Professional Challenges Research Articles

Challenges of black construction professionals with Black Economic Empowerment as a procurement policy in South Africa

Purpose The South African Government announced the black economic empowerment (BEE) legislation in 2003 in the public procurement systems. The legislation was deemed a catalyst for the emancipation of the previously disadvantaged citizens due to the apartheid government policies that secluded them from economic activities. This study aims to explore the challenges of black construction professionals with the BEE as a procurement policy. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative research approach. Thirty-five black construction professionals were contacted for interviews, of which 21 responded. Due to the COVID-19 restriction, participants were interviewed using telephone interview techniques. The information received was analysed using the thematic contents analysis method. Findings The findings revealed the challenges confronting black construction professionals regarding the BEE policy as corrupt practices (leading to the award of contracts to unqualified people), fronting of contractors and individuals for unqualified firms, preventing the participation of experienced and foreign firms, poor policy implementation with no monitoring mechanism and loss of tender due to strict requirements. Social implications Urgent attention is needed to review the BEE policy implementation process by the South African government to address the challenges enumerated by the policy beneficiaries to ensure the achievement of the policy objectives. Originality/value This study has identified the challenges of the BEE policy; thus, the government can institute measures to address the hindrances thwarting the beneficiaries from realising the policy objectives.

Pharmaceutical Care in Primary Healthcare-A Study of Nurses', Pharmacists', and Physicians' Experiences of Interprofessional Collaboration.

Implementation of pharmaceutical care for the benefit of patients and health services has been highlighted worldwide. Interprofessional collaboration between nurses, pharmacists, and physicians may contribute to raising awareness of pharmacological challenges, increasing quality, and minimising errors in pharmaceutical care. This study aimed to investigate how nurses, pharmacists, and physicians experience interprofessional collaboration in pharmaceutical care within community healthcare in Norway. The study had an explorative and descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Individual interviews were conducted with 12 healthcare personnel with key roles in pharmaceutical care within community healthcare services. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation. The results revealed three categories and four subcategories: The category "Professional challenges" contained the subcategories "Blurred responsibilities" and "The importance of trust and continuity". The category "Organisational barriers" contained the subcategories "Lack of information exchange and suitable communications channels" and "Lack of time and meeting places". The third category was "Nurses-the important link". This study reveals challenges to and factors of success in increasing high-quality and safe pharmaceutical care, knowledge that can be used in quality work in the community health services and as input in curriculum development for the three professions.

Therapists to Therapy Assistants: Experiences of Internationally Educated Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Background: In Canada, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) and occupational therapists (IEOTs) may work as occupational/physical therapy assistants (OTAs/PTAs) while pursuing Canadian licensure. This experience presents personal and professional opportunities and challenges. Purpose: We explored a) the barriers and facilitators experienced by IEPTs and IEOTs working as OTAs/PTAs while pursuing licensure in Canada and b) how might their professional identity changes during this period. Methods: In this cross-sectional qualitative study, we sampled IEPTs and IEOTs working as assistants using online focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis of data was used to generate themes. Findings: Fourteen IEPTs or IEOTs participated reporting barriers including financial impacts while working as an OTA/PTA, discrimination, and challenges completing licensing exams. Facilitators while working as OTA/PTAs included social support, acculturation with Canadian systems, and career opportunities. Changes to professional identity encompassed accepting a new identity, reclaiming their old identity, or having a strong sense of identity within a healthcare profession. Participants advocated for bridging programs and modifications for examination processes for IEPTs and IEOTs to improve their experiences while pursuing licensure in Canada. Conclusion: Increased advocacy is needed to address the current experiences of IEPTs and IEOTs working as OTA/PTAs after migration.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Selected Human Resource Management Functions: Recruitment & Selection, Talent Management and Performance Management

The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the realm of human resource management. Due to the limited existing research in this area, the researcher conducted this study to contribute to the existing literature and provide guidance for organisations and human resource managers. Employing a qualitative approach, this paper conducted a literature review to gather data and utilized thematic data analysis for data interpretation. The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have significant effects on three core human resource functions: recruitment and selection, performance management, and talent management. The transition to remote work has led to the digitization of recruitment and selection processes, posing challenges for HR professionals in managing performance. Additionally, the evolving landscape has underscored the importance of talent management as a critical function for organisational success.

Shortening and Personalizing Psychodiagnostic Assessments with Decision Tree-Machine Learning Classifiers: An Application Example Based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9

AbstractThe development of psychological assessment tools that accurately and efficiently classify individuals as having or not a specific diagnosis is a major challenge for test developers and mental health professionals. This paper shows how machine learning (ML) provides a valuable framework to improve the accuracy and efficiency of psychodiagnostic classifications. The method is illustrated using an empirical example based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The results show that, compared to traditional scorings of the PHQ-9, that based on decision tree (DT) algorithms is more advantageous in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the DT-based method facilitates the development of short test forms and improves the diagnostic performance of the test by integrating external information (e.g., demographic variables) into the scoring process. These findings suggest that DT-algorithms and ML applications such as feature selection represent a valuable method for supporting test developers and mental health professionals, and highlight the potential of ML for advancing the field of psychological assessment.

Unravelling the Hurdles of Health Services Research (HSR): Staff Perception at a Teaching Hospital

This research explores the challenges encountered by staff at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in conducting health services research (HSR). A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire adapted from Karimian et al. [1]. A total of 334 staff members from an array of careers at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) were involved in this study, representing diverse professional backgrounds. Among the 188 respondents with prior research experience, the study found that 83.5% of 188 respondents with prior research experience had conducted health services research, with 79.8% encountering difficulties. 52.1% had applied research outcomes in their practice, which was seen as an instrumental aspect of HSR. Findings revealed that the major obstacles included; administrative issues such as limited integration of research outcomes into practice and unfair evaluations (78%), followed, respectively, by professional challenges such as job burden, financial challenges with funding and budgeting, facility-related issues like outdated research databases, and obstacles related to research skills. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant difference (P<0.05), with academic staff facing fewer professional obstacles than non-academic staff, and Saudi researchers reporting more professional obstacles than non-Saudis. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing financial and facility-related obstacles to facilitate the practical utilization of HSR in health policy and community health services. Enhancing funding processes, clarifying budgeting regulations, and improving the research ecosystem are essential to overcoming these challenges and harnessing HSR's potential to improve healthcare access, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Breaking bad news in oncology practice: experience and challenges of oncology health professionals in Ethiopia – an exploratory qualitative study

ObjectiveTo explore the experience and challenges health professionals face during breaking bad news (BBN) to patients with cancer in the oncology centre of Black Lion Specialized Hospital (BLSH), Addis Ababa,...

Expanding the phenotype in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome; description of new oral finding and dental management considerations

BackgroundPitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with physical, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics that is caused by heterozygous mutations in the TCF4 gene. Patients with PTHS might present a unique challenge for oral healthcare professionals because of the associated comorbidities.Case reportHere we describe a new case of PTHS in a 13-year-old girl with particular emphasis on oro-dental findings and oral healthcare management. Observed oro-dental findings in our case included shallow palate, absence of lingual frenum, gingival enlargement, thick lips and relative microdontia. The patient was unable to tolerate dental care under local anesthesia. Therefore, comprehensive dental treatment was performed under general anesthesia after a careful pre-anesthetic cardio-respiratory, neurological, and hematological evaluation. The patient was closely monitored intra-operatively for breathing rhythm, O2 saturation, and signs of respiratory distress. The patient was observed for 24 h post-op for respiratory distress and was discharged then uneventfully.ConclusionDental treatment under general anesthesia in these patients might be complicated by the abnormal breathing rhythm, and close monitoring and follow up for signs of respiratory distress after general anesthesia is necessary. Recognition of oral and dental findings might help to expand the phenotype and better characterize rare syndromes.

A Political Economy Analysis of Social Work’s Development in China: A Social Development Perspective

This paper examines the phenomenal growth of social work in China and the complexities and challenges faced by the profession and related stakeholders in the context of neoliberal economic practice within a hierarchical top-down political system. It proposes developmental social work as a viable indigenous social work practice mode. This analysis based on a collection of academic papers and relevant government reports sheds light on the interplay between welfare developmentalism, institutional dynamics, and professional challenges in the broader sociopolitical context, not least the neoliberal co-optation of social development aligned increasingly with economic goals to the detriment of broader social and structural issues. It shows how the political parameters of the Chinese Communist Party and its pursuit of community integration and social development shaped China’s approach to social work. It sees the necessity for a system of welfare services to address socio-structural issues and the indigenization and cultural adaption of social work in China as an expressly political process. Regarding the former, the government’s strategy of outsourcing public services to accord with its agenda has resulted in a contractual relationship between social organizations, including nongovernment and social work organizations, and the state. This has limited the independence and hindered the development of a strong civil society, and curtailed social workers’ autonomy, exacerbating professional challenges relating inter alia to the low number of qualified social work practitioners, limited job opportunities outside major urban centers, high staff turnover, and poor quality services provided by those without formal social work training. To enhance professional recognition in China, the paper suggests a holistic developmental approach that involves the resolution of individual problems through investing in people, helping them to build their capacity, drawing on social capital, and capitalizing on market opportunities to promote self-reliance, thereby contributing to community and social development.

Night-duty dilemmas: Health and work-life challenges for LIS professionals in Indian libraries

This study investigates the impact of 24/7 library operations on the health and work-life balance of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. Using a mixed-method approach with 52 respondents, reveals significant physical and mental health issues, sleep disruptions, and dietary challenges. Qualitative insights highlight personal and professional hurdles, gender disparities, and concerns about workload and safety. The findings underscore the need for tailored support and infrastructure improvements in continuous library settings. The study contributes to understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by LIS professionals and provides recommendations to enhance overall well-being in 24/7 operational environments.

Teacher’s agency in education for sustainable development: an East-West collaborative Erasmus programme using Q methodology

PurposeThe integration of ESD is a complex problem. It calls for an innovative, student-centred curriculum, as well as professional learning and agency, by which university teachers feel empowered to change their practice and direct their peers and institutions towards ESD. This study aims to explore what university teachers consider to be the most important attitudes in supporting their agency to deliver Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) via a Problem Based Learning (PBL) programme.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a theoretical framework for professional agency comprising three domains: intrapersonal, action and environmental. A Q methodology is adopted to explore university teachers’ perceptions of the most important environmental factors in supporting their ability to deliver ESD via a problem-based learning (PBL) programme. Twenty-eight participants from six Southeast Asian universities took part in a PBL-based professional development programme designed to improve teachers’ ESD- and PBL-based skills and competencies.FindingsThe results indicate that the participants were confident in their ability to implement PBL and saw PBL as an approach suitable for addressing current educational, professional and societal challenges. This study offers a series of recommendations to help university teachers develop their ESD and PBL practices.Originality/valueAlthough the literature on human agency is extensive, research surrounding teachers’ professional agency in the context of ESD and PBL in higher education is lacking. The present study addresses this gap by capturing individual teachers’ beliefs, perceptions and views and by using Q methodology to examine the subjectivity of study participants.

Trust in maternity care: challenges for healthcare professionals and migrant women

Trust in maternity care: challenges for healthcare professionals and migrant women

Research Preparedness of Students in A Teacher’s Undergraduate in Guangdong Province, China

In today’s world, where science and technology are becoming increasingly important, it can be said that the main objective of our education system is that students structure the information rather than receive prepared information and are raised as scientific literates. Qualified people who produce, reach and use the information are required for this. Undoubtedly, there are many variables in achieving this objective. The purpose of this study is to determine the evaluation of the students' research preparation level of the students and teachers of students a teacher’s undergraduate in Guangdong province, and use it as a basis for improving scientific research ability. Level evaluation. Specifically, the age, gender, grade, and course/project of the students surveyed, as well as the gender, teaching years, and level of education of the teachers interviewed. Assessment of level in teaching, procedures and processes, data organization and analysis etc. Based on the research results, it is recommended to carry out a series of activities to improve students' scientific research ability. These activities can include strengthening teaching and guidance, improving procedures and processes, providing more data organization and analysis skills training, etc. Through these capacity-building activities, we hope to promote the progress of students in the field of scientific research, improve their research preparation level, and thus better meet future academic and professional challenges.

Introduction: COVID-19 Related Professional Challenges, Innovations, and Implications for Child Maltreatment Victims.

The current commentary provides an introduction to the special issue examining COVID-19-related professional challenges, innovations, and implications for child maltreatment victims. The editors of the special issue provide a summary of the research presented as well as the implications for the field of child maltreatment research.

Increasing PhD student self-awareness and self-confidence through strengths-based professional development

Strengths-based programs have emerged as asset-based approaches to professional development that promote positive student engagement and success. This paper shares the outcomes of a strengths-based professional development program provided to biomedical and health sciences graduate doctoral students within an academic health center. Program outcomes and changes in participants’ perceived confidence when identifying and applying their strengths in different contexts were evaluated through a mixed methods design that included a Likert-based survey and thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Findings strongly suggest that most participants lacked the self-confidence and/or self-awareness to recognize their own strengths prior to the program. Themes that emerged upon implementation of the program point to the following outcomes: participants gained an increased understanding of their strengths, confidence that the knowledge gained about their strengths would help them learn more effectively in laboratory settings, an increased belief that they possess natural talents and skills that make them good scientists and strong members of their research team, and confidence that applying their strengths will help them to overcome both personal and professional challenges. This program shows promise to strengthen graduate student self-awareness and self-confidence. Further studies are needed to understand and measure how asset-based programs such as this can impact graduate student resilience, science identity, and overall student success.

The Potentials of Yoga Nidra for Addressing Pediatric Behavioral Concerns: A Comprehensive Review.

Pediatric behavioral concerns, encompassing anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation, pose significant challenges for children, families, and health-care professionals. Traditional interventions often rely on behavioral modification or medication, with varying degrees of success and potential side effects. In recent years, nonpharmacological approaches, particularly those grounded in mind-body practices, have gained traction. Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique rooted in yoga philosophy, offers a promising approach for promoting emotional well-being and positive behavioral change in children. This comprehensive review explores the potential of Yoga Nidra in addressing pediatric behavioral concerns. This review examined the potential mechanisms underlying Yoga Nidra's effects and existing research on its psychological impact, including stress reduction, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and sleep quality. Parallels were also drawn with hypnosis, another established mind-body technique. Finally, the research on Yoga Nidra's effectiveness in specific behavioral issues was reviewed and advocated for further investigation as a noninvasive intervention for promoting positive child development.

Impact of post-Dobbs abortion restrictions on maternal-fetal medicine physicians in the Southeast: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe US Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Many states in the Southeastern US responded with restrictive policies that limit and criminalize abortion care. ObjectiveTo characterize the impacts of abortion restrictions on maternal fetal medicine physicians (MFMs) in the Southeastern US post Dobbs. Study DesignWe conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 35 MFMs in 10 Southeastern states between February and June 2023. Our recruitment strategy relied on convenience and snowball sampling. Audio-recorded interviews were analyzed using Dedoose software and a descriptive qualitative approach that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. ResultsEmergent themes were identified, and a conceptual framework was developed based on overarching themes. We found that abortion laws and external constraints following Dobbs resulted in ethical, professional, and legal challenges for MFMs that led to changes in clinical practice and deviations from patient-centered care. These forced changes resulted in negative impacts on MFMs such as increased fear, hypervigilance, and increased workload for MFMs. The changes also prompted concerns about health risks and negative emotional impacts for patients. Supportive colleagues, hospital systems, and policies were associated with decreased stress, emotional distress, and disruption of healthcare delivery. ConclusionsAbortion restrictions in the Southeastern US limit the ability of MFMs to provide or facilitate abortions in the setting of fetal anomalies and maternal health risk. MFMs perceived these restrictions to have negative professional and emotional repercussions for themselves, as well as negative impacts on patients. Supportive colleagues and clear guidance from hospital systems and departments on how to interpret laws were protective. Our findings have implications for the MFM workforce and patient care in the region.

Clinical research nurses perceive their role as being like the hub of a wheel without real power: Empirical qualitative research.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of being a clinical research nurse (CRN), in Sweden. A qualitative study analysing individual interview data. Interviews with 10 participants were conducted in April 2017 and repeated with five participants in May 2022. A semi-structured interview guide was used to cover topics such as experiences of working in a new role and professional challenges related to the role. The transcribed interviews were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis. The main theme revealed that the CRNs experienced their work role as being like a hub in a wheel, using an ethical compass, but without real power. The six themes identified showed that CRNs worked independently and relied on clinical experiences as nurses but needed more education. They not only had a sense of duty but also too large responsibilities. Furthermore, they viewed their work as valuable and important. However, they needed an accentuated ethical compass and were also affected by power relations that negatively impacted work. Working as a CRN means being in a central position and working independently, which requires diverse skills and competencies. CRNs, however, face and manage complex ethical and practical challenges without real power. They experience huge responsibilities but need education and acknowledgement, indicating a need for improvement. This is an important message to stakeholders and managers about the necessity of taking adequate action to support CRNs who are crucial resources in clinical research. No patient or public contribution.

Stumbling blocks of teachers while supporting the learning of students: Observations from case study research

Teachers can influence the learning of students to a greater extent if encounter manageable challenges whereas they are often trapped with situations that reduce their teaching efficacy to a bare minimum. They fail to address their students' academic and non-academic needs because they fail to notice the expressed needs. This situation stimulates the researcher to explore the challenges encountered by the teachers to support the learning of students. The study employed a qualitative research design and case study method was used to explore the perspectives of the participants. The research population consisted of school administrators, school teachers, and students at secondary schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to choose the sample against the predefined criteria. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, field notes, and notes from document analysis. Triangulation of the collected data resulted in the development of three themes namely extensive subject outline, managing exceptional and behavioural responses. The findings showed that the teachers are experiencing many challenges such as lengthy syllabi, overcrowded classrooms, demanding assessment structures, additional academic responsibilities, and students’ behavioural issues and this is affecting their ability to positively influence the learning of their students. The study suggests that teachers should use their critical thinking skills to analyze their personal and professional challenges and find ways to resolve these issues resulting in creating supportive learning structures in schools for students, and teaching culture for teachers. This study will help school administration understand the barriers faced by teachers in schools and help them find suitable solutions to provide a supportive teaching and learning environment for teachers and students.

Ergonomics in colonoscopy: Its critical role in shaping future practices

Regular screening of the large bowel is crucial for identifying pathology at an early stage, particularly for colorectal cancer, the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1]. Early detection can drastically reduce mortality rates, improve quality of life for patients [2], and decrease healthcare costs associated with treating diseases [2], [3]. Several non-invasive screening methods are cost-effective and are valuable solutions for early detection [4], such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which can be done at home at very low cost [5]. Other new solutions are emerging, such as DNA liquid biopsies [6]. However, they are more expensive and have not yet been proven as effective as FIT. If any of these non-invasive tests result in a positive finding, an optical colonoscopy, a visual inspection of the large bowel, is required since it can take biopsies and remove polyps before they may become cancerous [7]. Colonoscopy is a complex procedure that relies heavily on the technical skills of the operator and requires extensive training [8]. It can cause pain and discomfort for the patient and incur high costs for healthcare, including upfront costs to purchase expensive equipment and ongoing costs for cleaning and maintenance within a dedicated reprocessing unit. Additionally, this procedure poses challenges for healthcare professionals due to the lack of ergonomic design, often resulting in musculoskeletal injuries [9].