Participant Perceptions Research Articles

Perceptions of Participation for Wheelchair Rugby Team Members: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Although physical activity has been shown to influence physical, social, and emotional well-being, individuals experiencing quadriparesis often lack knowledge of and access to adaptive sporting programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions about wheelchair rugby's impact on community participation and well-being for individuals with quadriparesis and to identify functional barriers to participation. Qualitative semistructured interviews were used to explore the perception of participation in wheelchair rugby on community participation and well-being for adults with quadriparesis. Participants perceived that their participation in sports had positive benefits on community participation and well-being. In addition, participants identified barriers to participation for individuals with quadriparesis. Practitioners working with individuals with quadriparesis should consider sports participation when designing interventions and education.

Exploring the Qualitative Experiences of Administering and Participating in Remote Research via Telephone Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind: Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic shift in the practice of research and clinical services. It has been noted that cognition measured via in-person versus remote methods differ substantially, and it is possible that subjective and experiential differences exist between modalities. The aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of both researchers and older adult participants on the experience of remotely conducted research using a cognitive screener. We conducted a thematic analysis of the experience of engaging in remote research from both the participant (n=10) and researcher (n=4) perspectives. The research interaction was framed through teleadministration of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (suitable for telephone administration) and administration of a subsequent semistructured debriefing interview. Participant perspectives were garnered during debriefing interviews, while researcher insights were collected via self-reported qualitative field notes completed following each research session. Data aggregated into themes of barriers and facilitators from the lenses of both participants and researchers. Participants noted facilitators including short instrument length, convenience, and presession contact; barriers included the length of the interaction, some tasks being more challenging on the phone, and the potential for participant dishonesty. Research assistants noted several facilitators: instrument length, rapport building, ability to prepare for and record sessions, and comfort with the protocol; barriers were items with too many response options, telephone issues (eg, response delays), and concerns about participant comprehension. These results suggest remote telephone-delivered cognitive screening tools as a feasible and acceptable method of research inquiry. The findings provide a starting point for the inclusion of diverse populations in research to capture underrepresented groups whose input would immensely benefit our understanding of remotely delivered cognitive screening measures. Further, we offer materials (eg, checklists), which can be used in future investigations to promote future inclusive research and increase generalizability.

Aphasia centre science: What makes an aphasia centre work?

ABSTRACT Background People with aphasia are often discharged from rehabilitation services with chronic communication disability, ongoing challenges in participation, and limited access to long-term support. Aphasia centres aim to fill this gap through the provision of dedicated aphasia programming within a social model of care. Preliminary research suggests that aphasia centres are effective in improving linguistic and psychosocial outcomes, however, the mechanisms by which this occurs are less clear. Aims (1) To describe the structure and operation of aphasia centres internationally; (2) To describe the factors perceived to contribute to aphasia centre effectiveness and sustainability. Methods and Procedures Explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design. A quantitative online survey was used to gather information about the structure and operations of existing aphasia centres. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured email interviews explored participant perceptions of factors contributing to centre outcomes and sustainability. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Outcomes and Results Fourteen aphasia centres were included in the sample, and all reported offering therapy that was predominantly activity and participation focused and group based. In terms of staffing profile, allied health professionals, specifically speech pathologists, were employed in the greatest numbers. An “effective” centre was conceptualised as one that meets the complex needs of consumers. Committed staff, a sense of community, person-centred service provision and consumer involvement were perceived to be key factors influencing effectiveness. Diversification of funding was perceived to be critical to sustainability. Conclusions Involving consumers in centre operations, facilitating social connectedness and community networks and diversifying funding sources was perceived to contribute to service effectiveness and sustainability. Financial constraints and sufficient staffing remained globally recognised barriers to continued operation.

Participant and group facilitator perspectives on a novel culturally tailored diabetes self-management program for African Americans.

African Americans with type 2 diabetes experience disparities in their care and diabetes health-related outcomes. Diabetes self-management programs such as Healthy Living with Diabetes (HLWD) are important but do not account for the unique cultural experiences of African Americans. Also, a culturally tailored program focused on addressing sociocultural beliefs and providing race-congruent peer support, Peers LEAD (Peers Supporting Health Literacy, Self-Efficacy, Self-Advocacy, and Adherence) was implemented in two midwestern cities to improve medication adherence but does not include diabetes self-management topics included in HLWD. In an attempt to fill the gaps from both HLWD and Peers LEAD, Peers EXCEL (Peers' Experience in Communicating and Engaging in Healthy Living) was designed to integrate both programs. Our study explored the perceptions of African American participants and facilitators of the separate HLWD and Peers LEAD programs, on the proposed new Peers EXCEL program using focus groups and interviews. Findings were analyzed by research assistants trained in qualitative research using deductive and inductive open coding approaches. Participants appreciated the cultural fit of Peers EXCEL for African American communities which is a feature that was lacking in HLWD. They shared the need to include topics such as the relationships between systemic racism and diabetes. Participants' feedback of Peers EXCEL reveals the importance of including various community members' perspectives in the design of new diabetes self-management programs tailored for African Americans.

Assessing the Quality of an Online Democratic Deliberation on COVID-19 Pandemic Triage Protocols for Access to Critical Care in an Extreme Pandemic Context: Mixed Methods Study.

Online democratic deliberation (ODD) may foster public engagement in new health strategies by providing opportunities for knowledge exchange between experts, policy makers, and the public. It can favor decision-making by generating new points of view and solutions to existing problems. Deliberation experts recommend gathering feedback from participants to optimize future implementation. However, this online modality has not been frequently evaluated. This study aims to (1) assess the quality of an ODD held in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, on the topic of COVID-19 triage protocols for access to critical care in an extreme pandemic context and (2) determine its transformative aspect according to the perceptions of participants. We conducted a simultaneous ODD in Quebec and Ontario on May 28 and June 4, 2022, with a diversified target audience not working in the health care system. We used a thematic analysis for the transcripts of the deliberation and the written comments of the participants related to the quality of the process. Participants responded to a postdeliberation questionnaire to assess the quality of the ODD and identify changes in their perspectives on COVID-19 pandemic triage protocols after the deliberation exercise. Descriptive statistics were used. An index was calculated to determine equality of participation. The ODD involved 47 diverse participants from the public (n=20, 43% from Quebec and n=27, 57% from Ontario). Five themes emerged: (1) process appreciation, (2) learning experience, (3) reflecting on the common good, (4) technological aspects, and (5) transformative aspects. A total of 46 participants responded to the questionnaire. Participants considered the quality of the ODD satisfactory in terms of process, information shared, reasoning, and videoconferencing. A total of 4 (80%) of 5 participants reported at least 1 change of perspective on some of the criteria and values discussed. Most participants reported that the online modality was accessible and user-friendly. We found low polarization when calculating equal participation. Improvements identified were measures to replace participants when unable to connect and optimization of time during discussions. Overall, the participants perceived the quality of ODD as satisfactory. Some participants self-reported a change of opinion after deliberation. The online modality may be an acceptable alternative for democratic deliberation but with some organizational adaptations.

Brief Report: Positive Caregiver Perceptions on Receiving Research Summary Reports in Autism Longitudinal Research.

Although participating in research is often presented as something that can 'help others in the future', research participants may also benefit from accessing and understanding their own research data. However, participant attitudes toward receiving individual data via research reports are under researched. This study examined participant perceptions of research reports within the context of the pilot phase of the Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study. PARC Study participants included caregivers of children with a recent diagnosis of autism, completing questionnaires on their child's symptoms and behaviours at six-month intervals for two years. Following completion of each timepoint, participants received a research summary report with information on their own child's developmental progress. Participants were invited to give feedback on their use of the reports after the pilot study. An online questionnaire developed by the PARC Study research team to assess the use of PARC Study research summary reports was emailed to participants who received a report. Responses to the questionnaire (n = 39) were evaluated using descriptive analyses. Most participants reported that the reports improved their knowledge of autism and management/awareness of their child's needs. Reports were shared with professionals, leading to opportunities for dialogue and shared decision-making around intervention, social, and educational goals. Overall, participants expressed a preference for receiving such reports. This work demonstrates positive perceptions and experiences with using research summary reports among participants in autism research. The provision of feedback/summary reports can enrich participant knowledge and serve as a resource to open dialogue with professionals.

Logging out or leaning in? Social media strategies for enhancing well-being.

Social media use is endemic among emerging adults, raising concerns that this trend may harm users. We tested whether reducing the quantity of social media use, relative to improving the way users engage with social media, benefits psychological well-being. Participants were 393 social media users (ages 17-29) in Canada, with elevated psychopathology symptoms, who perceived social media to negatively impact their life somewhat. They were randomized to either (a) assistance to engage with social media in a way to enhance connectedness (tutorial), (b) encouragement to abstain from social media (abstinence), or (c) no instructions to change behavior (control). Participants' social media behaviors were self-reported and tracked using phone screen time apps while well-being was self-reported, over four timepoints (6 weeks in total). Results suggested that the tutorial and abstinence groups, relative to control, reduced their quantity of social media use and the amount of social comparisons they made on social media, with abstinence being the most effective. Tutorial was the only condition to reduce participants' fear of missing out and loneliness, and abstinence was the only condition to reduce internalizing symptoms, relative to control. No condition differences emerged in eating pathology or the tendency to make social comparisons in an upward direction. Changes in social media behaviors mediated the effects of abstinence (but not of tutorial) on well-being outcomes. Participant engagement and perceptions of helpfulness were acceptable, but the abstinence group possibly perceived the content as less helpful. In conclusion, using social media differently and abstaining from social media may each benefit well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Facing LLMs: Robot Communication Styles in Mediating Health Information between Parents and Young Adults

Young adults may feel embarrassed when disclosing sensitive information to their parents, while parents might similarly avoid sharing sensitive aspects of their lives with their children. How to design interactive interventions that are sensitive to the needs of both younger and older family members in mediating sensitive information remains an open question. In this paper, we explore the integration of large language models (LLMs) with social robots. Specifically, we use GPT-4 to adapt different Robot Communication Styles (RCS) for a social robot mediator designed to elicit self-disclosure and mediate health information between parents and young adults living apart. We design and compare four literature-informed RCS: three LLM-adapted (Humorous, Self-deprecating, and Persuasive) and one manually created (Human-scripted), and assess participant perceptions of Likeability, Usefulness, Helpfulness, Relatedness, and Interpersonal Closeness . Through an online experiment with 183 participants, we assess the RCS across two groups: adults with children (Parents) and young adults without children (Young Adults). Our results indicate that both Parents and Young Adults favoured the Human-scripted and Self-deprecating RCS as compared to the other two RCS. The Self-deprecating RCS furthermore led to increased relatedness as compared to the Humorous RCS. Our qualitative findings reveal challenges people have in disclosing health information to family members, and who normally assumes the role of family facilitator-two areas in which social robots can play a key role. The findings offer insights for integrating LLMs with social robots in health-mediation and other contexts involving the sharing of sensitive information.

Effects of Over-Time Exposure to Partisan Media and Coverage of Polarization on Perceived Polarization

ABSTRACT America is said to be more polarized than ever before, and extensive research examines the causes and effects of political polarization. A less studied but more pronounced trend is that citizens perceive society and politics as sharply divided. We focus on news exposure as a key reason for these perceptions. We disentangle the unique effects of exposure to partisan outlets and to news coverage of polarization in general, whether in partisan or centrist news media. We rely on 9 months of online behavioral data (127,400,000 visits) from large samples in the U.S. and Poland (total N = 2,462 & 2,120), paired with a three-wave panel survey on participants' attitudes and perceptions. We measure individual exposure, over-time and unobtrusively, to partisan outlets as well as to news coverage of polarization through a fine-tuned BERT-based machine learning classifier. We find that both exposures increase perceived polarization, independently, in both countries. Yet, in both contexts, it is news coverage of polarization, regardless of whether it is ideologically left, right, or centrist news outlets, that is the strongest driver of perceived polarization. These changes are confined to personal-level polarization (perceived distance between oneself and members of the opposing party), while no measure significantly influences perceptions of society, more generally, as being polarized. These findings have important implications for our understanding of how the media’s increasing tendency to focus on conflict as a central reporting frame can be the driver of often exaggerated perceptions of partisan divisions.

Culture, community, and cancer: understandings of breast cancer from a non-lived experience among women living in Soweto

BackgroundIndividual perceptions, socio-cultural beliefs and health system factors are key determinants of people’s health seeking behavior and are widely cited as the causes of delayed breast cancer diagnosis among women from structurally vulnerable settings. Asking: “how do women with a non-lived experience of cancer understand the disease and, what informs their health seeking behaviors?”, we qualitatively explored, individual, sociocultural and health system elements from a conceptual model derived from the Socioecological, Health Belief and Cancer Stigma Frameworks, to understand perspectives of breast cancer in a South African urban community setting.MethodsUsing a deductive approach and allowing new themes to emerge inductively, we investigated phenomenologically, breast cancer perceptions among 34 women from Soweto, Johannesburg (aged 35–74 years) in 6 Focus Group Discussions. We then conducted 20 follow-up semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore novel themes and suggestions for increasing breast cancer screening.ResultsFindings revealed some awareness of breast and other cancers, but confusion and gaps in understanding of the disease, resulting in socio-culturally influenced misperceptions of risks, causes, and outcomes following treatment of breast cancer. This fueled perceptions of profound fear and stigma against people with breast and other cancers. These findings together with participant perceptions of primary healthcare providers being unwelcoming, under-resourced, and insufficiently trained to deal with breast cancer, resulted in women reporting being reluctant to participating in screening/early detection care seeking behavior. Women only accessed primary care when experiencing extreme pain or ill-health. Participants suggested as solutions for future interventions, the need for sustained community engagement, harnessing existing clinic and community stakeholders and resources to provide clear and understandable breast cancer information and encouragement for screening uptake.ConclusionsHealth literacy gaps surrounding breast cancer fuels socio-culturally influenced misperceptions, fear, stigma, and fatalism among women from Soweto. Women perceive primary care providers of having insufficient knowledge, skills, and resources to provide effective breast cancer screening services. Participants suggested the need for greater community engagement involving primary clinics and existing community stakeholders working collaboratively. Clear, understandable, and consistent information about breast cancer must be regularly disseminated and communities must be regularly encouraged to utilize breast cancer screening services.

Liberating the Postpartum Body: The Effects of Movement on Body Image Amongst Postpartum Ultra-Orthodox Women in Israel.

Body image is a major postpartum problem negatively correlated with postpartum depression. The present study tests this correlation amongst ultra-Orthodox women in Israel and analyses whether movement classes are effective in improving postpartum body image. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study followed two groups of ultra-Orthodox postpartum women (n = 45): one group that participated in movement classes (n = 23) and a comparison group that did not (n = 22). Results of the study found a negative correlation between depression and body image amongst ultra-Orthodox women (r(53) = -0.342, p < .05) and a trend of movement classes positively affecting postpartum body image (t(43) = 1.388, p = .086). Furthermore, semi-structured interviews found three themes as to how movement 1. Regulates emotions, 2. Releases stress and 3. Places the mother at the centre. Discussion of the results highlights the importance of maintaining positive body image and emotional health in the postpartum period, and that, according to the perception of participants in this study, movement positively contributed to their sense of self and coping abilities. These connections are critical regarding ultra-Orthodox women, whose birth rate is significantly higher relative to broader society. The current study should serve as a basis for encouraging postpartum movement participation amongst ultra-Orthodox and other similar conservative religious sectors of society.

Physical Activity Level and Time of Participation in a Water Aerobics Project for the Elderly: Analysis of the Association with Quality of life, Musculoskeletal and Osteoarticular Disorders, Chronic Pain and Body Mass Index

The objective was to analyze the association between the physical activity level (PAL) and time of participation in the practice of water aerobics with the variables successful aging (SA), quality of life (QOL), musculoskeletal and osteoarticular disorders (MOD), chronic pain (CP) and body mass index (BMI). The method has a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional design. The non-probabilistic sample, for convenience, comprised 101 elderly people over 60 years of age, of both genders, who regularly participate in water aerobics activities in the city of Dois Irmãos, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The following instruments were used: Multidimensional Pain Assessment Scale, EUROHIS-QOL, IPAQ, SOC and Body Mass Index. Descriptive analyses of frequency, comparison, correlation and multiple linear regression were used. The results showed that the irregularly active group has adequate perception of QOL and longer participation in water aerobics activities associated with lower intensity of pain perception. Likewise, better QOL and control attitudes are associated with lower prevalence of MOD.

Pleasurable emotions and internalizing psychopathology: A multi-study examination of specificity and alternative explanations.

Past research has been inconclusive regarding the specificity of associations between discrete pleasurable emotions and internalizing symptoms. Contentment may be especially relevant to depression, whereas tranquillity may be especially relevant to worry. The goal of the current research was to clarify the mixed findings regarding the relation between pleasure deficits and internalizing psychopathology. Participants from three samples (Total N = 757) completed alternative measures of depression and pleasurable emotions. Participants in Study 1 also completed a measure of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, and close peers to a subset of participants (N = 64) reported their perceptions of participants' depression severity. Participants in Studies 2 and 3 also completed a measure of worry. Across the three samples, contentment was significantly negatively associated with self-reported depression. This association could not be accounted for by tranquillity, cheerfulness, anticipatory pleasure, or consummatory pleasure. Contentment was also strongly negatively associated with peer-reported depression. Contentment was more strongly associated with depression than was cheerfulness. However, the strength of the association between contentment and depression relative to the strength of the association between tranquillity and depression depended on how contentment and depression were measured. Conversely, tranquillity was more strongly associated with worry than were contentment or cheerfulness. This study provides further evidence of the potential importance of the role of contentment in depression and tranquillity in worry. It may be useful to attend to contentment when assessing and treating depression and to attend to tranquillity when assessing and treating elevated worry.

“Neither Side Really Knows… What an Abortion Is Like”: A Qualitative Analysis of Medical Students’ Experiences With Second-Trimester Procedural Abortions

ObjectivesMedical students value abortion education; however, there has been little study regarding participation in second-trimester procedures, which are less common yet receive significant societal attention. We aimed to explore medical students’ perceptions of participation in second-trimester procedural abortions to optimize this educational experience. Study DesignWe conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with third- and fourth-year medical students who voluntarily participated in second-trimester dilation and evacuation cases. We coded interviews inductively and performed thematic content analysis until thematic saturation was reached. ParticipantsWe interviewed 25 medical students, including 16 third-year and nine fourth-year students. Most participants were female (64%) and white (58%) and had no prior abortion care experience (80%). ResultsFour major themes emerged: 1) students felt unprepared for second-trimester procedural abortions and were unable to find adequate educational resources for preparation; 2) students experienced complex emotional reactions to the procedures, often finding the experience more challenging than expected; 3) students observed implicit expectations and biases in the learning environment; and 4) students highly valued their involvement in abortion procedures, noting that participation was important for their future practice and allowed acquisition of essential clinical skills. ConclusionsMedical students value the educational opportunity to participate in second-trimester procedural abortions; however, most feel unprepared for the technical and emotional aspects, despite utilizing available educational resources. To maximize educational experience and psychological safety, educators should develop specialized training resources. This could strengthen physician knowledge and comfort with abortion care in the future, ultimately improving patient care.

Breaking down barriers: creating a community of learning development at the University of St Andrews

This presentation outlined a collaboration that delivered an integrated in-sessional academic and learning development provision for students at the University of St Andrews. Staff from the student learning development team in the Centre for Educational Enhancement and Development, and the Academic English Service, situated in the International Education Institute, partnered to bring previously segregated provisions together for academic year 2023/24. Historically both units have provided separate in-sessional one-to-one tutorials dictated by students’ first language or stage of study, but with overlap in some skills areas such as writing development. Each service had different parameters in terms of who could access the tutorials and how often they could do so. Due to the restrictions of each provision, and the siloed nature of the services, we identified that students were often not accessing the most appropriate form of tutorial, and that some tutorials were not being used to best effect. The provision has been reimagined to proffer a new Academic Development Community with the aim of creating a more effective and inclusive resource. This presentation unpicks motivations for pursuing a unified service and reflects on the changes made. The session shared the results of qualitative and quantitative student feedback on the newly aligned provision, and the perceptions of focus group participants on the unified service and relationship with contributing units. Combining the feedback collected thus far with our own professional reflections we explored the outcomes of these changes, as well as the challenges encountered in our collaborative approach. We concluded by sharing the future directions of this collaboration.

Assessment of knowledge and perception of prescribers towards rational medicine use in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Prescribers must possess extensive knowledge and maintain a positive attitude towards the rational use of medicines to achieve desirable treatment outcomes and effectively prevent treatment failures, increased costs, drug toxicities, and interactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate prescribers' understanding and perception concerning the rational use of medicines in public hospitals. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence rational prescribing practices. A structured data instrument was developed to collect demographic data and evaluate participants' knowledge and perception of rational medicine use, in line with the study objectives. Chi-squared statistics and Fisher's exact test were utilized to identify factors associated with good knowledge and perception among participants. Logistic regression was then employed to assess the strength of the associations, with odd ratios reported at a significant level of 0.05. Out of 192 participants, 85.4% held a positive view of rational medicine use, stressing patient safety and recognizing risks like antimicrobial resistance and polypharmacy. Perception was influenced by factors such as prescriber profession, access to references, and drug bulletin updates. Additionally, 65.6% demonstrated good knowledge of rational medicine use, which was notably influenced by factors like using standard prescribing guidelines, having a functional Drug and Therapeutics Committee, prescriber profession, and the frequency of drug bulletin updates. The study emphasizes the critical need to address knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals, especially nurses and other prescribers, to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. It highlights the positive influence of utilizing preferred prescribing references and the existence of functional Drug and Therapeutics Committees in hospitals on knowledge levels. However, the unexpected findings regarding the limited impact of frequent updates of drug bulletins require further investigation.

Effectiveness of Field Experience Program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Mixed-Methods Study of Stakeholders’ Perceptions in the Light of Vision 2030

The quality of field experience training is vital for the pre-service teachers’ professional development. However, limited research works on field experience training programs limits the formation of optimised educational policies in the UAE. Further, proper understanding of the stakeholders’ perceptions is essential for forming suitable educational policies. Therefore, this study employed a mixed-methods model to investigate the perceptions of pre-service teachers and instructors about their field experience training. The pedagogic standards set by Danielson was used as the framework for assessing the perceptions of the participants regarding their pedagogy. Further, ‘Bem’s self-perception theory’ was applied while making detailed assessments on the perceptions of participants. By using a random sampling method, 113 pre-service teachers and 15 instructors were recruited. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics was used for the quantitative assessments whereas thematic analysis was used in the qualitative phase. Quantitative analysis suggested that most of the respondents perceived that they are well-prepared for the professional teaching career. However, some respondents indicated that stakeholders have little role in the decision-making process and there is a lack of opportunity to interact with the parents/community. The qualitative analysis also affirmed the lack of stakeholders’ involvement. Other significant factors include: insufficient co-ordination, conflicts with mentors, inadequate training, and lack of exposure to research. Consequently, this study has made suggestions for rectifying these issues. It is anticipated that findings of present research will add on to the essential knowledgebase for achieving the goals set for education sector, as per UAE’s Vision 2030.

Fisherfolk voices on mariculture operations in Sagñay, Camarines Sur, Philippines

This study investigates the responses and perceptions of fisherfolk in Sagñay, Camarines Sur, Philippines to the Mariculture Park project, using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory to assess economic, environmental, and social impacts. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research involves in-depth interviews with eight local fisherfolk from coastal barangays affected by the project. The study employs purposeful sampling to gather insights into the challenges and perceptions of participants regarding the mariculture initiative. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), which identified key themes about the community's experience and the project’s implications. The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach that integrates economic benefits, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion to support community well-being. The study recommends strategies for aligning mariculture practices with local needs and preserving ecological balance, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners to enhance the project’s impact and address the concerns of affected fisherfolk.

Empowering Medical Students to Address Patient-Initiated Mistreatment at the Transition to Residency: An Education Quality Improvement Study.

Mistreatment from patients is prevalent and has far-reaching negative consequences. To develop a practice-based curriculum on patient-initiated mistreatment and examine participant perceptions before and after the curriculum. Single medical school in the United States. 306 senior medical students from classes 2022 and 2023. A single patient-initiated mistreatment session delivered during specialty-specific residency preparation courses (RPCs) featuring a literature discussion, a response framework, and patient-actor skills practice. Between February 2022 and October 2023, 22 sessions occurred. Electronic surveys were delivered before, following, and approximately eight months after each session. A total of 257 (84.0%) and 174 (56.9%) participants completed pre- and post-session surveys, respectively. Significant increases in mean scores were noted for confidence in recognizing mistreatment (pre-session 4.25, post-session 4.68; p < 0.001) and comfort in addressing mistreatment personally (pre-session 2.86, post-session 4.30; p < 0.001) and as a bystander (pre-session 2.98, post-session 4.27; p < 0.001). In the follow-up survey, participants noted that the session was useful in preparing them for residency. A novel patient-initiated mistreatment curriculum empowered students, resulting in enhanced confidence in responding and sustained skill usage. Medical schools may consider including this training for all graduating students.

UK Government COVID-19 response employees' perceptions on working from home: Content analysis of open-ended survey questions.

This study investigates perceptions of homeworking in UK Government response-focused employees that contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response. A cross-sectional online survey with open-ended questions was conducted. Free-text responses detailing participants perceptions of barriers, facilitators, advantages, and disadvantages were analysed using content analysis. A total of 1,943 free-text responses (from 150 participants) were analysed. There were many conflicting advantages and disadvantages provided by participants, but crudely more positive statements were provided than negative. Flexibility associated with working from home was the most common positive factor, and the isolation and impact on working relationships was the most reported negative factor of working from home. We suggest a 'one size fits all' approach to supporting staff working from home is not fit for purpose due to individual circumstances and contextual factors.