Program Deliverables Research Articles

The Mellow Babies parenting programme: role of group processes and interpersonal change mechanisms

IntroductionGroup-based parenting programmes have specific mechanisms of change compared to individual delivery. The Mechanisms of Action in Group-based Interventions framework (MAGI); distinguishes between interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms of change. This paper articulates a theory of change for Mellow Babies, a 14-week attachment-based group parenting programme for mothers of infants aged under 18 months, identifying the inter and intrapersonal change processes.MethodsThirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers and practitioners who participated in Mellow Babies, including twenty post-group interviews and nine telephone fidelity checks. Data were analysed using Deductive Qualitative Analysis based on the components identified within the MAGI framework.ResultsKey interpersonal change mechanisms included: 1. Normalisation through social comparisons; 2. Validation and cognitive reframing through group feedback; 3. Peer support, offering accountability for the implementation of new habits, and providing opportunities to give and receive advice; and 4. Social and experiential learning, including internalisation of group responses leading to increased self-compassion. Intrapersonal change mechanisms were: 1. Developing new self-insight, including parenting self-awareness; 2. Increasing parenting knowledge and understanding of infant development; 3. Having time and space for self; 4. Motivation to implement new habits. Interpersonal change mechanisms had a moderating role on intrapersonal change mechanisms and subsequent programme outcomes.DiscussionThe contribution of group processes and interpersonal mechanisms of change are often overlooked within programme evaluations. Findings from this study implicate their mediating role on intrapersonal change mechanisms and subsequent programme outcomes. It is important for programme deliverers and evaluators to understand the interrelationships between group processes, change mechanisms and programme outcomes to optimise efficacy and ensure cross-contextual replicability.

Transferability of the NHS low-calorie diet programme: A qualitative exploration of factors influencing the programme's transfer ahead of wide-scale adoption.

Although behavioural interventions have been found to help control type 2 diabetes (T2D), it is important to understand how the delivery context can influence implementation and outcomes. The NHS committed to testing a low-calorie diet (LCD) programme designed to support people living with excess weight and T2D to lose weight and improve diabetes outcomes. Understanding what influenced implementation during the programme pilot is important in optimising rollout. This study explored the transferability of the NHS LCD Programme prior to wider adoption. Twenty-five interviews were undertaken with stakeholders involved in implementing the LCD programme in pilot sites (health service leads, referring health professionals and programme deliverers). Interviews with programme participants (people living with T2D) were undertaken within a larger programme of work, exploring what worked, for whom and why, which is reported separately. The conceptual Population-Intervention-Environment-Transfer Model of Transferability (PIET-T) guided study design and data collection. Constructs of the model were also used as a deductive coding frame during data analysis. Key themes were identified which informed recommendations to optimise programme transfer. Population: Referral strategies in some areas lacked consideration of population characteristics. Many believed that offering a choice of delivery model would promote acceptability and accessibility of the eligible population. Overall, stakeholders had confidence in the LCD programme due to the robust evidence base along with anecdotal evidence, but some felt the complex referral process hindered engagement from GP practices. Stakeholders described barriers to accessing the programme, including language and learning difficulties. Transferability: Multidisciplinary working and effective communication supported successful implementation. Referral strategies to reach underrepresented groups should be considered during programme transfer, along with timely data from service providers on access and programme benefits. A choice of delivery models may optimise uptake. Knowledge sharing between sites on good working practices is encouraged, including increasing engagement with key stakeholders.

Universal mental health training for frontline professionals (UMHT)’s feasibility analysis

Background Universal Mental Health Training for Frontline Professionals (UMHT) is an educational programme developed and piloted in Ukraine in 2021-2023 to bridge the mental health treatment gap. The UMHT trains frontline professionals (FLPs) to interact with, support, and refer individuals with mental health conditions for professional help. Methods To assess the UMHT feasibility, we used statistics on the actual use of the programme, as well as data from satisfaction and usability surveying of 144 programme deliverers and 714 trained frontline professionals. A combination of Kruskal-Wallis and Post Hoc Dunn tests was used to identify statistically significant intergroup differences in the UMHT usability. Results All the characteristics defined to assess the UMHT showed its feasibility. Programme’s demand increased through years of implementation (2021, 2022, 2023) in terms of the numbers of training events (27, 35, 90), trained frontline professionals (596, 779, 1548), involved donors and supporters (1, 4, 9) and local and countrywide implementers (2, 10, 18). The UMHT acceptability as satisfaction with the programme content and delivery is 4.81 (0.291) for the UMHT trainers and 4.78 (0.434) for trained FLPs. The UMHT preparedness to use trained skills after participation in the training events is 4.57 (0.438) for the UMHT trainers and 4.46 (0.650) for trained FLPs. The highest rates of usability of all UMHT skills were found for educators (0.68 [0.118]), police officers (0.67 [0.098]), and social workers (0.66 [0.113]). Conclusions The UMHT offers a universal frame of interaction with people with mental health conditions for frontline professionals. Assessment of the UMHT feasibility shows the programme’s potential for further development and implementation. Programme trainers as its deliverers and frontline professionals as its recipients report high satisfaction with training content and delivery as well as preparedness to apply gained knowledge and skills in practice.

Exploring the impact of a coach development programme through the perspectives of Saudi Arabian sport coaches

ABSTRACT Background: National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) invest significant resources into the design and delivery of learning and development opportunities for sport coaches. This has attracted the attention of sport coaching scholars, who are now focussing their efforts on better understanding the principles of effective coach learning and development. This work has led to principles associated with democratic forms of education being drawn upon to inform how coach learning could be thought about. However, this work to date has almost exclusively focussed on learning from educational programmes where the coaches are known to the coach development/research team, the programmes have been delivered face-to-face, and/or cultural considerations and expectations have not been a factor. With an international interest in sport coaching, coach education is now receiving attention beyond the western world, where coaches are not always known to coach developers prior to the start of an educational programme. These issues requiring research attention. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of an online educational programme based on democratic principles to a group of Saudi Arabian coaches working in participation and/or developmental coaching contexts. Methods: An online programme based on democratic education principles (i.e. a focus on dialogue and collaboration) took place over a nine-week period with 13 Saudi Arabian football coaches based in Saudi Arabia. Coaches were recruited through communications about the study being sent to clubs based in Riyadh, with those interested asked to contact the second author. Reflective conversations were used at two-time points; once before the educational programme to learn about the coaches and their coaching, then again afterwards to capture the perceived impact and value of the programme. Observations of seven of the 13 coaches took place prior to the educational programme with these data used alongside the first reflective conversation data to inform the programme design. Data were treated to thematic analysis. Results and discussion: Three themes were generated from the analysis. These were (1) making connections between prior and new pedagogical knowledge, (2) collaborative learning as a means of enhancing coach understanding, and (3) credibility of programme deliverers. Learning about the coaches through the reflective conversations, coach observations, and the initial face-to-face workshops supported the development of content relevant to what coaches wanted and needed to know more about. The ways in which this content was delivered through providing opportunities for coaches to discuss ideas with the education team and other coaches to understand connections between theory and practice seemed an important part of why coaches perceived the content to impact their practice. However, it was the coaches’ perceptions regarding the credibility of the educators that perhaps explained why content was so wilfully accepted as being ‘right’, and thus perceived to have been implemented into practice.

Understanding the challenges of injury in providing sport programmes for physically inactive women: concept mapping insights from programme deliverers

ObjectivesInjury/poor health is an important barrier to women’s participation in sport and physical activity. This study aimed to identify perceived challenges sport programme deliverers face when supporting physically inactive women...

Nurse managers' perceptions of the prospective acceptability of an implementation leadership training programme: A qualitative descriptive study.

To explore the prospective acceptability of an implementation leadership training programme prototype for nurse managers in China to implement evidence-based practices, from the perspectives of potential programme participants and deliverers. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Spring 2022 at three tertiary hospitals in Hunan, China. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with unit-level nurse managers (n = 14), including 12 potential participants, and two potential deliverers that have been involved in developing the programme prototype. Interview questions and thematic analysis were guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. After reviewing the programme content, potential participants and deliverers reported that unit nurse managers would benefit from engaging in the programme, acknowledging that the programme fit with professional nursing values for implementing research evidence. They expressed positive views about being involved in producing academic papers through the training process, and interactive multi-modal training activities such as group work, experience-sharing and coaching. Seven participants were not very confident about being fully engaged in the training, as they could not navigate the English research literature. Both participants and deliverers highlighted factors that would influence their participation, including time constraints, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support from senior organizational leadership. The training programme prototype was perceived to be useful and acceptable. The multimodal training activities were considered a strength and managers expressed an interest in writing academic papers about their implementation processes. Support from senior hospital leaders and programme deliverers was identified as critical to the training programme's success. The study helps understand nurse managers' perceptions and concerns of participating in an implementation leadership training programme and could inform the development and refinement of similar programmes in various nursing contexts globally.

O.2.2-10 Preventing and managing injuries in social sport programs

Abstract Purpose Safety is critical to participant recruitment and retention in social sport programs targeting insufficiently active (IA) people as their lack of fitness and limited previous exposure to physical activity likely places them at a higher risk of injury. This study sought to understand the injury prevention/management qualifications, knowledge, confidence and practices of program deliverers (coaches or instructors) across four social sport/active recreation programs targeting insufficiently active women. Methods Between 2021 and 2022, we sent an online survey via text message to 83 program deliverers in Victoria, Australia after they had delivered their social sport/active recreation programs to 1674 insufficiently active women. Delivers were asked their: age and gender; years delivering sport/physical activity programs targeting insufficiently active adults; injury prevention/management qualifications; and what injury prevention/management measures they undertook during programs. They also rated their knowledge of injury prevention/management measures (0 = none; 10 = comprehensive); and their confidence incorporating such measures into a program (0 = none; 10 = extremely). We analysed data using descriptive statistics. Results Sixty-eight program deliverers (response rate 82%) completed the deliverer survey. Their experience in delivering programs to insufficiently active participants was limited (62% < two years) but nearly all (90%) reported providing some form of injury prevention/management advice to program participants — warm up or cool down, activity recovery, skill or technique, and/or corrective footwear were most common, but the type of advice provided differed across the programs. Forty percent reported no formal injury prevention/management qualifications. Their mean self-rated knowledge of injury prevention/management measures was 5.7 out of 10 and their mean confidence rating for incorporating such measures into programs was 6.0. Nearly half (46%) reported low confidence (≤5 out of 10;). Conclusions While most program deliverers lacked formal qualifications, had limited injury prevention/management knowledge and/or low confidence, they provided some form of injury prevention/management advice to participants. Program delivers would benefit from increased injury prevention/management knowledge, capacity and/or capability to assist with the program experience, reduce injury risk for IA participants, and hopefully improve deliverer confidence. Advice given by deliverers with limited knowledge and experience should be monitored. Support/Funding Source Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

Adaptations to a statewide walking program: Use of iterative feedback cycles between research and delivery systems improves fit for over 10 years.

FitEx is an 8-week, group-based physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption program co-created and implemented with the Cooperative Extension System. Effectiveness and delivery personnel perceptions of the program are promising; however, ongoing adaptations are required to continuously meet shifting needs of both researchers and delivery systems. We applied the APDER iterative cycles of implementation over 15 years to understand dynamic and ongoing adaptations as well as implications for FitEx sustainability. Each year, an IRPP between delivery (FitEx deliverers) and research (FitEx developers) systems shared feedback on program core elements and strategies for adaptation through regular team meetings, emails, and evaluations. While the core elements (delivering to groups, goal setting, feedback, and self-monitoring) of FitEx remained consistent, changes were made to address logistical factors, emergent research questions, and technological advancements. For example, program deliverers suggested decreasing training time and making program content available on demand rather than through traditional in-person training. Using APDER with a long-standing IRPP allowed the delivery system to provide feedback to program developers to co-create ongoing adaptations and data-driven decisions. Future work in response to shifting needs includes Fitbit integration and technological updates to the usability of the FitEx platform. Our aim is to report the 15+ years of applying the Assess, Plan, Do, Evaluate, Report (APDER) process with an integrated research-practice partnership (IRPP) for co-creation of ongoing adaptations of FitEx and to share methods for capturing relevant data for decision-making to integrate health promotion programs in community settings.

Experiences and perceived outcomes of a grocery gift card programme for households at risk of food insecurity.

This study explored programme recipients' and deliverers' experiences and perceived outcomes of accessing or facilitating a grocery gift card (GGC) programme from I Can for Kids (iCAN), a community-based programme that provides GGC to low-income families with children. This qualitative descriptive study used Freedman et al's framework of nutritious food access to guide data generation and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020. Data were analysed using directed content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach. Fifty-four participants were purposively recruited, including thirty-seven programme recipients who accessed iCAN's GGC programme and seventeen programme deliverers who facilitated it. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Three themes were generated from the data. First, iCAN's GGC programme promoted a sense of autonomy and dignity among programme recipients as they appreciated receiving financial support, the flexibility and convenience of using GGC, and the freedom to select foods they desired. Recipients perceived these benefits improved their social and emotional well-being. Second, recipients reported that the use of GGC improved their households' dietary patterns and food skills. Third, both participant groups identified programmatic strengths and limitations. Programme recipients reported that iCAN's GGC programme provided them with dignified access to nutritious food and improved their households' finances, dietary patterns, and social and emotional well-being. Increasing the number of GGC provided to households on each occasion, establishing clear and consistent criteria for distributing GGC to recipients, and increasing potential donors' awareness of iCAN's GGC programme may augment the amount of support iCAN could provide to households.

Anatomy Education in Nigeria: A Study of Program Curricula Toward Advancing Training and Improving Program Outcomes.

BackgroundAnatomy education in this context refers to the training of anatomists particularly in the university or college setting with an emphasis on equipping them with skills to be biomedical researchers and scientists, educators, and providers of applied or allied health services. There has been a recurring call to carefully evaluate and scrutinize biomedical science programs in Nigerian universities. This study considered the anatomy curriculum in representative Nigerian institutions with an emphasis on their philosophy, program design, program objectives, and program contents among other considerations.Materials and methodsStructured and validated questionnaires, electronic, were administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data from heads of the anatomy department in representative institutions. Head of anatomy departments in 11 representative institutions returned their properly completed questionnaires, representing over 60% return rate of the target representative institutions. Quantitative data sets were analyzed and presented as tables, charts, and figures. Qualitative data in the form of free responses were analyzed and presented based on themes.ResultsDegree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, are currently offered in respondents’ universities. The curricula are generally robust in scope and depth of content as they address all the main domains of anatomy or anatomical sciences, especially gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroscience, and physical anthropology in many instances. The average duration for the bachelor’s program (BSc) is 4 years, master's 2 years, and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) 3-5 years. Analysis of the main methods of training indicated that the programs include significant coursework at every level as well as the main research project leading to the presentation of a dissertation or thesis. We also identified gaps in training, with emphasis on transferable skills, which must be addressed in line with modern realities in basic medical sciences.Conclusion We consider it a necessity to equip graduates at all levels of training with competencies that are directly and clearly aligned with the roles that graduates of the program should play in workplaces. We, therefore, recommend that curricula be reviewed to emphasize competencies in scientific investigations, transferable skills, and science education. Specific cutting-edge skills and research methods should be included in alignment with overall program objectives and deliverables.

Process evaluation of We Can Quit- stop-smoking programme for women in socio-disadvantage in Ireland

Abstract Background Smoking tobacco poses a serious risk of early preventable death and disease for women living with socioeconomic disadvantage (SED). A smoking cessation programme ‘We Can Quit' (WCQ) tailored to women living in four SED areas developed in Ireland included group support delivered by trained lay local women and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The intervention was pilot tested in a community-based, cluster randomised controlled trial, ‘We Can Quit 2'. Results of an embedded process evaluation to assess feasibility and acceptability of the programme and trial processes are presented. Methods The design was qualitative using the Medical Research Council's (MRC) process evaluation framework. Semi-structured interviews with trial participants (N = 18) and Community Facilitators (CFs) who delivered WCQ (N = 8) were conducted. An inductive approach was used and data were analysed using thematic coding. Results Peer-modelling, a non-judgemental environment, and CFs supportive role were viewed as facilitative elements of group support. Potential for broader message diffusion into the social networks of participating women was observed. Participants reported that free access to NRT was helpful for cessation. Some participants expressed concerns about NRT side effects. Community pharmacists provided important guidance relating to NRT and additional support between group sessions. Provision of a saliva samples proved challenging. Low literacy was a barrier to engagement with the programme and completion of trial-related materials. Hypothetical scenarios of direct or indirect observational fidelity assessment for a definitive trial (DT) were acceptable. Conclusions The MRC framework proved useful to capture the experience of women smokers in SED areas of engaging with a community-based smoking cessation trial. Programme and trial-related processes were feasible and acceptable. A future DT will need to address low literacy. Key messages A group-based stop-smoking programme including free NRT was acceptable and feasible to programme deliverers and women smokers living in disadvantaged communities. Women’s low literacy was a barrier to engagement with trial and completion of programme materials.

Managing raw and starting materials for viral vector manufacture: managing risk and staying flexible

<div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://cdn.insights.bio/uploads/Eric Hacherlsq.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> Eric Hacherl holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. As the Head of Manufacturing, he is responsible for Internal and External Manufacturing, Materials Management, Shipping &amp; Receiving and Manufacturing Science &amp; Technology. Eric joined Spark in September 2020 with over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. His functional expertise lies in Operations, Supply Chain and Manufacturing Science &amp; Technology. His focus has been primarily on vaccines and large molecule manufacturing. Prior to joining Spark, he was the Site General Manager and VP of Operations for Catalent Gene Therapy in Baltimore, MD. </div></div></div><div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://cdn.insights.bio/uploads/Klem photo 200x200.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> Christopher Klem is an experienced professional specializing in technical and logistical oversight of external/contract manufacturing operations in the emerging gene therapy space. Effectively managed external manufacturing projects for over 15 years, specializing in relationship building and execution of program deliverables. Current experience in oversight of all aspects of outsourced supply chain partnerships: drug substance, drug product, secondary packaging and specialty distribution of commercial and clinical gene therapy products. Also have managed and directed internal Primary and Secondary operations in both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, directing large multi-tiered teams to meet internal manufacturing objectives. </div></div></div><div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://cdn.insights.bio/uploads/Galbraith photo 200x200.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> Mark Galbraith has worked in the biopharmaceutical industry for 20 years, where he has gained diverse experience and knowledge in all phases of product development from preclinical to commercial. Mark began his career at Merck &amp; Co, where he held positions of increasing responsibility in several functional areas related to vaccine clinical development and vaccine commercial manufacturing including analytical R&amp;D, regulatory sciences, commercial analytical support, and quality control operations. Mark continued to develop his career in quality control management and analytical development by directing the quality control activities at Celldex Therapeutics, Bristol Myers-Squibb, and Gilead Sciences. Mark has gained a broad knowledge of vaccines, biotechnology products, sterile pharmaceuticals, and now gene therapy. Mark is currently serving as Head of Quality Control and Analytical Sciences for Spark Therapeutics Inc. in Philadelphia, PA. Spark is a leader in the field of gene therapy, seeking to transform the lives of patients by developing potential one-time, life-altering treatments for debilitating genetic diseases. </div></div></div><div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://cdn.insights.bio/uploads/Ryan Bartock sq.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> Ryan Bartock is Vice President and Head of Technical Strategy &amp; Operations at Spark Therapeutics, a fully integrated gene therapy company and member of the Roche family of companies. Ryan joined Spark Therapeutics as Head of Supply Chain and Network Strategy in 2017 where he established the Supply Chain function and launched the first ever FDA approved Gene therapy. His current responsibilities include leading the Supply Chain and CMC Program Management functions, as well as strategic initiatives across Research, Technical and Commercial organizations. He is also interim Head of Technical Development, overseeing Process and Analytical development, Automation and Pre-Clinical Operations. Ryan holds BSc in Engineering and Business from Drexel University. His 18 years of industry experience spans pre-clinical and clinical development, manufacturing operations, supply chain, CMC, corporate strategy and new product launches at both GSK and Merck. </div></div></div>

The current implementation of Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center cycling injury prevention exercises among male elite cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council

Background/purpose Cyclists are expected to present with sport-related injuries. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center provided exercises for preventing the most common injuries in cycling. We aimed to survey the compliance with Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center exercises among cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It is expected that most cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are implementing these exercises as part of their warm-up sessions. Methods This cross-sectional online survey collected the participants’ demographic characteristics (country, age, and sex) and assessed their compliance with the programme. Results Four-hundred and twenty-three cyclists responded, of which 52% were aged 20–29 years. The pelvic control exercise was the most implemented (56%), followed by the elephant and isolated pelvic rotation exercises (54%); the single-leg pelvic rotation exercise was the least implemented (46%). The implementation rate did not differ significantly according to age or country. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported the highest mean implementation scores, while the United Arab Emirates reported the lowest Conclusions The implementation rate of Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center exercises was low among cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. There is a need to increase awareness between players, programme deliverers, and policymakers and educate them about the importance of implementing such programmes in injury reduction.

Implementation of Disaster PrepWise, an Online Disaster Preparation Tool for Older Adults

Older adults are less prepared for disaster situations than younger adults due to expenses, complicated preparation processes, and lack of support. We previously developed and tested a disaster preparedness program for older adults and showed its impact on improving preparedness and personal emergency support network. Using a 5-step community-engaged approach and in collaboration with our Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB), we adapted this Disaster PrepWise program to an online platform and developed implementation plans within existing community-based service infrastructure. Community engagement processes allowed us to create an online tool that was considered “important” and “useful” by older adults and program deliverers. In terms of reach, 73 potential participants attended an introductory presentation and 47 participated. Those who participated were similar to those who did not in terms of gender and race. Twenty-seven participants completed surveys before and one-month after the program and reported engaging in an average of 2.9 additional recommended behaviors after intervention (t(26)=2.85, p=0.00). The major organizational barrier to adoption was limited staff time. Participating older adults reported adopting what they learned through the program in their daily life. Implementation process data showed multiple modifications made during delivery including delivery of the program in one instead of two sessions. The implementing organization reported their likelihood of maintaining this program within their practice as “extremely likely.” Community-engaged approaches and process data led to an acceptable and useful program and implementation strategies that helped enhance preparedness behaviors among older adults. Future work will focus on program dissemination and larger scale evaluation.

Process Evaluation of an Email-based Walking Program with Extension Educators

This study evaluated the implementation process of an email-based walking program from the perspectives of program deliverers. Twenty-four Extension Educators participated in the process evaluation. We used an online survey to examine the perceptions of the implementation process of Get WalkIN’, a twelve-week email-based walking program. Educators agreed that the provided program training and recruitment materials were sufficient for successful program delivery. Program implementation involved sending emails to program participants at least weekly. Educators also agreed that the program was easy to deliver and took twenty minutes or less to implement each week. Strengths and areas for program improvement are discussed. Suggestions included training on evaluation measures, inclusion of a process to send emails via tablets instead of only desktops, and ideas for engaging participants during program delivery. While the outcomes of this email-based program show positive behavior changes without face-to-face interaction between participants and Extension Educators, the face-to-face interactions familiar to Extension staff were still desired. Results will be used to improve implementation. Findings from this study can facilitate the development and implementation of other email-based Extension programs.

Planning injury prevention training for youth handball players: application of the generalisable six-step intervention development process

BackgroundYouth handball players are vulnerable to injuries. Because there is no available injury prevention training specifically developed for youth handball players targeting both upper and lower limbs or incorporating psychological...

Does institutional intervention achieve intended outcomes The case of a professional accountancy organisation

The impact of donor-funded interventions has been a subject of raging controversy over the many years of donor support. This paper assesses, through the lens of resource dependence theory (RDT), the impact of donor-funded interventions on a professional accountancy organisation (PAO) and to describe how the intervention has influenced the PAO operations and activities. A qualitative research design was adopted where data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the key principal officers of the PAO. The empirical results show a general acknowledgement among the interviewees of the positive impact of the intervention on the activities of the PAO. However, the biggest challenge encountered in the implementation of the funded intervention is the counterpart funding provided by the PAO. Moreover, the level of participation by the PAO in the determination of program deliverables was not as expected. The findings of the paper have implications for future donor support to professional accountancy organisations in other developing countries.

Does institutional intervention achieve intended outcomes The case of a professional accountancy organisation

The impact of donor-funded interventions has been a subject of raging controversy over the many years of donor support. This paper assesses, through the lens of resource dependence theory (RDT), the impact of donor-funded interventions on a professional accountancy organisation (PAO) and to describe how the intervention has influenced the PAO operations and activities. A qualitative research design was adopted where data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the key principal officers of the PAO. The empirical results show a general acknowledgement among the interviewees of the positive impact of the intervention on the activities of the PAO. However, the biggest challenge encountered in the implementation of the funded intervention is the counterpart funding provided by the PAO. Moreover, the level of participation by the PAO in the determination of program deliverables was not as expected. The findings of the paper have implications for future donor support to professional accountancy organisations in other developing countries.

The importance of relationships in adolescent risk behaviour prevention

Abstract Health risk behaviours are a key contributing factor to adolescent morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, evidence shows that health behaviours begun in adolescence can impact on wellbeing across the lifespan. Current evidence suggests it is advantageous to target multiple health risk behaviours simultaneously, however efficacy testing remains the key focal point for research, with few studies exploring common underlying causal and contextual factors which may contribute to the success or failure of a programme. Methods This review used a customised realist approach, to explore how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances programmes are most successful in preventing multiple health risk behaviours in adolescents. The review synthesised evidence from published literature, along with qualitative data from stakeholders collected through focus groups with young people (n = 28) and school nurses (n = 22), and interviews with adolescent health and wellbeing practitioners (n = 8). Findings: Across all the realist programme theories developed, the role of relationships was the most commonly occurring theme. This theme goes beyond the expected impact of the relationship between programme deliverers and recipients, and familial and peer attachments, also taking in to consideration the relationships between programme and school leaders and staff, support networks and collaborative relationships between staff, and wider social connectedness within the community. These in turn were impacted upon by wider contextual factors, such as family, community, culture, socioeconomic status, intersectionality, and health inequalities. Conclusions These findings provide important insight in to understanding how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances multiple risk behaviour prevention programmes succeed or fail. Further to this they highlight key areas for consideration in the development of future adolescent public health interventions. Key messages Relationships built on trust and genuine care can improve adolescent risk behaviour prevention outcomes. Broader sociocultural context provide key explanations for variations in programme outcomes.

General practice referral of \u2018at risk\u2019 populations to community leisure services: applying the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity programme for inactive adults with long-term conditions

BackgroundIn the UK a high proportion of adults with long-term conditions do not engage in regular physical activity. General practice (GP) referral to community-based physical activity is one strategy that has gained traction in recent years. However, evidence for the real-world effectiveness and translation of such programmes is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and organisational impacts of the ‘CLICK into Activity’ programme - GP referral of inactive adults living with (or at risk of) long-term conditions to community-based physical activity.MethodsA mixed methods evaluation using the RE-AIM framework was conducted with data obtained from a range of sources: follow-up questionnaires, qualitative interviews, and programme-related documentation, including programme cost data. Triangulation methods were used to analyse data, with findings synthesised across each dimension of the RE-AIM framework.ResultsA total of 602 individuals were referred to CLICK into Activity physical activity sessions. Of those referred, 326 individuals participated in at least one session; the programme therefore reached 30.2% of the 1080 recruitment target. A range of individual-, social-, and environmental-level factors contributed to initial physical activity participation. Positive changes over time in physical activity and other outcomes assessed were observed among participants. Programme adoption at GP surgeries was successful, but the GP referral process was not consistently implemented across sites. Physical activity sessions were successfully implemented, with programme deliverers and group-based delivery identified as having an influential effect on programme outcomes. Changes to physical activity session content were made in response to participant feedback. CLICK into Activity cost £175,000 over 3 years, with an average cost per person attending at least one programme session of £535.ConclusionsDespite not reaching its recruitment target, CLICK into Activity was successfully adopted. Positive outcomes were associated with participation, although low 6- and 12-month follow-up response rates limit understanding of longer-term programme effects. Contextual and individual factors, which may facilitate successful implementation with the target population, were identified. Findings highlight strategies to be explored in future development and implementation of GP referral to community-based physical activity programmes targeting inactive adults living with (or at risk of) long-term conditions.