Placement Preferences Research Articles

What Makes Institutional Long-Term Care the Most Appropriate Setting for People With Dementia? Exploring the Influence of Client Characteristics, Decision-Maker Attributes, and Country in 8 European Nations

ObjectivesTo explore the extent to which client characteristics, decision-maker attributes, and country influence judgments of institutional long-term care (ILTC) appropriateness for people with dementia. Design, setting, and participantsA total of 161 experts in dementia care from 8 European countries reviewed a series of 14 vignettes representing people with dementia on the cusp of ILTC admission and indicated the most appropriate setting in which to support each case in a simple discrete choice exercise: own home, very sheltered housing, residential home, or nursing home. At least 16 experts participated in each country (Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). MeasurementsDescriptive statistics were used to characterize the experts and their placement preferences. Logistic regression modeling was used to explore the extent to which the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with dementia, and the profession, workplace, and country of decision-makers were associated with ILTC recommendation. ResultsClient characteristics, decision-maker attributes, and country all seemed to play a part in influencing professionals' perceptions of the appropriateness of ILTC for people with dementia. Expert decision-makers were more likely to recommend ILTC for individuals who required help with mobility or had multiple care needs, and appeared to give more weight to carers' than clients’ wishes. Community-based social workers were less likely than other professional groups to favor ILTC placement. Experts in Finland, Germany, and the United Kingdom were less likely to recommend ILTC than experts in France, the Netherlands, and Estonia; experts in Sweden and Spain took an intermediate position. ConclusionThis study provides new understanding of the factors that shape professionals' perceptions of ILTC appropriateness and highlights the need to construct multifaceted models of institutionalization when planning services for people with dementia. It also has several important clinical implications (including flagging interventions that could decrease the need for ILTC), and provides a basis for enhancing professionals’ decision-making capabilities (including the greater involvement of clients themselves).

Omani Stakeholders’ Preferences for Educational Placement of Students with Disabilities

The purpose of the current study was to survey the stakeholders’ opinions of the best educational placement setting for students with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman. Two thou- sand four hundred and thirty stakeholders participated in this study. The findings provided ev- idence that the majority of the Omani stakeholders prefer educating students with disabilities in regular schools over separate facilities. In addition, the stakeholders’ preference on the continu-um of placement options varied significantly. The results also suggested that the stakeholders’ preference for educating students in the regular school setting versus a separate facility varied according to the type of disability. Moreover, a significant association between the stakeholders’ role and their preference of educational placement setting for students with disabilities was found. However, the findings revealed that there was no significant relationship between the stakeholders’ gender and their educational settings preference. Finally, educational services for children with disabilities in Oman were discussed and suggestions were provided to improve these services.

Omani Stakeholders’ Preferences for Educational Placement of Students with Disabilities

The purpose of the current study was to survey the stakeholders’ opinions of the best educational placement setting for students with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman. Two thou- sand four hundred and thirty stakeholders participated in this study. The findings provided ev- idence that the majority of the Omani stakeholders prefer educating students with disabilities in regular schools over separate facilities. In addition, the stakeholders’ preference on the continu-um of placement options varied significantly. The results also suggested that the stakeholders’ preference for educating students in the regular school setting versus a separate facility varied according to the type of disability. Moreover, a significant association between the stakeholders’ role and their preference of educational placement setting for students with disabilities was found. However, the findings revealed that there was no significant relationship between the stakeholders’ gender and their educational settings preference. Finally, educational services for children with disabilities in Oman were discussed and suggestions were provided to improve these services.

Radiation Field Preference for Radiographic Anatomical Markers by Radiographers in a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: The work aims to determine the radiographers’ preference between primary and secondary radiation fields for imprinting anatomical markers on radiographs. Methodology: Processed radiographs from the darkroom with evidence of radiographic anatomical markings were selected randomly and reviewed using a viewing box, within a 4-week period. The radiation field in which markers were placed was noted for each radiograph. Faintly-appearing and partly coned- off markers were excluded. Simple statistical tools were used to derive central tendency. Result: 623 radiographs were assessed. 89.0% (n = 555) had markers in the primary radiation field while 11.0% (n = 68) were in the secondary radiation field. 98% (n = 611) of markers did not obstruct essential anatomy while 2% (n = 12) did, but the radiographs were neither repeated nor rejected because of the twin reason of reportability and the need to avoid additional radiation dose to patients. Conclusion: Radiographers in the centre preferred the primary radiation field for marker placement to avoid cone-off, cut-off and illegibility which leads to repeat. This, however, does not offer superior advantage to markers placed in secondary radiation field. It is recommended that marker placement preference should be guided by the need for legibility, aesthetics and avoidance of essential anatomy.

076 Enhancing the Acceptance and Implementation of GRADE Summary Tables for Evidence about Diagnostic Tests

BackgroundThe GRADE Working Group developed Summary tables adapted to summarise and present evidence from diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) systematic reviews.ObjectiveTo develop guidance on what information to include in these summary...

Commentary on: Air bubble detector placement in the CPB circuit: a 2011 cross-sectional analysis of the practice of Certified Clinical Perfusionists

The ideal location of air bubble detector (ABD) placement on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit is debatable. There is, however, very little data characterizing the prevalence of specific ABD placement preferences by perfusionists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to survey the perfusion community to collect data describing the primary locations of air bubble detector placement on the CPB circuit. In June 2011, an 18-question on-line survey was conducted. Completed surveys were received from 627 participants. Of these, analysis of the responses from the 559 certified clinical perfusionists (CCP) was performed. The routine use of ABD during CPB was reported by 96.8% of CCPs. Of this group, specific placement of the bubble detector is as follows: distal to the venous reservoir outlet (35.6%), between the arterial pump and oxygenator (3.8%), between the oxygenator and arterial line filter (35.1%), distal to the arterial line filter (ALF) (23.6%), and other (1.8%). Those placing the ABD distal to the venous reservoir predominately argued that an emptied venous reservoir was the most likely place to introduce air into the circuit. Those who placed the ABD between the oxygenator and the arterial line filter commonly reasoned that this placement protects against air exiting the membrane. Those placing the ABD distal to the ALF (23.6%) cited that this location protects from all possible entry points of air. A recent false alarm event from an ABD during a case was reported by 36.1% of CCPs. This study demonstrates that the majority of CCPs use an ABD during the conduct of CPB. The placement of the ABD on the circuit, however, is highly variable across the perfusion community. A strong rationale for the various ABD placements suggests that the adoption of multiple ABD may offer the greatest comprehensive protection against air emboli.

A survey on air bubble detector placement in the CPB circuit: a 2011 cross-sectional analysis of the practice of Certified Clinical Perfusionists

The ideal location of air bubble detector (ABD) placement on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit is debatable. There is, however, very little data characterizing the prevalence of specific ABD placement preferences by perfusionists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to survey the perfusion community to collect data describing the primary locations of air bubble detector placement on the CPB circuit. In June 2011, an 18-question on-line survey was conducted. Completed surveys were received from 627 participants. Of these, analysis of the responses from the 559 certified clinical perfusionists (CCP) was performed. The routine use of ABD during CPB was reported by 96.8% of CCPs. Of this group, specific placement of the bubble detector is as follows: distal to the venous reservoir outlet (35.6%), between the arterial pump and oxygenator (3.8%), between the oxygenator and arterial line filter (35.1%), distal to the arterial line filter (ALF) (23.6%), and other (1.8%). Those placing the ABD distal to the venous reservoir predominately argued that an emptied venous reservoir was the most likely place to introduce air into the circuit. Those who placed the ABD between the oxygenator and the arterial line filter commonly reasoned that this placement protects against air exiting the membrane. Those placing the ABD distal to the ALF (23.6%) cited that this location protects from all possible entry points of air. A recent false alarm event from an ABD during a case was reported by 36.1% of CCPs. This study demonstrates that the majority of CCPs use an ABD during the conduct of CPB. The placement of the ABD on the circuit, however, is highly variable across the perfusion community. A strong rationale for the various ABD placements suggests that the adoption of multiple ABD may offer the greatest comprehensive protection against air emboli.

Stress Placement in Pronouncing Dictionaries (1727–2010): Latin Etymology vs English Derivation

Variation in stress placement has so far not been studied very closely from a sociolinguistic perspective, although orthoepists since the eighteenth century have prescribed certain patterns and stigmatized others. Stress placement preferences are based on conflicting criteria (origin, including Latin and Greek etymologies, vs stress-neutral English derivation). This area of study remains partially unexplored in historical phonology. The period stretching from the eighteenth century to our time is characterized by changes that reveal the influence of opposing sets of rules, which are themselves connected to the cultural background of speakers more or less versed in Latin and French. The prescriptivism pervading works such as Walker’s Critical Pronouncing Dictionary provides evidence of conflicting tendencies affecting stress placement. This paper aims at revealing an evolution of these tendencies from Latin-based etymology to isomorphism over the last three centuries.

Recruiters’ Preferences for B-School Campus Placement

Placement has been a vital factor for future existence of b-schools in India. B-schools are trying their best to prepare their students for getting best placements available. This study explores the preference by recruiters in the campus recruitment process in India. Again, this study will useful to both recruiters and B-schools to enhance industry-institution interface.

Preferences for condom placement in stores among young Dutch men and women: relationships with embarrassment and motives for having sex

Condom purchasing is an important preparation for condom use. The present study examined if products surrounding condoms in the store play a role in preferences for where to buy condoms among young people. Sixty-nine men and 111 women (<30 years) completed an online questionnaire on their preferences for condom placement, associated embarrassment with these placements, and motives for having sex. Fifty percent of men and 70% of women indicated the counter as least preferred placement. Two-fifths of men and women preferred the sensual context, including among sex toys and lubricants; however, the remainder of participants, particularly women, preferred other less sexual contexts. Both the counter and sensual placement were strongly associated with embarrassment, and this, in turn, was predictive of placement preference. Finally, the motive for having sex to experience intimacy was negatively related to counter preference, and the motive for having sex to experience pleasure was negatively related to the neutral placement and the female personal care placement preferences. The findings suggest that using multiple and alternative placements for condoms in stores may encourage condom purchasing behaviour among young people.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Correlates of Children's Placement Preferences

Examining factors that influence perceptions of foster children contributes rich information to scholars studying issues concerning child well-being and successful adjustment in transitional environments. Grounded in attachment theory and social capital theory, the predicting constructs were measured as the strength of bonds between foster children and foster parents and the availability and access to resources. This research investigated the association of sociodemographic characteristics, attachment to caregivers, and levels of social capital with permanency preferences and placement expectations of 317 children, ages 6–14 years, in foster or kinship care. Generalized ordered logistic regressions indicate children with access to other relatives for help with a serious problem are more likely to be classified in the group who want permanency with adoption at their current placements. Older children are less likely than younger children to ultimately want to go home versus adopted. In addition, children with higher versus lower behavior-scale scores are less likely to want to go home rather than being adopted by the current family.

Family Law - Blood as Best Interests: The Wyoming Supreme Court Expands Associational Rights and the Preference for Kinship Placement; In re JW, 226 P.3d 873 (Wyo, 2010)

Family Law - Blood as Best Interests: The Wyoming Supreme Court Expands Associational Rights and the Preference for Kinship Placement; In re JW, 226 P.3d 873 (Wyo, 2010)

Kinship liaisons: A peer-to-peer approach to supporting kinship caregivers

Relative caregivers are invaluable to the child welfare system. Although most states have a preference for relative placement, the support and assistance provided to relatives during and beyond the initial child placement period are inadequate. Through a U.S. Children's Bureau System of Care Demonstration project, a peer-to-peer approach (based in social cognitive theory) which paired a new relative caregiver ( n = 74) with a full-time, paid kinship liaison (a current or former relative caregiver) was studied. Findings show that kinship liaisons are extremely helpful to caregivers and reveal 27 support categories that caregivers find most useful. One of the most significant services (i.e., information and referral) provided by the liaisons increased caregivers' knowledge of accessing available services and the permanency process. Data results show significant increases in caregivers' coping abilities and willingness to become a permanent resource for the children in their care. Policy and practice insights are provided.

Alternative placements for women wearing pedometers

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if pedometer placement sites in women, other than the waist, provide the same results. Three pedometers were given to 12 women to wear on a bra strap, waist, and shoe for a week and then rotated through each site. The participants recorded their daily step counts in a log, turned in weekly, and were instructed not to change their daily routine. Body mass index (BMI), placement preference, and waist and hip measures were collected at enrollment and the concluding sessions. Women's adiposity distribution patterns and clothing provide potential barriers to pedometer use at the waist. Daily walking is an affordable option for physical activity counseling by nurse practitioners (NPs). The bra and shoe placements were not found to be equitable alternative sites compared with waist placement of pedometers. However, 75% of participants had improvement in BMI and waist-to-hip measures with no lifestyle intervention. The participants preferred a placement perceived as comfortable and consistent. The results inform NPs that women need to consistently wear pedometers in a daily walking program, which can lead to beneficial changes in BMI. NPs should encourage walking as a form of daily physical activity, which may be monitored by a pedometer worn consistently.

Physicians' Preferences for Asthma Guidelines Implementation

PurposePatient care based on asthma guidelines is cost-effective and leads to improved treatment outcomes. However, ineffective implementation strategies interfere with the use of these recommendations in clinical practice. This study investigated physicians' preferences for asthma guidelines, including content, supporting evidence, learning strategies, format, and placement in the clinical workplace.MethodsWe obtained information through a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was distributed to physicians attending continuing medical education courses and sent to other physicians by airmail, e-mail, and facsimile.ResultsA total of 183 physicians responded (male to female ratio, 2.3:1; mean age, 40.4±9.9 years); 89.9% of respondents were internists or pediatricians, and 51.7% were primary care physicians. Physicians preferred information that described asthma medications, classified the disease according to severity and level of control, and provided methods of evaluation/treatment/monitoring and management of acute exacerbation. The most effective strategies for encouraging the use of the guidelines were through continuing medical education and discussions with colleagues. Physicians required supporting evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials and expert consensus. They preferred that the guidelines be presented as algorithms or flow charts/flow diagrams on plastic sheets, pocket cards, or in electronic medical records.ConclusionsThis study identified the items of the asthma guidelines preferred by physicians in Korea. Asthma guidelines with physicians' preferences would encourage their implementation in clinical practice.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Children's Placement Preferences Longitudinally

ABSTRACTPerceptions of permanency from the child's perspective can aid in giving voices to children impacted by foster care, thus promoting their personal sense of empowerment. This research represents a longitudinal assessment of how children living in foster care perceive permanency; specifically, their placement preferences while living in temporary foster care. Analyses were conducted on a subset of 2,671 children from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). Utilizing attachment and social capital constructs, children's preferences were predicted using Generalized Ordered Logistic regression analyses. Results demonstrated differences in children's perceptions and preferences for permanency at three waves of data collection.

Changing Patterns of Family Care in Uganda: Father Absence and Patrilineal Neglect in the Face of HIV/AIDS

In this study, 162 HIV-positive mothers in Uganda were interviewed about the involvement of fathers and paternal kin, regarding current support they provide to children and as child placement options in the event of the mothers death. More than half of the children had fathers who were already deceased. Another one third had fathers who were alive but did not live with the children. Only 16% of the children were living with and being supported by their fathers. Mothers indicated a strong preference for placement with maternal kin, in contrast to traditional expectations of paternal kin care. Patterns of change in kin care throughout Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa, and implications are discussed in the context of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Noncovalent π−π Stacking and CH---π Interactions of Aromatics on the Surface of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes: An MP2 Study

The magnitude and nature of interactions between small aromatic systems (benzene and naphthalene) and various single-wall carbon nanotubes are examined by MP2 theory. π−π stacking configurations are more strongly bound than CH---π analogues. There is a small preference for placement of the aromatic directly above a C═C bond center in the nanotube. All of these complexes are dominated by dispersion forces. Mobility of adsorbed benzene on the tube surface is considered in terms of rotating, tilting, and sliding. As noted previously for covalent modification of nanotubes, the computationally efficient same level different basis set protocol is reliable for studying noncovalent interactions. Previously reported DFT (LDA or GGA) binding energies for π−π stacking arrangements are underestimated, whereas dispersion-corrected methods overestimate these binding energies.

Placement preferences among children living in foster or kinship care: A cluster analysis

This research provides a longitudinal assessment regarding children's placement preferences, distinguishing between what children prefer to be permanent home situations and what children expect will be permanent situations. Cluster analysis was used in an effort to classify the responses of 1313 children, ages 6–14, in foster or kinship care, over a three year period, regarding placement preferences. Results of the cluster analyses indicate classification in the following four groups of permanency preferences: 1) I don't want to be here/going home; 2) I can stay here, but I don't want to/going home; 3) I can stay here and I want to, but no adoption; and 4) I can stay here and I want to, with adoption. Findings indicate that across waves of data collection, children express a sense of belonging in their foster homes. Older children were more agreeable to their current placements as long as there was no option of permanency/adoption. Also, White children were more likely to prefer and expect to go home. This research provides great utility in evaluative efforts that include listening to the voices of the children by encouraging their participation in case planning and service evaluation.

Evaluation of the effect of backpack load and position during standing and walking using biomechanical, physiological and subjective measures

Recommendations on backpack loading advice restricting the load to 10% of body weight and carrying the load high on the spine. The effects of increasing load (0%–5%–10%–15% of body weight) and changing the placement of the load on the spine, thoracic vs. lumbar placement, during standing and gait were analysed in 20 college-aged students by studying physiological, biomechanical and subjective data. Significant changes were: (1) increased thorax flexion; (2) reduced activity of M. erector spinae vs. increased activation of abdominals; (3) increased heart rate and Borg scores for the heaviest loads. A trend towards increased spinal flexion, reduced pelvic anteversion and rectus abdominis muscle activity was observed for the lumbar placement. The subjective scores indicate a preference for the lumbar placement. These findings suggest that carrying loads of 10% of body weight and above should be avoided, since these loads induce significant changes in electromyography, kinematics and subjective scores. Conclusions on the benefits of the thoracic placement for backpack loads could not be drawn based on the parameter set studied.