Experiences Of Members Research Articles

Exploring the experience of family members caring for a relative with alcohol use disorder: A phenomenological inquiry.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a global concern with negative physical, psychological and social consequences. The ramifications of AUD extend beyond the individual and affect their family caregivers. Yet, the majority of existing research has primarily focused on individuals with AUD and interventions to encourage their abstinence rather than on their support systems. In order to advance a holistic approach, research to address this gap is imperative to understand family caregiver concerns and needs for added support. We conducted a qualitative study using van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach to uncover the meaning of family caregivers' lived experiences and capture the essence of their involvement in caring for a relative with AUD. A purposeful and snowball sample of family members (N = 10) living within the United States participated in a face-to-face or virtual, one-on-one audio-recorded interview and a second meeting for member checking the transcribed data. Participants received a $20.00 gift card as a token for their participation. Six major themes emerged from the description of participants' lived experiences: (1) traversing the peaks and valleys, (2) wandering in the unknown, (3) pointing fingers, (4) weathering the storm, (5) drawing a line and (6) looking back, looking in. Although participants experienced many challenges, they never relinquished and remained committed to their caregiver role. Steadfastly staying with their relatives through crises exemplifies commitment as described by Sister Simone Roach's Theory of Caring. Through the ups and downs, each participant found meaning from the experience, which aligned closely with Starck's Theory of Meaning. This study has implications for nursing practice, public health policy and highlights the need for collaboration to address the existing challenges for family caregivers of relatives with AUD.

Adapting to a New Normal: Peruvian University Faculty’s Experiences with Techno-Stress Post-COVID-19

Background Technology enhances teaching and learning quality, yet when educators lack tech proficiency, it hinders effective education and leads to frustration, lower confidence, and self-doubt. This study aims to investigate the experiences of university faculty members in relation to the impact of technology on their mental well-being. Methods Using a qualitative approach (grounded theory), ten university faculty members were selected for in-depth interviews based on criteria such as teaching experience, tenure, specific courses or subjects taught, and active engagement during the research period. The guiding research question, “What are the experiences and perceptions of university faculty members concerning techno-stress?” directed the study’s focus. The instrument (interview guide) that measured techno-stress consisted of 12 items and was administered virtually. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover common stressors, adaptive strategies, and institutional challenges faced by faculty in adapting to technology’s demands and work overload. Additionally, the study identified four subcategories: work overload, social and emotional interaction, adaption to new technologies, and expectations and teaching quality. Results Techno-stress is a composite of emotional and physical reactions triggered by the improper use of technology. Faculty members’ encounters with techno-stress have substantial implications for their quality of life. Conclusions This research highlights technology’s positive impact on higher education but notes faculty struggles with techno-stress, emphasizing the need for training, support, and boundaries to maintain work-life balance and enhance educational quality.

Messy natures: The political aesthetics of nature recovery

Abstract Current aspirations for nature recovery to address biodiversity loss and climate change will involve changing what landscapes look like, which can create challenging aesthetic experiences for members of the public. In this study, we interrogate the role of aesthetics in shaping visions of nature recovery, focussing on the construction and contestation of ‘mess’ and ‘messiness’ in nature recovery. We examine the political aesthetics of messy natures using a qualitative approach investigating visual and text materials across different sites of production in Britain, from newspapers to social media, paying particular attention to visual materials Our results show how the mediated debate around ‘rewilding’ urban environments and a beaver‐themed garden winning a horticultural show are examples of a backlash against untidy environments through a politicised discourse, linking messy nature with left‐wing ideologies, in contrast to the perceived orderliness and conservative ideals of good citizenship associated with tidiness. In contrast, social media imagery of messy and wild gardens demonstrates how mess is consciously framed aesthetically as a desirable ‘look’ for restored nature, symbolising progressive and environmentalist ideals of good citizenship through activities such as nature‐friendly gardening and initiatives such as ‘No Mow May’, which celebrate the aesthetic of a more biodiverse messiness. And finally, we traced how environmental advocacy organisations are prefiguring the future of nature recovery in Britain through commissioned graphical representations that portray a ‘tamed messiness’ and the return of charismatic megafauna. Although these aesthetics may challenge prevailing pastoral aesthetics, they normalise continued inequality in the form of concentrated land ownership, especially in the Scottish Highlands. Policy implications. Our analysis shows that aesthetics play an important role in shaping views of what is ‘natural’, ‘normal’ and ‘good’ and therefore desirable in what a future (recovered) nature looks like. We suggest that nature recovery initiatives take aesthetics seriously, by interrogating how idealisations of ‘how nature should look’ may influence decision‐making alongside ecological and other considerations. Taking aesthetics seriously also opens avenues for engaging with social and environmental justice, where alternative aesthetics can help in imagining more socially and environmentally just futures. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Localized Internationalization Framework in Higher Education for Undergraduate Institutions in the Context of Emerging Engineering Disciplines

This study explores the integration of global perspectives within engineering literacy education through localized internationalization efforts at Guilin University of Electronic Science and Technology (GUET). Focusing on the experiences of faculty members and administrative staff, the research investigates how GUET applies its localized internationalization model to emerging engineering disciplines. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with participants directly involved in curriculum development and international collaboration projects. The Concept-Construct-Theme (CCT) method was employed for data analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes related to the implementation, challenges, and effectiveness of the internationalization initiatives at GUET. The findings highlight the critical role of tailored educational strategies in enhancing global competencies while maintaining regional relevance. The study also underscores the importance of addressing resource limitations, institutional support, and faculty development to strengthen internationalization efforts. The insights gained from this research offer valuable recommendations for improving practices and policies in higher education institutions aiming to balance global engagement with local context.

Development and Pilot Testing of Children's National Hospital's New Faculty Orientation Program.

New faculty orientation (NFO) programs are shown to increase faculty satisfaction, enhance collaboration, and support promotion, retention, and academic success. In an effort led by a clinical psychologist, the Children's National Hospital (CNH) NFO was developed, piloted, and is in its 3rdyear. Data are shared regarding program development process, feasibility, and acceptability. In 2020, CNH faculty were surveyed about their new faculty member experience. CNH leaders were interviewed about important topics to include in an NFO. In FY22, the NFO was piloted across 15 Divisions. Year 2 (FY23) invited all new early career faculty. Year 3 (FY24) invited all new faculty. Feedback was obtained via REDCap after meetings and before/after the 10-month program. In 2020, 62% of recently hired faculty surveyed indicated not having any institutional level orientation. Leadership interviews supported the need for an NFO; suggested topics included promotion and provider wellness. In FY22, 27/38 invited faculty chose to participate. For FY23, 36/48 chose to participate. In FY24, 69/95 invited are participating. A needs assessment showed CNH faculty and leaders supported an NFO Program. Participants report finding the program helpful; they learned about institutional resources, benefits, and operations and appreciated the networking opportunities. Longer-term metrics include faculty satisfaction, promotion, and retention.

Perceptions on American Fisheries Society Membership and Recommendations for Action Based on 2022 Survey Results

A survey was conducted in 2022 to identify current perceptions and preferences regarding the value of AFS membership and its associated benefits, to assess the effectiveness of AFS initiatives and communication efforts, to provide insight into the role of AFS in career development, and to document motivations for membership in other societies. The membership survey included participation from current AFS members as well as nonmembers with interests in the fisheries profession. We conducted an analysis of the 2,285 survey respondents, where the goal of the analysis was to identify global trends among all respondents as a means to improve the overall experience for society members through value‐added membership benefits and initiatives. For the purposes of this analysis, survey questions that specifically addressed membership benefits or membership retention were evaluated. Most of the survey questions evaluated in this analysis included an option to provide comments that were also compiled and assessed for recurring trends. Similar to previous membership surveys, high membership and meeting registration fees were frequently cited as a possible limitation or barrier to retaining and recruiting members. Survey respondents indicated that a higher value of membership appreciation could be achieved through better communication of benefits and efforts to encourage employers to support membership and certification. Recommendations were developed from the survey responses and some have already been implemented by the Membership Committee through an Action Plan. These recommendations will be used to guide future actions to increase membership, to enhance current membership benefits, and to serve as a framework to focus and refine future actions that will be considered by the Membership Committee on behalf of AFS.

Developing the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing

PurposeThis paper describes the development of the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing, and details the experiences of some of WECARE’s 17 members.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores and situates the WECARE team’s experiences within extant literature on cross-national and collaborative research groupings alongside a strongly practical focus.FindingsThe study’s findings included effects of member mindsets and motivations, differentiated benefits and challenges of membership, cultural sensitivity, research capacity-building, leadership, communication, data security and planning.Originality/valueCross-national research is seen as an important part of academic researchers’ activities. Yet, little has been written about how cross-national research groups form and operate, and what benefits and challenges their members experience.

Critical crisis management competencies: Perspectives from universities of technology leadership

AbstractThe South African Higher Education sector has faced challenging times recently, notably the #FeesMustFall student protest crisis, which inflicted damages exceeding R1 billion, and the COVID‐19 pandemic, claiming over 102,000 lives in the nation. Against this backdrop, a critical investigation has been initiated to discern the indispensable crisis management competencies required by executive management members of Universities of Technology (UoT) in South Africa. This exploratory study emphasises the higher education landscape, recognising its pivotal role in national development. Employing qualitative face‐to‐face interviews, the research aims to delve into the experiences of executive management members, providing insights into the nuanced demands of crisis management within the higher education context. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study adapted by utilising online face‐to‐face meetings, ensuring a thorough exploration of crisis management competencies. Beyond mere identification, the research attempts to elucidate the profound significance of these competencies within the unique context of higher education institutions during crises. The findings contribute not only to the broader understanding of crisis management but also underscore the particular relevance and implications for the resilience and adaptability of South African UoT in the face of multifaceted challenges.

The admission and integration model: first‑hand experiences of staff admitted to a mental health ward

Background/Aims Over a period of 6 months, four staff members were admitted on separate occasions to a male acute mental health ward for 1 day. The purpose was for participants to gain personal insight into the experiences of patients on the ward. This study aimed to explore the experiences of staff admitted onto the ward and provide a conceptual model to describe the admission process. Methods Feedback was obtained from the study participants via pre- and post-admission questionnaires and a focus group discussion. These qualitative data were thematically analysed to generate the steps in the admission and integration model. Results Admission to the mental health ward was a useful learning experience for staff members in terms of improving empathy for their patients. A model of ward admission and integration based on these experiences was also developed. The model adhered to Maslow's hierarchy of need, where participants had to re-establish deficiency needs following admission onto the ward. Conclusions The study findings have been shared with other hospital staff, and will be used by a new working group to implement improvements in patient care.

Nova Scotia's Deemed Consent for Deceased Organ Donation: Family Member Perspectives and Experiences in the ICU Setting.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of family members of potential organ donors in the intensive care unit following the change to deemed consent legislation in Nova Scotia. This was a qualitative study with semistructured, in-depth interviews with 17 family members who were asked to make an organ donation decision on behalf of patients admitted to the intensive care unit in Nova Scotia. We analyzed themes using a descriptive approach. Participants were recruited from the organ donation organization in Nova Scotia, Canada. Participant awareness and knowledge of the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act legislation varied from individuals having no awareness and knowledge of the bill to those who had awareness and optimism that the legislation would be beneficial for increasing organ donation rates in the province. Other themes emerging from the interviews included (1) COVID context, (2) quality of healthcare professional care, (3) family support, and (4) barriers to donation (waiting, consent questionnaire, and patient transfers). The Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act legislation included enhanced support, which was viewed positively by family members. There is a need for continued evaluation as most participants felt it was too early to see the tangible impacts of the newly implemented legislation.

Fostering leadership development and growth of nurse leaders: Experiences from Midwest Nursing Research Society Leadership Academy

Leadership development and growth of nurse leaders is critically important for the thriving of the nursing profession. Formal leadership training programs are helpful in building leadership knowledge and skills. The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) launched the Leadership Academy (LA), a new initiative to foster leadership development among MNRS members and intentionally create a steady pool of members prepared to step into MNRS leadership positions. Mentoring by an experienced board member is a key component. The purpose of this article was to describe the experiences of a mentor and mentee dyad through the MNRS LA and discuss their perspectives on fostering leadership development and growth. The success of a leadership development program has a far-reaching impact on novice and potential future leaders. A tailored leadership mentoring relationship helps increase one’s self-confidence in being a leader and provides individualized leadership development opportunities. Engagement of both the mentee and mentor in the leadership mentoring relationship is a key to ensure an optimized leadership mentoring experience.

Transactional experiences of discrimination, depressive symptoms, and ethnoracial socialization in Mexican-origin families.

Racial-ethnic discrimination is a prevalent stressor for Mexican-origin individuals that potentiates health inequities in depressive symptoms. However, existing research has primarily focused on individual-level associations between discrimination and depressive symptoms, neglecting the interdependent nature within family systems. Little is known about how one family member's discriminatory experiences relate to the depressive symptoms of others. Although ethnoracial socialization may disrupt the link from discrimination to depressive symptoms, how different ethnoracial socialization practices operate and influence parents themselves have not been examined. This study examines the associations among discriminatory experiences, depressive symptoms, and ethnoracial socialization among 604 Mexican-origin adolescents and their parents from low-income families. The findings revealed intraindividual and interindividual discrimination-depressive symptoms associations. Parental ethnoracial socialization's role in the link varied over time, individuals, and practices. Mental health research and services should consider shared and nonshared experiences among family members and adopt personalized approaches to support different family members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining the Impact of PBIS Experience on MTSS Implementation in Secondary Schools: A Mixed Methods Study

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study with a complementarity rationale examined the differential experiences of MTSS implementation in three Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)-implementing and three non-implementing secondary schools in the Midwestern United States. Using a survey and follow-up interviews with a sample of 25 secondary school leadership team (SLT) members, this study sought to understand (1) their beliefs and attitudes toward MTSS prior to implementation and (2) unique barriers and facilitators to MTSS implementation in secondary education following initial MTSS implementation. Overall, the results of this study indicated that generally, SLT members had positive beliefs and attitudes toward MTSS prior to implementation which were maintained a year later at follow-up. Additionally, several differential barriers and facilitators to implementation emerged between PBIS and non-PBIS schools, though shared barriers and facilitators were also evident. Lastly, experience with PBIS differentially impacted the experiences of SLT members from PBIS and non-PBIS schools. Implications for secondary school practitioners, schools, and local educational agencies are discussed.

Strategic Agility and Sustainable Competitive Advantage: How to Leverage Top Management Team Characteristics

Purpose: Ubiquitous disruptive innovations and technologies, frequently changing consumer behaviour, and evolving market dynamics in Kenya, have compelled television stations to constantly explore innovative ways to achieve long term business sustainability. Firms must be ambidextrous; balancing the tensions of excelling in current businesses while exploring opportunities for future growth. This requires top leadership teams that are well suited to the challenge of steering organisations in disrupted business contexts. This paper investigated the effect of top management team characteristics on the linkage of strategic agility and sustainable competitive advantage of licensed television stations in Kenya. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed and primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data from 210 licensed television stations that were operational at the time of the study was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings: The results of the study indicated that strategic agility had a positive and significant effect on sustainable competitive advantage of licensed television stations in Kenya. Further, top management team characteristics were a mediator on the nexus between strategic agility and sustainable competitive advantage, as well as a predictor variable of sustainable competitive advantage of licensed television firms in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research was underpinned by the dynamic capabilities, resource-based view and upper echelons theories. The implication is that, to achieve sustainable competitive advantage, it is crucial for the top management team to possess specific attributes, including a balanced mix of both young and experienced members, diversity in functional backgrounds (especially those with knowledge of disruptive technologies and innovations), varying educational levels, and a mix of long-tenured and new managers.

A Qualitative Study of Patient and Interprofessional Healthcare Team Member Experiences of Bedside Interdisciplinary Rounds at a VA: Language, Teamwork, and Trust.

Patient and interprofessional healthcare team member experiences of bedside interdisciplinary rounds (BIDR) are generally positive. Overall, there is large heterogeneity in existingBIDR frameworks, and best practices have not been defined. Understand patients' and interprofessional healthcare team members' experiences of BIDR. Academic VA Medical Center (VAMC) with daily structured BIDR. Inpatients, nurses, pharmacists, and care coordinators who participated in BIDR. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with study participants about their experiences with BIDR between January and June 2020. All interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed. We used thematic analysis to identify key themes. We interviewed 14 inpatients and 18 interprofessional healthcare team members, including nurses, pharmacists, and care coordinators. Patients participating in BIDR reported positive perceptions of being included in the discussion of their healthcare plans and increased trust in providers; patient discomfort resulted from physician use of technical language and frombeing presented with unclear, vague careplans. Interdisciplinary healthcare team members participating in BIDR reported an increased understanding, respect, and trust for other team members and improved patient care; challenges were posed by lack of supportive structural elements to interprofessional workflow and prolonged physician presentations. BIDR can build trust between patients andhealthcare providers and within the interprofessional team by creating a setting where teamwork interactions can be observed. Based on our findings, we recommend trust-building practices for BIDR, which include sharing BIDR goals with patients, using patient-centered language, creating structures for interprofessional inclusion, defining team roles, using standardized communication, and addressing interprofessional inputs in real time.

Una historia conceptual de los desastres. El conocimiento metafórico como posibilidad en la gestión del riesgo de inundaciones en El Valle La Estrella, Limón, Costa Rica

This article has got two objectives. The first analyzes, from history perspective, the experiences of population's El Valle La Estrella and their relationship with floods, territory and the Comité Comunal de Emergencias de El Valle La Estrella [CCEVE]. The second analyzes the member experiences of disaster risk management. The investigation was built based on interdisciplinary strategy; said strategy connected methods and techniques of anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and history. Specifically, the investigation used to oral history, ethnography, pragmatics, speech analysis and content analysis. Also, it was used to interviews to collect testimonials. The main conclusion is that metaphorical knowledge shows an unfinished hydro-social cycle where citizen and territorial management acts as a trigger for social disputes

Mindfulness in Action: Buddhist Environmental Activism of Earth Holder Berlin

This study explores the intersection of mindfulness practice and environmental activism within the Earth Holder Berlin (EHB) group, a part of the Order of Interbeing (O of I) inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh. EHB, established in 2020, integrates the principles of engaged Buddhism and endeavors to advance social and ecological justice through mindful actions. Using a qualitative methodology, this research employs semi-structured interviews and participant observation to investigate the experiences of EHB members. The findings demonstrate the transformative potential of Buddhism in ecological discourse, illustrating how EHB members embody epistemic entanglement, intertwining their Buddhist backgrounds with climate knowledge. This integration not only enhances personal transformation but also serves as a catalyst for social and ecological justice, enriching our understanding of engaged Buddhism in contemporary environmental movements.

Unveiling the Layers of Faculty Burnout in Canadian Private Universities during the post-COVID Pandemic Period

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the employment landscape, including educational institutions, creating long-term effects for college and university employees. One of the major implications of the pandemic is the systemic transformations in employment and organisational dynamics, that resulted in effects on working conditions and workplace responsibilities. Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion accompanying these changes have heightened the risk of faculty burnout. This qualitative research, reports on the multifaceted phenomenon of faculty burnout within Canadian private universities amidst the post pandemic. A phenomenological approach was used to conduct indepth interviews with participants, resulting in narrative responses regarding experiential aspects of participants’ workplaces, daily routines, social interactions, and perceptions of organisational support. Notable findings included burnout in eleven distinct categories: technology and tools, career development, intrinsic motivation, psychological factors, social worth, unmet individual expectations, mental and physical health, time constraints, task management, workload, and professional role. The findings were categorized into three overall themes, including organisational factors, individual factors, and work-specific factors. A comprehensive conceptual model was developed to provide a snapshot of the value alignment of these factors to the overall concept of faculty burnout. The results highlight the significance of the intricate interplay of various elements contributing to burnout and offer significant insights into the lived experiences of faculty members within the context of burnout among Canadian private universities during and after the pandemic. The study informs academic researchers and institutional policymakers of the need for adaptable and responsive interventions to support the faculty, especially in the post-Covid context.

Exploring Culture and Sustainability: Community Participation in Indigenous Tourism in Malaysia

Nowadays, Indigenous tourism contributes to the conservation of cultural heritage and further supports sustainable development for Indigenous communities, which ultimately increases socio-economic well-being. By providing unique cultural experiences, Indigenous tourism gives greater recognition and respect for the culture while also economically benefiting. This paper aims to examine how such dynamics operate in the context of Indigenous tourism from the viewpoint and experiences of Indigenous community members who participated in tourism initiatives. Identifying culture as one of the crucial parameters that determine successful outcomes in this field, this study intends to explore how people participate in sustainable development through tourism and close important gaps using a cultural lens. Numerous databases containing scholarly research, including the Emerald Insights, Science Direct, and Web of Science, have been used in this study. As a response to the ever-growing call for inclusive and respectful tourism, this study aims to contribute valuable insights and geographical relevance to defining policy change, practice modifications, or academic pursuits of Indigenous tourism. The result of this study will fill crucial empirical research gaps in terms of how cultural restoration, tourism management, and community participation can be optimized for sustainable development with nuanced voices that are necessary to drive policy change as well as practice modifications.

Voicing Experiences of Family Members Providing Care to Loved Ones With a Pituitary Condition

Introduction: This paper draws upon lived experiences of family members caring for a relative with a pituitary condition. The rationale for the study stems from the crucial role provided by informal, unpaid carers. Yet in the specific domain of pituitary care, they remain overlooked within empirical research. Therefore, the current study aimed to understand (a) the experiences of family members whose loved ones have a pituitary condition and (b) the information and support needs of family members. Materials and methods: Adopting a qualitative participatory approach, the study involved six family members, each of whom provided care for a loved one with a diagnosed pituitary condition. Family members volunteered to take part in an online semi-structured interview following advertisement of the study through the Pituitary Foundation UK. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes illustrated the experience of family members: (a) experts by experience, (b) burden of mental load, (c) misconceptions of care create barriers and (d) battling for support, with an overarching theme of overwhelm in pursuit of understanding. Discussion and implications: Positive experiences were rooted in family members shared pursuit to seek knowledge and expertise. This came about from poor access to support, and advice which was scarcely available from general healthcare professionals. Negative experiences included emotional burden and the impact of this on family relationships. Findings concluded that family members are consistently left unsupported and systematically disempowered by healthcare services which should be helping them.