Open Feedback Research Articles

Effect of Organization Capabilities on the Growth of Fintech Providers in Kenya

Purpose: The Fintech industry has become a central service sector that has revolutionized financial services provision and fostered financial inclusion. However, the revolutionary nature of the various Fintech firms has resulted in their operations being unclear as their conduct in the market remains unsupervised. Further the Fintechs fail in diversifying their products and services thus limiting their growth within the country. This research sought to establish the effect of organization capabilities on the business growth of fintech providers in Kenya. The specific objectives of the research sought to establish the effect of resource capabilities, marketing capabilities, leadership capabilities and technological capabilities on the business growth of fintech providers in Kenya. The survey was grounded on the dynamic capabilities theory. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-section research design with study population drawn from the association of Fintech providers in Kenya. There are a total of 63 firms that was considered in the study with the three senior managers from each of the firm considered as the respondent. The research utilized random sampling in selecting the 189 participant. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire with drop and pick method applied in the study. The research data was analyzed using descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. Findings: The study established that there is a statistically significant relationship between organization capabilities and the business growth of fintech providers in Kenya (R2 = .487, Sig = .000). The findings of the first objective revealed that there was a positive and significant effect of resource capabilities on business growth of fintech providers in Kenya (coefficient β1 = .448, sig = .000<.05). Analysis of the second objective revealed that there was a positive and significant effect of marketing capabilities on business growth (β2 = .049, sig = .001<.05). The results of the third objective revealed that there was a positive and significant effect of leadership capabilities on business growth (β3 = .139, sig = .004<.05). Regression for the fourth variable showed that there was no significant effect of technological capabilities on business growth of Fintech Providers (β4 = .007, sig = .1936>.05). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the conclusions, the study recommends that the government should develop and maintain robust technology infrastructure that enables fintech providers to innovate and integrate advanced technologies. The study also recommends that fintech firms should continue to encourage open feedback and communication to build strong, collaborative teams. The study further recommends that firms should enhance social media marketing efforts to broaden market reach and engage with potential customers by investing in digital marketing tools.

Use of AI in Mental Health Care: Community and Mental Health Professionals Survey.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly recognized as a potential solution to address mental health service challenges by automating tasks and providing new forms of support. This study is the first in a series which aims to estimate the current rates of AI technology use as well as perceived benefits, harms, and risks experienced by community members (CMs) and mental health professionals (MHPs). This study involved 2 web-based surveys conducted in Australia. The surveys collected data on demographics, technology comfort, attitudes toward AI, specific AI use cases, and experiences of benefits and harms from AI use. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and thematic analysis of open-ended responses were conducted. The final sample consisted of 107 CMs and 86 MHPs. General attitudes toward AI varied, with CMs reporting neutral and MHPs reporting more positive attitudes. Regarding AI usage, 28% (30/108) of CMs used AI, primarily for quick support (18/30, 60%) and as a personal therapist (14/30, 47%). Among MHPs, 43% (37/86) used AI; mostly for research (24/37, 65%) and report writing (20/37, 54%). While the majority found AI to be generally beneficial (23/30, 77% of CMs and 34/37, 92% of MHPs), specific harms and concerns were experienced by 47% (14/30) of CMs and 51% (19/37) of MHPs. There was an equal mix of positive and negative sentiment toward the future of AI in mental health care in open feedback. Commercial AI tools are increasingly being used by CMs and MHPs. Respondents believe AI will offer future advantages for mental health care in terms of accessibility, cost reduction, personalization, and work efficiency. However, they were equally concerned about reducing human connection, ethics, privacy and regulation, medical errors, potential for misuse, and data security. Despite the immense potential, integration into mental health systems must be approached with caution, addressing legal and ethical concerns while developing safeguards to mitigate potential harms. Future surveys are planned to track use and acceptability of AI and associated issues over time.

Exploring the Relationship Between Hospital Patient Safety Culture and Performance on Measures of Hospital-Acquired Conditions

Objective The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between hospital perceptions of patient safety culture and the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) included in Medicare’s HAC Reduction Program utilizing updated and standardized metrics. Methods The pooled cross-sectional study design utilized the 2018 and 2021 datasets from (1) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS), (2) the American Hospital Association’s annual survey, and (3) the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s Hospital Compare dataset. The final analytic sample included 131 acute care, nonfederal, U.S. facilities. Multivariable linear regression models were used to compare the HSOPS domains of patient safety culture to CMS’s HAC metrics. Results Controlling for hospital structural and patient-mix characteristics, hospitals with higher staff-reported ratings of overall patient safety culture (‘overall perceptions of patient safety’ and ‘patient safety grade’) had significantly lower rates of HACs, including total HAC rate, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and central line-associated blood stream infections (P’s < 0.000–0.044). Higher HSOPS domain scores were variably associated with lower HAC rates, with consistently significant associations found for domains related to nonpunitive, open communication (P’s < 0.05). Conclusions Our relatively robust results suggest that while patient safety culture may not be the only strategy necessary to improve HAC rates, it needs to be aligned with other efforts to improve quality and safety. This underscores the importance of cultivating a culture of psychological safety that promotes open feedback and communication about errors.

Exploring influencing factors to clinical leadership development: a qualitative study with healthcare professionals in Flemish nursing homes

BackgroundNursing homes face a critical need for competent healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care. Focusing on clinical leadership is crucial for equipping healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to manage complex care needs, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and improve care quality in nursing homes. Developing clinical leadership fosters professional growth and enhances healthcare professionals’ ability to tackle the challenges unique to the nursing home environment. However, the concept of clinical leadership in nursing homes remains poorly defined and investigated. This study aimed to explore and define influencing factors for the development of clinical leadership within healthcare professionals in nursing homes.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium, using semi-structured focus group interviews (n = 5) with healthcare professionals (n = 41), including nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, psychologists, and gerontologists. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, analysed and interpretated by using a thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology.ResultsClinical leadership development within healthcare professionals’ hinges on four pivotal themes: (1) Cultivating an empowering working environment that fosters open feedback, encourages peer learning, and champions a stimulating learning climate. (2) Nurturing a supportive leadership style in formal leaders that exemplifies role modeling, accessibility, and a coaching approach. (3) Elevating well-developed professional identity through targeted training, experience, and a talent-oriented work approach. (4) Fostering team dynamics marked by commitment, collaboration, support, and trust.ConclusionsThe study’s findings on the influencing factors for clinical leadership development should be actively applied in nursing homes and guide the creation of targeted training programs and leadership development initiatives. Awareness of these factors are crucial to optimise and to support the development and implementation of clinical leadership in nursing homes in an attempt to reduce the workforce shortages.

Scale-Up of COVID-19 Testing Services in NYC, 2020-2021: Lessons Learned to Maximize Reach, Equity and Timeliness.

During infectious disease epidemics, accurate diagnostic testing is key to rapidly identify and treat cases, and mitigate transmission. When a novel pathogen is involved, building testing capacity and scaling testing services at the local level can present major challenges to healthcare systems, public health agencies, and laboratories. This mixed methods study examined lessons learned from the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing services in New York City (NYC), as a core part of NYC's Test & Trace program. Using quantitative and geospatial analyses, the authors assessed program success at maximizing reach, equity, and timeliness of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing services across NYC neighborhoods. Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews elucidated key decisions, facilitators, and barriers involved in the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing services. A major early facilitator was the ability to establish working relationships with private sector vendors and contractors to rapidly procure and manufacture necessary supplies locally. NYC residents were, on average, less than 25min away from free SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing services by public transport, and services were successfully directed to most neighborhoods with the highest transmission rates, with only one notable exception. A key feature was to direct mobile testing vans and rapid antigen testing services to areas based on real-time neighborhood transmission data. Municipal leaders should prioritize fortifying supply chains, establish cross-sectoral partnerships to support and extend testing services, plan for continuous testing and validation of assays, ensure open communication feedback loops with CBO partners, and maintain infrastructure to support mobile services during infectious disease emergencies.

Online Collaborative Learning in Pediatric Dentistry Using Microsoft Teams: A Pilot Study

Collaborative learning (CL) is the instructional use of small groups in such a way that students work together to maximize their own and others’ learning. In this study, the aim was to implement online collaborative learning (OCL) using the Microsoft Teams (MT) platform and to analyze the students’ preferences regarding presential or online learning. Material and Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 students from the Degree in Dentistry. Four groups were created with MT and clinical cases or problems were uploaded for online discussion with each group. Additionally, as part of the course program, the students were divided into the same groups for to carry out Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in person. Afterwards, students completed a project assessment and satisfaction survey. Results: The survey revealed that the students found participation in this project to be useful or very useful. Their experiences with MT were rated as positive or very positive. However, a significant portion of the students (42.6%) preferred conventional face-to-face (FF) problem-solving, while 27.9% preferred using online tools. Based on the execution of this project and the open feedback on the use of MT, we have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the use of this platform. Conclusions: MT is a highly useful platform for online teaching, offering multiple tools to promote learning in a virtual and asynchronous manner. However, when comparing CL through PBL conducted FF versus online, students still prefer in-person teaching to virtual methods.

Public Communication for Effective Service Delivery to Refugees in Uganda. The Case of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

This study argues that Public Communication in Refugee Settlements, when managed professionally and structurally with a deliberate open feedback mechanism for the end-users of services provided by the government and its development partners, could be a great tool for the evaluation and enhancement of public services provided in Refugee Settlements. The study analyses the education and health sectors as parameters for the government’s service delivery in the case of the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. Taking a qualitative research methodology approach with the case of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, the study found that the Uganda Refugees Act (2006), which authorises service provision by the government to the refugees, has no specific public communication strategy or policy clearly spelled as a communication framework to support service provision feedback. Therefore, the study recommends a direct public engagement communication strategy involving refugees and relevant stakeholders in the public service provision with the ultimate goal of improving service delivery at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Achieving ‘something that everybody has invested in’: perspectives of diverse stakeholders during co-creation of a transition to residency curriculum

Co-creation of education within the context of student inclusion alongside diverse stakeholders merits exploration. We studied the perspectives of students and teachers from different institutions who participated in co-creating a transition to residency curriculum. We conducted post-hoc in-depth interviews with 16 participants: final-year medical students, undergraduate, and postgraduate medical education stakeholders who were involved in the co-creation sessions. Findings build on the Framework of Stakeholders’ Involvement in Co-creation and identify the four key components of co-creation with diverse faculty: immersion in positive feelings of inclusivity and appreciation, exchange of knowledge, engagement in a state of reflection and analysis, and translation of co-creation dialogues into intended outcomes. Despite power dynamics, participants valued open communication, constructive feedback, mutual respect, and effective moderation. The study broadened our understanding of the co-creation process in diverse stakeholder settings. Incorporating key elements in the presence of power relations can enrich co-creation by leveraging wider expertise.

The Influence of Store Atmosphere on Purchasing Decisions and Visitor Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable at Kopi Praja Bintaro, South Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia

This research aims to determine the effect of store atmosphere on purchasing decisions and visitor satisfaction as an intervening variable at Kopi Praja Bintaro, South Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia. This type of research is quantitative descriptive with path analysis using Accidental Sampling; the sample size is 100 respondents. The data collection technique is by distributing questionnaires with a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The research results show: (1) The shop atmosphere has a significant effect on visitor satisfaction; (2) Visitor satisfaction has a significant effect on purchasing decisions; (3) The store atmosphere has a significant effect on purchasing decisions through visitor satisfaction. The atmosphere at Kopi Praja Bintaro South Tangerang creates a positive experience for visitors that is comfortable, friendly, and satisfying. This increases customer satisfaction, builds long-term relationships, and expands the popularity of these places in the local community. It is essential to maintain a friendly and fun atmosphere with staff peering in and giving open feedback to improve the quality of service.

Application of the combined problem-based learning and case-based learning teaching in urinalysis course of diagnostics

Background Traditional lecture-based teaching is the most commonly used approach in Chinese medical curricula. Novel teaching methods that are more educationally effective and academically satisfactory are warranted. Problem-based Learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) have been widely researched and utilized worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of combined PBL and CBL methods in second-year undergraduate students in the nephrology experiment module of the Medical Diagnostics course. Methods We enrolled 150 second-year clinical medicine students from the First Clinical College of Sun Yat-sen University. Participants were assigned to either the PBL or CBL combined group (92 students, two classes) or the traditional group (58 students, one class) for a Urine Analysis course. The learning effects were compared through a post-class quiz, and student evaluations and perceptions of PBL and CBL methods were gathered via an anonymous questionnaire. Results The combined PBL and CBL group outperformed the traditional lecture group, with significantly higher post-class quiz scores (P<0.001). Regarding acceptance and perception, 67.4% found PBL-CBL to be more acceptable, 78.3% believed it stimulated critical thinking, 82.6% agreed that it enhanced practicaleth abilities, and 83.7% believed it led to better learning outcomes. Regarding open feedback, 51.1% appreciated its clinical connection, 34.8% recognized its effectiveness, 32.6% found it novel and interesting, and 30.4% noted positive learning encouragement. Conclusion The PBL-CBL binding mode is a feasible and effective teaching mode, which can help improve both medical teaching quality and academic satisfaction of students.

Digitalization in Banking: Navigating the Effects of Automated Decision-Making on Customer Experience

Abstract This study explores the impact of automated decision-making processes on customer experience within the banking industry, set against the backdrop of digital transformation. The objectives are to provide insights into how automated decision processes shape the contemporary banking experience and influence customer perceptions, acknowledging both the positive and negative implications for the evolving nature of banking services in the digital era. The literature review examined the contributions of the cited authors, generating a summary of information categorized into three parts: a comprehensive overview of the banking landscape in the context of digital transformation, brief considerations regarding automated decision-making processes and several insights into customer experience. The research methodology employed a questionnaire, encompassing both close-ended inquires and an open feedback section. The study was conducted for the Romanian banking system and had a sample size of 102 respondents. The gathered data was subsequently correlated and analyzed to evaluate the alignment of customer perception with the opportunities and challenges identified in the specific literature. This paper also tries to widen its relevance by facilitating practical applications of the research findings. Thus, in the result section, key considerations were formulated, targeting a more precise definition of automated decision-making processes in the banking industry, aiming to optimize the experience for the utilizing customers. The conclusion indicates that both strengths and weaknesses of automated decision-making processes in banking industry are of relevance in the perception of customers, as the questionnaire’s responses align in form and extend with the theoretical concepts identified in the relevant literature.

Pengembangan Sistem Evaluasi OSCE Berbasis Aplikasi Ponsel untuk Mahasiswa Kedokteran di Indonesia

Pengembangan Sistem Evaluasi OSCE Berbasis Aplikasi Ponsel untuk Mahasiswa Kedokteran di Indonesia

Videogames and open feedback systems to enhance probabilistic reasoning and engagement

This study analyzed the relationship between probabilistic reasoning, feedback type, and engagement across four sessions of an DGBL educational practice with a feedback system. Results show that engagement and probabilistic reasoning varied longitudinally during the intervention. In addition, the teacher’s feedback was found to be of an open-ended type. Significant correlations were established between probabilistic reasoning and feedback, as well as between engagement and probabilistic reasoning in one of the sessions. Implications for teaching and designing DGBL sequences are presented.

Gap Junctions May Have A Computational Function In The Cerebellum: A Hypothesis

In the cerebellum, granule cells make parallel fibre contact on (and excite) Golgi cells and Golgi cells inhibit granule cells, forming an open feedback loop. Parallel fibres excite Golgi cells synaptically, each making a single contact. Golgi cells inhibit granule cells in a structure called a glomerulus almost exclusively by GABA spillover acting through extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Golgi cells are connected dendritically by gap junctions. It has long been suspected that feedback contributes to homeostatic regulation of parallel fibre signals activity, causing the fraction of the population that are active to be maintained at a low level. We present a detailed neurophysiological and computationally-rendered model of functionally grouped Golgi cells which can infer the density of parallel fibre signals activity and convert it into proportional modulation of inhibition of granule cells. The conversion is unlearned and not actively computed; rather, output is simply the computational effect of cell morphology and network architecture. Unexpectedly, the conversion becomes more precise at low density, suggesting that self-regulation is attracted to sparse code, because it is stable. A computational function of gap junctions may not be confined to the cerebellum.

Interprofessional education in antimicrobial stewardship, a collaborative effort.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) education and interprofessional collaboration are integral to the success of a stewardship programme. An interactive interprofessional AMS workshop, designed to encourage workplace interprofessional collaboration was piloted in a tertiary hospital. To obtain feedback to determine the suitability and sustainability of the AMS workshop. Feedback was elicited through a predesigned questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed questions on the content and structure of the workshop. The survey had a 70% (n = 16) overall response rate. All participants agreed that the goals of the workshop were met and that the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop would help them in their AMS roles. All participants indicated that the workshop content, and the level at which it was pitched, met their expectations and that it had improved their knowledge and skills. All agreed that they found it advantageous and enjoyed learning as an interprofessional group. Open feedback showed that the workshop was found to be useful and would potentially result in improved patient care, dissemination of knowledge, improved teamwork and organizational culture. The positive feedback and changes made following the workshop demonstrated that a targeted AMS educational workshop adds value to an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

Navigating power dynamics between pharmacy preceptors and learners

Pharmacy preceptors are crucial in pharmacy experiential education. They help develop learners during didactic learning, experiential learning, and post-graduate training. Preceptors hold a position of authority over learners as they are responsible for providing feedback and ultimately completing evaluations that determine whether the student passes or does not pass the rotation. Preceptor status, behavior, and communication style may cause students to feel intimidated. Preceptors should be aware of this power differential and keep generational, gender, cultural, and other factors in mind when providing feedback. Preceptors should also receive training and be open to constructive feedback from learners to ensure the experience meets the needs of the learner and allow for adjustments on the experiential rotation. Students should be empowered to provide open and honest feedback to preceptors in a psychologically safe environment without fear of repercussions.

School Psychology Graduate Students’ Experiences with Ethical Dilemmas: Implications for Training and Practice

Most prior research on the ethical dilemmas in school psychology has focused on certified school psychologists. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to survey school psychology graduate students about their experiences with ethical dilemmas, perceived preparation to respond to ethical dilemmas, responses to ethical dilemmas, and most concerning ethically challenging situations. We also examined differences in preparation and response across background (i.e., degree track, year in program, program NASP approval, ethics training). Results indicated that, although participants generally reported experiencing relatively few ethical dilemmas in the past year, they reported experiencing more ethical dilemmas related to programming and supervision than specific applied skills (e.g., intervention). Most participants reported receiving both formal and informal training, with formal graduate coursework the most frequently reported. Participants generally indicated they were well-prepared to respond to ethical dilemmas, but less so to respond to unethical conduct of those in power (i.e., administrators, supervisors). Implications for training and practice in school psychology are discussed. Our findings suggested that trainers need to facilitate open communication and feedback with students and convey and enact a willingness to listen to students’ concerns and suggestions. Impact Statement School psychology graduate students reported that they experience relatively few ethical dilemmas, but they were more likely to encounter ethical dilemmas related to programming and supervision than applied skills (e.g., intervention), highlighting the importance of systematic planning and reflection in training and applied experiences.

Sharing Patient Praises With Radiology Staff: Workflow Automation and Impact on Staff

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and evaluate a semi-automated workflow using natural language processing (NLP) for sharing positive patient feedback with radiology staff, assessing its efficiency and impact on radiology staff morale. MethodsThe HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board–waived implementation study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2023 and introduced a Patient Praises program to distribute positive patient feedback to radiology staff collected from patient surveys. The study transitioned from an initial manual workflow to a hybrid process using an NLP model trained on 1,034 annotated comments and validated on 260 holdout reports. The times to generate Patient Praises e-mails were compared between manual and hybrid workflows. Impact of Patient Praises on radiology staff was measured using a four-question Likert scale survey and an open text feedback box. Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Dunn’s test were performed to evaluate differences in time for different workflows. ResultsFrom April 2022 to June 2023, the radiology department received 10,643 patient surveys. Of those surveys, 95.6% contained positive comments, with 9.6% (n = 978) shared as Patient Praises to staff. After implementation of the hybrid workflow in March 2023, 45.8% of Patient Praises were sent through the hybrid workflow and 54.2% were sent manually. Time efficiency analysis on 30-case subsets revealed that the hybrid workflow without edits was the most efficient, taking a median of 0.7 min per case. A high proportion of staff found the praises made them feel appreciated (94%) and valued (90%) responding with a 5/5 agreement on 5-point Likert scale responses. ConclusionA hybrid workflow incorporating NLP significantly improves time efficiency for the Patient Praises program while increasing feelings of acknowledgment and value among staff.

Listening to the Voice Within Effectiveness of a Spirituality-Oriented College Career Planning Course

This action research anchors on the integration of spiritual cultivation related activities into career planning courses in college. Based on Krumholtz’s Planned Happenstance Career Theory approach and applying the concepts of psychology, this study examines the curriculum of this spirituality-oriented college course in career planning. It is hoped that students establish the good habit of “listening” by leveraging chance events in life to create surprises in life and career development. The action research is centered in the 18-week program and based on single-group post-test experiment design. The teaching effectiveness is evaluated with two questionnaires, “Measurement of Satisfaction with Curriculum and Teaching and Feedback Form” issued to students and “teaching assessment” issued throughout the campus. The results indicate that students think positively of the curriculum. The mean of the level of satisfaction with integration of spirituality-related activities into teaching is 4.74 and the standard deviation is 0.44. The mean of the level of satisfaction with overall teaching and planning is 4.81 and the standard deviation is 0.40. Furthermore, the mean of the level of satisfaction with teaching of this curriculum is 4.78 and the standard deviation is 0.42 according to the questionnaire survey on teaching (based on a 5-point scale). Effectiveness is evidenced with the high means shown in the questionnaire on learning satisfaction and the assessment of teaching. This curriculum model achieved a high level of satisfaction among students. The qualitative analysis of open feedback finds that this curriculum model helps to enhance learning satisfaction. Self-concept reinforced by listening to the voice within and learning enhances the ability to think positively and deal with pressure. The pondering of meanings of life, life philosophy and goals in life during the course helps one’s career development. Finally, the findings of this action research suggest that it is feasible to promote the teaching model of spirituality-oriented career planning courses for college students in higher education. Hopefully the resulting ripple effect can advocate and drive long-term vision of spirituality-oriented career planning courses for college students in higher education.

Developing an exercise intervention to improve bone mineral density in traumatic amputees: protocol for a Delphi study

IntroductionLower limb amputation results in reduced bone mineral density (BMD) on the amputated side. Exercise interventions have proven effective in improving BMD. However, such interventions have not been attempted in...