Practitioner Research Research Articles

Rapid Review of Literature Reporting the Experience of Patient and Public Involvement in Prison and Forensic Mental Health Research.

Health research authorities around the world are increasingly committed to embedding public involvement in health and social care research. However, such involvement in internationally published prison and forensic mental health research remains rare. It is therefore particularly important to understand how people are experiencing collaborative research in this field, barriers they may encounter and how these might be overcome. The aim of this review is to explore how academic, practitioner and lived-experience researchers have experienced collaborating on prison and forensic mental health research since a previous review of the topic in 2016. A rapid review of literature was completed by searching three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO) between 2016 and July 2023 in addition to Google and Google Scholar searches and hand searching the reference lists of all screened-in documents. We used Reflexive Thematic Analysis to review the screened-in papers. We had lived-experience involvement in this study, which is outlined in our Supporting Information. The database search returned 733 unique articles. Internet searches revealed 10 potentially relevant documents. 20 documents were eligible for inclusion; 15 journal articles, three book chapters, a whole book and a PhD thesis. In the analysis, four overarching themes were developed: the positive psychological impact on lived-experience researchers; it is interpersonally, emotionally and practically challenging; facilitators of the collaborative research process; and positive impact of involvement on the research. Our findings build on the previous review by providing evidence that collaborating on research can have a positive psychological impact on people with lived experience in this setting. It also documents further challenges that are unique to the forensic setting. There was minimal reporting of the experiences of forensic mental health patients involved in research; most included documents focused the experiences of current or former prisoners. Further studies in the topic area are still needed, which utilise a research method to analyse the experiences of conducting collaborative research.

Effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy: Main results of a practice–research network study

Background Emotion-Focused Therapy is one of the evidence-based psychotherapies for a range of psychological problems. While most evidence was gained from randomized controlled studies or process research at university settings, there is a need for more outcome research conducted within practitioner–researcher networks assessing the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy in private practice. Methods A total of N = 70 clients with a variety of psychiatric disorders have been included in the bi-national practitioner researcher network for Emotion-focused Therapy Switzerland–Germany. Symptom change was assessed using CORE-OM, BDI-II, IIP and WSAS. Therapist adherence was assessed by the self-reported version of the PCEPS. Pre–post-follow-up analyses were conducted using paired sample t-tests and hierarchical linear modeling. Results Pre–post-assessment shows small to medium effect sizes for all outcome measures (except for interpersonal problems which did not change). Symptom reduction is maintained for CORE, BDI and WSAS, and increased for IIP at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Therapist adherence is good to excellent in this sample. Conclusions Emotion-Focused Therapy is effective in the real-world practice, as suggested by the small to moderate effect sizes. The smaller effects found in the current study as compared to randomized controlled trials are consistent with the literature and suggest that EFT remains moderately effective when applied in a naturalistic context.

Exploring practitioner inquiry among health and physical education teachers: insights from teachers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Introduction: Existing research suggests that practitioner inquiry (PI) can positively influence teachers’ professional learning. Within the context of Health and Physical Education (HPE), however, we know little about the influence of PI on HPE teachers and their students, and HPE colleagues. Aim: This study responds to the research question: in what ways do HPE teachers believe that PI influences their teaching practices, their students and their HPE colleagues? Context and participants: This study presents a case study of a year-long, government-funded teacher professional learning programme called Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) offered by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. The TEP is intended to advance teacher professional knowledge in a range of ways, including through individual and collaborative PIs. This paper examines the outcomes that ensued from the teachers’ individual and collaborative PIs. The study involved seven Australian HPE teachers with varying levels of experience (6–30 years). We employed an exploratory, multi-method case study approach, and data consisted of interview transcript, participant-designed cartoons, and artefacts (e.g. framing a problem of practice and action planning documentation). Findings: Within the broader context of the TEP, PI was identified as particularly engaging for the participating HPE teachers. The HPE teachers believed that engaging in PI: (a) enhanced their own teaching practices; (b) therefore improved students’ engagement; and in some cases (c) influenced HPE colleagues’ teaching practice. Implications: This study underscores the potential influence that PI can have on HPE teachers when scaffolded and sustained support is available and accessed. Furthermore, this study highlights the significance of adopting the concept of inquiry as stance, emphasizing the role of teachers as researchers. Positioned as teacher-researchers, they generate localized knowledge, reimagine and theorize their own and potentially others’ practice, and critically engage with the theories and research of others.

The Standpoint of ‘Praxis’: Practitioner Inquiry into Language and Learning within English Classrooms

ABSTRACT So much emphasis is placed these days on measuring the performance of pupils that it is difficult to imagine the social space of the classroom being used for any other purpose. But our intention in this essay is not to succumb to pessimism about the surveillance imposed by standards-based reforms. Such bleak determinism can be challenged by examples of everyday classroom interactions that refuse to be contained by the instrumental rationalism embedded in those reforms. Yet educators still need to develop a capacity to learn from those moments in order to enact a ‘praxis’ that provides a counterpoint to the way such reforms construct the subjectivities of pupils and their teachers. To this end, we explore the notion of ‘praxis’, focusing on the way early career English teachers learn from experience through writing nuanced accounts of how children and adolescents use language which challenge the reified knowledge underpinning standards-based reforms.

Administrators’ Perceptions of Alternative Service Delivery Models and the School-Based Occupational Therapists’ Role

ABSTRACT School-based occupational therapists provide a range of services with collaborative consultation amongst interdisciplinary team members being one of their responsibilities. One perspective that has not been thoroughly examined within previous research is the administrators’ perceptions of the occupational therapists’ roles and responsibilities within the school setting, which may impact how therapists can implement alternative service delivery models for effective staffing. This study aimed to determine administrators’ perceptions of the workload model used for staffing for school-based occupational therapists, to explore their understanding of the school-based occupational therapists’ role and responsibilities, and to understand their perceptions regarding collaborative consultation. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to public school administrators within Rhode Island. The survey was created using the Qualtrics platform and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show that most administrators believe that school-based occupational therapists should be involved in all three tiers of the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Approximately 20% of administrators report that they are not at all familiar with the workload model. Many respondents feel that there are barriers to using alternative service delivery models, with staff being unclear as to how to transition to an alternative service delivery model being noted as the biggest barrier (63.2%). This study fills a void in the literature where administrators’ perspectives regarding alternative service delivery models and their views on collaborative consultation in relation to the school-based occupational therapists’ role were not explored. Understanding administrators’ perspectives can guide future research and help practitioners that are seeking to transition to a workload/staffing model.

Psychotherapy boosting future risk research: the role of radical masculinities in social polarisation from a trauma-informed perspective

This paper examines the potential integration of trauma-informed practices and Critical Studies on Men and Masculinities (CSMM) into global and European risk research, with a focus on foresight methodologies. It explores how the complex interplay between untreated trauma, rapid resource loss, radicalisation, and rigid masculine norms can potentially escalate societal risks. The study argues for the adoption of a more holistic approach in risk assessment and future planning, incorporating insights from trauma studies, masculinity research, and psychotherapy. The paper discusses the value of participatory foresight methods in capturing diverse perspectives and lived experiences, particularly those affected by toxic masculinity and radicalisation. We highlight the importance of considering intersectionality and the compounded traumas that may arise from the interaction of extremist masculine norms with other social factors. Current findings suggest that including psychotherapy scientists and practitioners in risk research could provide valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying trauma, meaning-making, and identity formation. By adopting this interdisciplinary approach, the paper proposes that risk researchers may develop more comprehensive and nuanced understandings of societal risks, leading to more effective strategies for addressing the complex challenges posed by radicalisation, radical masculinity/ies, and the associated traumas in an increasingly uncertain world.

Incorporating circularity, sustainability, and systems thinking into an assessment framework for transformative food system innovation

The transition towards a circular economy in the food system is posited as way to harmonize the provision safe, ample and accessible food to a growing population with the reduction the food system’s widespread impact on natural resources, the environment, and human health. Within the context of circular food innovation, there is an abundance of assessment approaches allowing researchers to evaluate and guide new technologies, applications, and products. However, specialist circularity tools are underutilized. This research draws from wider circular economy discourse, sustainability assessment methods, and systems-transitions theory to propose a novel framework to appraise and guide circular food innovation. Through a systematic literature review and critical analysis, this work highlights the limitations of existing methods based on a multi-disciplinary lens. In lieu of robust circularity metrics, elaborations within the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology provide a comprehensive sustainability and circularity assessment, while cross-disciplinary approaches inform the development of technological trajectories in line with system-transitions theories. The proposed framework aims to bridge this gap by providing a holistic approach that incorporates systems perspectives and considers the wider dynamics of sustainability and circular economy via future scenario modelling. By integrating these perspectives, the framework facilitates earlier intervention and broader stakeholder engagement in the sustainability assessment process. Examined primarily within the context of food manufacturing, this work provides new tools for academic research and industrial practitioners, driving transformative change towards a more sustainable and circular food system.

May I serve you? Navigating the employee embeddedness challenges in Indian social enterprises through servant leadership

PurposeWhile servant leadership is widely recognised as a key factor in driving employee performance and various psychological outcomes, there remains a notable gap in understanding how it influences employee embeddedness through fostering harmonious relationships, particularly within energy-centric social enterprises. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how servant leaders’ behaviours can effectively cultivate harmonious relationships, ultimately leading to increased employee embeddedness within organisations. Additionally, this study introduces a novel aspect by examining how an individual psychological trait, specifically a propensity for risk-taking, may influence the indirect effect of servant leadership on employee embeddedness.Design/methodology/approachTo test this model, data from 309 respondents was collected through a three-wave survey design. The simple mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro-Model 4, and the moderated mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro-Model 8.FindingsThe findings indicate that harmonious passion serves as a significant mediator between servant leadership and employee embeddedness. Notably, this relationship is amplified among individuals with higher levels of the risk-taking trait.Originality/valueThe study addresses the research gaps in the interplay between individual traits and the psychological effectiveness of servant leadership in inducing harmonious passion, leading to socio-emotional outcomes such as employee embeddedness. Further, by addressing the issues related to employee retention in social enterprises, this research helps social entrepreneurs create a desirable societal impact without experiencing human resource hurdles. By doing so, this investigation significantly contributes to the research community, practitioners and society at large.

Considering Equity in Green Infrastructure Using an Integrative Planning Framework for Green Infrastructure Implementation

In coastal communities, green infrastructure can be part of the infrastructure investment strategy to revitalize existing infrastructure and provide protection from flooding, erosion, and other coastal hazards. This article asks the question: What are key equity considerations related to green infrastructure planning for coastal resilience? We answer this question using the voices of research experts, practitioners, and community members who participated in a virtual workshop designed to identify key questions and concerns about coastal resilience and social equity. These research and practice perspectives are synthesized using an integrative planning framework for green infrastructure implementation that was developed to answer the research question. Our findings identify equity touchpoints as they relate to four cross-cutting themes: (1) stakeholder engagement and public participation, (2) trade-offs and multiple benefits, (3) resources and capacity, and (4) data, metrics, and analysis.

Exploring Strategic Management Accounting Techniques (SMAT) as Innovative Approach: Literature Review

This literature review explores innovative strategies within Strategic Management Accounting Techniques (SMAT) designed to improve organizational performance and decision-making in the current dynamic business landscape. The study conducts a systematic analysis of articles published from 1991 to early 2024, leveraging databases like Scopus and Web of Science to identify 121 relevant journals, from which the top 10 were selected for detailed review. It outlines the evolution of SMAT, presenting 16 distinct techniques while highlighting inconsistencies in their application across different contexts. The key findings indicate notable gaps in the literature, especially concerning the integration of advanced technologies and the impact of corporate governance on the effectiveness of SMAT. The paper underscores the importance for organizations to embrace innovative management accounting practices that incorporate digitalization and contingency theory to maintain competitiveness. By synthesizing existing research, this review enhances the understanding of SMAT and offers valuable insights for future research directions, urging scholars and practitioners to investigate the convergence of technology and strategic management accounting for better organizational outcomes.

Introducing new nurse leadership roles through an educational framework to protect the planet and human health

Aims and objectives This discussion paper proposes four new nursing leadership roles to address planetary health challenges. Background Nurses are essential in reducing healthcare’s greenhouse emissions. The Planetary Health Education Framework (PHEF) supports integrating planetary health concepts into sustainable healthcare practice. Nurse educators with planetary health expertise should teach the PHEF, while nurse climate advocates promote it to health professionals, with nurse-led planetary health researchers undertaking climate-change research and Planetary Health Nurse Practitioners practicing sustainable healthcare. Design Discussion paper. Data Sources A PICO framework was used to identify relevant articles: In nursing (P) should new roles be introduced (I) compared to no new roles (C) to understand climate change impacts on both nursing and planetary health (O). Discussion Barriers to sustainable healthcare include denial, group-think, and ignorance. National and International organisation enablers highlight the importance of climate change in nurse education. The Australian College of Nursing recommends government funding for nurse-led planetary health research. Conclusion Educators should focus on curricula development, nurse climate advocates on education and policy, researchers on supporting planetary health research, and PHNPs on climate justice, environmental protection, and emissions reduction.

It’s not just kids that don’t speak English: leaning toward teacher preparation for multilingual learners

PurposeThe purpose of this current research study is to provide a comprehensive description of an ongoing effort to provide quality experiential professional development through field experiences for educators at the pre-service level, referred to hereafter as teacher candidates (TCs). This practitioner inquiry aimed to determine what the teacher candidates’ reflections revealed about their learning experiences completing the 10-h checklist.Design/methodology/approachAbout30 individual reports from four consecutive terms were collected. I employed qualitative coding, first using open codes, then grouping similar sentiments into axial codes and through an iterative process categorizing them into themes, grouping and re-generating terms as needed and keeping records in a codebook (Creswell, 2014). The research questions guiding the inquiry included, (1) What do teacher candidates’ reflections reveal about their experience completing the field experience for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement? And (2) What conclusions do TCs demonstrate about their role as future teachers of multilingual learners (MLLs)?FindingsFindings are summarized under three main recurring themes: emotionality of field experience, perceived misunderstandings and emerging responsiveness to MLLs. Candidates conveyed strong emotional responses to the instructional context. Some were forward in acknowledging stereotypes and trepidation to participate in the experience. Others reflected on their understanding of the experience, their interpretations of teacher relationships and noted attitude shifts toward MLLs. Findings reported emergent responsiveness to MLLs imply that candidates in this beginning experience progressed at various rates, suggesting that assessing competence of skills at the onset may be beneficial for further understanding best approaches to teacher education.Originality/valueThere is certainly a gap in current knowledge when it comes to understanding the rates at which teacher candidates develop abilities, skills and orientations toward working with MLLs. These preliminary findings support established notions such as the importance of exposing students to authentic environments that foster appreciation for the complexities of the process of second language acquisition and acculturation. Findings reported around emergent responsiveness to MLLs imply that candidates in this beginning experience progressed at various rates, suggesting that assessing competence of skills at the onset may be beneficial for further understanding best approaches to teacher education.

Development and validation of the DHIS2 platform for integrating sociomedical data to study wound care outcomes.

Wound trajectory and outcomes research has applications in different aspects of wound healing: forecasting wound healing time, access and utilization of wound care services, factors associated with disparities in wound care services, and its quality and outcomes. Wound care research benefits from a well-maintained record management system. In this article, we demonstrate the customization of the District Health Information Software (DHIS2) platform to integrate wound care clinical data with social determinants of health from several Comprehensive Wound Centers (CWC) in Indiana. We describe the modules and features of our platform, such as tracker capture, visualization, and maps. DHIS2 is used in more than 60 countries to monitor and evaluate health programs. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use DHIS2 as a wound care data warehouse, a platform to perform wound care research for academic researchers and clinical practitioners. Clinicians can use the platform as one of the key tools to make an informed decision in determining the treatment for favorable healing trajectory and wound outcomes. We conducted a usability and acceptance survey among researchers at the Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering and found that DHIS2 can be a suitable infrastructure to manage metadata to import and analyze combined data from disparate sources, including Electronic Medical Records, WoundExpert, and clinical trials management software like REDCap.

Managing a Distracted Modern Workforce: Applying Research Insights to Foster Focus and Productivity

Managing workplace distraction has become a pressing challenge in our digital era. Constant notifications, alerts and competing online options introduce cognitive overload that undermines employee focus and productivity. This practitioner research brief examines what current studies tell us about the cognitive and social factors driving distraction. Drawing from these insights, it proposes organizational strategies and tactics for cultivating a supportive environment where employees can focus their energy on meaningful work. Specific examples from the author's management consulting experience bring these strategies to life. By addressing distraction's root causes with compassion rather than punishment, and empowering employees within a focus-supporting context, organizations can apply a research-grounded approach to gradually shift social norms and behaviors in a way that optimizes individual and team outcomes.

Enhancing Electrical Conductivity and pH Sensor Measurements in Precision Hydroponics: Comparative Analysis of Six Data Processing Methods

Abstract Precision hydroponics requires precise and accurate Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Potential of Hydrogen (pH) measurements. The analog signals from the EC and pH sensor are converted to voltage and then into either EC or pH readings depending on the type of the sensor used. This paper presents a comparative study of six data processing methods to increase the precision and accuracy of EC and pH sensor measurements. The data processing includes six data processing methods that comprise direct (Methods 1 and 2) and selective methods (Methods 3, 4, 5, and 6). The precision of each data processing method was measured by comparing the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variance (CV). The accuracy of the methods was calculated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE). Outliers were identified through the interquartile range (IQR). The results show that Method 1 (SD = 4.935 mV; CV = 7.16; MAE = 3.090 mV; RMSE = 5.290 mV) is the unreliable method, whereas Method 5 (SD = 0.777 mV; CV = 1.15; MAE = 0.610 mV; RMSE = 0.866 mV) and Method 6 (SD = 0.669 mV; CV = 0.99; MAE = 0.640 mV; RMSE = 0.883 mV) demonstrate high precision and accurate measurements. This study offers reliable data processing methods in taking EC and pH measurements. Future research and hydroponics practitioners should use our suggested data processing methods.

Clinical Research Practitioner: Transformation to a Competent Professional Through Reflective Practice.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has significantly contributed to the growth of clinical research activities in the United Kingdom. Central to this expansion is the pivotal role of Clinical Research Practitioners (CRPs) within the healthcare organization. This narrative explores reflective practice as a dynamic tool and essential requirements for their transformation and development into competent CRPs. Additionally, this article adds to the growing literature to highlight the benefits of having a professionally registered CRP for NHS organizations. By weaving together personal insights, professional development, and the integration of acquired knowledge, the narrative illuminates the profound impact of reflective practice on the evolution of a skilled and adept CRP. This review adds to the current literature on the importance of reflective practice in improving professionalism and competency for registered CRPs. The narrative emphasizes lifelong learning and reflective practice integration in clinical research training programs. It suggests further research on workplace reflection for knowledge integration. This resource is valuable for CRPs, organizations, and policymakers, emphasizing professionalism, competency development, and reflective practice in clinical research.

Rediscovering the Child

Maria Montessori’s early emphasis on systematic observation and experimentation to understand children’s learning predates the formal recognition of the “teacher as researcher” role, which emerged in the 1950s. This article explores the use of action research today in Montessori education, focusing on classroom-based action research (CBAR) and practitioner inquiry as key methodologies for enhancing teaching practices. We begin by defining classroom-based action research and its application in Montessori teacher education, highlighting its role in fostering reflective, evidence-based investigations that improve classroom practices. Two CBAR studies from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls are presented: (1) Kaul’s exploration of student choice in math practice and (2) Thompson’s investigation of structured literacy in a Montessori Children’s House. The article also discusses practitioner inquiry projects from Loyola University Maryland, which examine the inclusion of students with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the effectiveness of Montessori Math materials in promoting math fluency.

Introduction to the special issue: Challenges and practices to advance sustainable and inclusive practitioner research

Introduction to the special issue: Challenges and practices to advance sustainable and inclusive practitioner research

Gameful systems for corporate sustainability: systematic review, conceptual framework and research agenda on gamification and sustainable employee behavior in companies

PurposeGiven the urgency of corporate engagement in sustainable development, companies seek ways to involve their employees in sustainability efforts. In this regard, gamified systems have gained attention as a novel tool to promote sustainable employee behavior. However, as the research field matures, researchers and practitioners are confronted with a scattered academic landscape that makes it difficult to grasp how gamification can be designed to engage employees in sustainable behavior and to understand how gamification effects unfold at psychological, behavioral and corporate levels of sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a systematic literature review to consolidate the existing knowledge on gamification designs and their effects on sustainable employee behavior.FindingsStudies have explored a variety of utilitarian and achievement-, immersion- and social-related gameful affordances to promote positive behavior- and system-related psychological effects as a basis for employee engagement in sustainable behavior. However, the evidence regarding their impact on rational decision-making processes and overcoming the intention-action gap inherent in sustainability is still limited. Nevertheless, several studies in focused areas indicate the potential to elicit behavioral changes that drive sustainability outcomes at the corporate level as well.Originality/valueOur study provides three main contributions. First, we develop a conceptual framework that illustrates how gamification can drive sustainable behavior in the workplace. Second, we derive seven agenda points to guide future research on gamification for corporate sustainability. Third, we deduce three practical approaches to use gamification as a strategic intervention to promote sustainable behavior in organizations.

Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Rural Areas: Development and Testing of a Researcher Practitioner Collaboration in Mental Health

ABSTRACT Purpose Rural communities face specific challenges when attempting to implement evidence-based interventions, due to their size, distance from knowledge centers, and broad responsibility for the local population. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of an RPC (Research Practice Collaboration) initiative as a strategy for translation and implementation of EBPs in rural municipalities seeking to develop their services for individuals with serious mental illness. Materials and Methods Following a broad invitation consisting of a presentation of the newly produced National Psychiatry Guidelines, to four northern regions in Sweden, four municipalities participated in an RPC process that focused on the implementation of specific EBPs. Results In addition to confirming many of the challenges in rural areas, the participants reported that the RPC process helped them to understand the relevance of these methods to their own conditions and ambitions. They were able to recognize and build on their already existing strengths and achieve incremental steps toward EBPs. Discussion The collaborative nature of the structure and knowledge dissemination, requiring extremely tailored implementation strategies while considering the essential components in relation to local conditions, led to increased readiness to implement these practices as locally relevant. Conclusion Research practice collaborations may contribute to the implementation of EBPs in rural areas by increasing the accessibility and relevance of these methods in these challenging conditions. Identifying structures for sustainably supporting these types of collaborations is a challenge for national actors.