Mixed-methods Descriptive Study Research Articles

Medical Laboratory Science Education in Australia: An Academic Review

AbstractMedical Laboratory Scientists contribute to pathology organizations to provide medical testing for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. To meet patient medical testing demands in Australia, an employment projection of moderate growth by 2026 in Medical Laboratory Scientists is predicted. This requires an experienced academic workforce that is competent in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) teaching supported by MLS research to graduate skilled MLS students to fill this void. However, there is little known about the academics that teach undergraduate MLS and whether there is a shortage of experienced educators and graduates. A mixed-method descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to identify 125 MLS academics to recruit and collect quantitative and qualitative survey data from 2019 to 2021. Over half of the survey respondents had never worked as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, and less than a third had an undergraduate degree in MLS. The breadth and depth of academic teaching and research interest were wide and covered both MLS and non-MLS themes. The retention of MLS academics remained stable. There was a meagre growth in new appointments over 3 years which was likely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which also impacted student enrolment and graduate data. It is unclear from these results if the 2026 predicted growth will be achievable.

Music Therapy Assessment for Older Adults: Descriptive Mixed-Methods Study.

The purpose of this inquiry was to test the new 'Music Therapy Assessment for Older Adults' (MTAOA) tool in Canada and the United States, and to establish its content and predictive utility. A pilot study using an explanatory descriptive methods design was chosen; n = 18 music therapists completed an online survey about their experiences in administering the assessment and 50% (n = 9) were invited for a follow-up interview. The results indicated that the MTAOA was a beneficial assessment tool that contained relevant domains (89%) to develop a music therapy treatment plan; 89% of music therapists also noted they would continue to use and recommend the MTAOA. The data produced beneficial information that were used to revise the assessment form to ensure inclusive language and reduce any potential inherent or unconscious biases. Future research is needed to assess the utility of the revised MTAOA in other global regions where music therapists work with older adults.

Listening to School Nurses' Voices: A Mixed Methods Study on the Continued Impact of COVID-19 on School Nursing Practice.

School closures in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated losses of critical student resources as physical, mental, emotional, and social needs escalated. Identifying the challenges, strategies, and changes in school nurse (SN) practice in Massachusetts during this pandemic is fundamental to understanding how to manage future anticipated pandemics while protecting children, communities, and SNs. The purpose of this mixed-methods descriptive study in the second year of the global pandemic was to (a) listen to SN voices through a novel online survey including the prompts of challenges, strategies, and practice changes and (b) describe the SN experience of COVID-19 response in Massachusetts schools, including identification of intent to leave school nursing. Responses were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis (n = 73). The prompts each elicited subthemes that coalesced to a cohesive theme: Finding one's way required the support of others to pave untraversed roads.

Exploring Racial Discrimination, Disability Discrimination, and Perception of the Future Among Black-Identifying Emerging Adults with and without Autism in the United States: A Mixed-Methods Descriptive Study

Exploring Racial Discrimination, Disability Discrimination, and Perception of the Future Among Black-Identifying Emerging Adults with and without Autism in the United States: A Mixed-Methods Descriptive Study

Re-engagement and retention in HIV care after preventive default tracking in a cohort of HIV-infected patients in rural Malawi: A mixed-methods study.

Loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) in the era of test-and-treat remains a universal challenge, especially in rural areas. To mitigate LTFU, the HIV program in Neno District, Malawi, utilizes a preventive default tracking strategy named Tracking for Retention and Client Enrollment (TRACE). We utilized a mixed-methods descriptive study of the TRACE program on patient's re-engagement and retention in care (RiC). In the quantitative arm, we utilized secondary data of HIV-infected patients in the TRACE program from January 2018 to June 2019 and analyzed patients' outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-tracking. In the qualitative arm, we analyzed primary data from 25 semi-structured interviews. For the study period, 1028 patients were eligible with median age was 30 years, and 52% were women. We found that after tracking, 982 (96%) of patients with a 6-week missed appointment returned to care. After returning to care, 906 (88%), 864 (84%), and 839 (82%) were retained in care respectively at 6-,12-, and 24-months. In the multivariate analysis, which included all the covariates from the univariate analysis (including gender, BMI, age, and the timing of ART initiation), the results showed that RiC at 6 months was linked to WHO stage IV at the start of treatment (with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.06-0.54) and commencing ART after the test-and-treat recommendation (aOR of 0.08; 95% CI: 0.06-0.18). RiC after 12 months was associated with age between 15 and 29 years (aOR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.03-0.88), WHO stage IV (aOR = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.04-0.16) and initiating ART after test-and-treat recommendations (aOR = 0.08; 95%CI: 0.04-0.16). RiC at 24 months post-tracking was associated with being male (aOR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.40-0.92) and initiating ART after test-and-treat recommendations (aOR = 0.16; 95%CI:0.10-0.25). The qualitative analysis revealed that clarity of the visit's purpose, TRACE's caring approach changed patient's mindset, enhanced sense of responsibility and motivated patients to resume care. We recommend integrating tracking programs in HIV care as it led to increase patient follow up and patient behavior change.

Characterization of content associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer individuals in Chilean medical schools: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other sexual and gender identities (LGBTIQ+) individuals face health inequities. Additionally, medical students report a lack of confidence in providing specific health care to LGBTIQ + individuals, and medical schools do not offer the breadth and depth of coverage needed to fully prepare and make them comfortable in caring for these individuals. This study aims to characterize the teaching of curricular content related to LGBTIQ + health issues in medical schools in Chile.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive mixed-methods study based on a 15-question survey sent to school directors of the 24 medical schools in Chile, conducted between October 2020 and July 2021. The questions included in the study were mostly based on two pre-existing questionnaires covering content, assessment methods, and identification of barriers to teaching this content.ResultsThe validated questionnaire was answered by 14 of 24 Chilean medical schools, with 11 schools (78.9%) declaring that they included some training in their curriculum. The predominant range of time allocated to LGBTIQ + training in medical programs was between 1 and 5 h. The most addressed topics were HIV (92.85%), sexual orientation (78.57%), and chronic disease risk in LGBTIQ + populations (78.57%). Most schools, accounting for 71.5%, considered the content they delivered to be “moderately insufficient” or “insufficient”. Regarding the teaching methodologies, the most used were lectures (92.8%), clinical cases (42.9%), and clinical simulation (28.6%).ConclusionMost surveyed medical schools reported curricular spaces dedicated to teaching health issues of LGBTIQ + individuals, primarily during the pre-internship training period. However, the time allocated is insufficient, and there is little approach to topics beyond the patient’s sexual history or sexual orientation. Given the crucial role of medical schools, they must adopt both local and national strategies to enrich training focused on the care of LGBTIQ + patients.

Developing a psychological care competences framework for nurses in China: a mixed methods study

BackgroundWith social transformation, rapid economic development and deepening awareness of psychological health in China, people’s demand for psychological health services is becoming increasingly urgent. A key challenge for Chinese medical organizations is to train enough qualified psychological care nurses. A greater understanding of psychological care competences (PCC) can help in clinical nurse selection, training, and assessment.ObjectiveTo develop a PCC framework for Chinese nurses and obtain a consensus on the framework among experts.MethodsA descriptive mixed methods study was designed consisting of a literature review and semi-structured interviews followed by three Delphi rounds. The experts (n = 16) involved were nurses, nursing managers and educators from nine Chinese provinces with a specific interest in psychological care. Descriptive statistics assisted in data analysis.ResultsUsing the Iceberg Model as a theoretical foundation, five main dimensions and associated subdomains were integrated from 39 chosen articles. The semi-structured interviews with 24 nursing managers and nurses confirmed all of the themes from the literature review while generating new themes, both of which were incorporated into the initial PCC framework. After three Delphi rounds, the experts reached consensus on the PCC framework, including five domains (knowledge, skills, professional ethics, personal traits, internal motivations) and 22 subdomains with connotations. The response rate (RR) values for the three rounds of consultation were 80.00%, 87.50% and 92.86%, the composite reliability (Cr) values were 0.89–0.90, and the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.155-0.200 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOn the basis of the Iceberg Model, literature review and qualitative research methods along with Delphi technique were used to develop a scientific and systematic PCC framework. The research methods were feasible and the results were reliable, thereby providing a basis for adopting this framework into nursing education. A formal assessment tool should be developed to test the PCC of nurses in clinical practice.

Knowledge and Practices of Home Diarrhoea Management among Adolescent Mothers with under Five Children in Nyando SubCounty, Kisumu, Kenya

Background: Globally, diarrhea is the primary cause of death for children under the age of five. In Kenya, it continues to be a significant source of illness and mortality in this age range. Mothers play crucial roles in the prevention and control of diarrhea among these children by practicing easy home management. Aim: This study aimed to assess adolescent mothers’ knowledge, and practice in the prevention and home management of diarrhoeal diseases among children under five years old in Nyando sub-county, Kenya Setting: This study was conducted in Nyando sub-county, Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: A mixed method descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted using a Proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and interview guides and analysed using STATA version 16 to generate the tables and bar graphs. NVivo version 12 was used to analyse the qualitative data adopting thematic analysis approach. Results: Boiling of drinking water was a common practice as reported by majority (75.8%, n= 216) of the participants. A total of 94 mothers (33.0%) expressed knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding while 10.5% (n=30) indicated maintenance of cleanliness as methods. These adolescent mothers practiced continued feeding and breastfeeding during diarrhoea episodes. In addition, the use suboptimal diarrhoea management practices such as food restriction and use of traditional herbs was practiced among the study participants. Conclusion: Continued feeding and breastfeeding during diarrhoea episodes were identified as appropriate management practices and were significant in preventing dehydration as well as increased vulnerability to malnutrition. There is also need of creating awareness of other diarrhoea management practices such as the use of banana and yoghurt as well as demystifying the use of traditional herbs in diarrhoea management.

Occupational Therapy and Public Safety Personnel: Return to Work Practices and Experiences.

Background. Public safety personnel (PSP) are frequently exposed to psychological trauma through their work. Evidence shows that worker's compensation claims for work-related psychological injuries are on the rise for PSP. Occupational therapists increasingly provide return to work (RTW) services for this population. Purpose. To explore the therapeutic practices and personal experiences of occupational therapists working with PSP who have work-related psychological injuries. Method. This mixed methods descriptive study included a chart review of available occupational therapy client records from 2016 to 2020 for PSP with work-related psychological injuries from two Ontario companies. Additionally, a web-based self-report survey for Ontario occupational therapists providing RTW services to this same population was available from November 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022. Findings. The chart review included 31 client records and the online survey was completed by 49 Ontario occupational therapists. Therapists commonly provided services in clients' homes, workplaces, and communities, and focused on functional activities. The evidence base drawn on by therapists was not always occupation-based. Barriers to RTW included challenges with interprofessional collaboration, stigma, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications. Occupational therapists are commonly working with PSP with work-related psychological injuries and have the opportunity to contribute to the evidence base for occupational approaches to RTW.

PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE: A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF COMPANION CAREGIVERS

Abstract Researchers have found positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) for both formal and informal caregivers, including social connection and sense of purpose. However, few have explored the experience of a novel source of helping individuals age in place: companion caregivers (CC), that is someone who is paid for providing companionship and assistance with everyday tasks that are non-medical. We conducted a descriptive mixed methods study to understand the experience of being a CC. Sixteen CCs who completed 10+ caregiving visits participated in semi-structured interviews and related questionnaires in 2023. Quantitative and qualitative data on CC’s perceptions of the impact of caregiving on their own whole health domains (physical, mental, social, purpose) were analyzed. In addition we examined CC’s perceptions of care recipients’ (CR) unmet social needs, risks in the home, and barriers to CRs achieving improved health domains. Among the cohort, the average age was 53, 63% White, and 31% lived alone. Majority of CCs indicated that they always feel a sense of belonging when with their CRs (n=15) and felt better about themselves after interacting with CRs (n=16). Common PAC across whole health domains emerged, including increased physical activity, improved social connection, and helping others improve CCs’ lives. Common barriers to CRs’ improving their whole health included: decreased social connection, physical limitations, and transportation insecurity. These insights highlight potential benefits for those who might engage in companion caregiving arrangements. More research is needed as new models of caregiving are necessary to meet the demands of our aging population.

Preparing Compassionate Nurses: Infusing School Mission and Values in Undergraduate Education.

In preparation for a curriculum revision, a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-method research study sought to describe senior-level students' perspectives of Mercy and Jesuit faith-based tradition values integration in a pre-licensure BSN program. Integration of values was examined in both clinical settings and didactic classes. Students strongly articulated the importance of the school's values and mission to their future role as professional nurses. However, although value integration is occurring, greater attention to mission and values is needed in the clinical area.

Assessing health outcomes of ART Differentiated Care Models in Migori County, Kenya

Background : HIV remains a substantial global health challenge. In Kenya, the prevalence is approximately 6%, with Migori County experiencing notably high rates. Despite this, only a small portion of its population receive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Differentiated care, an individualized approach to HIV treatment, enhances outcomes and eases strain on health systems. This study assesses health outcomes of ART differentiated care in Migori County, Kenya, focusing on retention and viral load results for stable individuals living with HIV.&#x0D; Methodology :We employed a pre-post evaluation descriptive mixed methods study design to assess health outcomes following Differentiated Care Model (DCM) implementation. One hundred and ninety-two (192) stable HIV patients from Migori's rural sugar belt, meeting DCM inclusion criteria, were enrolled using single-stage cluster and systematic sampling. DCM outcomes were compared with the standard care model (control). Data sourced from patient records and key informant interviews were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, logistic regression and thematic analysis.&#x0D; Results : We observed notable statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05) in the association between DCM and health outcomes, including patient activity at 6 and 12 months (p &lt; 0.001), transfer-out retention at 6 and 12 months (p = 0.02), loss to follow-up retention at 6 and 12 months (p = 0.006 and p = 0.005, respectively), and deceased patient retention (p = 0.033). However, the viral load suppression post-DCM did not show statistical significance.&#x0D; Conclusion : To conclude, Differentiated Care Models positively impact retention outcomes for stable HIV-positive patients, notably reducing lost-to-follow-up and deceased cases. Although not significant at 6 and 12 months, DCM shows promise in early-stage viral load suppression. Gender disparities exist in suppression rates. Patient adherence and viral load awareness are favourable

College health providers' knowledge and confidence in addressing students' vaping: Evidence from a pilot study in New York State.

This study examines the knowledge and confidence of college healthcare providers in discussing vaping with their college student populations. This is a mixed-methods descriptive study using a sequential-explanatory approach, consisting of a cross-sectional, online survey followed by qualitative interviews. Survey data was collected from 50 college health providers located at 26 colleges in the 64-campus State University of New York system. Targeted semi-structured interviews (N = 11) were conducted by telephone with providers who completed the survey. Despite high reported levels of knowledge and confidence, few providers had participated in educational activities relative to vaping. There was evidence of misinformation about e-cigarettes, and they did not know what product (nicotine/cannabis) students typically vape. Findings indicate a potential disconnect between providers' perceived and actual knowledge of college student vaping and demonstrate areas of opportunity to assist college health providers in comprehensively addressing vaping with their college student populations. College health providers played a key role in lowering rates of combustible cigarette smoking, but little is known about how they are now are communicating with college students about e-cigarette and cannabis vaping. This paper examines college health providers' knowledge, confidence, and training needs relative to vaping communications.

User Experience on a New Medical Supplies Management Information System at The National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Introduction: The new Medical Supplies Management Information System (MSMIS), an e-based logistics management system was implemented in 2023 by the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka to effectively manage medical supplies among state healthcare institutions across the island. The new system replaced the previous MSMIS to incorporate wider aspects of supply chain management on par with the changing environment. Methods: It was a mixed-method descriptive study conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in 2023. A survey was done with the help of a tailor-made tool (5-point Likert scale) among all the users of MSMIS at NHSL. Key information interviews and observational visits were done to complement the quantitative findings. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the experiences of users in the new MSMIS by comparing it with the previous one at the NHSL. Results: More than 60% of respondents (n=21) were found to have negative or highly negative experiences with all ten components of the system evaluated. The composite mean score of overall experience was 2.17(SD=0.56). The qualitative data fortified the findings of the quantitative data. Conclusion: The majority of MSMIS users at the NHSL had a negative experience with the new MSMIS in comparison with the previous system. Recommendation: It is recommended for similar studies on a larger scale (regional/national) to produce findings with fewer concerns for validity and reliability.

Knowledge and perceptions of physicians and veterinarians about One Health in Türkiye.

One Health is a multisectoral and interdisciplinary concept that acknowledges the interconnections between people, animals and their shared environments. Understanding the views of physicians and veterinarians may help promote One Health principles. To assess the knowledge and perceptions of physicians and veterinarians about One Health in Türkiye. This was a descriptive mixed-methods study among 74 doctors and 221 veterinarians in Türkiye. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire sent by email to members of the Ankara Chambers of Medicine and the Ankara Chambers of Veterinary Medicine. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions with boards of directors of both chambers. Recordings were transcribed and the data were categorized in line with the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Few (6.3%) of the veterinarians had not heard about One Health while majority of the physicians (63.5%) had not heard about it (P < 0.001). Most of the physicians (95.9%) and veterinarians (71.5%) had not received training on One Health; significantly more veterinarians had received training (P < 0.001). Most of the veterinarians (73.3%) and a few physicians (35.1%) had applied One Health in their work (P < 0.001). Although participants mentioned other disciplines related to One Health, they had not been involved in any cooperative or collaborative work relating to these disciplines. The application of One Health principles by the physicians and veterinarians was limited, and few of them had collaborated with other disciplines during their practice. Joint training and further professional and educational integration are needed in Türkiye to support the implementation of One Health.

Impact of Nursing Clinical Elective Courses on New Graduate Nurses' Clinical Practice: A Mixed-Methods Descriptive Study.

Clinical elective courses provide additional specialty knowledge for prelicensure nursing students; however, it is unknown how these courses impact nurses' clinical practice after graduation. To describe how clinical nursing electives impact graduates' clinical practice. A mixed-methods descriptive design was used. Students who graduated from a prelicensure nursing program were sent an electronic survey and participated in qualitative interviews. Thirty-three graduates completed the survey, with 9 participating in interviews. Sixteen graduates worked in the clinical practice areas that were the same, or related to, the clinical elective they took. Many graduates felt that taking the elective course improved their confidence in the clinical setting and provided increased knowledge that put them at an advantage over their peers. Clinical electives may offer a means to meet health care system needs by preparing a more confident, knowledgeable new graduate in specialty areas in which nurses are needed most.

(Non-)disclosure of lifetime sexual violence in maternity care: Disclosure rate, associated characteristics and reasons for non-disclosure.

In maternity care, disclosure of a past sexual violence (SV) experience can be helpful to clients to discuss specific intimate care needs. Little evidence is available about the disclosure rates of SV within maternity care and reasons for non-disclosure. The aim of this study was to examine (1) the disclosure rate of SV in maternity care, (2) characteristics associated with disclosure of SV and (3) reasons for non-disclosure. We conducted a descriptive mixed method study in the Netherlands. Data was collected through a cross-sectional online questionnaire with both multiple choice and open-ended items. We performed binary logistic regression analysis for quantitative data and a reflexive thematic analysis for qualitative data. In our sample of 1,120 respondents who reported SV, 51.9% had disclosed this to a maternity care provider. Respondents were less likely to disclose when they received obstetrician-led care for high-risk pregnancy (vs midwife-led care for low-risk pregnancy) and when they had a Surinamese or Antillean ethnic background (vs ethnic Dutch background). Reasons for non-disclosure of SV were captured in three themes: 'My SV narrative has its place outside of my pregnancy', 'I will keep my SV narrative safe inside myself', and 'my caregiver needs to create the right environment for my SV narrative to be told'. The high level of SV disclosure is likely due to the Dutch universal screening policy. However, some respondents did not disclose because of unsafe care conditions such as the presence of a third person and concerns about confidentiality. We also found that many respondents made a positive autonomous choice for non-disclosure of SV. Disclosure should therefore not be a goal in itself, but caregivers should facilitate an inviting environment where clients feel safe to disclose an SV experience if they feel it is relevant for them.

Nurses' Experiences and Perspectives of the Telehealth Working Environment and Educational Needs.

The continuing evolution of health care and the nursing profession includes the exponential growth of telehealth platforms. The goal of this study was to describe nurses' experiences with and perspectives on their practice with and future need for telehealth. A cross-sectional descriptive mixed methods study was conducted with nursing graduates from a single university. Completed survey questions focused on demographics, current work status, plans for employment participation, and tele-health experience. Descriptive analysis was conducted with statistical software, with directed content analysis for narrative responses. A total of 305 of 5,080 participants completed the survey (6% response rate). Nurses described perceived benefits and barriers to working in a telehealth environment. Nurses identified continuing education needs that could form the basis for a telehealth continuing education program to increase confidence in telehealth delivery. The identified telehealth educational needs will positively influence the formation of continuing education opportunities for practicing nurses. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx-xx.].

Increasing the Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Congenital Rubella Syndrome: A Mixed-methods Study

Background: Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy is a significant cause of fetal malformation syndrome, known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). The most prevalent abnormalities associated with CRS are hearing loss, vision impairment (primarily congenital cataracts), congenital heart disease, and global developmental delay affecting the children's quality of life (QoL). A Community Engagement Program was arranged collaboratively to increase the QoL of children with CRS and enhance parents' skills and knowledge to better care for their children with CRS.Methods: A mixed-method descriptive study was conducted to assess the QoL improvement in children with CRS and to determine parents' knowledge about CRS. Children's QoL data were obtained using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)TM 4.0 Generic Core Scales and analyzed with paired T-tests. A survey and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to gather parents' knowledge about CRS.Results: We involved ten members willing to participate voluntarily in the PedsQL assessment and FGD. The result was an increase in patients' QoL in the Physical Function domain that was statistically significant: pre-test and post-test physical health summary (490 (±261) vs. 510 (±251); p=0.022), social (322 (±126) vs. 337 (±113); p=0.217), emotional (370 (±105) vs. 397 (±105); p=0.065), and school (342 (±94) vs. 355 (±97); p=0.586). From the survey and the FGD, the parents had diverse experiences and understanding of CRS-supporting examinations and treatments needed. Parents felt the children's growth and development, social and school functions were the common burdens. In order to help CRS prevention, the parents suggested a more comprehensive premarital program and antenatal care.Conclusions: The Community Engagement Program helps to increase the patients’ QoL in the Physical Function domain. Comprehensive multidiscipline management is needed to support children's growth, social function, and educational function. Periodic evaluations are required to monitor the QoL of children with CRS.

Developing a supportive and palliative care intervention for patients with allogeneic stem cell transplantation: protocol of a multicentre mixed-methods study (allo-PaS)

IntroductionAlthough allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative treatment for many haematological malignancies, it is often associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Yet, little is known about the...