Positive Participant Feedback Research Articles

Co-Reflective System: Supporting Collaborative Critical Thinking and Knowledge Building

Service-learning pedagogy provides practical learning experience for students by integrating community service with academic learning. However, experience is not enough, reflection on that experience is essential to produce new understanding. The concept of collaborative reflection has been recognized recently however, there is lack of research on how to structure guided collaborative reflection to view the process of knowledge building and how technologies can support it. To shed light on this issue, this study proposed a computational workflow of structured collaborative reflection which is adopted from integrated collaborative reflection model and implement a prototype (i.e. named as ‘Co-Reflective’) to proof the concept how Computer Supported Collaborative Reflection System (CSCRS) is supporting collaborative critical thinking and knowledge building. For this purpose, design science research methodology was employed in this study. The evaluation of Co-Reflective is provided where we asked our participants to evaluate their experience and give feedback about system. Based on the positive feedback of participants we conclude that Co-Reflective can effectively support for guided collaborative reflection activities to promote collaborative critical thinking and knowledge building. Implementation of Co-Reflective not only addresses the limitations of current technologies but also contribute in the body of knowledge by presenting the concept of integrated collaborative reflection model that promotes collaborative critical thinking and knowledge building.
 Keywords—collaborative knowledge building, collaborative reflection, Computer Supported Collaborative Reflection System (CSCRS), service learning.

STROLL SAFE OUTDOOR FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

AbstractFall prevention programs have largely focused on indoor falls. To fill this gap, the Stroll Safe outdoor fall prevention program was developed using the Ecological and Health Belief Models and research on common causes and locations of outdoor falls as a guide. The 7-week educational intervention includes didactic presentations, group discussion/problem solving, mobility training, and self-advocacy regarding reporting environmental hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the program’s feasibility and to use the findings to plan a large scale efficacy trial. Consistent with suggested guidelines for feasibility studies, process, scientific, management and resource assessments were conducted. Feasibility was assessed quantitatively using retention rates and attendance records, and qualitatively using a fidelity assessment, reflective log, and an audio recorded focus group. The scientific assessment included descriptive statistics to explore trends pertaining to changes in fall prevention strategy use, concern about falling outdoors, and number of slips, trips and falls outdoors from study enrollment through 2 month follow up. Findings included successful recruitment (N=24, 100%) and retention of the majority of participants (83%), and predominantly positive participant feedback, with no adverse events. The Stroll Safe program appears to be feasible to implement among active, community-dwelling older adults. Feedback was obtained to refine the program and research methodology for a larger study, including considerations for hiring and training of research assistants, staffing, program content, and choice of measures. Preliminary results reveal program benefits including increased use of prevention strategies and a decrease in trips, slips and falls.

Collaborative Formative Evaluation for Implementation of Primary Care–Based Peer Support in the Shanghai Integration Model

Peer support (PS) is effective in promoting diabetes self-management, but pragmatic models are needed for specific cultural contexts and healthcare systems. Although rare in China, recent government priorities have created opportunities for PS by encouraging the integration of specialty/hospital with primary/community care. In particular, the Shanghai Integration Model coordinates specialty/hospital care with primary care in Community Health Centers (CHCs), providing an organizational base for implementation of PS. This study reports formative evaluation for PS within the Shanghai model, emphasizing collaboration with CHCs. Intervention refinement was guided by structured interviews with 15 CHC staff and patients and a focus group with as well as monthly feedback from CHC staff. Based on these, the intervention emphasizes education on medication use, healthy diet, and sustaining physical activity among older adults, and addresses diabetes distress and barriers to insulin treatment. Results of this collaborative formative evaluation include focus on group as opposed to individual PS with theme-based, interactive activities co-led by CHC staff along with peer leaders. In addition, peer leaders follow-up with individuals and organize neighborhood activities for physical activity, healthy diet, and feelings of comradery. To date, PS has been implemented in 9 CHCs, involving 74 trained peer leaders, reaching 885 adults. Mean age is 68.24, years with diabetes is 12.52, and HbA1c lower than expected at 7.36%. Counter to common difficulties in reaching men, 41.1% are male. Only 14.2% are taking insulin but 75.9% take oral medications. Important implementation benchmarks include clinician buy-in, high retention, positive participant and peer leader feedback, and extension of programs through engagement with neighborhood residential committees. Collaboration with CHC staff in program refinement have been important in implementation success. Disclosure M.M. Coufal: Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Foundation, Novo Nordisk Inc. P.Y. Tang: Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Foundation, Novo Nordisk A/S. E.B. Fisher: Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Merck Foundation. W. Jia: None.

Pilot evaluation of a resilience training program for people with multiple sclerosis.

To evaluate the feasibility and psychosocial outcomes of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group resilience training program for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Research Method/Design: The study used a pre-post group intervention design with 3-month follow-up. The intervention consisted of 8 group sessions of 2.5 hours each with 7 weekly sessions plus a booster Session 5 weeks later. Thirty-seven PwMS completed questionnaires. Primary psychosocial outcomes were resilience, quality of life (QoL), and distress. Secondary outcomes were the ACT processes: mindfulness, defusion, values and acceptance. Significant improvements were observed for resilience (p = .005; Hedge's g = .47), physical health QoL (p < .001; g = -.76), mental health QoL (p = .006; g = -.46), depression (p = .009; g = .38), stress (p = .025; g = .33), and 3 ACT processes: defusion (p = .013; g = -.54), values (p = .010; g = -.38), and acceptance (p = .006; g = -.39). Values and defusion emerged as mediators of physical health QoL and stress (90% CI), respectively. Program feasibility was supported by positive participant feedback; high rates of recruitment, attendance, retention, and homework engagement; and good intervention fidelity. Findings provide preliminary support for the utility and feasibility of a community organization delivered ACT-based group resilience training program for improving resilience, QoL, depression, stress, and protective factors (defusion, values, acceptance) in PwMS. (PsycINFO Database Record

An Investigation of the Effectiveness of A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Model (AMOB/VLL): Findings from a Community Senior Center

ABSTRACTResearch has consistently shown that older people are vulnerable to falls and have a fear of falling. One low-cost community-based education program, A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Model (AMOB/VLL), has demonstrated promise in reducing falls in this population. This article presents findings from a secondary analysis of program outcome indicators. The analysis suggests positive outcomes from the program, including enhanced fall prevention self-efficacy, increased knowledge of participants, and positive participant feedback. These initial findings will provide important baseline data for funding to continue the AMOB/VLL program.

The feasibility of a physical activity intervention for adults within routine diabetes care: a process evaluation

AbstractPhysical activity is an important factor in diabetes management but is rarely implemented within routine diabetes care. The purpose of this process evaluation was to explore the feasibility of a 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention delivered for adults within routine diabetes care.A 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention was delivered, including face‐to‐face consultations at baseline, and at six and 12 months. Additional brief consultations were conducted monthly between baseline and six months via telephone, email or face‐to‐face. Consultations were led by a physical activity consultant trained and experienced in health psychology and lifestyle behaviour change. Multiple process evaluation measures were conducted including: interviews; email communication; online survey; and intervention session summaries. Additional outcomes explored participant characteristics (n = 89), attendance, adherence and the feasibility of collecting measurable outcomes for physical activity, BMI, HbA1c and psychological wellbeing. Appropriate methods and outcomes were used to facilitate implementation in a ‘real‐life’ setting, as opposed to typical research settings.The intervention was feasible with high protocol fidelity, adoption by staff, and positive participant feedback. The role of ‘champions’ (consultant diabetologist and two health psychologists) was identified as a key factor in the positive evaluation of the intervention. Three changes were made to the intervention to address the complex support needs of the sample. Challenges were identified with collecting questionnaire data within the time allocation of consultations. Although not reaching statistical significance, findings suggest improvements in physical activity levels, BMI and several aspects of psychological wellbeing.It was concluded that physical activity consultation is a feasible method of promoting physical activity to adults with diabetes in routine diabetes care. The challenge lies in the translation of physical activity interventions for everyday practice while balancing the need for measurable outcomes with effective delivery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons.

Feasibility and Efficacy of the AgingPlus Program: Changing Views on Aging to Increase Physical Activity.

This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of the AgingPlus intervention program. AgingPlus is an 8-week multi-component motivational program which promotes increased physical activity by targeting adults' negative views on aging (NVOA) and perceptions of control, two known psychological barriers to physical exercise. A total of 62 adults, ages 50-82years, participated in this feasibility study. We assessed NVOA, perceptions of control, and physical activity level at baseline (Week 0), immediate posttest (Week 4), and delayed posttest (Week 12). High attendance rates, low attrition, and positive participant feedback indicated that the program had high acceptability. Repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance (RM-MANOVA) showed statistically significant and substantively meaningful improvements in NVOA, control beliefs, and physical activity from pretest to immediate and delayed posttest. The program effects did not differ between those younger or older than age 65. These findings provide promising support for the feasibility and efficacy of the AgingPlus program.

Validation of the flemish CARES, a quality of life and needs assessment tool for cancer care.

BackgroundThe Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) is a quality of life (QOL) and needs assessment instrument of US origin that was developed in the 90’s. Since November 2012 the copyright and user fee were abolished and the instrument became publicly available the present study aims to reinvestigate the psychometric properties of the CARES for the Flemish population in Belgium.MethodsThe CARES was translated into Flemish following a translation-back translation process. A sample of 192 cancer patients completed the CARES, concurrent measures, and questions on socio-demographic and medical data. Participants were asked to complete the CARES a second time 1 week later, followed by some questions on their experiences with the instrument. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity, construct validity, concurrent validity and feasibility of the CARES were subsequently assessed.ResultsThe Flemish CARES version demonstrated excellent reliability with high internal consistency (range .87–.96) and test-retest ratings (range .70–.91) for all summary scales. Factor analysis replicated the original factor solution of five higher order factors with factor loadings of .325–.851. Correlations with other instruments ranging from |.43|–|.75| confirmed concurrent validity. Feasibility was indicated by the low number of missing items (mean 2.3; SD 5.0) and positive feedback of participants on the instrument.ConclusionsThe Flemish CARES has strong psychometric properties and can as such be a valid tool to assess cancer patients’ QOL and needs in research, for example in international comparisons. The positive feedback of participants on the CARES support the usefulness of this tool for systematic assessment of cancer patients’ well-being and care needs in clinical practice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02282696 (July 16, 2014).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2728-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction of electronic data capture method using participant-completed online web-based follow up questionnaire in mail-based study achieves expected benefits and positive participant feedback

Background To reduce data processing and postal costs, and to potentially enhance data quality in a large long-term mail-based randomised trial, the ASCEND study team developed a bespoke online web-based version of the standard 6-monthly paper follow-up questionnaire. The form incorporates verification checks and study staff were trained to provide IT support for participants. The key IT challenges included ensuring screen format compatibility with different computer devices and software compatibility with multiple browsers and versions, as well as ensuring data security which was enhanced by using a two factor user authentication scheme. The aim was to assess the impact of providing the option to study participants in a small pilot study.

Development and feasibility testing of an education program to improve knowledge and self-care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with heart failure

There is a 70% higher age-adjusted incidence of heart failure (HF) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, three times more hospitalisations and twice as many deaths as among non-Aboriginal people. There is a need to develop holistic yet individualised approaches in accord with the values of Aboriginal community health care to support patient education and self-care.<b> </b>The aim of this study was to re-design an existing HF educational resource (Fluid Watchers-Pacific Rim) to be culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, working in collaboration with the local community, and to conduct feasibility testing. This study was conducted in two phases and utilised a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). Phase 1 used action research methods to develop a culturally safe electronic resource to be provided to Aboriginal HF patients via a tablet computer. An HF expert panel adapted the existing resource to ensure it was evidence-based and contained appropriate language and images that reflects Aboriginal culture. A stakeholder group (which included Aboriginal workers and HF patients, as well as researchers and clinicians) then reviewed the resources, and changes were made accordingly. In Phase 2, the new resource was tested on a sample of Aboriginal HF patients to assess feasibility and acceptability. Patient knowledge, satisfaction and self-care behaviours were measured using a before and after design with validated questionnaires. As this was a pilot test to determine feasibility, no statistical comparisons were made. Phase 1: Throughout the process of resource development, two main themes emerged from the stakeholder consultation. These were the importance of identity, meaning that it was important to ensure that the resource accurately reflected the local community, with the appropriate clothing, skin tone and voice. The resource was adapted to reflect this, and members of the local community voiced the recordings for the resource. The other theme was comprehension; images were important and all text was converted to the first person and used plain language. Phase 2: Five Aboriginal participants, mean age 61.6±10.0 years, with NYHA Class III and IV heart failure were enrolled. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the resource (83.0%). HF knowledge (percentage of correct responses) increased from 48.0±6.7% to 58.0±9.7%, a 20.8% increase, and results of the self-care index indicated that the biggest change was in patient confidence for self-care, with a 95% increase in confidence score (46.7±16.0 to 91.1±11.5). Changes in management and maintenance scores varied between patients. By working in collaboration with HF experts, Aboriginal researchers and patients, a culturally safe HF resource has been developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Engaging Aboriginal researchers, capacity-building, and being responsive to local systems and structures enabled this pilot study to be successfully completed with the Aboriginal community and positive participant feedback demonstrated that the methodology used in this study was appropriate and acceptable; participants were able to engage with willingness and confidence.

Employing Blended Interaction to Blend the Qualities of Digital and Physical Books / Anwendung von Blended Interaction zur Vermischung der Eigenschaften digitaler und physischer Bücher

Summary This paper presents Integrative Workplace, a system which blends the qualities of digital and physical sources by augmenting physical books with properties of digital books and vice versa. On the base of Blended Interaction, we designed a system which helps users to interact with the new and unfamiliar functionality of digitally augmented books. In a user study, law students employed Integrative Workplace to work on a legal case. The positive feedback of participants indicated that we managed to design a system which is usable in a professional context. Furthermore, the study revealed evidence that digitally well-established concepts are a part of users’ reality and need to be considered in the design of new user interfaces. The results of this user study encourage us to continue to use Blended Interaction in the design process of novel user interfaces with an unfamiliar functionality.

The effect of external stimuli on dreams, as assessed using Q-methodology

Dreams can sometimes incorporate external sensory stimuli (e.g. sounds, smells and physical sensations) into their course and content, either directly or indirectly. This shows that the brain is still able to monitor, process, and perceive what is happening in the surrounding environment during sleep. This study, considered a pilot study due to only a small number of participants, aimed to examine stimulus incorporation in dreams using two auditory stimuli of different languages - one semantically meaningful to participants and one non-meaningful. We hypothesised that participants exposed to the semantically meaningful language would all report similar experiences to each other, and different from those exposed to the non-meaningful language. All participants first spent several weeks improving their dream recall abilities, and then came to the Sleep and Cognition Laboratory at the University of Lincoln for a two hour morning nap, during which a stimulus was played to them in Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep. They were awoken shortly after to provide a dream report. All dreams contained conversation or speech of some description, but due to participants poor verbal memory for dream speech, we could not conclusively say that the stimuli were responsible for this effect. There were, however, at least two dreams with strong evidence to suggest that the stimuli were directly incorporated. Q-Methodology was used to assess similarity of dream experience. This resulted in three distinct factors: (1) calm, consistent, slightly emotional dreams; (2) emotional, normal, understandable dreams; and (3) unstable, inconsistent, unrealistic dreams. The configuration of factors amongst participants did not fully meet the predictions of the hypothesis; however, positive participant feedback on Q-sorting their dream experiences gives promise and potential for the use of Q-Methodology in future dream research. Future studies should employ an unstimulated control condition, train participants to improve verbal recall of dream speech, and ultimately, develop a theory of dreaming that includes a plausible explanation of external stimulus incorporation.

Learning surgically oriented anatomy in a student‐run extracurricular club: An education through recreation initiative

Didactic and laboratory anatomical education have seen significant reductions in the medical school curriculum due, in part, to the current shift from basic science to more clinically based teaching in North American medical schools. In order to increase medical student exposure to anatomy, with clinical applicability, a student-run initiative called surgically oriented anatomy prosectors (SOAP) club was created within the extracurricular program at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. SOAP invites surgeons and residents from various surgical specialties to demonstrate, on a cadaver, a surgical procedure of their choosing. During the demonstration, the anatomy, as it relates to the surgical procedure, is discussed. The students then break into smaller groups to examine the relevant anatomy on the cadavers, during which time the discussion is broadened. The group continues the conversation in a social environment with refreshments. SOAP is one of the most popular extracurricular clubs with 65% of first and second year medical students registered as members. The high demand for SOAP, along with the positive participant feedback, may be due to its utilization of the principle of education through recreation, which seeks to provide opportunities for learning seamlessly throughout all facets of life. It also demonstrates the desire, amongst certain medical students, to learn applied anatomy, particularly within a surgical context.