Practice Organization Research Articles

Survey of legislative frameworks and national recommendations governing paediatric maintenance haemodialysis in Europe.

The application of international recommendations for paediatric maintenance haemodialysis (HD) could be strengthened by national laws or written recommendations. Our aim was therefore to describe the national rules governing paediatric maintenance HD in European countries. A national representative, approved by the president of each paediatric nephrology society, was contacted in all 42 European countries to complete two online questionnaires. Answers were received from 36 countries. The population served by HD centres varies from 83,000 to 1,197,000 residents below 18 years of age and the estimated mean number of children on HD per centre from 0.2 to 13.5. The lowest age at which a child can be dialysed in an adult centre varies from 0 to 18 years. Laws or written national recommendations specifying: this age, the need for a paediatrician as part of medical team in mixed adult-paediatric centres, the minimum number of doctors per centre and the number of patients per nurse or nurse's aide required during sessions exist in only 25, 22, 22, 44 and 8% of the countries, respectively. Similarly, dietitians, social workers, school service, psychologists and play specialists/youth workers are required by law or written national recommendations in 36, 28, 36, 31 and 14% of countries, respectively. Laws or written national recommendations for paediatric maintenance HD are rare in European countries and very heterogeneous when they exist. This calls for discussion among paediatric and adult nephrologists and health authorities on the organisation of safe and effective paediatric HD practices.

Navigating diabetes care inequities: an observational study linking chronic care model’s structural elements to process and outcomes of type 2 diabetes care in Belgium

BackgroundAlthough the Chronic Care Model (CCM) provides the essential structural components of practice organisation to deliver high-quality type 2 diabetes (T2D) care, little is known about which of its elements are most important, and the extent to which it may reduce social inequities in the quality of T2D care. This study aims to assess the association between the implementation of CCM’s structural elements and the quality of T2D care processes and outcomes in Flanders (Belgium), paying specific attention to differences by patients’ socioeconomic vulnerability.MethodsWe developed a longitudinal database combining information on primary care practices’ CCM implementation, with individual-level health insurance and medical lab data. Our sample included 7,593 T2D patients aged 40 years and above from 58 primary care practices in Flanders, followed up from 2017 to 2019. Medical lab data were available for a subsample of 4,549 patients. By estimating a series of hierarchical mixed-effects models, we assessed the association between primary care practices’ CCM implementation and two process and two outcome indicators of T2D care. In addition, we explored cross-level interactions with patients’ socioeconomic vulnerability.ResultsPatients were more likely to have their HbA1c tested twice a year and LDL cholesterol tested yearly in practices with a higher overall CCM implementation. Regarding the different CCM elements, the clinical information system and linkages to the community were significantly associated with higher odds of being up-to-date with HbA1c testing, whereas stronger community linkages was the only dimension significantly associated with yearly LDL cholesterol testing. While socioeconomic vulnerable patients were less likely to have their HbA1c tested twice yearly, this difference disappeared in the highest-scoring practices. Regarding the outcome indicators, only a negligible proportion of variation in HbA1c and LDL cholesterol levels was due to systematic differences between practices, and hence, no clinically relevant associations with the CCM elements were found.ConclusionOur pioneering findings support the social capital pathway, as CCM implementation is associated with a reduction in the healthcare inequity gap in the T2D care process. This suggests that promoting CCM implementation may improve healthcare equity, particularly in regions with significant socioeconomic disparities or high concentrations of deprived individuals.

Does a self-managed organization leave employees behind? A critical review of the current trend

Purpose Organizations need to achieve some level of self-management and delegation to run effectively without constant management oversight, which has led to numerous organizational frameworks and models being developed, including TEAL, Holacracy, the Spaghetti Organization and the Liberated Firm. As a result, we should consider whether employees desire this, and whether it is a “new future” or just a passing fad or trend. Another question arising from employee encounters is, do we leave some employees behind as they are not confident, or feel inadequate for the new organizational structures, as they require more direction? This paper reviews the literature to explore and answer these questions. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the literature on self-management frameworks and models in respect to their potential application and in light of the implication for employees. Findings Being self-managed throughout all organisations, as most champions of self-managed frameworks may argue, cannot be the solution if it is only appropriate for a subset of workers. We propose a gradual approach: we should implement self-management where it is acceptable, and employees are interested and capable of engaging in the transition to new management frameworks. However, we recommend against attempting self-management in situations where it is inappropriate. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on a review of existing literature with findings derived from general trends and workforce characteristics, but do not account for specific industries, organizational types or roles. As a result, the conclusions may not be applicable to all organizational contexts or to certain specialized employee groups. Given the restricted breadth of research into SMOs, future research could explore the applicability and success of SMOs in specific contexts. Practical implications Organizations are encouraged to take an incremental approach to implementing self-management frameworks. Instead of enforcing self-management universally, it should only be introduced in areas where employees are willing, capable and equipped to handle the transition. Further employers must recognize that self-management is not suitable for all employees. Organizations should assess employee readiness and provide adequate support or alternative structures where needed. Originality/value While the transition to self-managed organisations is widely discussed in the literature, as evidenced by the proliferation of organisational models and frameworks, there has been little discussion of the potential for different organisations to apply such frameworks and models in practice, as well as the implications for employees. Given that the business world is not homogeneous, it is reasonable to assume that not all people are suitable for working without a boss, and this must be considered.

Удовлетворенность студентов-медиков дистанционной формой организации практики: уроки пандемии COVID-19

This study focused on the assessment of medical students' satisfaction with the organization of practical training in pandemic conditions through the identification of discrepancies between the conditions of the actual implementation of practical training of medical students and their expectations. The study contributed to the identification of problems in the organization of educational and industrial practice in a distance format during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research design was based on the application of an internet survey using Google Forms and the processing of quantitative data using descriptive statistics. Data visualization using histograms and comparison with Gaussian curve was used to interpret the results. Difficulties of practice supervisors in organizing practical activities of students in the distance format were revealed, as to solve the set tasks of practice supervisors had to use, in a very short period of time, developed digital educational resources with accompanying online counseling and using the capabilities of the simulation center, taking into account sanitary and epidemiological requirements for maximum immersion to real medical cases. The results of the study can become a tool for collecting reliable feedback on the suddenly changed format of medical students' practical training on the example of Kazan Federal University. The study reflects the results of the new format of internship organization, which allows supervisors of practical training to rethink the possibility of this format for future times.

Investigating the Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Green Energy Innovations and Sustainable Practice in Lagos State, Nigeria

This paper investigates the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in green energy and sustainable practices provision in Lagos State, Nigeria. Given the huge energy deficit in the state and its impacts on the socioeconomic dynamics of the state, the study, dwelling on the blending of theoretical assumptions of stakeholder theory and Ecological Modernization Theory and qualitative research design found that NGOs are central to the efforts of Lagos State government in promotion of renewable energy adoption and other sustainable practices. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews with 15 NGOs working in the area of green energy and sustainability practices. The study found that NGOs have recorded relative success stories in green energy innovation and continue to be strategic partners to government and other sustainability stakeholders in mobilizing the grassroots for green energy adoption. It concludes that the efforts of NGOs in green energy innovations and sustainability practices adoption are fraught with challenges, including financial inadequacy, bureaucratic delays, and low cooperation from communities, among others. The recommends that the government and other stakeholders, among others, should strengthen their support towards the activities of NGOs in green energy adoption to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the socioeconomic dynamics of the states. This study emphasises the strategic roles NGOs can play in helping the government achieve its energy transition and sustainability goals in Lagos State. Keywords: Non-Governmental Organisations, Green Energy Innovation, Sustainability Practices, Energy Transition, Lagos State

Navigating the power of time in classroom practices: teachers’ and students’ perspectives

ABSTRACT The paper examines educational functions related to time within classroom practices and aims to find out how curriculum delivery shapes the time experience, how time impacts curricular activities, how teachers and students negotiate time to achieve the goals of the curriculum, and how teachers and students manage time in the classroom. Using observations and interviews as a data-gathering method in schools with International Baccalareate and Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education curricula in Poland, the following study revealed that despite common opinions about the slow pace of school life, time within classroom practices makes lessons a dynamic process. The study suggests that time (1) imposes a tempo and rhythm (waves), sequences (lesson order), and synchronisation (of teachers’ and students’ activities), (2) guarantees stabilisation within learning, (3) triggers motivation to negotiate time while carrying out tasks, and (4) provides orientation for activities and emotional well-being, where repeated tasks provide a certain level of emotional safety and support. The temporal organisation of school practices determines the educational functions of the curriculum, and their time inflexibility and non-linearity constitute a functional part of a hidden curriculum. The results of this study underscore the importance of investigating flexible time management strategies, student-centered pedagogies, and interdisciplinary approaches that can alleviate the burdens of overcrowded curricula.

The Impact and Wider Implications of Remote Consultations for General Practice in Norway: Qualitative Study Among Norwegian Contract General Practitioners.

The digital shift toward remote consultations in general practice needs ongoing monitoring to understand its impact on general practice organizations and the wider health care system. This study aimed to explore how remote consultations impact on contracted general practitioner (GP) practices and how GPs perceive the implications of this uptake for the overall health care system. In total, 5 focus groups were conducted with a total of 18 GPs from all 4 health regions of Norway in 2022. The material was subjected to Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The analysis yielded six themes: (1) the design of novel effective clinical pathways: remote consultations empower GPs to tailor new effective clinical trajectories, blending modalities to address diverse needs across clinical episodes-from initial triage, through investigations to case closure; (2) increased workday flexibility: remote consultations introduce variability into daily work, allowing GPs to adjust patient contact intensity, and leading to a less stressful work-home balance; (3) erosion of organizational boundaries: easy remote access to GPs appears to reduce patients' tolerance for minor illness and self-care, hindering effective gatekeeping and shifting GPs' focus from proactive to more reactive work, increasing work-related stress; (4) degradation of clinical shrewdness: confronted with an increasing amount of unsorted and trivial remote inquiries, GPs observe challenges in detecting and prioritizing serious cases; (5) dilemmas related to responsibility, ethics, and legislation: remote consultations highlight a tension for contract GPs between legal responsibilities and ethical obligations, with implications for patients with limited health literacy; this may entail suboptimal evaluation or delayed treatment-potentially contributing to increased health care inequity; and (6) retaining clinical core values in a changing world. Overall, GPs affirm that remote consultations have come to stay and describe efforts to effectively manage the advantages and disadvantages inherent in such interactions to safeguard clinical effectiveness and organizational sustainability of primary health care. The widespread adoption of remote consultations in the Norwegian contract GP scheme fundamentally reshapes the dynamics of GP work and the overall health care system. Awareness and proactive management of these changes are essential for maintaining sustainable, high-quality primary health care.

Technologies of Practice-oriented Teacher-researcher Training for the General Education System

The article actualizes the problem of training a teacher-researcher for a dynamically changing system of general education. The teacher-researcher in various educational models is considered as a key subject of qualitative changes in educational practice. The purpose of the article is to conduct a review and comparative analysis of modern methodological developments and practical experience in the implementation of technological components of practice-oriented research training in Russian and foreign universities (goals, methods, forms, means, stages, algorithms, educational results). The author considers the problem within the framework of the competence paradigm of pedagogical education and the technological approach. The methods of comparative and classification analysis are used. The research materials are based on the results of an experimental approbation of the model of practice-oriented training of a teacher-researcher at the M. E. Evseviev Mordovian State Pedagogical University. In the course of the study, effective technologies of practice-oriented training of future teachers at the university are identified and described. In the West, active teaching methods and research seminars are widely used in the framework of research training, and the organization of research practice in real professional conditions is important. Russian universities use game, problem, search and experimental methods, situational methods and a task approach. Within the framework of a practice-oriented approach, the most productive is the use of contextual technology that prepares students for a deeper and holistic analysis and critical understanding of pedagogical phenomena and facts, topical problems in educational practice and the development of optimal solutions in a real pedagogical situation.

Comprehensive Review of Health Technology: Innovations in Patient Monitoring, Data Analysis, And Treatment Efficiency

The introduction of health technology into healthcare sectors has transformed the means of monitoring patients, processing information, and administering treatments. Wearable technology and intelligent diagnostic and predictive data analysis have enhanced the quality of care as well as results. Subsequently, this review focuses on identifying and discussing current advances in health technology, their efficiency in practice, patient safety, and overall healthcare organization. Therefore, based on the evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of the discussed types of technologies, the review aims to offer the audience the idea of their current applicability and perspectives in the healthcare sphere.

General practitioners’ barriers to cross-sectoral collaboration on pregnant women with vulnerabilities: a cross-sectional survey in Danish general practice

Background Pregnancy vulnerability contributes to poor perinatal mental health. Proper cross-sectoral collaboration may mitigate perinatal mental health problems. General practitioners (GPs) often face barriers when assessing pregnancy vulnerability, but little is known about GPs’ perceived barriers to the cross-sectoral collaboration on vulnerable pregnant women. Objective To explore GPs’ barriers to cross-sectoral collaboration on pregnant women with vulnerabilities, and how barriers are associated with the organization of antenatal care (ANC) and general practice characteristics. Design, setting and subjects A cross-sectional questionnaire study among Danish GPs (n = 3465). Main outcome measures Descriptive statistics according to the Theoretical Domains Framework describes the barriers to collaboration. Analytical statistics with ordered logistic regression models demonstrate associations between selected barriers (the main outcome measures) and organization of ANC, GP and practice, characteristics. Results A total of 760 GPs (22%) participated. Perceived GP barriers to collaboration were lacking knowledge of ANC levels relevant to vulnerable pregnant women, insufficient information on vulnerability indicators from collaborating parties, heavy workload and insufficient remuneration for collaborative meetings. Being young were associated with insufficient GP knowledge of ANC levels. Old age was associated with less likelihood of experiencing heavy workload as a barrier. Conclusions Barriers to collaboration on vulnerable pregnant women were associated with some GP-organizational characteristics including low experience in collaborating with partners in ANC, and GP characteristics, such as age. Reducing general practice workload, e.g. by reorganizing priority areas, releasing more time to vulnerable patients, and improving cross-sectoral information sharing on vulnerability might improve collaboration on vulnerable pregnant women.

From group to institutional agency

ABSTRACT We live in an institutional world, where our identity is significantly shaped by our membership in institutional groups (from sports clubs and condo boards to state and international organisations). As such, then, understanding what those groups are and how they affect our reality through their actions is imperative. To that end, some philosophers have taken on the task of elucidating ‘institutional agency' (the capacity of institutional groups to act). Most recently, for example, Michael Bratman has introduced a theory of institutional agency, according to which an institutional group can act if the relevant participants act on an institutional intention (viz., a decision output that satisfies certain rationality constraints). Crucially, he develops this approach on the assumption that ‘planning agency' is the core capacity involved across various forms of human practical organization: individual, social, and institutional. However, this paper shows that while true that planning agency may be a basic element of individual and shared intentionality, it is not so relevant for institutional intentionality. In fact, contra Bratman’s intuitions, it argues that institutional agency is constructed out-of-group attitudes and actions, for which group agency, but not planning agency, is the core capacity.

Utilizing Data Analytics for Strategic Business Decision-Making and Market Insights

As the business environment continues to evolve, this skill of manipulating data analytics has turned into one of the most important strategic advantages. Big data enables organizations to mine actionable insights from huge volumes of information, leading to improved decision-making, optimized operations, and enhanced market positioning. This study examines the strategic connotations of data analytics. It proposes a framework for businesses to use analytics effectively, with a special interest in how business intelligence (BI), predictive analytics, and data visualizational lifesaving capture deep insights into market shifts, consumer preferences, and business performance. It also explores the potential impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), on improving data analytics capabilities. Through an examination of various industry case studies, the paper elucidates how data-driven decisions are more accurate and far more easily adjustable to help organizations remain agile in as fast-moving a market environment as ever. It also discusses a few challenges businesses encounter while implementing data analytics and how they can overcome such hurdles. In conclusion, this paper aims to highlight how data analytics drives business strategy transformation and presents a practical framework organizations can use to maximize the return on their data assets toward large-scale growth and profitability. The continued use of more advanced analytics techniques, such as predictive modeling and AI-driven insights, can reveal hidden opportunities in the business branch and improve decision-making processes. Data analytics can be considered another catalyst for sustainable growth embedded in organizational processes, providing companies with better adaptability to market dynamic changes, leading to improved overall business performance. Keywords Data Analytics, Business Decision-Making, Market Insights, Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Strategic Planning, Competitive Advantage.

Clear HRM 4.0 for Achieving Organizational Performance: A Dynamic Capability View Perspective

This study explores the concept of Smart HRM 4.0 through the lens of the dynamic capability view (DCV) perspective, which posits that an organization's ability to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competencies is crucial for achieving sustained competitive advantage. By leveraging dynamic capabilities, organizations can effectively respond to rapidly changing environments, thus enhancing their overall performance—quantitative research using a cross-sectional survey design. To examine the Relationship between Smart HRM 4.0 variables and organizational performance. Independent Variables were stickiness to traditional practice, and mediators were learning and knowledge skills, integration, and reconciliation capabilities. At the same time, Dependent Variable is Organizational Performance (measured through financial performance, employee productivity, innovation outcomes, customer satisfaction, etc.)Total Participants: 76 IT Specialists and senior executives. Industry Organization Size: 40% large enterprises, 35% medium-sized companies, 25% small businesses. Technological integration and data-driven decision-making are the most significant predictors of organizational performance. Dynamic capabilities enhance the effectiveness of Smart HRM practices, leading to improved organizational performance. Organizations that effectively develop and leverage their dynamic capabilities are better positioned to achieve high performance through Smart HRM 4.0 practices. Implications for Practice Organizations should invest in advanced HR technologies and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Enhancing dynamic capabilities can amplify the benefits of Smart HRM 4.0 practices, leading to superior organizational performance. HR leaders should focus on building robust sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Scaling up integrated care for chronic diseases in belgium: A process evaluation.

Few integrated care studies elaborate how interventions are brought to wider scale. The SCUBY project developed interventions for scale-up of an Integrated Care Package (ICP) for two common diseases - type 2 diabetes and hypertension-, comprising evidence-based roadmaps and policy dialogues. This paper's aim is to report on the process evaluation of the ICP scale-up in Belgium. Specific objectives are: to describe the development of scale-up interventions; to assess the actual process outcomes; and to assess progress on three scale-up dimensions coverage, expansion and institutionalisation. A case study design, with data collection including project diaries, stakeholder surveys and interviews. 11 Key informant interviews were held with five research team members and six external people. Tools were developed to visualise progress for coverage, institutionalisation and expansion. The roadmap included three themes: primary care practice organization, data and monitoring, and healthcare financing. 99 policy dialogues of varying size and type were held. Stakeholders rated all themes relevant. For scale-up outcomes, progress was most on the institutionalization axis. Scale-up of ICP demands a collaborative, networking approach to build trust and buy-in. Protagonists need to strike a balance between relevance and feasibility of scale-up strategies, being aware of context elasticity. A roadmap can be a living document serving change teams in communication, planning and monitoring, while allowing intervention plasticity.

Practice organization characteristics are more impactful than intentions in practice scope of early-career family physicians

Practice organization characteristics are more impactful than intentions in practice scope of early-career family physicians

The Dobrometr aApplication as a Tool for Quantifying the Economic Value of Volunteering

Individuals and companies alike make considerable efforts in various charitable activities such as volunteering. This sector is also supported to some extent by the state. Organised volunteering is costly and companies struggle with reporting its value. Nevertheless, reporting and quantifying volunteer activities can help organisations to differentiate. The most telling value in this context is the evaluation of the impact of volunteering, but this is usually very analytical, time-consuming and costly. Quantifying volunteering is made feasible by a concept known as the value of volunteering. It does not capture the benefits of volunteering, but quantifies one dimension of the overall value of volunteering, volunteering time. To quantify the economic value of volunteering, the Dobrometr application was developed in cooperation between the Hestia centre for volunteering and the College of Polytechnics Jihlava, Czech Republic. The aim of this paper is to present the application and explain its use in determining the economic value of volunteering through the proposed method, thus facilitating its calculation. From the given date, number of hours, and type of activity related to the category, the value of volunteering is calculated. The collected data on the value of volunteering is further used to support the management of individual volunteer organisations. Information and communication technologies are used in the implementation of the application, which includes both a web application and a mobile application. By describing some of the features of the application, the paper further discusses its deployment. The application was developed within the project "Czechia Counts on Volunteering" (a TA CR project). The creation of the application was supported by in-depth research of both theoretical sources and organisations working with volunteers across the society. The aim was to create not only the conditions for organisations in practice to calculate the value of volunteering, but also a solid framework for interpreting these results.

The use of high-intensity pulsed magnetotherapy in the medical rehabilitation of children with hydronephrosis (guidelines, 2018)

The methodological recommendations are addressed to pediatricians, physiotherapists, pediatric urologists, nephrologists, researchers of scientific and practical (research) organizations, residents, graduate students. The guidelines are devoted to the use of high-intensity pulsed magnetotherapy in the medical rehabilitation of children with hydronephrosis. The beneficial effect of the method on the clinical course of the disease, clinical and laboratory parameters, the state of urodynamics and renal blood flow in children with hydronephrosis has been proven.

Status of the implementation of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice in Spain: from regional to national initiatives.

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) has the potential to improve patient care, allowing to transform medical interventions by providing personalized therapeutic strategies. Scientific evidence supports the use of PGx in clinical practice and international organizations are developing clinical guidelines to facilitate the utilization of PGx testing. However, clinical implementation of PGx is limited and unequal worldwide. This review summarizes regional and national Spanish initiatives to implement PGx in the clinical practice. Diverse strategies to implement PGx in healthcare are applied across countries or even in the different regions of a specific country. Such was the case of Spain, a European country with 17 Autonomous Regions and two Autonomous Cities, each one with capacity to manage their own healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the past years, many initiatives and strategies have been launched in Spain to develop different aspects of PGx. Importantly, the National Healthcare System has approved a PGx testing catalogue. This review highlights the crucial work and efforts of scientific societies (like the Spanish Society of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics), of experts in PGx, of healthcare providers and of governmental parties in the implementation of PGx to personalize patient therapy, focused in Spain.

INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE OF FUTURE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS AS A COMPONENT OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

The article examines the role of industrial practice as an important component of professional training of future specialists in vocational education. Industrial practice is considered a key stage that contributes to the formation of professional competence of higher education students, the development of their practical skills and professional qualities. It is necessary for successful work in vocational education institutions.The purpose of the article is to outline ways and means of improving and optimizing the production practice of future vocational education specialists, to substantiate the conditions for increasing its efficiency for training specialists who are able to fully realize their creative potential in a specific professional activity and quickly adapt to the latest production tools and technologies.Student practice is an integral part of the process of training specialists. It involves a sequence of implementation and is aimed at consolidating and improving general and professional competencies obtained by higher education applicants during their studies, acquiring and improving practical skills and abilities in the relevant specialty or educational program. The author analyzes modern approaches to the organization of industrial practice, identifies its main functions and stages. Methods and strategies that increase the effectiveness of practice are substantiated, and its impact on the professional development of higher education students is also shown. The application of the results of this study in the educational process will contribute to improving the quality of training of future specialists, their competitiveness in the labor market, and successful adaptation to production conditions.

A Study on Steps in Building Data Infrastructure for Data-Driven HR Practices in Modern Organizations (HR Analytics Perspective)

HR analytics is the process of gathering and analyzing HR data to yield useful insights, enhance decision-making, and energize the workplace with data accuracy. Working dimensions are changing every minute in the world with advanced insights into the work environment. As a part of the progression advanced technologies are adopted in organizations. New landscapes and horizons are made a pool of data as employees work 24/7, work from home, destination works, and various alternatives give rise to the use of the data. Now the data is new blood for the old organizations. So, in this parlance, the use of HR analytics is the need of the hour for HR Managers in developing organizations. A separate infrastructure is needed in the phase of modern organizations to become a rollercoaster in data-driven organizations. This paper focuses on the steps in creating data infrastructure for developing an infrastructure in modern organizations for data-driven HR practices.