Program Evaluation Questionnaire Research Articles

Investigation of The Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy Based 0-6 Age Family Education Program

In this study, the effect of the 0-6 Age Family Education Program based on Positive Psychotherapy, which was developed for parents with children between the ages of 0-6, on knowledge and awareness levels, parent competencies, parental stress and parental attitudes was examined. 
 The sample of the study consisted of 34 parents with children between the ages of 0-6 who participated from various provinces of Turkey. Data collection was carried out in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. Positive Psychotherapy Based 0-6 Age Family Education Program consisting of 4 sessions was applied online to the participants. Before the training, the Parental Competence Scale, The Mother-Father Stress Scale, the Parental Attitude Scale, the Personal Information Form created by the researcher to collect the demographic information of the participants, and the Program Evaluation Questionnaire created by the researcher to determine the knowledge and awareness levels of the participants has been applied. After the training, in addition to the forms and scales applied before the training, the End of Program Evaluation Form created by the researcher was applied in order to get the subjective opinions of the participants about the training and the research data were obtained.
 In data analysis studies, t test for the analysis of quantitative data, frequency and percentage analysis, content analysis for qualitative data were used.
 As a result of all these analyzes, it was determined that the Positive Psychotherapy Based 0-6 Age Family Education Program applied to the participants positively increased the knowledge and awareness levels and parental competencies of the participants, and reduced parental stress, authoritarian and protective parental attitudes. It was observed that there was no significant difference on democratic and permissive parental attitudes.

PROGRAM EVALUATION IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING: THE CASE OF OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEM CALL CENTER SERVICES ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM

In this study, it is aimed to evaluate Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Call Center Services Associate Degree Program, which is carried out through open and distance education, according to learner views within the framework of Stufflebeam’s Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) Evaluation Model and to make suggestions for the development of the program. In the study in which Exploratory Sequential design, one of the mixed method research designs, was used; “Anadolu University Call Center Services Associate Degree Program Evaluation Questionnaire” was prepared to collect quantitative data. The questionnaire was applied online to learners who graduated from Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Call Center Services Associate Degree Program. Semi-structured interview questions were used to collect qualitative data. In the interpretation of quantitative data, percentage and frequency tables, mean and standard deviation values were used to compare and interpret the average score that can be obtained in the four dimensions (Context, Input, Process and Product) in the measurement tool and the average scores of the participants in these dimensions. In addition, the mean score values obtained in the sub-dimensions were analyzed and interpreted in terms of gender, age, marital status and employment status variables. Descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results revealed that the program objectives were determined in accordance with the expectations of the learners, learning resources were designed in accordance with the objectives, learning activities were carried out in accordance with the expectations of the participants and learning outcomes were achieved in the program.

A multi-modal intervention for managing the fatigue–sleep disturbance–depressed mood symptom cluster in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot study

ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal intervention for managing the cancer-related fatigue–sleep disturbance–depressed mood (F-S-D) symptom cluster in patients with breast cancer (BC) and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong, and the preliminary effects of such intervention on the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster in these patients. MethodsThis study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients with BC scheduled for chemotherapy were recruited. Intervention participants received a weekly nurse-led multi-modal intervention lasting 7 weeks. The feasibility parameters and adverse events were assessed using logbook records. Acceptability was evaluated using a program evaluation questionnaire. F-S-D symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were measured at baseline (T0), upon intervention completion (T1), and 3 months after intervention completion (T2). Generalized estimating equation analyses were used. ResultsFifty participants were enrolled. The eligibility and enrollment rates were 11% and 87.7%, respectively. The rate of adherence to the intervention was 96%. No adverse events were reported. All participants were satisfied with the intervention, which had significant effects in terms of reducing the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster at T2 (P ​= ​0.035) and improving QOL at T1 and T2 (T1: P ​= ​0.035; T2: P ​= ​0.012). ConclusionsThe multi-modal intervention is a feasible, acceptable, and safe intervention that demonstrated preliminary positive effects in managing the F-S-D symptom cluster and improving QOL in patients with BC and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong. This study provides key insights into F-S-D symptom cluster management in patients with BC. Trial registrationChiCTR2100047819 (Chinese Clinical Trial Register).

Program Ecomposter Sebagai Upaya Pengelolaan Sampah Skala Rumah Tangga

This community service activity aims to increase community knowledge and skills in managing organic and inorganic waste through ECOMPOSTER (ecobrick and composter) programs. The method of implementing this service used counseling and demonstration methods, including educational activities on waste sorting, training on making ecobrick and compost using the Takakura method, and forming ecomposter cadres. The partners of this service were the people of Wonorejo Village RT. 5 and 6, Satui District, Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan Province. The instrument for evaluating this activity used a knowledge questionnaire which was statistically analyzed with a paired T-test, an attitude questionnaire which was statistically analyzed with the Wilcoxon test, and a final program evaluation questionnaire which was analyzed descriptively. The results of this service showed that there were significant differences in knowledge and attitudes before and after the provision of education, indicated by a p value <0.05 (0.0007) in knowledge and a p-value <0.05 (0.0036) in attitude. In addition, from the results of this activity, 15 households used the Takakura method of compost, and 23 households made ecobricks at their homes.

Evaluation of an Education Program on Community Orientation among Community Health Nurses in Fiji.

The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program to improve community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji. A 1.5-day education program was developed that enabled participants to learn a concept through discussion, as they reviewed their experiences. This study used mixed methods research. The education program involving 78 community health nurses and supervisors was conducted. The 30-item Community Orientation among Community Health Nurses scale, six-item program evaluation questionnaire, and participant reflection sheets were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Program evaluations demonstrated high satisfaction among participants. The content analysis of participant views on community orientation revealed three categories; utilizing community intelligence in community activities, relationships with community members as a community health nurses, and human resource development tool. Our findings suggest that this education program should be held regularly, in conjunction with on-the-job and off-site training.

PREFERENSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN POFESI GURU (PPG): MATERI DAN STRATEGI DIKLAT

This study aims at investigate the preference of teachers professional education program (PP) students toward the effectiveness of the PPG program. The effectiveness and the appropriateness were assessed in two variables, namely the material and the strategy given. This research applied qualitative descriptive design by involved 100 students as the sample. Furthermore, the data was collected through Questionnaire in bases from Google Form-based survey which was adopted from PPG Program Evaluation questionnaire from the Ministry of Education. This study found that 80% and 13% of alumni said that the PPG content such as neither the material nor the strategy were in line with the needs of pre- service English teachers. In sum, from the result, it could be outlined that as many as 93% students satisfied with the Teacher Professional Education Program. Therefore, the program of Teacher Professional Education could be assumed had positive impact.

An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial of a 12-Week Yoga Versus Educational Film Program for the Management of Restless Legs Syndrome: Feasibility and Acceptability.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this pilot trial were to assess the study feasibility and acceptability of the 12-week yoga and educational film programs for the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in preparation for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Materials and Methods: This pilot, parallel-arm, randomized feasibility trial was conducted at two sites, Morgantown, WV and Columbus, OH. Yoga group participants attended 75-min Iyengar yoga classes, twice weekly for 4 weeks, then once a week for 8 weeks (16 total classes), and completed a 30-min homework routine on nonclass days. Educational film group participants attended once weekly, 75-min classes (12 total classes), which included information on RLS and other sleep disorders, RLS management including sleep hygiene practices, and complementary therapies. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes included program satisfaction and recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. In addition, participants were asked their preferences regarding three yoga class schedule scenarios for a future study. Attendance, yoga, and treatment logs were collected weekly. Program evaluation and yoga scheduling questionnaires were collected at week 12. Results: Forty-one adults with moderate to severe RLS were randomized to a 12-week yoga (n = 19) or educational film (n = 22) program. Thirty participants (73%) completed the program. Yoga and education group participants attended an average of 13.0 ± 0.84 (81%) and 10.3 ± 0.3 classes (85%), respectively. Participants from both groups indicated satisfaction with the study. All yoga group respondents to the program evaluation reported they would likely (n = 6) or very likely (n = 7) continue yoga practice; 86.7% of education group respondents (13 of 15) indicated that they were likely (n = 7) or very likely (n = 6) to make lasting changes based on what they had learned. The preferred schedule for a future study was a 16-week study with once-weekly yoga classes. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that a larger RCT comparing yoga with an educational film group for the management of RLS is feasible. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03570515; 02/01/2017.

Incorporating Mobile App Technology in Voice Modification Protocol for Transgender Women

Motivated by practice and feedback principles of motor learning, a hybrid clinic-home protocol for voice feminization was developed to minimize the role of SLPs to 1 of supervision and professional guidance and to maximize learning during independent practice apart from intervention sessions. The purpose was to explore the effectiveness and acceptability of the innovative service delivery. This single-subject changing criterion design included four transgender women who completed a 10-week hybrid clinic-home voice intervention program delivered via 30 -minute weekly in-clinic sessions and a technology-supported home program. The program was client-centered and capitalized on principles of motor learning in that it incorporated frequent practice with intermittent, knowledge-of-result feedback. Participants' desired outcomes were measured using acoustics, self and listener ratings of audio samples, and a program evaluation questionnaire. Average speaking fundamental frequency of phrases and picture descriptions gradually increased into the 170-220 Hz range for all except one participant. All four transgender women were perceived to sound more feminine following treatment compared to baseline. Participants found the in-clinic sessions useful, the app easy to use, and noted limited fatigue or discomfort. Four transwomen met their goals using this hybrid clinic-home service delivery format. Further investigations may elucidate key factors of the success achieved in the current study by designing comparison delivery models and including people from other populations.

Program Evaluation of My Life, My Story: Virtual Storytelling in the COVID-19 Age

ABSTRACT Objectives COVID-19 negatively affected older adults’ well-being and quality of life, particularly individuals with dementia. My Life, My Story (MLMS) was developed at Veterans Health Administration as an opportunity for Veterans to interact and share life stories using guided interviews. This paper describes a program evaluation of MLMS delivered to Veterans with cognitive concerns and their caregivers using telehealth technology during COVID-19. Methods Fourteen Veteran-caregiver dyads completed MLMS interviews with occupational therapy trainees using telehealth technology. Most (10 of 14) participating Veterans had mild-to-moderate dementia. Trainees ascertained Veteran and caregiver demographics such as age and recent cognitive evaluation scores via chart review. Trainees also gathered Veteran-caregiver technology and interview experience through post-interview program evaluation questionnaires. Results Dyads reported generally positive interview and technological experience, despite technological glitches occurring in most (approximately 70%) interviews. Caregivers assisted with videoconferencing setup and participated in ten interviews. Conclusions Veterans with cognitive concerns successfully participated in virtual MLMS interviews during COVID-19. Caregivers enhanced Veteran engagement and often provided technological support. Clinical implications Telehealth technology enabled participation in My Life, My Story by individuals with cognitive concerns and their caregivers. Post pandemic, clinicians may consider integrating telehealth technology with patients facing access challenges.

A Simulation-Based Empathy Enhancement Program for Non-Medical Care Providers of Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study.

ObjectiveStudies using simulation-based programs for empathy enhancement have been conducted mostly for health profession students and medical care providers in Western countries. No empirical research has been conducted for non-medical care providers of older adults in community settings in Asian countries. The purposes of this mixed-methods study were: to explore experiences and perceived usability of non-medical care providers of older adults in a simulation-based empathy enhancement program; and to examine if the program is effective in improving empathy and relevant outcomes. Methods104 non-medical care providers of older adults in South Korea participated in a simulation-based empathy enhancement program in 2018. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires for effectiveness testing, a program evaluation questionnaire, and individual interviews and analyzed using statistical tests and thematic analysis. ResultsCare providers showed higher levels of empathy and lower levels of stress and burnout after the program participation (p<0.05). Qualitative findings supported the improved attitude and care strategies, increased empathy towards older adults, preparing for their own aging, and restoration of emotional stability through the participation in the program. ConclusionThis study suggests that the simulation-based program is useful in promoting empathic responses of non-medical care providers working with older adults.

EVALUATION OF THE TEACHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (PPG): ENGLISH STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE

This study aims to document the assessment of alumni of teachers professional education program (PPG) in Riau University on the effectiveness of the PPG program in preparing prospective professional English teachers. All alumni of the 2018 subsidized PPG program at the University were selected as the sample of this study (15 people). Data was collected through the distribution of a Google form-based survey which was adopted from the PPG program evaluation questionnaire from the Ministry of Education, Higher Education. This study found that from the curriculum aspect, 84.6% of alumni said that the PPG curriculum content was in accordance with the needs of pre-service English teachers. However, 76.9% of participants stated that most of the material had been studied when they were in the undergraduate program. In terms of learning facilities, only 23.1% answered that they were satisfied with PPG facilities. 46.2% of them stated that the lecture room was not feasible. From the aspect of organizing services to students, only 42.6% said they were satisfied. The rest answered simply enough. From the aspect of the impact of the program, 69.2% of participants admitted that PPG had a significant impact on the development of their teaching profession. The greatest impact is on the aspect of both professional and pedagogical competencies. Thus, even though PPG is generally considered to be running quite well and has a positive impact, there are several aspects that need to be the attention of PPG organizers for the improvement of PPG in the future.

Quality of Hospital Infection Control Programs in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A National Survey

Background: One of the strategies to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and promote the quality of disease prevention and control actions is the creation of a hospital infection control program. This program is a set of deliberately and systematically developed actions aimed toward reducing the incidence and severity of infections to the maximum extent possible. In Brazil, studies on the subject still need to be improved; they focus on structural and process assessments, especially the survey of continuing education indicators as a quality requirement for the prevention of HAIs. The organizational context does not contribute to the success of the program, and difficulties remain in implementing recommendations and in implementing patient safety policies. Objective: To analyze hospital infection control programs in relation to quality components. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in health services located in the 5 official regions of Brazil: Midwest, Northeast, North, Southeast, and South. To select the study sites, nonprobabilistic sampling using the snowball technique was used. The potential study population consisted of 114 hospital infection control services. Health professionals responded to the structured instrument sent electronically via e-mail, and other health services near their locality, until reaching a national proportion. We used the “Hospital Infection Control Program Evaluation Questionnaire”; it consists of 36 multiple-choice questions. This tool was validated by 96 expert judges using the Cronbach’s alpha test (0.82) and the content validity index (0.88). A data analysis was performed using the multivariate principal component analysis technique (PCA). Results: Overall, 13 PCA components (Fig. 1) were used to build a score for measuring the performance of the hospital infection control program (ie, IQPC score). The Southern region had the best performance of the hospital infection control program (mi = 1.50; P = .02) (Fig. 2), private administration (mi = 0.45; P = .05), of hospitals that contained 300 beds or (mi = 1.38; P &lt; .01), hospitals that used the NHSN criterion for HAI surveillance (mi = 2.12; P &lt; .01), and those who searched prospective activity as a surveillance method (mi = 0.51; P &lt; .01). Conclusions: The quality of nosocomial infection control programs still needs to be improved among health services, highlighting the need to invest in small, publicly managed hospitals that use retrospective active surveillance methods.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Improving remote lifestyle intervention studies in children: Participant and caregiver feedback of the smart heart study

ObjectivesWe sought to describe and analyze the quantitative and qualitative feedback obtained from participants and their caregivers of the Smart Heart study, a successful 12-month lifestyle intervention for children with overweight or obesity and congenital heart disease that provided remote lifestyle counseling, to improve future lifestyle interventions in children. MethodsThirty-six participants and caregivers were polled using a standard program evaluation questionnaire at the end of the intervention. Feedback was compiled into themes, and facilitators and barriers to program success were identified. ResultsThere was a high level of satisfaction with the intervention and staff interactions as well as a low perceived burden of participation. There were also specific concerns, including mixed impressions regarding technology usage and a less impressive indication of actual impactful behavior change. ConclusionsThe study identified five themes, and corresponding facilitators and barriers to participant compliance, from the Smart Heart intervention feedback and offered suggestions for improving future lifestyle behavioral intervention study designs in children. Practice implicationsRemote smartphone counseling is effective and efficient. It is recommended that the counseling messages are specific, the counseling schedule is patient-centric, patient burden is limited, methods with immediate patient feedback are used and family is included when feasible.

Avaliação dos impactos do programa de intervenção Incredible years teacher classroom management (IY TCM)

O professor pode atuar, em sua interação cotidiana, com seu aluno, promovendo suas habilidades sociais e prevenindo seus problemas de comportamento. Nessa direção, foram avaliados os impactos de um programa de intervenção universal em grupo, o Incredible years teacher classroom management. Participaram seis professoras de três escolas de educação infantil. Os instrumentos foram: (a) Inventário de boas práticas (Vale,&#x0D; 2011), (b) Escala de comportamentos sociais de pré-escolares (Merrell, 2002), (c) Questionário de avaliação do workshop (Webster-Stratton, 2012), (d) Questionário de avaliação do programa (Webster-Stratton, 2012) e (e) o programa IY TCM (Webster-Stratton, 2012). Constataram-se diferenças significativas entre pré e pós-teste (p &lt; 0,05) tanto em relação às estratégias de gestão de sala de aula das participantes quanto nas habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamentos das crianças. O programa IY TCM apresentou fortes evidências científicas positivas às professoras da educação infantil ao fortalecer e promover os fatores de proteção ao desenvolvimento infantil.

Project ECHO: a Potential Best-Practice Tool for Training Healthcare Providers in Oral Cancer Screening and Tobacco Cessation.

The oral cancer pandemic and inadvertent tobacco consumption have rendered timely oral cavity screening and tobacco cessation essential, skills which most healthcare providers (HCPs) lack. Project "Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes" (ECHO) is a proven best-practice tool for virtual telementoring of primary care providers by experts at academic health centers, in managing complex medical conditions in rural, expert-deficient setups. For the first time, our organization in India has utilized this method for training HCPs in oral cancer screening, across the country and abroad. The program comprised eight, weekly, hour-long sessions, on oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation, hosted online by our Organization (hub) through the Zoom web-conferencing application, with 48 HCPs (spokes) attending from their respective locations (pan-India, n = 47; Libya, n = 1). Each session comprised one expert-led didactic and two participant-led case presentations, culminating with educative discussions. Participants filled out online, program-evaluation (pre and post) questionnaires having 10 similar, multiple-choice questions each (score for every correct response = 1); total responses were later statistically analyzed. Lesser participants completed the post-evaluation questionnaire which could be due to it being optional, their busy schedule, or apprehension of being assessed. The program evaluation results illustrate a significant knowledge gain among participants regarding oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation, i.e., from a mean knowledge score of 6.7 in pre-evaluation to 7.4 in post-evaluation (p < 0.05). Thus, the ECHO model can be utilized as a convenient, cost-effective, large-scale, best-practice, telementoring tool for training HCPs in oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation, especially in populous, resource-deficient countries.

Acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week yoga vs. educational film program for the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common and burdensome sleep disorder associated with profound impairment of health, well-being, and quality of life. Unfortunately, the medications used for RLS management carry risk of serious side effects, including augmentation of symptoms. Yoga, an ancient mind-body discipline designed to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, may offer a viable, low-risk new treatment. The primary objectives of this pilot, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week yoga vs. educational film program for the management of RLS.MethodsForty-four adults with confirmed moderate to severe RLS will be recruited and randomized to a 12-week yoga (n = 22) or standardized educational film program (N = 22). Yoga group participants will attend two 75-min Iyengar yoga classes per week for the first 4 weeks, then one 75-min class per week for the remaining 8 weeks, and will complete a 30-min homework routine on non-class days. Educational film group participants will attend one 75-min class per week for 12 weeks and complete a daily RLS treatment log; classes will include information on: RLS management, including sleep hygiene practices; other sleep disorders; and complementary therapies likely to be of interest to those participating in a yoga and sleep education study.Yoga and treatment logs will be collected weekly. Feasibility outcomes will include recruitment, enrollment, and randomization rates, retention, adherence, and program satisfaction. Program evaluation and yoga-dosing questionnaires will be collected at week 12; data on exploratory outcomes (e.g., RLS symptom severity (IRLS), sleep quality (PSQI), mood (POMS, PSS), and health-related quality of life (SF-36)) will be gathered at baseline and week 12.DiscussionThis study will lay the essential groundwork for a planned larger RCT to determine the efficacy of a yoga program for reducing symptoms and associated burden of RLS. If the findings of the current trial and the subsequent larger RCTs are positive, this study will also help support a new approach to clinical treatment of this challenging disorder, help foster improved understanding of RLS etiology, and ultimately contribute to reducing the individual, societal, and economic burden associated with this condition.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03570515. Retrospectively registered on 1 February 2017.

The Home Program Evaluation Questionnaire – HoPE-Q – for Infants with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: Development and Psychometric Properties

To develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Home Program Evaluation Questionnaire (HoPE-Q), a novel tool designed to assess the effectiveness of home treatment programs for infants with hemiplegia. The HoPE-Q includes a pre- and a postintervention version and items that relate to Child’s Function, Parents’ Competence, and their Expectations and Satisfaction from the program. The research was performed in three stages. The first stage consisted of item construction and content validity, followed by the analyses of the tool’s reliability and construct validity. The final stage involved the examination of the tool’s sensitivity to determine its suitability as an outcome measure of the effectiveness of home programs for infants with hemiplegia. Results showed moderate-to-high internal consistency (α = 0.65–0.85) and high test–retest reliability in Child’s Function and Parents’ Competence (r = 0.75, r = 0.76) respectively (p = 0.01). Evidence for Construct Validity, was demonstrated by significant group difference in the Child’s Function (t(74)=-12.3, p ≤ 0.001) and Parents’ Competence (t(68) = −3.7, p = 0.01), and high sensitivity to change after treatment was presented in Child’s Function (F(32,1) = 49.38) and Parents Competence (F(32,1) = 26.72) (p ≤ 0.001). Preliminary data support the validity and reliability of the HoPE-Q as well as its suitability as an outcome measure, thereby providing a means of examining the effectiveness of home intervention programs for infants with hemiplegia.

İlkokul 2. Sınıf İngilizce Öğretim Programının Değerlendirilmesi: Tokat Örneklemi

This research study was carried out in Tokat province with 101 active English language teachers in 2nd grade primary state schools in 2016-2017 Academic Year in order to analyse the active English language teachers’ opinions on the 2nd Grade English language teaching program launched in 2013 in primary state schools focusing on its general characteristics, content, objectives and assessment aspects. Mixed research method was used in the study. As a quantitative technique, “Teachers’ Program Evaluation Questionnaire”, which was formed by the researchers based on the relevant review of the literature, was conducted. As for the qualitative data collection, semi-structured interviews were done with 10 active English teachers teaching students at the 2nd grade primary state schools in Tokat. The quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics through SPSS 22. Additionally, content analysis was applied to analyse the qualitative data. According to the findings of the study, participant teachers’ opinions are relatively positive on general characteristics, content, objectives and assessment aspects of the program; however, they believe that the program has some deficiencies to be revised and supplemented by taking the opinions of all users of the program into consideration.

Treatment of Pathological Worry in Children With Acceptance‐Based Behavioural Therapy and a Multisensory Learning Aide: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to provide an initial test of the efficacy of acceptance‐based behavioural therapy in reducing pathological worry and anxious symptomology in children. A secondary objective was to examine the benefit of supplementing standard acceptance‐based behavioural therapy with a multisensory learning aide (MSA). The MSA provides kinaesthetic, tactile, and visual stimuli to facilitate children's understanding of acceptance‐based behavioural therapy principles and the development of acceptance‐ and mindfulness‐based skills.MethodTwo variations of an acceptance‐based behavioural therapy treatment were administered over 8 weeks to children aged 7–11 years: a standard acceptance‐based behavioural therapy treatment condition, and a condition that supplemented acceptance‐based behavioural therapy with a novel MSA. Anxious symptomology and pathological worry were measured at pre‐treatment and post‐treatment. A program evaluation questionnaire was also administered to parents at post‐treatment.ResultsResults demonstrated that children in the acceptance‐based behavioural therapy with a novel MSA condition reported significant reductions in worry and anxious symptomology at post‐treatment. Furthermore, parents in this condition reported the model to be effective in helping their children understand concepts of acceptance, defusion, and meta‐cognition.ConclusionsThe present study found that acceptance‐based behavioural therapy, adapted for children and supplemented with a novel multisensory aide designed specifically to enhance treatment, led to reductions in child‐reported worry and parent‐reported anxiety. Parental feedback suggested that the multisensory aide was highly acceptable, and that it may have facilitated children's understanding of abstract therapeutic principles.

Acceptability and satisfaction of project MOVE: A pragmatic feasibility trial aimed at increasing physical activity in female breast cancer survivors.

ObjectiveDespite the physical and psychological health benefits associated with physical activity (PA) for breast cancer (BC) survivors, up to 70% of female BC survivors are not meeting minimum recommended PA guidelines. The objective of this study was to evaluate acceptability and satisfaction with Project MOVE, an innovative approach to increase PA among BC survivors through the combination of microgrants and financial incentives.MethodsA mixed‐methods design was used. Participants were BC survivors and support individuals with a mean age of 58.5 years. At 6‐month follow‐up, participants completed a program evaluation questionnaire (n = 72) and participated in focus groups (n = 52) to explore their experience with Project MOVE.ResultsParticipants reported that they were satisfied with Project MOVE (86.6%) and that the program was appropriate for BC survivors (96.3%). Four main themes emerged from focus groups: (1) acceptability and satisfaction of Project MOVE, detailing the value of the model in developing tailored group‐base PA programs; (2) the importance of Project MOVE leaders, highlighting the value of a leader that was organized and a good communicator; (3) breaking down barriers with Project MOVE, describing how the program helped to address common BC related barriers; and (4) motivation to MOVE, outlining how the microgrants enabled survivors to be active, while the financial incentive motivated them to increase and maintain their PA.ConclusionThe findings provide support for the acceptability of Project MOVE as a strategy for increasing PA among BC survivors.