides to be overly optimistic, seeking unreasonably large or unreasonably small resolutions. This article describes a novel method of incorporating layperson perspectives to provide parties more accurate information about the value of their case. Specifically, we suggest that working with mediators or settlement judges, the parties should create mini-trials and then recruit hundreds of online mock jurors to render decisions. By applying modern statistical techniques to these results, the mediators can show the parties the likelihood of possible outcomes and also collect qualitative information about strengths and weaknesses for each side. These data will counter the parties’ unrealistic views and thereby facilitate settlement.

Successful ageing trajectories at the end of life: a longitudinal population-based cohort study

BackgroundDespite the acknowledgment that successful ageing is a heterogeneous life-course process, present models of successful ageing are unable to accommodate decline at the end of life because of methodological and conceptual limitations. The present study aimed to address these limitations, identifying different trajectories of successful ageing at the end of life. MethodsThe Successful Ageing Index (SAI), which is a scale consisting of components identified by systematic reviews of layperson perspectives and operational definitions of successful ageing, was collected in a longitudinal population-based cohort study of individuals aged 75 years and older—the Cambridge City over-75s Cohort Study (CC75C). SAI scores were examined longitudinally with growth mixture modelling (GMM) to identify classes of participants with similar trajectories; in this model decedents’ (n=1015) last completed interview and up to four previous data collection waves before death were used. Classes identified by GMM were compared by means of logistic regression models. FindingsA three-class model was identified: a high-functioning, no decline (HN) class; a high-functioning, gradual decline (HG) class; and a low-functioning, steep decline (LS) class. Individuals in the HN class were significantly younger at death (88·3 years [SD 4·9]) than were those in the HG (89·9 [5·0], p<0·0001) and LS classes (90·5 [5·1], p<0·0001); were significantly younger at their last interview (82·9 years [3·6] vs 85·0 [4·2] in the HG class [p<0·0001] and 86·3 [4·7] in the LS class [p<0·0001]); consisted of more men (52% men vs 31% in the HG class [p<0·0001] and 22% in the LS class [p<0·0001]); and were more likely to be married (51% vs 24% in the HG class [p<0·0001] and 19% in the LS class [p=0·0001]). InterpretationSuccessful ageing trajectories at the end of life are heterogeneous; individuals can experience many different trajectories towards death. Methods used in this study provide novel insights into successful ageing at the end of life. The present study provides the methodological framework for future research, with important implications for policy and practice, as well as insights into the demographic characteristics of end of life trajectories. FundingNone.

The educational value of improvisational actors to teach communication and relational skills: Perspectives of interprofessional learners, faculty, and actors

ObjectiveTo assess the educational value of improvisational actors in difficult conversation simulations to teach communication and relational skills to interprofessional learners. MethodsSurveys of 192 interprofessional health care professionals, and 33 teaching faculty, and semi-structured interviews of 10 actors. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and chi-square test were used for quantitative analyses, and the Crabtree and Miller approach was used for qualitative analyses. Results191/192 (99.5%) interprofessional learners (L), and 31/33 (94%) teaching faculty (F) responded to surveys. All 10/10 actors completed interviews. Nearly all participants found the actors realistic (98%L, 96%F), and valuable to the learning (97%L, 100%F). Most felt that role-play with another clinician would not have been as valuable as learning with actors (80%L, 97%F). There were no statistically significant differences in perceived value between learners who participated in the simulations (47%) versus those who observed (53%), or between doctors, nurses, or psychosocial professionals. Qualitative assessment yielded five actor value themes: Realism, Actor Feedback, Layperson Perspective, Depth of Emotion, and Role of Improvisation in Education. Actors independently identified similar themes as goals of their work. ConclusionsThe value attributed to actors was nearly universal among interprofessional learners and faculty, and independent of enactment participation versus observation. Authenticity, feedback from actors, patient/family perspectives, emotion, and improvisation were key educational elements.

Whose "successful ageing"?: lay- and researcher-driven conceptualisations of ageing well

Background and Objectives: To date, there is no consensus definition of successful ageing (SA). In the literature, conceptualisations of SA are generally re- searcher-driven operational definitions or layperson perspectives. The current study aims to systematically review and compare quantitative operational definitions of SA with qual- itative, layperson perspectives of SA. Methods: PubMed, PsycInfo, ISI Web of Knowledge, EmBase and CINAHL databases were searched using the words �successful ageing� and related terms. Peer-reviewed stud- ies positing quantifiable operational definitions of SA were included, as were studies that conducted exploratory qualitative study of layperson perspectives of SA. Results : Marked differences in the focus of SA conceptualizations between researchers and laypersons were revealed. Qualitative studies demonstrated a greater emphasis on psychosocial aspects of SA, such as attitude whilst quantitative studies were generally bio- medically focused, e.g. physical functioning/disability. Conclusions: Little concordance in classification of SA is found across the two per- spectives such that an individual may be simultaneously classified as unsuccessfully age- ing from a biomedical approach and successfully ageing from a layperson perspective. Most studies have been conducted in North America and the UK using non-clinical popu- lations, resulting in limitations on generalizability. Alternative perspectives of SA must be taken into consideration in the practical application of SA.

What Are They Thinking? Exploring Layperson Conceptualizations of Wildlife Health and Disease

Communication is an important part of wildlife management. Communication strategies based in knowledge of stakeholder understandings of key issues tend to be particularly effective. We conducted focus groups in five states across the United States to evaluate how laypersons conceptualize wildlife health and wildlife disease management. Based on insights from the focus groups, we identified building blocks of layperson mental models for wildlife health. From the layperson perspective, wildlife health was associated with absence of disease; balanced, sustainable populations; healthy animals; habitat quality; and ecosystem health. Wildlife disease was commonly viewed as a natural phenomenon. Factors influencing support for wildlife disease management included the specific methods used, cost, predicted consequences of management, level of uncertainty, and severity of the disease threat. Knowledge attained from these focus groups provides empirical evidence of beliefs and perceptions that influence public understanding and agreement with wildlife disease management.

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Background and aims: Simulation education is increasingly employed as an educational strategy, but understanding learner and faculty experience with actor-based simulation is limited. Given the demands of pediatric critical care, actors may have particular relevance when teaching the art of difficult conversations. Aims: We developed realistic enactments with professional actors to simulate a wide range of difficult conversations, and assessed the efficacy of actor-based simulation to teach communication and relational skills from the perspectives of learners and faculty. Methods: Self-report surveys were administered to interprofessional learners and faculty. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic data and thematic analysis was conducted for open-ended questions. The IRB reviewed the study and participants completed informed consent. Results: 191 interprofessional learners and 31 teaching faculty completed surveys. The vast majority found the clinical scenarios realistic (99%) and clinically useful (96%). Nearly all participants (98%) and faculty (96%) described the actors’ portrayal of patients/families as realistic, and reported actors valuable to the learning (97% participants, 100% faculty). Compared to actor-based simulation, 81% of participants and 97% of faculty felt that role-playing would not have been as educationally valuable. Five central themes were identified about the actors’ unique value: Realism; Importance of Actor Feedback; Actor’s Layperson Perspective; Depth of Emotion; and Role of Improvisation in Education. Conclusions: Actor improvisation and unscripted interactions mirror real practice during difficult conversations, and offer a more engaging means than role-play to learn the art of difficult conversations. Actors were especially valued for their layperson perspective and ability to provide meaningful feedback.

Lay perspectives of successful ageing: a systematic review and meta-ethnography

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review of lay perspectives of successful ageing (SA), synthesise these data using a metaethnographic framework and to provide a...

Examining quality function deployment in safety promotion in Sweden

The first-hand needs and demands of laypersons are not always considered when safety promotion programmes are being developed. We compared focal areas for interventions identified from residents' statements of safety needs with focal areas for interventions identified by local government professionals in a Swedish urban community certified by the international Safe Community movement supported by the World Health Organization. Quantitative and qualitative data on self-expressed safety needs from 787 housing residents were transformed into an intervention design, using the quality function deployment (QFD) technique and compared with the safety intervention programme developed by professionals at the municipality administrative office. The outcome of the comparison was investigated with regard to implications for the Safe Community movement. The QFD analysis identified the initiation and maintenance of social integrative processes in housing areas as the most highly prioritized interventions among the residents, but failed to highlight the safety needs of several vulnerable groups (the elderly, infants and persons with disabilities). The intervention programme designed by the public health professionals did not address the social integrative processes, but it did highlight the vulnerable groups. This study indicates that the QFD technique is suitable for providing residential safety promotion efforts with a quality orientation from the layperson's perspective. Views of public health professionals have to be included to ascertain that the needs of socially deprived residents are adequately taken into account. QFD can augment the methodological toolbox for safety promotion programmes, including interventions in residential areas.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: A Lay Person's Perspective on the Proposed Anglican Covenant

AbstractBaptism is the sacrament that incorporates Christians into the Body of Christ; 99 percent of the church are laity. The proposed Anglican Covenant's emphasis on formal authority exercised by bishops and primates changes the relationships among all Anglicans, not just bishops. This change may run against a fundamental Anglican tradition of ongoing communal reflection that acknowledges that elements of church life change because they are no longer convenient or useful in particular locales. In adopting the Anglican Covenant, are we stating that traditional Anglican polity is no longer convenient or useful for the Provinces of the Anglican Communion, including the Episcopal Church?