Professional Users Research Articles

New colleague or gimmick hurdle? A user-centric scoping review of the barriers and facilitators of robots in hospitals.

Healthcare systems are confronted with a multitude of challenges, including the imperative to enhance accessibility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the quality of healthcare delivery. These challenges are exacerbated by current healthcare personnel shortages, prospects of future shortfalls, insufficient recruitment efforts, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, global viral concerns, and ageing populations. To address this escalating demand for healthcare services, healthcare systems are increasingly adopting robotic technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which promise to optimise costs, improve working conditions, and increase the quality of care. This article focuses on deepening our understanding of the barriers and facilitators associated with integrating robotic technologies in hospital environments. To this end, we conducted a scoping literature review to consolidate emerging themes pertaining to the experiences, viewpoints perspectives, and behaviours of hospital employees as professional users of robots in hospitals. Through screening 501 original research articles from Web-of-Science, we identified and reviewed in full-text 40 pertinent user-centric studies of the integration of robots into hospitals. Our review revealed and analysed 14 themes in-depth, of which we identified seven as barriers and seven as facilitators. Through a structuring of the barriers and facilitators, we reveal a notable misalignment between these barriers and facilitators: Finding that organisational aspects are at the core of most barriers, we suggest that future research should investigate the dynamics between hospital employees as professional users and the procedures and workflows of the hospitals as institutions, as well as the ambivalent role of anthropomorphisation of hospital robots, and emerging issues of privacy and confidentiality raised by increasingly communicative robots. Ultimately, this perspective on the integration of robots in hospitals transcends debates on the capabilities and limits of the robotic technology itself, shedding light on the complexity of integrating new technologies into hospital environments and contributing to an understanding of possible futures in healthcare innovation.

Exploring the acquisition, usage, repair, and end-of-life management practices of electrical self-care appliances: insights from domestic and professional users

Exploring the acquisition, usage, repair, and end-of-life management practices of electrical self-care appliances: insights from domestic and professional users

De- and recoding algorithmic systems: The case of fact checkers and fact checked users

With the recent development of debunking on social media as a dominant agenda, fact checkers have increasingly used machine learning (ML) to identify, verify and correct factual claims, as ML promises the scaling of fact checking practices. However, it also places a new actor in between the fact checkers and the fact checked users. In this paper, we conducted a contrasted analysis of how fact checkers and fact checked users understand, evaluate and act towards the algorithmic system and the data flows in Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program: We did ethnographic fieldwork in the fact checking newsroom and interviewed and did protocol analysis with the fact checked. For both professional users and end users, the algorithmic system is experienced as a black box in which they have limited insight, and their sense-making practices happen based on the data and metrics that are made visible to them. In the paper, we draw on and expanded theory on decoding algorithms by not only exploring how the two user groups engage in decoding the algorithmic system, but also actively engage in forms of recoding by attempting to adapt or modify the algorithmic system to better fit within their cultural and social context, which is characterised by both varying epistemic cultures and societal positions. While the fact checkers from their hegemonic (sometimes negotiated) position understand the program as a (sometimes stupid) tool and primarily engage in passive acts of recoding, fact checked users, from their oppositional position, understand the program as an unpredictable censoring machine and engage primarily in more active acts of recoding. Based on the analysis, we end the paper with a discussion in which we argued for understanding data reflexivity as highly relational and processual.

A-353 Lay User testing of Rapid Multiplexed HIV/TP test

Abstract Background Palladium Diagnostics had developed a rapid, multiplexed POC assay for Syphilis and HIV for fingerstick whole blood. To increase potential patient engagement and simplify sample collection it was decided to expand the sample type from fingerstick whole blood to saliva without changing the test time or performance. Additionally, the test was designed to have a lower carbon footprint by using a bioplastic (environmentally friendly foam) for structural components rather than injection molded parts as are commonly used in other assays. The assay was run both by professional users in a lab setting and lay users in the field. Methods A flow through rapid assay was produced and tested both by professional users in a lab setting using library sample and by lay users in a field setting using self collected samples. Results The results are shown in table 1, the assay performance was broadly similar for both whole blood and saliva, however the saliva dataset was much smaller for the professional use setting. The human factor analysis from the lay user field studies showed that they preferred the saliva collection procedure however for a small subset of subjects it proved difficult to collect sufficient sample for testing. For subjects who were able to collect adequate sample the results corresponded well between the device and lab-based ELISA. Conclusions The lay user experience validated test design and function and proved the usability in the field.

Vocal Hygiene: What Are Professional Voice Users Saying About It on YouTube?

PurposeHealth content has been presented and accessed freely on social networks and can generate misinformation; hence, this study aimed to analyze the voice guidance in videos available on YouTube. MethodThis observational cross-sectional research selected the 45 most viewed videos on YouTube in 2022, produced by professional voice users with guidance on vocal hygiene and well-being. The content was described and compared with the scientific literature on the topic, analyzing which category of professional voice users produced the most scientifically based content. ResultsAltogether, 38 topics were found in the videos, distributed in nine blocks, identified from A to I. Block A (foods with a positive effect on the voice) was the only one that had no citations in scientific articles, whereas block D (negative habits for the voice) had the highest mean number of articles in relation to the others. The most publicized guidelines were mainly related to actions and/or behaviors and resources considered positive for the voice. Eight professional categories were found who produced these videos. Singing teachers who also worked as singers produced the most scientifically based content. ConclusionThe study showed that not all the information in the videos was scientifically based, which means that people with voice problems have easy access to information that could even harm them if used in their professions.

Development and validation of a questionnaire (QSPC-Q) for assessment of quality and strengthening of primary care in Brazil.

The performance evaluation of services through instruments is relevant, as it can support thoughts, actions and political approaches to meet a social need. The objective of the article was to develop and validate the Quality and Strengthening of Primary Care Questionnaire (QSPC-Q) for professionals and users based on Starfield attributes and Donabedian pillars. A mixed sequential study was performed to develop the QSPC-Q. The test was applied to 149 doctors and 795 users of basic health units. Psychometric properties was assessed by testing internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis. Reproducibility od scale was assessed using intraclass cognitive and test-retest correlation. The final version of the follow-up consisted of 45 items aimed at physicians (Cronbach's alpha = 0.921) and 33 at users (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86); the intraclass respiratory capacity was 0.88. An exploratory factor analysis identified 13 factors associated with the pattern components. A short version with 29 items for professionals was also elaborated. Professional QSPC-Q (short and braided versions) and user QSPC-Q were valid.

The Importance Of Public Relations In The Post-Truth Era And The Strategies Followed

‘Fake news’, which are generally created for a specific purpose on different topics, spread rapidly through social media platforms and search engines and prevent the public from accessing real information. Throughout history, fake news and misinformation have been used for various purposes. However, with the introduction of social media into our lives, the dissemination of unproven information or fake news has accelerated, and such content has reached large masses in a short time through both professional content providers and users. Despite the fake news about health and nutrition, raising awareness is a prerequisite for creating healthy societies that consume and eat consciously, and this can be made easier with sustainable public relations. In this study, the function of verification platforms in preventing such information disseminated in the new media environment in the post-truth era is examined. Within the scope of the study, the results of the verification platform teyit.org on health and nutrition claims were analysed. In the study, it was observed that only four out of 14 claims on health and nutrition shared on the internet and social media were found to be true information, and that such information was mostly disseminated through social media.

Influence of Carnatic Vocal Training on Voice Measures in Males

Introduction: Training is an integral part of learning any skill. The vocal training helps singers attain proficiency as they are the most demanding vocal group of all professional voice users. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of training on the singer’s voice. The current study objective was to investigate the influence of vocal training on voice measures (acoustic and aerodynamic) between male Carnatic singers with lower (6 months–5 years) and higher (6–10 years) training using novel task “mkaram” along with lyrical task. Methods: Group 1 consisted of 30 trained male Carnatic singers with lower vocal training, and group 2, thirty trained male singers with higher training in the age of 18–45 years. The acoustic (frequency-related parameter, cepstral, spectral, perturbation, and noise) and aerodynamic measures (maximum phonation time and s/z ratio) of voice were obtained. The test-retest reliability was conducted on a sample of 10% of the population from each group, with a 2-week interval between the tests. Cross-sectional study design was applied. Results: The statistical analysis revealed significantly decreased frequency-related parameters (semitones) such as the mean fundamental frequency, lowest fundamental frequency, highest fundamental frequency at the low register and the highest fundamental frequency at the middle register in group 2 during “mkaram” task (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, one of the spectral-related measures 1st harmonic-2nd harmonic (dB) during lyrical task and one of the noise-related measure harmonic-to-noise ratio (dB) at the middle register during “mkaram” task showed a significant decrease in group 2 compared to group 1 (p ≤ 0.05). Test-retest reliability revealed that most of the parameters had “acceptable to excellent” internal consistency (Cronbach’s α >0.7 to 1). Conclusion: Few frequency and noise measures during “mkaram” task and a spectral measure during lyrical task showed to be sensitive in distinguishing the impact of vocal training on the voices of male Carnatic singers. The higher vocal training was found to help the singers to perform more efficiently with enhanced vocal range particularly in the low register and to some extent in the middle register. Indeed, the study highlighted the positive effects of vocal training on male Carnatic singers.

Game talk: exploring the linguistic features of sports commentary

This study is investigating the linguistic features of sports commentary. The focus is the politeness techniques using and gender-specific language variations observed in 2022 FIFA World Cup. This study used qualitative approach. This study was examining the collection of real-time commentary from various matches in 2022 World Cup. The analysis of this study focusses on prominent politeness methods, including softened criticism, neutral descriptions, respectful acknowledgments, and positive reinforcement. It further investigates the effectiveness of these strategies in the specific context of live sports broadcasting. The findings suggest that the use of politeness tactics is important for maintaining the professional users and engaging tone when commenting the match. This study also found that female commentators disposed to use more supportive and cooperative language, emphasizing teamwork and exertion, while male commentators disposed to use more competitive and authoritative language, focusing on individual performance and strategic analysis. These findings consistent with the research on gender communication and emphasize the significance of comprehending special style communication styles in sports commentary. This study branch holds significant importance for both the field of sports broadcasting and the branch of linguistics. The results indicate that commentator training programs should include knowledge of politeness techniques and gender-specific communication styles in order to improve audience involvement and provide a pleasant viewing experience. This work improves the knowledge of language usage in real-time sports commentary, such as dynamic and culturally significant situation in linguistic form. It highlights the significance of language in reflect and reinforce the cultural values and conventions, promoting inclusiveness, and deepening the spectator’s which tie up with the event. Keywords: Live Sports Commentary, Politeness Strategies, Sports Broadcasting.

Investigating Professional Analyst Strategies in Immersive Space to Think.

Existing research on sensemaking in immersive analytics systems primarily focuses on understanding how users complete analysis within these systems with quantitative and qualitative datasets. However, these user studies mainly concentrate on understanding analysis styles and methodologies from a predominantly novice user study population. While this approach provides excellent initial insights into what users may do within IA systems, it fails to address how professionals may utilize an immersive analytic system for analysis tasks. In our work, we build upon an existing immersive analytics concept - "Immersive Space to Think" to understand how professional user populations differ from novice users in immersive analytic system usage. We conducted a user study with 11 professional intelligence analysts who completed three analysis sessions each. Using our results from this study, we provide deep analysis into how professional users complete sensemaking within immersive analytic systems, compare our findings to previously published findings with a novice user population, and provide insights into how to develop better IA systems to support the professional analyst's strategies within these systems.

Analysis the Level of Experience of Technology Users’ Perspectives on LinkedIn Websites

LinkedIn is a web-based application that can be used by job seekers, both new users and professional users. LinkedIn website is not only used by job seekers but can be used for various other activities. Application user experience is a major assessment of the quality of the software. LinkedIn website user experience can be seen by measuring the website using several aspects. This research aims to analyze the website user experience using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) method. Measurement using the UEQ method is seen by using six aspects of the measurement scale, namely attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, accuracy, stimulation and novelty. Data collection in the study was carried out using a questionnaire given to 41 respondents totaling 26 questions. The questionnaire data will be processed using UEQ Data Analysis Tools. The results of UEQ measurements with benchmark comparisons show four aspects that are in the below average category, namely attractiveness, efficiency, stimulation and novelty. While two aspects are in the bad category, namely clarity and accuracy. So it is necessary to develop and improve the LinkedIn website by developers related to aspects that are in the bad category. The two bad aspects have a value of 0.58 for the clarity aspect and 0.53 for the accuracy aspect.

Perceived Benefits of Interdisciplinary Coaching Strategies for Professional Vocalists: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Professional vocalists, specifically teachers, are at increased risk of missing work and having vocal damage due to vocal misuse and overuse. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions of participants (N = 4) taking part in interdisciplinary voice coaching sessions with both a singing and theatre voice specialist. Participant perceptions were obtained using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), individual weekly journals, and a post-study researcher-created questionnaire. Results are discussed in terms of potential for future research and application of results to mutli-disciplinary voice training options for professional voice users as a solution to mitigate voice problems.

Incorporating Easy Language in the ICF: Benefits, opportunities, and challenges

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the international standard for the description of functioning and disability, completely ignores a specific form of accessible communication despite its potential to improve functioning and reduce disability: Easy Language, a form of standard language with substantially reduced linguistic complexity. Starting with a proposal for how and where Easy Language could be appropriately integrated into the ICF, the commentary then outlines the various benefits and opportunities for social policy that could be associated with doing so. It also notes several potential challenges involved in this process. If used correctly, the integration of Easy Language into the ICF could prove useful for both professional users of the ICF and Easy Language target groups.

Patient-Led Research to Develop a Training Programme for Restoring Musical Joy in Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Reflexive Process Evaluation.

The role of patients in healthcare research is slowly evolving, although patient roles in the research process are limited. This paper reports on a patient-led research project aiming to develop a musical hearing training programme for patients with a cochlear implant (CI): the Musi-CI programme. A CI is an inner ear prosthesis that allows people with severe hearing loss to hear. However, while speech can be understood, CI users cannot fully enjoy music or feel aversion to it. The Musi-CI programme aims to reduce this music aversion to ultimately improve music enjoyment and social participation. The development of the Musi-CI programme was supported by a consortium of professionals in CI rehabilitation and research. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate the Musi-CI programme development process and its impact on professional CI rehabilitation and research. Programme development was described using a 3-layered process model of action research, distinguishing the CI user process, the healthcare professional process and the research process. To evaluate perceptions on the programme development process, consortium partners provided written commentsand participated in a reflexive evaluation session that was video-recorded. Reflexive evaluation aims for collective learning and strengthening collaboration among participants. Written comments and video data were analysed using template analysis. The involvement of an expert by experience was perceived as challenging but rewarding for all consortium partners, opening up new perspectives on CI-rehabilitation practice and research. Data analysis revealed two themes on the programme development process, professional space and acknowledgement, and two themes on the outcomes on CI rehabilitation and research: critical reflection and paradigm shift. Experts by experience represent a different knowledge domain that may contribute to change in rehabilitation and research. The development of the programme was initiated by a professional musician and CI user who organized the funding, had a leading role throughout the research process, including the write-up of the results, and co-authored this paper.

A Framework for Antecedents to Health Information Systems Uptake by Healthcare Professionals: An Exploratory Study of Electronic Medical Records

Health information systems (HISs) are essential information systems used by organisations and individuals for various purposes. Past research has studied different types of HIS, such as rostering systems, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), and Personal Health Records (PHRs). Although several past confirmatory studies have quantitatively examined EMR uptake by health professionals, there is a lack of exploratory and qualitative studies that uncover various drivers of healthcare professionals’ uptake of EMRs. Applying an exploratory and qualitative approach, this study introduces various antecedents of healthcare professionals’ uptake of EMRs. This study conducted 78 semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 15 groups of healthcare professional users of EMRs in two large Australian hospitals. Data analysis of qualitative data resulted in proposing a framework comprising 23 factors impacting healthcare professionals’ uptake of EMRs, which are categorised into ten main categories: perceived benefits of EMR, perceived difficulties, hardware/software compatibility, job performance uncertainty, ease of operation, perceived risk, assistance society, user confidence, organisational support, and technological support. Our findings have important implications for various practitioner groups, such as healthcare policymakers, hospital executives, hospital middle and line managers, hospitals’ IT departments, and healthcare professionals using EMRs. Implications of the findings for researchers and practitioners are provided herein in detail.

Factors affecting the feelings of safety among individuals with mild intellectual disabilities and severe challenging behaviour in residential care: A qualitative study of professional and service users' perspectives.

Background: This study focuses on what feeling safe means for people with mild intellectual disabilities and severe challenging behaviour, and which factors affect their sense of safety. Method: Thematic analysis was used to analyse data collected during (1) ethnographic longitudinal research and (2) interviews and focus groups among professionals and service users. Results: Feelings of safety can relate to three main themes: (1) a physical environment that reduces risks and temptations; (2) a reliable, predictable, and supportive environment; and (3) an accepting environment that enables service users to establish a normal life. An analysis of which factors affect service users' sense of safety identified 20 themes (e.g. team climate) and 34 subthemes (e.g. interactions with other service users). Conclusions: A range of interconnected factors can affect service users' feelings of safety. Future research should explore what organisations and external actors (e.g. the police) can do to promote those feelings.

Reply to Editorial Comment on “Amateur vs Professional Users of the YO Home Sperm Test: An Assessment of Usability”

Reply to Editorial Comment on “Amateur vs Professional Users of the YO Home Sperm Test: An Assessment of Usability”

Knowledge and Needs of Theology Students on Voice and Vocal Hygiene at a South African Institution of Higher Education

Preachers are professional voice users (PVUs) who regularly experience high vocal demands, often leading to vocal difficulties or disorders. Research has established that this often occurs due to a lack of sufficient knowledge of the vocal mechanism and vocal hygiene in this population. Student preachers are therefore also considered to be a potential at-risk group for the development of vocal difficulties once they enter the occupation. This study therefore aimed to determine the knowledge and needs of theology students at a South African institution of higher education regarding voice production and vocal hygiene. A cross-sectional online survey using non-probability purposive and convenience sampling was distributed to participants through email to obtain data on the education, training, needs, and knowledge of voice production, vocal hygiene, and voice use among the participants. A clear need was observed for education and training on vocal health and hygiene amongst the study population. The participants presented with limited knowledge about voice production and vocal hygiene; however, they also reported to not regularly implement this limited knowledge in day-to-day voice use or practice. This study found a willingness among participants to learn more about voice and vocal hygiene. This study confirmed that theology students, as future PVUs, receive minimal-to-no training on voice and vocal hygiene, despite their increased risk for voice difficulties.

Awareness and intention-to-use of digital health applications, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in breast cancer care.

Emerging digital technologies promise to improve breast cancer care, however lack of awareness among clinicians often prevents timely adoption. This study aims to investigate current awareness and intention-to-use of three technologies among breast cancer healthcare professionals (HCP): (1) digital health applications (DHA), (2) artificial intelligence (AI), and (3) blockchain technology (BC). A 22-item questionnaire was designed and administered before and after a 30 min educational presentation highlighting technology implementation examples. Technology awareness and intention-to-use were measured using 7-point Likert scales. Correlations between demographics, technology awareness, intention-to-use, and eHealth literacy (GR-eHEALS scale) were analyzed. 45 HCP completed the questionnaire, of whom 26 (57.8%) were female. Age ranged from 24 to 67 {mean age (SD): 44.93 ± 12.62}. Awareness was highest for DHA (68.9%) followed by AI (66.7%) and BC (24.4%). The presentation led to a non-significant increase of intention-to-use AI {5.37 (±1.81) to 5.83 (±1.64)}. HCPs´ intention-to-use BC after the presentation increased significantly {4.30 (±2.04) to 5.90 (±1.67), p < 0.01}. Mean accumulated score for GR-eHEALS averaged 33.04 (± 6.61). HCPs´ intended use of AI significantly correlated with eHealth literacy (ρ = 0.383; p < 0.01), intention-to-use BC (ρ = 0.591; p < 0.01) and participants´ age (ρ = -0.438; p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the effect that even a short practical presentation can have on HCPs´ intention-to-use emerging digital technologies. Training potential professional users should be addressed alongside the development of new information technologies and is crucial to increase HCPs´ corresponding awareness and intended use.

Amateur vs Professional Users of the YO Home Sperm Test: An Assessment of Usability

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of home-test use by a real-world / amateur user. MethodsThis multi-site study investigated whether amateur users could use the FDA cleared YO® Home Sperm Test to obtain accurate MSC results when compared to trained laboratory technicians. The qualitative motile sperm concentration (MSC) results of amateur and professional YO users were compared to each other as well as to the results of an established automated sperm quality analyzer (SQA-V above and below a 6m/mL MSC cut-off). ResultsThis was a blinded, prospective study of 316 amateur users and 3 professional laboratory technicians across 3 study sites. Amateur vs. Professional YO users demonstrated accuracy of >97%. Qualitative results of amateurs and professionals vs. SQA-V results showed >95.7% accuracy. ConclusionAmateur users with no prior training were able to follow the YO test directions to receive highly accurate qualitative MSC results. The YO test is user-friendly and can be used as an effective initial home screening tool to gain preliminary insight into the fertility status of the male in a real-world setting. Furthermore, the YO test results correlated with those obtained by the FDA cleared SQA-V laboratory analyzer, confirming that the YO test delivers accurate MSC results in the hands of amateur users.