Qualitative Focus Group Study Research Articles

Diagnosis and management of isolated serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma: A qualitative focus group study.

A Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma (STIC) without concomitant invasive carcinoma is occasionally identified and associated with a high risk of subsequent peritoneal carcinomatosis. Management needs optimisation. This study explores professionals' opinions and clinical practices regarding the diagnosis, counselling, treatment and follow-up of isolated STIC to facilitate clinical decision making and optimise the direction of future research. A secondary aim is to assess international clinical guidelines. Focus group study. Four online sessions. International panel (n = 12 countries) of gynaecologists, gynaecologic oncologists, pathologists and medical oncologists (n = 49). A semi-structured interview guide was used. Two independent researchers analysed transcripts by open and axial coding. Results were organised in domains. Relevant (inter)national guidelines were screened for recommendations regarding isolated STIC. Professionals' opinions and clinical practices regarding isolated STIC management. Regarding pathology, most professionals identified the SEE-FIM protocol as standard of care for high-risk patients, whereas variation exists in the histopathological examination of fallopian tubes in the general population. Confirmation of STIC diagnosis by a specialised pathologist was recommended. Regarding work-up and follow-up after STIC diagnosis, there was variety and discordance. Data on outcomes is limited. As for treatment, chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors were not recommended by most. Eleven guidelines provided limited recommendations. We identified recommendations and highlighted knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of isolated STIC. Moreover, recommendations in clinical guidelines are limited. There is an agreed need for international collaboration for the prospective registration of isolated STIC.

Technology Use for Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation in Switzerland From the Perspectives of Persons Living With Stroke, Informal Caregivers, and Therapists: Qualitative Interview and Focus Group Study.

Stroke is a leading cause for long-term disability, requiring both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and self-training in the home environment. Technology-based tools are gradually gaining acceptance as additional and suitable options for extending the rehabilitation process. While the experiences of persons living with stroke, therapists, and informal caregivers with respect to technology use have already been investigated in other countries, this topic is underexplored in the Swiss context. We aimed to explore the experiences and needs of persons living with stroke, informal caregivers, and therapists in using technology-based tools in a home environment for stroke rehabilitation in Switzerland. This study followed a qualitative descriptive methodology, including semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. We applied a deductive template analysis alongside the accessibility, adaptability, accountability, and engagement framework to analyze the qualitative data sets for technology-assisted solutions for poststroke rehabilitation. We collected the experiences and needs of persons living with stroke (7/23, 30%), informal caregivers (4/23, 17%), and therapists (occupational and physical therapists; 12/23, 52%). The 4 categories we used to organize the analysis and results were accessibility to quality rehabilitation, adaptability to patient differences, accountability or compliance with rehabilitation, and engagement with rehabilitation. Persons living with stroke stated that they use various tools within their rehabilitation process depending on their specific needs. They felt that there is a plethora of tools available but sometimes felt overwhelmed with the selection process. Informal caregivers indicated that they generally felt underserved and insufficiently informed throughout the rehabilitation process. They reported that they use technology-based tools to support their relatives affected by stroke in becoming more independent. Therapists appreciate the numerous possible applications of technology-based tools in rehabilitation. At the same time, however, they express dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity in Switzerland regarding cost coverage, recommendations, and training opportunities. Persons living with stroke, informal caregivers, and therapists in Switzerland reported varied and unique experiences and needs with the use of technology-based tools in outpatient stroke rehabilitation. Written recommendations, the assumption of financial costs, and the provision of information and education could foster increased confidence in the use of technology-based tools for patients and therapists.

Family planning decision-making in relation to psychiatric disorders in women: a qualitative focus group study

BackgroundRecent studies revealed an elevated likelihood of unintended pregnancies among women with psychiatric disorders compared to their counterparts without such vulnerability. Despite the importance of understanding family planning decision-making in this group, qualitative inquiries are lacking. This study explored family planning decisions among women with psychiatric disorders.MethodsUtilizing a qualitative approach, three focus group discussions were conducted with purposive sampling: women with a history of unintended pregnancies (N = 3), women without children (N = 5), and women with a history of intended pregnancies (N = 9), all of whom had self-reported psychiatric disorders. Using thematic framework analysis, we investigated the themes “Shadow of the past,” reflecting past experiences, and “Shadow of the future,” reflecting future imaginaries, building upon the existing “Narrative Framework.”ResultsThe Narrative Framework formed the foundation for understanding family planning among women with psychiatric disorders. The retrospective dimension of focus group discussions provided opportunities for reflective narratives on sensitive topics, revealing emotions of regret, grief and relief. Childhood trauma, adverse events, and inadequate parenting enriched the "Shadow of the past". The “Shadow of the present” was identified as a novel theme, addressing awareness of psychiatric disorders and emotions toward psychiatric stability. Social influences, stigma, and concerns about transmitting psychiatric disorders shaped future imaginaries in the shadow of the future.ConclusionsThis study enlightens how family planning decision-making in women with psychiatric disorders might be complex, as marked by the enduring impact of past experiences and societal influences in this sample. These nuanced insights underscore the necessity for tailored support for women with psychiatric disorders.

Contextualising and challenging under-representation in research in light of Cultural Trauma: a qualitative focus group and interview study

BackgroundAlthough underserved populations— including those from ethnic minority communities and those living in poverty—have worse health and poorer healthcare experiences, most primary care research does not fairly reflect these groups. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is usually embedded within research studies in the United Kingdom (UK), but often fails to represent underserved populations. This study worked with patient and public contributors and local community leaders, situated in a socio-economically deprived and ethnically diverse urban area, to explore under-representation in primary healthcare research.MethodsWe undertook a focus group with a purposive sample of 6 members of a Patient and Public Involvement Group (PPIG), and interviews with 4 community leaders (representing Black, South Asian, Roma and socio-economically deprived communities). An iterative analysis process based on template analysis was used. Focus group 1 was rapidly analysed, and a template created. Findings were presented in focus group 2, and the template further developed. The Cultural Trauma concept was than applied to the template to give a wider theoretical lens. In-depth analysis of focus groups and interviews was then performed based on the template.ResultsWider societal and historical influences have degraded trust in academic and healthcare institutions within underserved populations. Along with more practical considerations, trust underpins personal motivations to engage with research. Researchers need to invest time and resources in prolonged, mutually beneficial engagement with communities of importance to their research, including sharing power and influence over research priorities. Researcher reflexivity regarding differential power and cultural competencies are crucial. Utilising participatory methodologies including co-production demonstrates a commitment to inclusive study design.ConclusionsRe-framing evidence-based medicine to be more useful and relevant to underserved populations with the highest burden of ill health is urgently needed. Lack of representation in primary healthcare research reflects wider societal inequalities, to which Cultural Trauma provides a useful lens. However, there are actions that researchers can take to widen representation. This will ultimately help achieve the goal of increased health equity by enhancing scientific rigour and research generalizability.

Intrinsic Motivation of Gen Z to be a Teacher in Elementary Schools

Intrinsic motivation plays a critical role in influencing an individual's career choices. Since 2017, Gen Z, as the youngest generation to enter the workforce, exhibits distinct career motivations compared to earlier generations. However, there is still very little research that explores a person's intrinsic motivation in choosing a career as a teacher. This research aimed to explore the intrinsic motivation of prospective teachers from Gen Z to become professional teachers in elementary schools. The study included 12 pre-service teachers enrolled in the elementary school teacher education program, selected using purposive sampling techniques. By adopting qualitative focus group study research, the results showed that intrinsic motivation to become a teacher in elementary schools included three main themes, namely: the interest in teaching, self-development, and comfort in teaching. This research made an important contribution to the understanding of intrinsic motivation in entering a career as a teacher, which could assist in the development of strategies and policies that support the recruitment and retention of quality teachers.

Perspectives on diagnostic radiographers’ motivation for becoming researchers: A qualitative focus group study

IntroductionThis paper presents motivational factors to engage, start a research project and pursue a research career. The study aimed to investigate radiographer's motivation for engaging in research. MethodsEight radiographers from Denmark with experience in research were interviewed in a 2-h focus group interview in October 2023. This qualitative approach was selected to allow the participants to discuss their opinions and values. The discussions were audio recorded and transcribed before the thematic analysis was performed. ResultsThe analysis revealed six main themes: the importance of radiographic research, the importance of radiographers' participation in research, research radiographers’ motivation, funding and participation in research projects, demotivation and difficulties, and facilitating radiographic research in the future. ConclusionThe participants were motivated by different factors. The participants found both research in radiography and radiographers’ participation in research-related activities important, although they found lack of support from managers, funding, and time to be demotivational factors. Implication for practiceThis study contributes to the limited literature on motivational factors for becoming a researcher within radiography.

Patient perspectives and preferences on cerclage and preterm birth: a focus group study

AimThis qualitative focus group study aims to asses cerclage-related symptoms, the impact of a cerclage on daily functioning and patient perspectives of their healthcare experience. This study extends beyond the current focus on surgical and obstetric outcomes of a cerclage, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in the context of extreme preterm birth and fetal loss and the impact of a cerclage on multiple facets in life.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands or via the website of a Dutch patient organization for (extreme) preterm birth. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years old with a previous vaginal and/or abdominal cerclage with a subsequent delivery at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation with neonatal survival. Two focus group discussions (FGD) were performed. A predefined format was used, which was identical for both the vaginal and abdominal cerclage group. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF-DH) was used to provide structure. Outcomes were a broad range of participants reported perspectives on physical, emotional, and social-related quality of life.ResultsIn the Vaginal Cerclage Group (VCG) and Abdominal Cerclage Group (ACG), respectively, 11 and 8 participants were included. Fear for a subsequent pregnancy loss was the most limiting factor to perform daily activities during pregnancy in all participants with a cerclage. Fear to conceive again because of prior second-trimester fetal loss was experienced by 27% in the VCG and 13% in the ACG. The majority of participants experienced a reduction in anxiety after placement of their cerclage (VCG = 64%, ACG = 75%). Decreased mobility/bedrest (VCG = 100%, ACG = 75%) and blood loss (VCG = 55%, ACG = 13%) were frequently mentioned complaints during pregnancy with cerclage. Other aspects mentioned in both groups were social isolation, the lack of societal participation, and the perceived need to quit work and sports. All participants in the abdominal cerclage group reported a lack of comprehensible and unambiguous information about obstetric management and expectations during pregnancy in secondary care hospitals. Clear communication between secondary and tertiary care hospitals about obstetric management following an abdominal cerclage, for example, about the need for cervical length measurements by ultrasound, the need for bedrest or advice concerning sexual activity was missing (63%). Psychologic support was desired in half of all participants, but was not offered to them.ConclusionsThe fear of a subsequent pregnancy loss was reported as the most limiting factor in daily life by all participants. Cerclage placement resulted in the reduction of anxiety. Participants mentioned a significant impact of bedrest and activity restriction during pregnancy with cerclage on social participation and daily activities. Unfortunately, no high level evidence is available on this matter. Patients might even benefit from appropriate levels of physical activity throughout their pregnancy to promote their overall well-being. More evidence is needed to determine the optimal level of physical activity. There is a need for clear and unambiguous patient information about obstetric management.

EE327 Public Preferences for Improving Health Equity: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

EE327 Public Preferences for Improving Health Equity: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

The needed link between open science and science diplomacy-A Latin American perspective.

The relevance of science diplomacy and open science in today's world is undeniable. Science diplomacy enables countries to jointly address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and food security. Open science, promoting accessible and transparent research, plays a pivotal role in this context. Nevertheless, the degree of openness is subject to specific circumstances, contingent upon varying factors, including local knowledge and resources. Latin America has not only been at the forefront of pioneering open access strategies, making it an interesting case to study, but it has also shown a tangible interest in using science diplomacy. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a quantitative survey involving 50 organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting open science in Latin America, along with two qualitative focus group studies. Our primary objective is to assess if and how these entities use science diplomacy to achieve their objectives. Non-policy entities were prioritized due to their institutional stability in the region. We highlight successful strategies and delve into the existing barriers hindering the full implementation of open science principles. Our research aims to enhance collaboration between these organizations and policy and decision-makers by providing a set of recommendations in that direction. By shedding light on the current landscape and dynamics of open science in Latin America, we aspire to focus on science diplomacy, facilitate informed decision-making, and formulate policies that further propel the region along the path of openness, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research.

Perceptions of non-disclosure of results in clinical trial designs for multicancer detection tests.

10546 Background: Multi-cancer detection tests (MCDs) are blood-based tests designed to detect multiple cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is planning a pilot study to ascertain the feasibility of recruitment and the necessary infrastructure, clinical workflow, and diagnostic pathways for conducting a large clinical trial to assess whether cancer screening using MCDs reduces cancer mortality. In preparation for these activities, the NCI conducted a qualitative focus group study with primary care physicians (PCPs) and laypersons to explore the acceptability of alternative MCD trial designs, including the disclosure vs. non-disclosure of MCD test results to study participants. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with convenience samples of PCPs (6 groups, N=45) and laypersons (4 groups, N=88) by a consumer research firm. Interviews used both open-ended questions and specific prompts to explore participants’ perceptions of alternative clinical trial designs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted to identify emergent themes. Results: In general, PCPs and laypersons reported a willingness to refer or participate in an MCD trial regardless of design, with the understanding that clear and transparent information would be provided in the consent process. However, both groups expressed concern with a trial design in which patients in the control arm would not receive their MCD test results—a design that would allow a marked reduction in sample size and time necessary to assess a mortality endpoint. PCPs noted that although this design might be ethically acceptable due to current clinical equipoise about MCD testing, they expressed concern about mistrust among patients and medical-legal liability. Laypersons had difficulty understanding the rationale for non-disclosure of MCD test results during a trial, and concerns about the ethics of non-disclosure. Some participants felt more comfortable if return of value with other information was included as part of routine study procedures. Participants were more comfortable with an alternative design involving delayed testing of stored blood samples from the control group after trial completion. PCPs also expressed concern about increased workloads if their patients enrolled. Conclusions: PCPs and laypersons had generally positive reactions to a trial to investigate diagnostic performance, pathways, and outcomes of MCDs. Concerns about study designs involving non-disclosure of results might be managed through return of value strategies, careful education, and clear communication of the benefits and risks of MCDs.

Exploring Patient–Clinician Trust During Pregnancy Care

OBJECTIVE: To explore patient experiences and perspectives regarding trust in clinicians during pregnancy care among Latine patients, focusing on those with Spanish as their preferred language. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative focus group study to explore trust in pregnancy care clinicians. Eligible participants self-identified as Hispanic/Latine, reported Spanish or English as their preferred language, were pregnant or had given birth in the previous year, and were at least 18 years old. Participants completed a brief demographic survey. We report descriptive statistics for survey responses. A semistructured discussion guide was developed from a literature review and feedback from a patient advisory panel. We report emerging themes using a modified grounded theory approach with an analysis of focus group transcripts. We mapped themes to the five dimensions of trust according to the Building Trust Initiative—communication, caring, comfort, cost, and competency—and barriers to trust. RESULTS: We conducted eight focus groups (five in Spanish, three in English) through Zoom between July and September 2023. Cost was not discussed in any of the focus groups. Rather, there was an emerging theme around acompañamiento (accompaniment is a distinct form of companionship in which there is shared power during a shared journey), particularly in the Spanish focus groups. Barriers to building trust exist at the interpersonal and health system levels, including miscommunication, lack of continuity, and brevity of appointments. CONCLUSION: This study explores how trust is conceptualized in pregnancy care according to the perspectives of Latine patients. We found that acompañamiento is a unique and crucial dimension of trust among Spanish-speaking patients.

Community Partners' Perceptions of the Benefits and Burdens of Participating in a Community Engagement Course with Medical Students.

Service-learning courses improve medical students' ability and willingness to participate in community engagement as future physicians. However, few studies examine the community partners' (CP) perceptions of the utility of these courses in accomplishing the goals of their organizations. This qualitative study sought to understand the CPs' perspective of the benefits and burdens they face while participating in a university-affiliated medical school's Community Learning and Social Medicine (CLSM) course. This was a qualitative focus group study conducted with CPs participating in the CLSM course. A trained facilitator virtually conducted focus groups. The study team recorded and professionally transcribed these conversations. The team subsequently developed a code book, and two independent coders analyzed all materials. The team used reflective thematic analysis to identify prominent themes. Fifteen out of 28 CPs participated in the study. The study team organized themes from the analysis into three categories: benefits to participation, challenges to participation, and minor themes. CP-perceived benefits to participating in the CLSM course included help with organizational activities, dissemination of clinically relevant skills to medical students, and effective engagement with community members. Barriers to participation included course constraints and a lack of clarity on course content and student expectations. CPs also described their role in medical student education as an extension of faculty members. Finally, CPs offered solutions for improving course communication among site leads, students, and course instructors. CPs acknowledged that this service-learning course provides collective benefit to students, community organizations, and community members. However, challenges such as navigating student schedules and understanding course expectations lead to additional work for CPs. Acting on suggestions for improvement will help secure this course's longevity and collective benefit to the community.

Exploring Trust in Pregnancy Care Clinicians Among Latine Patients in Spanish and English: A Qualitative Study [ID 2683628

INTRODUCTION: Trust between patients and clinicians is critical for better experiences and outcomes, yet there is no consensus on how trust is defined and measured in pregnancy care. We aimed to explore how patients define trust in clinicians; facilitators and barriers to building trust; and how trust may be eroded and rebuilt over time. METHODS: A bilingual, multicultural team led this qualitative focus group study. The semistructured discussion guide included definitions of trust based on a literature review, how trust is built, when trust is lost, external factors that influence the patient–clinician relationship, previous pregnancy experiences, and sources of trustworthy information during pregnancy. The discussions were audiorecorded and transcribed in the language in which they were held. We performed thematic content analysis on transcripts using both deductive and inductive approaches in each language. Codes were organized and synthesized according to emerging themes. The IRB approved this study. RESULTS: We held eight focus groups of Hispanic/Latine pregnant and postpartum patients; five were held in Spanish and three in English with a total of 35 participants. We identified five constructs of trust: communication, comfort, caring, competency, and accompaniment (“acompañamiento”). Facilitators of trust were warm interpersonal dynamics, continuity with clinician and care team, rapid direct communication with clinician, and language concordance. Barriers of trust were inadequate or inaccurate information, rotating clinicians, cold interpersonal dynamics, and language discordance. There were few differences between Spanish and English groups. CONCLUSION: Patient perspectives about building trust with clinicians are critical for improving the quality of patient–clinician relationships, especially when language barriers exist.

Signs, Sources, Coping Strategies, and Suggested Interventions for Burnout Among Preclerkship Students at a U.S. Medical School: A Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Research suggests that burnout can begin early in medical school, yet burnout among preclerkship students remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize burnout signs, sources, coping strategies, and potential interventions among preclerkship students at one U.S. medical school. The authors conducted a qualitative study of preclerkship students at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM) during June 2019. Participants completed 2 Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) items (measuring frequency of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) and 2 free-text questions on burnout before participating in 1 of 3 semistructured focus groups. Focus group questions were derived from a literature review on medical student burnout with input from the MCASOM Student Life and Wellness Committee. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed, coded inductively, and analyzed iteratively (along with free-text comments) using a general inductive approach from a constructivist perspective. Eighteen of 111 eligible students (16%) participated, with 5/18 (28%) reporting weekly emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization on MBI items. Analysis of focus group transcripts showed that most students had experienced burnout symptoms during their first or second year, corresponding with school-related stressors and manifesting in cognitive-emotional, physical, and verbal-behavioral ways. Students identified systemic, institutional, and individual burnout drivers and discussed how these drivers interacted (e.g., high standards of excellence at the system level interacted with anxiety and maladaptive thinking at the individual level, creating pressure to always do more). Students used various coping strategies (e.g., self-care, peer support, reframing, and compartmentalization) but emphasized limitations of these strategies and recommended interventions directed toward systemic and institutional burnout drivers. This study offers insights into burnout signs and sources among preclerkship medical students that can inform future large-scale studies. Results suggest that burnout emerges from dynamic interactions among systemic, institutional, and individual factors and may benefit from multipronged interventions.

Do adults listen? A qualitative analysis of the narratives of LGBTQI adolescents in Madrid

This article explores the experiences of LGBTQI adolescents related to the listening they receive, based on a qualitative focus group study conducted between 2022 and 2023 in Madrid, Spain. After the transcription of the conversations, a thematic analysis was carried out following the systematic procedure designed by Nowell et al. (2017), in order to extract the meanings that the adolescents gave to their experiences. The main thematic axes around which the group discussions revolved were the existence of homophobic ideologies and adultists societies, the experience of not feeling listened to, the safe spaces in which they do feel listened to, the reaffirmation of their identity and satisfaction with their own bodies. Attention was also paid to the processes of subjectivation and agency in relation to listening. The conclusions highlight the importance of role models, the requirement that listening be supported by an intention to learn and recognize others, as well as the urgent need to create safe listening spaces for LGBTQI adolescents.

CLINICIANS' PERCEPTIONS OF MANUAL HANDLING POLICIES IN STROKE REHABILITATION: A QUALITATIVE FOCUS GROUP STUDY.

The professional literature guides manual handling in numerous health care settings. The effects of these guidelines on stroke rehabilitation and the clinical communication of health care professionals are unknown. This paper aims to investigate the perspectives of nurses and physiotherapists on handling guidelines in their professions to identify conflicts in opinions to provide optimum care to people with stroke. A qualitative focus group study. Three focus groups were conducted. The participants were physiotherapists or nurses with 1 year of stroke care experience. The data were thematically analysed. Nineteen participants (12 physiotherapists and 7 nurses) were interviewed. The data analysis revealed 3 themes. First, "The application of handling in stroke rehabilitation" includes clinical reasoning and real-world handling practices. The second theme, "Physical Effects on Therapists," examines the long-term effects of manual handling on therapists, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The final theme, "Conflicts among health care professionals," investigates stroke rehabilitation equipment conflicts between nurses and physiotherapists. The study concludes that stroke transfer guidelines in the specialised literature may impact health care professionals' perspectives. Conflicts among health care professionals can impair teamwork. Thus, health care professionals should work together as stroke rehabilitation teams to develop unified transfer guidelines that aid rehabilitation and avoid work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Perceptions on Specialist Palliative Care Involvement During and After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Qualitative Study

IMPORTANCE: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an exceptional physical situation and may lead to significant psychological, spiritual, and social distress in patients and their next of kin. Furthermore, clinicians might experience distress related to a CPR event. Specialist palliative care (sPC) integration could address these aspects but is not part of routine care. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore perspectives on sPC integration during and after CPR. A needs assessment for sPC, possible triggers indicating need, and implementation strategies were addressed. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multiprofessional qualitative semistructured focus group study was conducted in a German urban academic teaching hospital. Participants were clinicians (nursing staff, residents, and consultants) working in the emergency department and ICUs (internal medicine and surgical). ANALYSIS: The focus groups were recorded and subsequently transcribed. Data material was analyzed using the content-structuring content analysis according to Kuckartz. RESULTS: Seven focus groups with 18 participants in total were conducted online from July to November 2022. Six main categories (two to five subcategories) were identified: understanding (of palliative care and death), general CPR conditions (e.g., team, debriefing, and strains), prognosis (e.g., preexisting situation, use of extracorporeal support), next of kin (e.g., communication, presence during CPR), treatment plan (patient will and decision-making), and implementation of sPC (e.g., timing, trigger factors). CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions about the need for sPC to support during and after CPR depend on roles, areas of practice, and individual understanding of sPC. Although some participants perceive CPR itself as a trigger for sPC, others define, for example, pre-CPR-existing multimorbidity or complex family dynamics as possible triggers. Suggestions for implementation are multifaceted, especially communication by sPC is emphasized. Specific challenges of extracorporeal CPR need to be explored further. Overall, the focus groups show that the topic is considered relevant, and studies on outcomes are warranted.

Firefighters and police search dog handlers’ experiences working closely with paramedics in urban search and rescue incidents: a qualitative focus group study from Oslo

BackgroundRescue operations are in Norway defined as situations where patients are difficult to access or that more resources are needed than the health services alone possess and can put in operation (Bull A, Redningshåndboken er endelig her! [Internet]. Hovedredningssentralen. 2018 [cited 2023 May 15]. Available from: https://www.hovedredningssentralen.no/redningshandboken-er-endelig-her/). Rescue operations after large incidents may include civil protection, military forces, non-governmental organizations and other resources, but the initial rescue effort must be performed by the emergency services as time often is of essence. The central area of an accident where special training and personal protection equipment is necessary or mandatory is called the Hot Zone. This study examines Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) firefighters and police officers reported experiences from ambulance personnel’s contribution in the Hot Zone.MethodsWe conducted five focus group interviews with USAR-trained firefighters and police officers. The interviewees were those on duty on the agreed dates. The interviews were taped, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke.ResultsThree themes were identified; Feeling safe during missions, Building USAR capacity, and Trust-building within USAR-teams. The firefighters and police officers reported their and the patients’ safety are best managed by EMS-personnel, whose presence strongly contributes to their own feeling of safety in a dangerous area. When EMS handles victims and injured emergency workers, firefighters and police officers can focus on their own primary tasks. Indeed, interviewees reported that building a USAR capacity depends on having USAR-trained EMS-personnel in the Hot Zone. The interviewees have clear and consistent opinions on how to establish an interagency USAR capacity effectively. Trust is paramount to the interviewees, and they express a high degree of trust within USAR Oslo.ConclusionsFirefighters and police officers regard USAR-trained EMS-personnel as a natural and integrated part in urban search and rescue teams. EMS-personnel in the dangerous area deliver safety and medical professional assistance to both rescue workers and patients. Informants in this study had clear opinions on how to establish and maintain such a service.

The lived experiences of HIV-positive women in rural Zimbabwe: A qualitative focus group study.

The study explored and described the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the rural context of Zimbabwe. Stigma and discrimination negatively impact one's ability to perform the expected social roles, the quality of life, and the efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and reduce HIV-related mortality. Thus, the study aims to understand the meaning attached to the lived experiences of HIV-positive women living in rural areas or villages of Matabeleland South province in Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 24 HIV-positive rural women living in Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted to explore and describe the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with HIV. Two interconnected themes were identified in the analysis with their sub-themes. These were: (1) struggle for social belonging, with subthemes - loss of social belonging and reduced access to community-based empowerment opportunities and (2) struggle for maintaining the quality of life with subthemes - lack of need-based community healthcare and food insecurity. Being a woman living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe means a perpetual struggle to maintain one's humanness and quality of life.Contribution:This study's results will support the efforts of the Zimbabwean government to improve the quality of life of HIV-positive women living in rural areas.

General practitioners' experiences of providing lifestyle advice to patients with depression: A qualitative focus group study.

Depression is an increasingly common mental health disorder in the UK, managed predominantly in the community by GPs. Emerging evidence suggests lifestyle medicine is a key component in the management of depression. We aimed to explore GPs' experiences, attitudes, and challenges to providing lifestyle advice to patients with depression. Focus groups were conducted virtually with UK GPs (May-July 2022). A topic guide facilitated the discussion and included questions on experiences, current practices, competence, challenges, and service provision. Data were analysed using template analysis. 'Supporting Effective Conversations'; 'Willing, but Blocked from Establishing Relational Care'; 'Working Towards Patient Empowerment'; and 'Control Over the Prognosis' were all elements of how individualised lifestyle advice was key to the management of depression. Establishing a doctor-patient relationship by building trust and rapport was fundamental to having effective conversations about lifestyle behaviours. Empowering patients to make positive lifestyle changes required tailoring advice using a patient-centred approach. Confidence varied across participants, depending on education, experience, type of patient, and severity of depression. GPs play an important role in managing depression using lifestyle medicine and a patient-centred approach. Organisational and educational changes are necessary to facilitate GPs in providing optimal care to patients with depression.