Follow-up Qualitative Interviews Research Articles

How can professional learning communities influence teachers’ job satisfaction? A mixed-method study in China

ABSTRACT This mixed-method study explored the influences of professional learning communities (PLCs) on teachers’ job satisfaction in China. A questionnaire survey was administered to 488 teachers in 16 primary schools in Shanghai to examine the effect of PLCs on teachers’ job satisfaction. Follow-up qualitative interviews with 10 teachers were conducted to explain the reasons behind such effects. The results show that the organisation-centric characteristics of PLCs, comprising supportive leadership, organisational structure and cultural barriers, have significant and positive effects on the teacher-centric characteristics of PLCs (i.e., collaborative inquiry and sharing and shared purpose and responsibility), which further significantly and positively predicted teacher job satisfaction. The practical implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Feasibility of Social Media-Based Recruitment and Perceived Acceptability of Digital Health Interventions for Caregivers of Justice-Involved Youth: Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundCaregiver involvement is critical for supporting positive behavioral health and legal outcomes for justice-involved youth; however, recruiting this population into clinical research studies and engaging them in treatment remain challenging. Technology-based approaches are a promising, yet understudied avenue for recruiting and intervening with caregivers of justice-involved youth.ObjectiveThis mixed methods study aimed to assess the feasibility of recruiting caregivers of justice-involved youth using social media into clinical research and to understand caregivers’ perceptions of the acceptability of digital health interventions.MethodsCaregivers of justice-involved youth were recruited through paid Facebook advertisements to participate in a Web-based survey. Advertisement design was determined using Facebook A/B split testing, and the advertisement with the lowest cost per link click was used for the primary advertisement campaign. Survey participants were offered the option to participate in a follow-up qualitative phone interview focused on the perceived feasibility and acceptability of digital health interventions.ResultsFacebook advertisements were successful in quickly recruiting a diverse set of caregivers (80/153, 52.3% female; mean age 43 years, SD 7; 76/168, 45.2% black, 34/168, 20.2% white, and 28/168, 16.7% Latinx; and 97/156, 62.2% biological parents); cost per click was US $0.53, and conversion rate was 11.5%. Survey participants used multiple social media platforms; 60.1% (101/168) of the participants indicated they would participate in a digital health intervention for caregivers of justice-involved youth. Survey respondents’ most preferred intervention was supportive and motivational parenting messages via SMS text message. Of the survey respondents, 18 completed a phone interview (12/18, 67% female; mean age 45 years, SD 10; 10/18, 56% black, 7/18, 39% white, and 1/18, 6% Latinx; and 16/18, 89% biological parents). Interview participant responses suggested digital health interventions are acceptable, but they expressed both likes (eg, alleviates barriers to treatment access) and concerns (eg, privacy); their most preferred intervention was video-based family therapy.ConclusionsRecruiting and intervening with caregivers of justice-involved youth through social media and other digital health approaches may be a feasible and acceptable approach to overcoming barriers to accessing traditional in-person behavioral health care.

Food and beverage marketing in schools: school superintendents' perspectives and practices after the healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

Children are surrounded by ubiquitous forms of unhealthy food marketing at home and in schools. The US Department of Agriculture now restricts food and beverage marketing that does not meet Smart Snacks in School standards. School superintendents, as districts' top administrators, play a critical role in ensuring marketing policies are implemented and adhered to; however, there is limited research involving this stakeholder group. The current study examined superintendents' perspectives on food marketing in schools and the marketing provision in wellness policies, as well as experiences with the implementation of such policies. Qualitative focus groups and follow-up interviews (with focus group participants) were conducted by trained researchers. Focus groups occurred at The School Superintendents' annual meeting; follow-up interviews were over the telephone. Superintendents and assistant superintendents (n 39) from twenty-three states participated. Interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed; transcripts were team-coded in Atlas.ti using an iteratively revised coding guide to facilitate theme generation. Despite common concerns that marketing to children was 'insidious', superintendents reported a wide range of food and beverage marketing policies. In addition, the main issue is fundraising - such as 'restaurant nights' - that results in marketing that occurs on- and off-campus and afterschool. Discrepancies between perspectives and practices point to the challenges that superintendents face with budgetary constraints, as well as relationships with parent-teacher organisations. These findings provide important insights about superintendents' perspectives and challenges, particularly for government and child health advocates supporting school districts, to implement these policies.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO HOW LESSON STUDY PRACTICE RESHAPES AN EFL TEACHER’S BELIEFS REGARDING THE QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE TEACHERS

The present study aims to provide insights into how teachers’ beliefs about the qualities of effective teachers are shaped when they take part in Lesson Study practice as a teacher-led, collaborative professional development activity. The study adopted qualitative research methodology and utilized from the qualitative data collection means including repertory grids (i.e. pre- and post) and follow-up interviews to achieve the research aim. The results reveal that the EFL teacher in the study context steps in the process of change since he is observed to cite constructs related to teacher-student relationships and add new constructs related to professional development as a result of experiencing Lesson Study model with his colleaques.

Interactive youth science workshops benefit student participants and graduate student mentors.

Science communication and outreach are essential for training the next generation of scientists and raising public awareness for science. Providing effective science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational outreach to students in classrooms is challenging because of the need to form partnerships with teachers, the time commitment required for the presenting scientist, and the limited class time allotted for presentations. In our Present Your Ph.D. Thesis to a 12-Year Old outreach project, our novel solution to this problem is hosting a youth science workshop (YSW) on our university campus. The YSW is an interpersonal science communication and outreach experience in which graduate students from diverse scientific disciplines introduce middle and high school students to their cutting-edge research and mentor them to develop a white-board presentation to communicate the research to the workshop audience. Our assessment of the YSW indicated that participating young students expressed significantly more positive attitudes toward science and increased motivation to work in a STEM career after attending the workshop. Qualitative follow-up interviews with participating graduate students’ show that even with minimal time commitment, an impactful science communication training experience can be achieved. The YSW is a low-cost, high-reward educational outreach event amenable to all disciplines of science. It enhances interest and support of basic science research while providing opportunities for graduate students to engage with the public, improve their science communication skills, and enhance public understanding of science. This YSW model can be easily implemented at other higher education institutions to globally enhance science outreach initiatives.

A Model of Research Article Writing Sociolinguistic Competence (RAWSC): Evidence From Qualitative Meta-Synthesis and Follow-Up Interviews

The knowledge of sociolinguistic factors can be a remarkable component of competence in research article writing for learners’ successful handling of scholarly writing tasks in English for academic purposes (EAP) programs. This study aimed to present a model of Sociolinguistics Competence (SC) in writing EAP research articles. Give this, two stages were followed. Firstly, a meta-synthesis approach was adopted to investigate the available literature on various aspects of SC and extract the latent themes and concepts in the target model. As a result, two categories emerged from the combination of five concepts and 258 codes. Secondly, an introspective stage was followed to explore the perceptions of a sampled number of EAP Iranian researchers of features of research article writing sociolinguistic competence and their difficulties relevant to the sociolinguistic aspects of writing RAs. Data for this stage came from interviews with nine Iranian EAP researchers who have published in highly prestigious journals. Conducting thematic analysis in the introspective stage resulted in 118 codes and four subcategories. The interview findings confirmed the main categories obtained from the meta-synthesis. The combination of the findings of meta-synthesis and interviews yielded a reductionist yet inclusive account of EAP research article writing sociolinguistic competence.

What hurts or helps teacher collaboration? Evidence from UAE schools

Despite the positive impact of collaborative school cultures on teachers’ professional growth and student achievement, it is difficult to create such a culture. This study explores the types of school cultures in one school district in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to identify factors that could foster or inhibit true teacher collaboration. Data consist of quantitative survey responses from 361 teachers in 24 schools, and the results of follow-up qualitative interviews with 14 teachers representing 4 schools. Results show that the most common types of school cultures were contrived collegiality and comfortable collaboration, and that true collaboration was the least common. There is also evidence that when teachers’ work is governed by mandated learning outcomes, students’ assessment requirements, and external accountability demands, teachers lack the time, autonomy, or willingness to create a truly collaborative work culture. The study concludes that teacher autonomy and internal accountability are key elements for creating truly collaborative cultures in UAE schools.

A Proof-of-Concept Investigation of an Energy Management Education Program to Improve Fatigue and Life Participation in Adults on Chronic Dialysis.

Background:Fatigue and its negative impact on life participation are top research priorities of people on chronic dialysis therapy. Energy management education (EME) is a fatigue management approach that teaches people to use practical strategies (eg, prioritizing, using efficient body postures, organizing home environments) to manage their energy expenditure during everyday life.Objective:The aim of this study is to explore whether EME is associated with improvements in fatigue and life participation in adults on chronic dialysis.Design:Five single-case interrupted time-series AB studies, and follow-up qualitative interviews.Setting:The hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis units at an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada.Patients:In total, 5 patients on chronic dialysis therapy were purposively selected to represent diversity in age, gender, and modality.Measurements:Brief questionnaires assessing fatigue and life participation were administered weekly during the baseline and intervention periods. Additional validated questionnaires (the Fatigue Impact Scale, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36] Vitality Scale, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) were also administered at baseline and post-intervention.Methods:All participants underwent “The PEP Program,” a personalized, web-supported EME program designed to meet the needs of people on dialysis. During the program, participants complete 2 brief web modules about energy management, and then use energy management principles and a problem-solving framework to work on 3 life participation goals during sessions with a trained program administrator. Data were analyzed using visual analysis and the Tau-U statistic for the weekly time-series data, and thematic analysis for the qualitative interviews.Results:Three of 5 participants displayed a consistently positive response to the Personal Energy Planning (PEP) program across multiple measures of fatigue and life participation. Tau-U effect size estimates ranged from small to moderate, according to the time-series data. All 5 participants expressed that the program had benefited them in qualitative follow-up interviews, with the most common reported benefit being that the program made day-to-day activities easier. The format of the program was also said to be feasible and convenient.Limitations:An exploratory, proof-of-concept study that used a small set of participants and lacked an active control comparison.Conclusions:The PEP program might have potential for improving fatigue-related outcomes in people on chronic dialysis. Larger, controlled studies of the program are warranted.

Study design and protocol for a comprehensive evaluation of a UK massive open online course (MOOC) on quality improvement in healthcare

IntroductionMassive open online courses (MOOCs) offer a flexible approach to online and distance learning, and are growing in popularity. Several MOOCs are now available, to help learners build on their...

Epidemiology of Campus Sexual Assault Among University Women in Eswatini.

Sexual assault on university campuses has attracted growing attention, but there is little data available on the scope of the problem in Southern Africa. We sought to measure the prevalence of campus sexual assault among female university students at the University of Eswatini and describe the experience of survivors using a mixed-methods study design. Women were randomly sampled from a list of all full-time female university students provided by the office of the registrar, and participants completed a brief behavioral survey in a private study office using a tablet with computer-assisted self-interview software. Women who indicated experiences of sexual violence during the survey were invited to self-identify themselves to study staff to participate in a follow-up qualitative interview. We measured sexual assault using the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Version (SES-SFV). We found that women in University were over 6 times more likely to report forced or coerced sex in the previous 12 months than has been previously reported in the general population. Sixty percent of participants reported experiencing an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime, and a total of 38% reported an assault in the past 12 months. The vast majority (93%) of assailants were known to their victim, and the majority (56%) of perpetrators were romantic partners. The majority of participants had never disclosed their assault, and victim blaming and stigma emerged as highly salient themes during in-depth qualitative interviews. Food insecurity, losing a parent before age 21, and hazardous drinking were all significantly associated with experiencing sexual assault in the previous 12 months, as was experiencing a previous assault before the age of 18. To our knowledge, this is the first generalizable study of campus sexual assault prevalence conducted in the Southern African region.

Exploring the dual effects of perceived waiting on healthcare service satisfaction among outpatients

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore healthcare waiting time and the negative and positive effects (i.e. the dual effects) it has on outpatient satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachSelf-administered surveys with 334 outpatients and follow-up interviews with 20 outpatients in three large hospitals in Taiwan were conducted to collect data.FindingsQuantitative surveys demonstrated that perceived waiting time correlated with satisfaction negatively first but then positively. Satisfaction also correlated with doctor reputation and patient sociability. Follow-up qualitative interviews further revealed that, for some patients, waiting contributed positively to patient evaluations through signaling better healthcare quality and facilitating social interaction.Originality/valueThis research demonstrated the possibility that waiting might have positive effects on healthcare satisfaction. It also identified variables that could produce greater positive perceptions during hospital waiting and underlying mechanisms that could explain how the positive effects work. This research may potentially help hospitals with a better understanding of how they can improve patients’ waiting experiences and increase satisfaction.

2514. Real-time Antiretroviral Electronic Adherence Monitoring In Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy adherence remains a challenge, particularly for young African American men who have sex with men (YAAMSM). We enrolled 40 YAAMSM for 3 months of electronic adherence monitoring (EAM). These data may be useful in developing an antiretroviral EAM intervention that responds to missed doses with real-time text messages.MethodsYAAMSM (age 18–34 years) living with HIV and taking ART participated in a quantitative and qualitative study that included ART adherence monitoring with a Wisepill electronic monitoring device for up to 3 months. Interviews were performed during April 2017–April 2019 at baseline and follow-up. Monitoring data were reviewed to determine timing and patterns of missing their first true adjudicated miss for durations of 1 dose, 3 consecutive days, and 7 consecutive days. Follow-up qualitative interviews included exploring acceptability of monitoring.ResultsThe median age was 28 years and median participant observation time was 90 days (interquartile range 88–90 days) (n = 40 participants). Among those with at least 2 weeks follow-up and adjudication (n = 32), 100% missed at least 1 day. Most (82%) of these participants were <80% adherent in at least one of their monitored months. One dose and 3-day misses did not cluster (e.g., no disproportion on weekends). Most (88%) first missed doses occurred during the first 9 days monitored and most (69%) of the 13 who missed 3 consecutive days missed within the first monitored month. Four participants missed 7 consecutive days. Among 31 with a follow-up interview, 28 (90%) felt receiving a text because of device monitoring would affect their medication taking in the future. Illustrative quotes included, “It made me more responsible” and “…it makes you want to do it right.”ConclusionMost YAAMSM living with HIV in this study had adherence below the target threshold of >80%. These data support development of a text message responsive real-time electronic adherence monitoring intervention approach.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

"Space means Science, unless it's about Star Wars": A qualitative assessment of science communication audience segments.

Scholars of science communication have identified population segments that differ in their perceptions of and attitudes toward science as well as in their patterns of science-related information and media use. So far, however, most of these studies employed quantitative, standardized methods and their descriptions could not go into qualitative detail. This study fills this gap: It delivers an in-depth description of members of four audience segments that were identified in a prior, representative survey in Switzerland. Forty-one of these survey respondents, representing different segments, were asked to note their encounters with science in smartphone-based diaries, and diary entries were discussed in qualitative follow-up interviews. Results show that the segments differ in their criteria for identifying science, expectations toward science, and their reasons to use science communication.

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.

What sticks? Patients’ perspectives on treatment three years after psychotherapy: A mixed-methods approach

Objective: In the present study, a patient-focused, mixed-methods approach was applied to relate patients’ personal experiences of change processes during therapy to their long-term psychometric treatment outcomes. Method: Comprehensive follow-up quantitative assessments and qualitative interviews were conducted with n = 30 patients who had completed an integrative CBT treatment three years prior. Qualitative content analysis by two independent coders was used to categorize patients’ subjective explanations of therapeutic change. Correlations were applied to relate the frequency and diversity of change factors to clinically significant change of symptom distress at post-treatment and 36-month follow-up. Cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of patients with similar patterns of change factors. Results: Qualitative content analysis with good interrater reliability revealed five main categories: (1) Therapeutic relationship (2) Activating resources (3) Motivational clarification and insight (4) Action-oriented coping strategies (5) Healing therapeutic setting. Higher levels of change factors were associated with greater relief of symptoms at post-treatment and 36-month follow-up. Cluster analysis revealed three different groups of patients. Conclusions: The analysis provides insight into therapeutic change factors from the patient’s perspective. Some categories are consistent with theoretically driven models of common factors. Results may help tailor psychotherapy to patients’ individual needs.

Study abroad and knowledge diplomacy: increasing awareness and connectivity to the host country, host region, and world

ABSTRACT The internationalisation of higher education through study abroad programmes is a pivotal strategy for cultivating knowledge of the host country and the world. This article explores the long-term impacts of study abroad through the lens of knowledge diplomacy, which emphasises the benefits of understanding the world through transformative international experiences for all involved actors. The article draws upon original data sources on US study abroad experiences in Japan from 1963 to 2012, including a quantitative online survey (n = 259) and 25 qualitative in-depth follow-up interviews. The findings shed light on how participants understand their personal development resulting from their study abroad experience and how their awareness and connectivity become more global, with a lifelong bond to the host country, raised consciousness of the host region and an expanded awareness of the world.

A preliminary evaluation of the delivery of the \u201cLeadership in Mental Health, Eastern Mediterranean Region\u201d course

BackgroundIt is well established that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region urgently needs to scale up mental health services and that a major barrier is a leadership gap including both mental health specialists who lack public health/planning skills and public health system leaders who are not trained in issues relevant to mental health. To address the need for capacity-building in mental health leadership in the MENA region, a 10-day course was developed and delivered to 43 participants from fourteen countries. Both quantitative surveys and qualitative follow-up interviews were conducted with the course participants.ResultsA positive impact was found on participants’ knowledge, motivation, and implementation. Participants reported the greatest changes in their ability to integrate mental health into primary care, along with changes in ability to plan, take leadership, advocate for change, and establish networks between and within countries and felt better able to use research to advocate for mental health services and training.ConclusionThe course is an effective tool for developing leadership skills in the region and demonstrated that participants used the knowledge gained to implement change in their settings.

Attitudes of editors of core clinical journals about whether systematic reviews are original research: a mixed-methods study

ObjectivesIn 2009, not all journal editors considered systematic reviews (SRs) to be original research studies, and not all PubMed Core Clinical Journals published SRs. The aim of this study was...

A self-management education programme for adults with asthma

Introduction Globally, asthma is one of the major non-communicable diseases, with 235 million people currently suffering from the condition. In Saudi Arabia, there is a 4% prevalence of asthma among the adult population. This study aimed to develop an adult asthma patient self-management education programme that took into account the Saudi context and culture. Systematic review A systematic review was conducted to determine the most effective way of delivering asthma self-management education programmes. It was shown in the review that asthma was more prevalent in individuals with less education, and that nurses had an important role in educating patients with this disease. Following analysis of this evidence alongside the Saudi context, small-group education programmes delivered by nurses were selected as the most appropriate means of delivering education, which considered patient individual needs and cultural values to improve their health outcomes in terms of self-management. Methods An explanatory sequential complementary mixed-methods design was adopted. This design encompassed a quasi-experiment using a pre- and post-test comparative study, followed by a qualitative part using face-to-face interviews with patients. The intervention was an educational programme that included topics selected based on patients’ needs in the review and following the Saudi Initiative for Asthma (SINA) guidance.1 The programme was tested to determine whether it provide patients with the necessary knowledge and skills to self-manage their asthma and consequently reduce their visits to emergency departments. Further, the programme was approved and co-designed with nursing staff who provide care for patients with asthma in the selected hospital and following consultation with patients. The programme was delivered by nurses and other professionals who were trained to ensure the quality of delivery. Data were collected pre-, post- and at 3 and 6 months following the intervention and included topics related to asthma, Asthma Control Test, Asthma Self-Management Questionnaire, the Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) instrument. Prior to data collection, instruments were all translated to Arabic, the language of participants, and validated to assure the validity of patients’ responses. Patients in the control group were able to receive the intervention after 6 months, the last data collection point in the study. Findings Analysis of the responses between the pre- and post-tests demonstrate that patients with higher levels of knowledge had higher PAM scores. Patients’ scores in all datasets in phase 2 were higher than those in phase 1, which indicated that the education was effective and increased confidence in patients’ self-management of their asthma. Results to date suggest that the bespoke education is relevant and provides the necessary knowledge to increase confidence and patient activation towards disease self-management and reducing complications. Study progress Longer-term follow-up data and qualitative interviews will be completed in late February 2019. It is anticipated that these results will confirm that the educational programme is suited to the Saudi Arabian context, improves knowledge and increases confidence in the self-management of asthma.

Perceptions and experiences of rare diseases among the GP population in Northern Ireland

BackgroundRare diseases are often complex, life-long conditions with a genetic basis. With advances in phenotyping and genomic medicine, there are now &gt;8000 rare diseases reported. A rare disease is defined by an incidence of &lt;5 cases per 10 000 population; although they are individually rare, collectively they are much more common with 1 in 17 persons affected in their lifetime. The Northern Ireland Rare Disease Implementation Plan (2015) highlighted the need for better coordination of care, the empowerment of patients, better diagnostics, and earlier disease interventions. The report also acknowledged the difficult role that GPs have, especially in the diagnosis of rare diseases. GPs play an important role in healthcare delivery for people living with a rare disease and their families. However, many GPs report challenge identifying and managing individuals with a rare disease appropriately.AimTo explore GP’s perceptions and experiences of rare diseases.MethodA literature review of published research related to GPs and rare disease will be conducted. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. Additionally, an online survey will be completed by GPs November 2018–spring 2019, with follow-up qualitative interviews providing further in-depth information.ResultsInitial searches have revealed 27 relevant publications. A summary of the findings from the literature review will be presented, alongside findings from our GP survey.ConclusionMuch can be learned from the experiences of current GPs to identify rare disease information needs and resources that enable effective GP-patient partnerships.