Provision Of Programs Research Articles

Assessment of the impact of procurement centralization on the drug provision for patients within the High-Cost Nosology Program in the Russian Federation

Background. In the Russian Federation, patients receive expensive drugs from the federal budget funds within High-Cost Nosology (HCN) Program.Objective: to assess the impact of drug procurement centralization on the weighted average price (WAP) per 1 unit of measurement (UM) of a drug, the procurement structure within HCN Program over 5 years (2019–2023), as well as the annual volume of procurements for each nosology and the additional annual growth compared to the previous year.Material and methods. The data on public procurement within HCN Program, regional and federal drug provision programs over the specified time period have been analyzed. During the analysis of individual nosologies, 22 drugs for the treatment of 12 HCN have been considered.Results. The median value of the change of WAP per 1 UM for all drugs within HCN Program was 6.01%. Aplastic anemia was characterized by the lowest volume of procurements over 5 years, while for malignant neoplasms was the largest. The growth in procurements from year to year within nosologies varied from +1% to +661%, while a decrease was from –97% to –1%.Conclusion. The results can be used as a basis for further research related to the process of implementation of preferential drug provision, and to development of additional tools to improve the efficacy of pharmacotherapy choice for included drugs and management decisions regarding the further expansion of HCN Program.

Provision and utilization of basic maternal healthcare during the pandemic in Ecuador: The health workers’ perspective

ABSTRACT Context: Ecuador was one of the most affected counties in Latin America during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Its health system already faced financing and organizational problems before the pandemic. Aims: To analyze the effects of the pandemic on the provision and utilization of maternal health services in units of the Public Health of Ecuador as perceived by the health personnel. Material and Methods: This is a mixed methods study with two rapid evaluation cycles. The first cycle collected information during January–March and the second one during April–June, 2021. An online questionnaire and semistructured interviews were applied to professionals involved in the management and provision of maternal health programs. Both instruments explored provision and utilization of maternal health services. Questionnaires were processed using SPSS and descriptive statistics. Interviews were exported to Atlas-Ti and were codified using the explored categories. Results: A total of 207 health workers participated in the first cycle, and 200 in the second one. They recognized that during the pandemic, healthcare personnel were reduced by more than 30% due to the presence of risk factors among them as well as the lack of budget for new contracts. The availability of materials and supplies was also reduced by nearly 50%, mainly due to the lack of budget. The demand for maternal healthcare in public health units was reduced because people feared being infected by COVID-19 and nearly 25% goes to the private sector. Conclusions: The pandemic has had a negative effect on the provision as well as utilization of maternal healthcare services. Nevertheless, health professionals implemented diverse strategies to reduce this negative effect on maternal care.

“Us versus Them”: is the voice of the community heard when planning communication screening programmes for preschoolers?

ObjectivesCommunity consultation is necessary to ensure the uptake and use of community-based screening intervention to detect early childhood disabilities, as its absence can result in poor service acceptance and usage. To document stakeholders' perspectives regarding planning a community-based communication disorder (an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process and comprehend concepts or verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems) screening programmes for pre-schoolers. Study designThis qualitative research design used purposive and random sampling to recruit 46 participants from eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. These stakeholders consisted of caregivers/parents of children who underwent screening for communication disorders, People who are Deaf, their parents, early childhood development practitioners, health professionals and government officials involved with children with disabilities. All participants were adults aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 39.7 years. MethodsData was collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, which were thematically analysed. ResultsThe four emergent themes were screening approaches, methods, location and personnel. Service users expected greater access to screening and reliable tests to identify problems by trained personnel at sites within the community. Service providers preferred a targeted approach to screening with parental input. Task shifting and sharing were seen as a solution to address staff shortages and provide services at health facilities, as resource constraints made it challenging to provide outreach services. ConclusionStakeholder engagement revealed diverging views between service users and providers, with implications for programme provision and uptake. There is a need for ongoing, inclusive discussion to ensure consensus during the planning stage, in order to render services that address issues of equity and accessibility for people with disabilities in marginalised communities.

Do Government Benefits Affect Officeholders’ Electoral Fortunes? Evidence from State Earned Income Tax Credits

When do public policies influence citizens’ political attitudes and behavior, and among whom? We study this question using one of the largest social provision programs in the United States: the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). We exploit the staggered roll-out of state-level EITC programs to estimate the causal effect of the program on elections, voter behavior, and attitudes about the government. Contrary to predictions from the policy feedback literature, we show that the credit leads to higher vote shares and approval ratings for the implementing governor. These effects are temporally limited to the first years of the credit’s availability and dissipate over time. Taken together, our results offer new insights about the conditions under which particularistic economic policies affect political outcomes.

Preparedness of Public Primary Schools in Tanzania for Educational Reform Implementation: A Case of Mbulu Town Council

This study was conducted to assess the preparedness of public primary schools in Mbulu Town Council, Tanzania for the implementation of educational reforms. The study employed a convergent design within a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires administered to teachers and interviews conducted with head teachers and ward education officers. Findings indicate that teachers are somewhat prepared for reform implementation, with engagement in self-directed learning and awareness of educational reforms. However, challenges such as inadequate teaching and learning resources were highlighted, including shortages of classrooms and books. Ward education officers, trained on the reforms, have been instrumental in disseminating knowledge to teachers. Overall, while there is moderate preparedness, addressing resource inadequacies and providing comprehensive training is essential for successful reform implementation in public primary schools. The study recommends consistent provision of resources and comprehensive training programs to enhance readiness and ensure uniform implementation of reforms.

Community Preferences for Agrarian Reform in Kampung Reforma Agraria: A Case Study of Mekarsari Village, Banten

Abstract: An agrarian reform program encompassing asset and access arrangement was implemented to address the inequality in land ownership. Furthermore, asset management and access management models are integrated in the same location to increase the effectiveness of the agrarian reform program. As a pilot project, the first Kampung Reforma Agraria (KRA) was implemented in Mekarsari Village, Panimbang District, Pandeglang Regency, by distributing land to 225 subjects. However, after five years of implementing agrarian reform, some subjects still have not occupied KRA locations. This condition indicates that some subjects are reluctant to live in the designated location. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the profile and characteristics of TORA subjects’ residences who have yet to occupy the land granted in the KRA and the influence of these two factors on their spatial preferences regarding agrarian reform policies. By interviewing 23 TORA subjects who had yet to occupy the Tanah Objek Reforma Agraria (TORA) location and transfer their land rights, the results show that 52.5% wanted to move to KRA. In contrast, 47.5% did not want to occupy their land in KRA. Based on the analysis of the physical characteristics of the TORA subjects’ residences, the relationship between the physical distance from the subject’s current residence to KRA and the subject’s preference to move to KRA was not very significant. The factors most influencing the subject’s preferences are the residence’s non-physical characteristics, the land’s current legal status, and the socio-economic profile. Based on these findings, policymakers responsible for setting the criteria for land recipients should enhance the supervision system for subject selection from the outset. Furthermore, when designing access provision programs, it is essential to account for the diverse preferences and needs of each subject group. Keywords: Agrarian Reform; Access Arrangement; Asset Arrangement; Kampung Reforma Agraria; Spatial Preferences.

Utilizing the CFIR framework for mapping the facilitators and barriers of implementing teachers led school mental health programs - a scoping review.

Ample evidence has been generated regarding the effectiveness of school-based mental health interventions as part of the continuum of care for children and capacity building of teachers to deal with the emotional and behavioral challenges of students. The increasing trend of utilization of teachers as the natural support system of children and the huge financial impact of public health interventions highlights the need to review all available evidence regarding multilevel factors that facilitate or pose a challenge to the provision of School Mental Health Programs (SMHP) using teachers as providers. The current review aims to map extracted evidence under the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains to support future implementation research on school-based mental health services. The scoping review included experimental, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews involving teacher-led mental health programs conducted in the school setting to improve the socio-emotional well-being of children and adolescents irrespective of time and geographical limitations. All (published and unpublished) evidence in English from Pubmed, Cochrane database of systematic reviews and clinical trials, Scopus, and Science Direct was searched using keywords and Boolean combinations and extracted using study designs, place of study, year of publication, sample size, and target population. A qualitative analysis of implementation facilitators and barriers cited by the studies was carried out and mapped on CFIR. This review identified barriers and facilitators of implementation across school-based mental health Programs in 29 studies. The major emerging themes were those related to the inner setting of the organization, the process of implementation, and the characteristics of individuals involved in implementation. These included the availability of structural characteristics, positive school culture, organizational readiness, committed leadership, and beliefs of the providers. Findings highlight the need for early assessment of contextual factors acting as barriers and facilitators and careful execution following realistic planning and stakeholders' engagement to ensure the success of SMHP.

Online Learning Challenges Encountered by University Students Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Digital Divide Perspective

The COVID-19 has required a rapid conversion from the conventional learning to online learning, revealing and intensifying the digital inequality amongst university pupils. The primary objectives of this systematic review study are to identify the digital divide challenges encountered by university students in online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the underlying reasons contributing to these challenges. This study focuses on empirical research published between 2020 and 2023. The review utilized the seven phases of systematic review recommended by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre. A comprehensive Scopus and Web of Science search was undertaken using word string "higher education/university education/university students", "online learning/distance learning," "COVID-19/pandemic,” “digital divide/digital inequality/digital exclusion," and, and the initially 190 articles were extracted.The criteria for inclusion restricted the number of publications that were examined to a total of 11. The analysis reveals two primary categories of digital divide challenges: the first-level digital divide, characterized by limited access to essential digital devices and internet connectivity, and the second-level digital divide, which relates to varying levels of digital competency among students.Key factors contributing to these challenges include financial constraints, geographical disparities, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas faced significant obstacles in engaging with online learning platforms, leading to adverse academic outcomes. Strategies for bridging the digital divide should be implemented in collaboration with educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. These strategies should focus on the enhancement of technological infrastructure, the provision of financial support, and the provision of digital literacy training programs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the digital divide in shaping future educational practices and policies, aiming to create a more inclusive and resilient higher education system in the post-pandemic era. By addressing the identified challenges, institutions can empower all students to succeed in an increasingly digital learning environment.

Monitoring, mentoring and nurturing value in government venture capital entrepreneur development programmes

PurposeThis research explores the provision of monitoring, mentoring and nurturing in a government venture capital (GVC) entrepreneur development programme and how these activities might create value for high potential startups (HPSUs).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative in-depth case study pursued the research question – how does GVC entrepreneur development programme provision of non-financial monitoring, mentoring and nurturing create value for HPSU businesses? The paper uses quasi-random sampling of case entrepreneurs selected from publicly available lists of HPSUs and interviews with entrepreneurs, employees and co-founders, in tandem with reviewing HPSU documentation.FindingsFindings highlight monitoring, mentoring and nurturing create value for HPSU entrepreneurs, and that GVC entrepreneur development programmes offer greater value to HPSUs than GVC investment alone. Programme activities build capacity by skills acquisition, access to a variety of external experts in non-technical business functions plus national and international private VC networks.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides evidence that robust monitoring, mentoring and nurturing activities of a GVC entrepreneur development programme creates entrepreneur readiness for private investor engagement.Practical implicationsThis research highlights the influence of monitoring, mentoring and nurturing activities on HPSU entrepreneurs embedded in a GVC entrepreneur development programme. HPSUs seem better prepared for investor interactions by considering “non-monetary needs” in their funding strategies.Originality/valueThe findings illustrate how a GVC entrepreneur development programme can positively impact GVC-entrepreneur influence and outcomes. In offering an in-depth case study of better practice, we extend prior literature on how GVCs can help bridge the equity gap by providing value adding non-financial supports, without creating a false VC market where GVCs crowd out private investors.

Financial and Tax Literacy: A Child’s Early Exposure to Financial Concepts during the Educational Process

Aims: The viability of states today is largely based on the collection of tax revenues, which are considered as necessary for them to carry out their specific functions. Thus, the aim of this text is to discuss the development of citizens' tax culture, not as an isolated economic phenomenon but, as a phenomenon directly linked to their general financial literacy. Because it is the writer's belief that simply complying with the mandate to fulfill the tax obligation is not enough for the citizen to understand his contribution to the finances of his country, or, better, to appreciate this contribution in the context of understanding the ways in which the world moves financially. Methodology: It is a big question on how financially educated the modern man is and to what extent this financial education, his literacy or financial literacy, includes the concept of tax in its content to a sufficient extent to awaken consciences. In this text, the focus is on the exact age / educational stage at which this path to financial and tax literacy can begin, so that it can be integrated in a systematic way into the formal educational process. In order to draw conclusions about the appropriate stage for initiating financial awareness, the trends in the global financial literacy landscape were explored. This analysis aims to determine when it is considered appropriate to teach children financial concepts and how financial literacy is linked to making appropriate financial decisions and tax awareness at different age stages. An effort was carried out to evaluate the current financial and tax knowledge and behavior of Greeks. The research was exclusively bibliographic, i.e., a meta-analysis based on previous qualitative and quantitative studies. Results: Concerning the introduction of systematic financial and tax education for adolescents in schools, the studies accessed suggest that the age range of 12-14 marks a significant milestone for young people to begin delving into the more intricate concepts of the modern economy. Tax awareness among adolescents could arguably be attainable from around age 11 or 12, as they start demonstrating financial comprehension comparable to that of adults. Discussion: The findings of this research showed that the level of financial literacy in Greece depends on demographics, such as the geographical location and the gender of young people. Other factors are also important, but removing geographical and gender restrictions, combined with the provision of training programs already in the upper grades of Primary School, can improve financial awareness and develop the tax culture of citizens. This development requires the implementation of subjects in the curriculum, the training of the teachers so that they are able to teach children even 11 or 12 years old, the distinction of the concept of ethics from tax ethics and its teaching at an earlier age stage, and the drawing from international educational practices, i.e. leveraging successful financial literacy programs worldwide in order to obtain valuable insights for designing effective youth training initiatives.

Enabling a Learning Public Health System: Enhanced Surveillance of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose a substantial public health challenge in the United States (US). Surveillance, a cornerstone of disease control and prevention, can be strengthened to promote more timely, efficient, and equitable practices by incorporating health information exchange (HIE) and other large-scale health data sources into reporting. New York City patient-level electronic health record data between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2023 were obtained from Healthix, the largest US public HIE. Healthix data were linked to neighborhood-level information from the American Community Survey. In this cross-sectional study, we compared patients who received a test or tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or HIV with patients who were untested or tested negative, respectively, using generalized estimating equations with logit function and robust standard errors. Among 1,519,121 tests performed for chlamydia, 1,574,772 for gonorrhea, and 1,200,560 for HIV, 2%, 0.6% and 0.3% were positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, respectively. Chlamydia and gonorrhea co-occurred in 1,854 cases (7% of chlamydia and 21% of gonorrhea total cases). Testing behavior was often incongruent with geographic and sociodemographic patterns of positive cases. For example, people living in areas with the highest levels of poverty were less likely to test for gonorrhea but almost twice as likely to test positive compared to those in low poverty areas. Regional HIE enabled review of testing and cases using granular and complementary data not typically available given existing reporting practices. Enhanced surveillance spotlights potential incongruencies between testing patterns and STI risk in certain populations, signaling potential under- and over-testing. These and future insights derived from HIE data may be used to continuously inform public health practice and drive further improvements in provision and evaluation of services and programs.

Effectiveness of Civic Political Literacy Through Collaboration Between Schools and NGOs in Makassar City

<span lang="IN">The low political literacy of citizenship is an urgency in building community participation, so real efforts are needed to increase public understanding and awareness of political issues. This study explores LAPAR SULSEL’s role in the civic political literacy program in Makassar City in providing information, implementing political education, and collaborating with other institutions to achieve program goals. This research was conducted using descriptive qualitative research methods. The results showed that LAPAR SULSEL has a significant role in increasing civic political literacy in Makassar City. They provide information through publications on social media, seminars, discussions, and training using educational and advocacy strategies to build public awareness</span><span lang="IN"> about political issues. In this research it can be concluded that through the provision of information and effective political education programs, LAPAR SULSEL has succeeded in helping people become more active and aware of their rights and obligations as citizens. Therefore, this study has positive implications for the development of civic political literacy by emulating the efforts of LAPAR SULSEL in providing information and conducting political education</span>

Ecotherapy for Adolescents Experiencing Mental Health Challenges: Qualitative Exploration of Perspectives of Adolescents and Parents

ABSTRACT Different forms of eco-therapeutic interventions have positively impacted the physical, psychological and social wellbeing status of service users across a range of age groups. However, there has been little evidence exploring the experience and perceived impact of an ecotherapy program for adolescents in the UK. This study explored perceptions of adolescents and their parents of an ecotherapy program targeting improved mental health and wellbeing. This study involved semi-structured interviews with adolescents and their parents. Interviews took place shortly after the program ended (adolescents and parents) and six weeks after (adolescents only). Interviews from the two groups were initially analyzed separately before being triangulated. Eight adolescents and seven parents were interviewed in total. Three themes were generated: building connections, learning and exposure, and comparing and constructing with prior services accessed. Perceived improvements across adolescents included reduced negative emotions and anxiety, and greater self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. For the latter theme, there were reported distinctive experiences of attending this ecotherapy program compared with professional mental health support services. Exploring nature brought adolescents together with benefits of engaging in support services that varied from the norm. Future research should examine the feasibility of using ecotherapy as an alternative treatment to traditional therapy in supporting mental health, and evaluate the economic viability of such a program for non-clinical support provision.

Equitable Access for Persons with Disabilities: Assessing the Effectiveness of Assistive Device Service Provision in San Mateo, Rizal

The Philippines is home to over 1.5 million Persons with Disabilities, with an estimated 0.33% or 5,157 of the population living in San Mateo, Rizal. The country recognizes ten (10) types of disabilities, but availability of assistive devices is only specific to the needs of three (3) types: deaf or hard of hearing, visual, and physical (orthopedic). Despite efforts to break barriers through assistive devices for a livable and sustainable living condition for Persons with Disabilities, access to equal opportunities in education, employment, health services, and meaningful participation in mainstream society remains a prominent limitation, rather than the disability itself. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Assistive Device Service Provision (ADSP) program for Persons with Disabilities, an umbrella program under the social welfare services of the Local Government of San Mateo, Rizal. The assessment is grounded in the principles of New Public Administration, focusing on the program’s relevance, value orientation, social equity and ability to drive change in protecting, promoting, and supporting the rights and well-being of all Persons with Disabilities. A mixed-methodology approach was employed to explore the relationship between Persons with Disabilities and the effective use of Assistive Devices, using surveys and open-ended data collection to quantify responses and deepen understanding. Findings showed that the ADSP is relevant, as it largely meets the needs of Persons with Disabilities in terms of access to mobility, though some devices could be better aligned by considering the specific requirements of each disability. While the ADSP is perceived by recipients as significant in demonstrating a strong value orientation, disparities in distribution—affected by socioeconomic status and type of disability—persist, indicating the need for more inclusive distribution strategies to ensure equitable access for all Persons with Disabilities. The program's ability to drive change varies among individuals, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and support. The study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of a localized assistive device provision program based on its relevance, value orientation, social equity, and ability to drive change in promoting the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (Union of Public Service Commission, 2024).

Lau v. Nichols revisited: unveiling dual language program disparities in California for Asian students and marginalized communities

AbstractCalifornia has witnessed substantial growth in multilingual programs over the past half-century since the foundational Lau v. Nichols decision, with one in seven public schools statewide offering such programs for students. Likewise, the rapid rise in California’s Asian population, as well as the increase in both overall racial diversity and socioeconomic disparities across the state, have influenced dual language bilingual education discussions. Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Lau decision, this study examines the impact of school and community characteristics on the availability of dual language programs in California public schools, with particular focus on the state’s Asian student population. Employing logistic regression analysis to delve into the American Community Survey and California Department of Education datasets, the study specifically examines how student demographics and school characteristics (e.g., grade level, charter, and magnet status), as well as community features (e.g., the share of foreign-born populations and median household income), are associated with the offering of dual language programs in California schools. Despite the considerable growth of the state’s Asian American population, the study could not find a meaningful connection between Asian representation and the provision of dual language programs. In addition, the results reveal severe equity concerns regarding low-income students’ access to dual language programs. Charter schools also tend to underutilize dual language programs compared to their non-charter counterparts. Based on the study’s findings, we raise concerns regarding why the presence of Asian students cannot be better leveraged as a driving force for implementing dual language programs in California’s public schools and highlight the persistent disparities faced by economically disadvantaged students.

Vocational Rehabilitation in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has posed new challenges to actors in vocational rehabilitation (VR) for people with disabilities. In this study, we were interested in the following: How did actors like service providers and financers of VR (here: German Federal Employment Agency (FEA)) experience the Covid-19 pandemic, which process changes and delays have occurred, and what impact will this possibly have on the future of vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities? Between July 2020 und July 2021, a total of 29 persons from service providers of VR programs (n=16) and representatives of the FEA (n=8) were asked about their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic in the course of 24 guided expert interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded in MAXQDA; the analyses of the transcribed material are based on a system developed from inductive and deductive categories. VR programs had to be conducted remotely, digital possibilities had to be created. As a result, VR was also forced to evolve technologically, revealing opportunities (in the provision of programs) and limitations (e. g. acquisition of social skills or assessment of mental health). Thus, continuous additional support by the service providers was indispensable to contain psychological crises, to ensure the understanding of the program contents and to avoid dropouts. Just like schools, the employment agencies and job centers closed their doors for a long time and VR and general vocational counseling did not take place nor did assessment procedures carried out at the medical and psychological services of the FEA for determining VR needs. A decline in access to VR had been apparent for some time, but it became increasingly evident, particularly for 2021/22. Individuals from poor households were more likely to be affected because they were more difficult to keep in touch with. Even though VR has experienced a major digital boost, experience from the pandemic has shown that programs in face-to-face formats with social contact are particularly important for young people and people with mental disabilities. Nevertheless, VR must change with the working environment in order to prevent people with disabilities from being left behind even further.

20 years on from the Dublin Declaration: European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment reporting on the provision of prison needle and syringe programmes in the Council of Europe region

BackgroundPrisons in Europe remain high-risk environments and conducive for infectious disease transmission, often related to injection drug use. Many infected people living in prison unaware of their infection status (HIV, hepatitis C). Despite all Council of Europe (CoE) member states providing community needle and syringe programmes (NSP), prison NSP are limited to seven countries. The study aim was to scrutinise the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (CPT) reporting of periodic and ad hoc country mission visits to prisons, with an explicit focus on the extent to which member states are/were fulfilling obligations to protect prisoners from HIV/hepatitis C; and implementing prison NSP under the non-discriminatory equivalence of care principle. Study designSocio-legal review. MethodsA systematic search of the CPT database was conducted in 2024 with no date restriction. All CPT reports were screened in chronological order with the terms; “needle”, “syringe”, “harm reduction” and “NSP”. Relevant narrative content on prison NSP operations, including repeat CPT reminders and any official/publicly expressed reasons for not implementing is presented. ResultsCPT reporting reveals limited prison NSP provision in selected prisons visited on mission, with little change in status over time, despite documented evidence of prior observations around absent/insufficient harm reduction measures and explicit (often longstanding) recommendations to address deficits. Reasons for not implementing prison NSP include; existing availability of opioid substitute treatment, lack of evidence for injecting drug use, for security and maintenance of order, and contradiction with prison protocols sanctioning drug use. ConclusionsPrison health is public health. Regular research and evaluations of prison NSP in Europe are warranted. Future CPT visits should also continue to assess availability and standards of provision; recommend where appropriate including when opioid substitute treatment is already provided, and in line with broad availability of community NSP in Europe.

Perceived impacts of a school-based growth mindset programme ‘Mindset Teams’ in Scotland: a qualitative study

BackgroundTeachers as delivery agents within school-based mindset programmes is a potential intervention strategy for improving pupils’ outcomes. The Mindset Teams programme, utilises teachers as delivery agents, with an aim to improve learning resilience for health and attainment outcomes among schools in Scotland. This study examined the perceived impacts of the programme to develop a programme theory of change and refine an earlier co-produced logic model.MethodsAcross six intervention schools, one-to-one interviews were conducted with teachers (N = 18) and focus groups were conducted with 23 pupils aged 8-11-years. Fourteen stakeholders involved in programme provision, secondary school delivery, funding decisions or policy-related areas also participated in a one-to-one interview. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with a combined deductive and inductive coding approach.ResultsThemes were identified in relation to impacts on teachers (five themes), pupils (eight themes), and broader outcomes (two themes), with most themes discussed by teachers and wider stakeholders. Across data, findings highlighted the proposed mechanisms by which the programme was intending to produce impacts, largely through increasing teacher knowledge and facilitating a positive school environment. Themes demonstrated the breadth of perceived programme impacts, highlighting both attainment and wellbeing outcomes among pupils.ConclusionsFindings provide support for Mindset programmes focusing on the development of teachers’ mindsets, highlighting the resultant perceived impacts this can have on both teachers and pupils alike. Future research should seek to capture health and wellbeing measures alongside attainment data to fully explore programme impacts.

Smoking, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Two High Security Settings

Forensic psychiatric patients pose a vulnerable population due to their unbalanced diet, overweight, smoking, adverse effects of medication, and sedentary lifestyle within secure settings. These lifestyle traits have been correlated with a higher incidence of morbidity and a lower life expectancy. Nonetheless, empirical data regarding these topics remains limited. In the current study we examined obesity, metabolic syndrome and smoking patterns in two high-security settings in Flanders. We also examined the influence of psychiatric diagnoses and the usage of antipsychotic medication to these characteristics. Results indicated that obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were highly prevalent across different diagnoses. In contrast to previous findings, there was no association between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the use of (second generation) antipsychotics. Missing information in the electronic files further indicated that there remains room for improvement in the detection and monitoring of physical health. It is recommended that forensic institutions pay more attention to the provision of care programs to manage weight and smoking.

Resettlement Knowledge: The Expertise of Service Providers

Abstract Refugee resettlement is implemented by service providers who translate standardised policies into tangible services that meet the immediate needs of their diverse refugee clients on a daily basis. These service providers play a vital role in supporting newly arrived refugees, yet we know little about the work that resettlement entails. Considering prior research on the shortcomings of refugee resettlement policy along with scholarship on the dilemmas faced by street-level bureaucrats, this article sheds light on the role of professional expertise in carrying out this complex and dynamic programme of service provision. This article reveals how, alongside their formal prescribed duties of service management and administrative management, resettlement agency caseworkers also engage in the unofficial work of needs management and crisis management. To best support their refugee clients, caseworkers draw on specialised expertise that I call “resettlement knowledge.” Based on over 1,000 hours of ethnographic fieldwork in a resettlement agency in two cities in the United States and 102 interviews with refugees and service providers, this article illuminates the complexities of resettlement work, providing a nuanced representation of this occupation and the depth of unrecognised labour that states rely on for resettlement.