Regular Feedback Research Articles

1897 Older stroke survivors and rehabilitation therapists’ views on home-based resistance exercise for upper limbs

Abstract Introduction Upper limb recovery after stroke depends on participating in personalised task-specific exercise programmes. However, older adults with stroke find it challenging to maintain an optimal level of engagement with such exercise programmes due to personal and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to explore the views of stroke survivors and rehabilitation therapists on home-based resistance exercises for upper limbs. Method A qualitative study of semi-structured virtual and in-person interviews was conducted between January and March 2023 in England. Participants were 11 older adults >65 years (6 females (55%), with chronic stroke (>1 year after a stroke) and moderate to severe disabilities. Twenty rehabilitation therapists were also interviewed (3 physiotherapists, and 17 Action for Rehabilitation from Neurological Injury (ARNI) instructors). The group was asked about perceived personal and environmental barriers and facilitators as well as expectations of resistance exercises in relation to upper limb neurorehabilitation programmes. Interview sessions were audio recorded for transcription and thematic data analysis. The study was approved by Sheffield Hallam University ethics committee (reference number: AA43961583). Results Both groups mentioned that the main barrier to performing upper-limb exercises is weakness in the paretic arm affecting grip strength with consequent adverse impact on adherence to a home-based programme and poor patient motivation. Patients also reported safety concerns such as dropping equipment and being dependent on a carer to undertake regular exercises. Stroke survivors preferred a program that activates the paretic arm and is relevant to their daily functional activities. They preferred simple exercise instructions and demonstrations through visual aids and video materials. Patients also valued regular feedback on adjusting their exercise dose, monitoring progress over time, and ongoing encouragement. Conclusions Our study showed that designing home-based resistance exercises for upper limb in older stroke survivors should be individualised, functionally orientated, and motivational.

Employee feedback: how to provide feedback and recognition regularly

Purpose This paper explores the transformative impact of regular employee feedback and recognition in the workplace. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of feedback in fostering a culture of accountability and appreciation, thereby improving organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on extensive professional experience and contemporary Human Relations practices. It synthesizes insights from various employee engagement strategies, feedback mechanisms and recognition programs implemented in diverse organizational settings. The methodology includes an analysis of best practices in feedback delivery, the role of technology in Human Relations and the challenges of implementing effective feedback systems. The approach is grounded in practical Human Relations expertise, offering a real-world perspective on managing employee engagement. Findings This paper finds that clear communication of expectations, setting achievable goals, providing resources and acknowledging success are key to effective feedback. The study also reveals the importance of personalized, empathetic feedback approaches and the strategic use of technology in HR processes. Research limitations/implications The insights presented are based on the author’s extensive experience and existing literature, which may not encompass all possible scenarios in diverse organizational contexts. Future research could benefit from empirical studies to validate these findings across different industries and company sizes. Practical implications This paper offers actionable strategies for HR professionals and managers to enhance employee engagement through effective feedback and recognition. The paper also discusses the integration of technology in feedback processes and the importance of ongoing training for effective feedback delivery. These insights are valuable for organizations aiming to foster a positive work environment and high employee morale. Social implications The study highlights the social dimension of workplace feedback, emphasizing its role in building a supportive and inclusive work culture. It underscores the importance of recognizing diverse feedback preferences and the impact of empathetic, personalized communication on employee well-being and job satisfaction. The paper advocates for feedback practices that contribute to a more engaged, motivated and socially connected workforce. Originality/value This paper offers a unique blend of practical HR expertise and strategic insights into employee feedback and recognition. It fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive view of the impact of feedback on employee engagement and organizational performance. The paper’s value lies in its practical applicability and its contribution to the understanding of effective feedback strategies in modern workplaces.

Effect of Employee Motivation on the Performance of Micro- Small and Medium Enterprise in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

The paper investigates the Impact of Employee Motivation on Organizational Performance of SME’s in FCT. The aim of this research is to identify the relation between employee motivation and organizational performance and to examine to examine the effect of salaries on organizational productivity. The study made use of descriptive survey design using frequencies and percentages and with a sample population of 450 employees of selected MSME’s in Abuja. The Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to test the three hypotheses that guided the study. The result of the analysis indicates that there is a relationship between employee motivation and organizational performance. The researcher recommends that organizations should adopt extrinsic rewards in order to increase productivity and performance. Periodic assessment and regular feedbacks are also recommended as a tool to monitor and enhance the motivational tools put in place.

Delegation and Employee Prosocial Behaviour in the Hospitality Sector in Port Harcourt

This study primarily examined the relationship between delegation and employee prosocial behaviour in the hospitality sector in Port Harcourt. The study adopted the cross-sectional research survey design. Primary data was generated through structured questionnaire. The population of the study was 1674 employees of 11 selected hotels in Port Harcourt. The sample size was also drawn using the Krejcie and Morgan (1980) sample size determination table. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The tests were carried out at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between delegation and employee prosocial behaviour in the hospitality sector in Port Harcourt. Hence, the study concludes that delegation positively enhances employee prosocial behaviour in the hospitality sector in Port Harcourt. Implying that when organizations in hospitality sector actively engage in joint consultation practices, such as open communication, collaboration, and employee involvement in decision-making, there is a notable improvement in prosocial behaviors among employees. Therefore, the study recommends that there is a need to strengthen delegation platforms which involves creating structured forums where both management and employees can engage in meaningful discussions. This could include regular town hall meetings, feedback sessions, and collaborative workshops. By fostering an environment of open communication, these platforms can serve as a foundation for building a positive relationship between stakeholders.

CrimeBook: Where Reporting Crime Anonymously is Easier

Our project focuses on the development of an advanced anonymous crime reporting system aimed at empowering individuals to report crimes without fear of reprisal. Utilizing a user-friendly website, we have created a platform that allows users to submit anonymous crime reports and receive updates on the progress of their submissions. The primary objectives are to boost crime reporting rates, enhance community engagement, and minimize law enforcement response times. Extensive research indicates that our anonymous reporting system has been highly effective in achieving these goals. Acknowledging the potential challenges associated with anonymous reporting, including the risk of false reports and the im- perative to safeguard user privacy, our project employs state-of-the-art Blowfish cipher encryption to secure personal data. This encryption methodology ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and is only accessible to authorized personnel. Our innovative approach not only addresses the crucial need for a secure and anonymous reporting mechanism but also establishes a transparent and efficient communication channel between the community and law enforcement agencies. By encouraging citizens to play an active role in crime prevention without compromising their safety, our system contributes to the creation of a safer and more secure community environment. In addition to the technological aspects, our project places a strong emphasis on user education and awareness. Through outreach programs, we aim to educate the community about the benefits and responsible use of the anonymous reporting system. This proactive approach fosters trust between law enforcement and citizens, further reinforcing the collaborative effort to maintain public safety. While our research and implementation have yielded positive outcomes, we remain committed to ongoing improvement and adaptation. Regular updates and user feedback mechanisms are integrated into the system to ensure continuous refinement and responsiveness to emerging challenges. By fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, our project stands as a model for leveraging technology to address complex societal issues while prioritizing user safety and privacy.

Program evaluation of postgraduate obstetrics and gynecology training in Lao people’s democratic republic - using the CIPP model

BackgroundThe obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN) residency training program in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) began in 2003 based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and ‘Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions (RMNCH) strategies and action plan’. However, the training program had not been properly evaluated previously. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current postgraduate OB-GYN residency training program in Lao PDR by using CIPP model to identify the current problems (the strengths and weaknesses) and suggest a future plan to promote continuous improvement.MethodThe context, input, process, and product classification (CIPP) model was used to develop criteria and indicators. A mixed-methods approach was used for this study. To capture instructional material for quantitative analysis, a Google survey with 38 items and a t-test were used to determine a significant difference in responses between residents and lecturers (N = 120). Based on qualitative analysis, an in-depth interview was done (four questions based on study outcomes, including satisfaction, strengths and weaknesses, and future opportunities), and six interviews provided different viewpoints on the course. The SPSS software program was used to measure validity, with p-values = 0.05.ResultsThe overall average response rate was 97.5%. Two significant differences in program perspectives were revealed between lecturers and residents, difficulties in maintaining the course (professors 3.66 ± 1.03 and residents 3.27 ± 0.98, p = 0.04) and learning outcomes achieved (professors 3.57 ± 0.85 and residents 3.14 ± 0.95, p = 0.01 The overall average for the context part of the questionnaire was under 3.00, with the lowest scores for overlapped learning outcomes and difficulties in maintaining the course. The input part, lack of the classroom, skills lab and staff; the process part, lecturer to collect student opinions and the product part on learning outcomes.ConclusionCurriculum improvement based on the program evaluation results, including regular evaluation and feedback, will advance the residency training program based on the RMNCH strategy and contribute to the promotion of maternal health in the Lao PDR.

Innovative Learning Strategies (Differentiated Learning Perspective on Merdeka Curriculum)

Innovative learning strategies are essential approaches in addressing global challenges and rapid technological developments in the era of the Merdeka Curriculum. From the perspective of differentiated learning, this approach views each learner as a unique individual with different needs, interests, and learning styles. This article discusses innovative learning strategies that can be applied in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, with a focus on differentiated learning. Firstly, emphasis is placed on the use of technology as a learning tool. Utilizing online platforms, educational applications, and learning software can facilitate differentiation in presenting materials and adjusting the level of difficulty according to each student's abilities. Secondly, project-based approaches are integrated into learning to stimulate creativity and problem-solving. These projects can be tailored to the interests and talents of students, creating meaningful learning experiences. Furthermore, cooperative and collaborative learning strategies are implemented to enhance social interaction and student engagement. Through group cooperation, learners can support and understand each other's differences. The importance of formative assessment is also highlighted in this article. By providing regular feedback, teachers can understand the development of each student and devise appropriate differentiation strategies. In implementing these innovative learning strategies, the role of the teacher as a facilitator is crucial. Teachers need to have the skills to identify the individual needs of students, design challenging activities, and provide appropriate support. This article contributes to an understanding of how innovative learning in the perspective of differentiated learning can be integrated into the Merdeka Curriculum. By adopting these strategies, it is expected to create an inclusive, supportive, and stimulating learning environment that fosters the development of each student's potential.

Tele-education by an orthopedic specialist increased the confidence in orthopedics of a general practitioner at a rural solo-practice clinic.

Objective: General practitioners in rural clinics are required to deal with musculoskeletal problems, but they often lack the confidence. We aim to confirm changes in their confidence in orthopedic practices after using tele-education. Materials and Methods: We conducted tele-education in orthopedic practices from June 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022. Using a teleconference system, the first author, an orthopedic specialist, provided tele-education training to an independent general practitioner in a rural clinic. We adopted a 7-point Likert scale to assess the general practitioner's confidence levels. In pre- and post-research, the counts and confidence levels in the scale were assessed for 18 types of orthopedic practices each month. Furthermore, we interviewed the general practitioner to examine the factors influencing their confidence. Results: The confidence levels increased for all measurement items. The most experienced orthopedic practice was "Advising on daily care for musculoskeletal problems", with confidence levels increasing from 3 to 6. The least experienced orthopedic practice was "Manipulative reduction of radial head subluxation", with confidence levels increasing from 4 to 5. The factors that influenced the change in confidence levels were regular feedback and unrestricted availability of consultations. Conclusion: Tele-education in orthopedics may enhance general practitioners' confidence in orthopedic practices.

ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫЕ ЗАПРОСЫ РОДИТЕЛЕЙ ШКОЛЕ: ОПЫТ ЭМПИРИЧЕСКОГО АНАЛИЗА

The article presents the results of comparing parents’ requests to the modern general education system. The data obtained are grouped into three substantive blocks: expectations in relation to the results of school education, opinions on possible changes in the school way of life and vision of the teacher’s the professional and personal qualities. The comparative analysis of parents’ responses received in 2020 and 2024 revealed common and different ideas about the role of school in children’s lives. The results of the analysis showed that the requests of parents for the respectful attitude of teachers to students, meta-objective and personal results, material and technical support of the educational process are stable. In the current situation there is a positive dynamics of requests for solid subject knowledge, modernization of the material and technical support of the educational process and humanistic personal qualities of teachers. According to the results of the study it was concluded that it is necessary to expand the practices of school openness to the family and systematically improve the work of educational organizations with the active participation of parents on the basis of distributed responsibility, cooperation, maintaining a friendly environment and regular feedback.

Ongoing Enhancement of ESL Education Through Reflective Surveys for University Students

Reflective surveys in global best practices are used to ensure that the course meets the varied linguistic needs of university students. Therefore, we aimed to analyze quantitative and qualitative data on university students’ feedback across various dimensions of ESL courses and provide recommendations aimed at improving and sustaining the quality of teaching English at the university level. To achieve this, we used a mixed-method research design to obtain quantitative and qualitative data which revealed that university students expressed their overall satisfaction with the ESL courses. They especially appreciated the possibility of completing assignments asynchronously, as well as relaxed deadlines and discussions. They suggested creating study groups according to language proficiency levels and making them smaller to ensure an individual approach. The results of the research showed that students were mostly positive regarding ESL course content, teaching methods, instructor approach, assignments and assessments, class participation, technology integration, group work, resources and materials, time management, English proficiency, collaborative learning, and relevance to future careers. We observed statistically that students were especially enthusiastic about their teachers’ support and guidance, as well as about relaxed deadlines. This study highlighted the importance for students to communicate with each other in groups, play games, have discussions, do problem-solving tasks, focus on their professional needs, establish rapport with their teachers, get regular feedback and error correction. In conclusion, the study contributes to the importance of reflective surveys in holistically evaluating and refining the ESL learning experience for university students. In future research, reflective surveys could be used for teachers and students from several higher education institutions to further enrich our knowledge in this area.

РОЛЬ КОМУНІКАЦІЇ В УПРАВЛІННІ ЗМІНАМИ ТА ФОРМУВАННІ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ

In the modern business environment, managing change and fostering an innovative corporate culture are essential tasks for organizations. This article examines the role of communication in these processes, highlighting its impact on change perception and innovation climate. Key aspects of communication contributing to successful change management and innovation culture formation in organizations are explored. In this article we explore the importance of effective communication in the process of change management within organizations. It discusses key aspects of communication such as building trust, engaging employees, and achieving common goals. It highlights the role of communication in supporting successful change implementation and creating a positive impact on organizational culture. This article delves deeper into the nuanced strategies and tactics of effective communication within the context of change management. It examines how transparent and open communication channels foster trust among employees, thereby mitigating resistance to change and facilitating smoother transitions. Additionally, the article emphasizes the role of communication in aligning diverse stakeholders towards common goals and objectives. It discusses how clear and consistent messaging helps in creating a shared vision for change, fostering collaboration across departments and levels of hierarchy. Moreover, the article discusses the transformative potential of communication in nurturing an innovative corporate culture. It highlights how effective communication practices not only stimulate creativity and idea generation but also cultivate a supportive environment where experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged. Furthermore, the article explores the role of communication in engaging employees throughout the change process, ensuring their active participation and commitment. It discusses techniques such as regular updates, feedback mechanisms, and interactive forums that empower employees to contribute ideas and concerns, ultimately enhancing the quality and sustainability of change initiatives. In conclusion, the article underscores the profound impact of communication on shaping and nurturing a supportive organizational culture conducive to innovation and adaptation. Through comprehensive analysis and practical insights, it sheds light on the significance of communication as a linchpin for successful change implementation and organizational resilience in dynamic environments.

Financial Technology Innovation and Non-Financial Performance in the Nigerian Banking System

The study investigates the relationship between financial technology innovation and non-financial performance in the Nigerian banking system, with a focus on the complex dynamics of FinTech adoption, the perception of innovation culture, digital security perception, and customer happiness in the Nigerian banking industry. The study used a descriptive survey research technique, with a specific focus on undergraduate students at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti. The population of the institution consisted of around 7500 students, and a sample size of 380 students was estimated using Taro Yamale’s technique. The reliability study validated the coherence of the self-structured questionnaire, attaining a score of 0.82. The results emphasize the substantial influence of the rate at which Fin Tech is adopted on customer satisfaction inside the banking system of Nigeria. The Chi-Square value of 119.8 and a p-value less than 0.001 suggest a strong statistical relationship, highlighting the significant impact of FinTech adoption on overall customer satisfaction in the Nigerian banking system. Moreover, the research indicates that there is a notable impact of the perception of innovation culture on customer satisfaction within the banking system of Nigeria. This is supported by a Chi-Square value of 113.7 and a p-value below 0.001, indicating a robust statistical correlation. Furthermore, the research highlights a significant impact of Digital Security Perception on Customer Satisfaction in the Nigeria Banking System, as shown by a Chi-Square value of 192.3 and a p-value below 0.001. This highlights the substantial influence of the perception of digital security on influencing the overall level of consumer satisfaction in the Nigerian banking industry. In light of these findings, recommendations for the Nigerian banking sector include enhancing FinTech integration to meet evolving customer needs, cultivating an innovation culture, strengthening digital security measures, implementing regular customer feedback mechanisms, and undertaking educational initiatives to increase customer awareness and understanding. It is essential to implement these ideas in order to create a banking environment that prioritizes the needs of customers and guarantees long-term happiness in the digital age.

Research Writing Competence of Grade 12 Students: Towards Research Culture Improvement

This study examined the research writing competence of Grade 12 students using a descriptive-correlational design. The sample comprised 315 students from various academic tracks, assessed with a validated teacher-made survey questionnaire. Results indicated a moderately high level of research writing competence overall, with the STEM strand showing the highest proficiency. Significant differences in research competence among academic tracks were noted, reflecting the influence of diverse instructional methods and socio-economic factors. A positive correlation between academic grades and research competence was found, suggesting that students with higher academic performance generally possessed better research writing skills. Recommendations to enhance research writing competence included improving instructional quality, promoting collaborative research projects, providing regular practice and feedback, establishing mentorship programs, integrating research skills throughout the curriculum, fostering a research culture, and involving parents and the community. These strategies aim to improve students' research writing skills and academic performance, preparing them for future educational and professional challenges.

Empowering the Next Generation: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Modern Workforce Through Coaching and Mentorship

Each workforce generation grapples with distinctive challenges, and the contemporary job market introduces new complexities with the integration of artificial intelligence. The impact of artificial intelligence on organisational productivity is noteworthy, especially as it provides opportunities for lower-skilled workers to enhance their capabilities, albeit with potential implications for the development of tacit knowledge. Despite prevailing generational judgements, insights from various studies and reports reveal that the younger generation in Singapore values workforce acceptance and hard work, and exhibits resilience. Concurrently, the 2022 National Population Health Survey by the Ministry of Health highlighted a significant proportion of individuals aged 18–29 years experiencing poor mental health. Managing the well-being and productivity of the younger workforce becomes crucial, with the introduction of a growth mindset offering a potential solution. A growth mindset refers to the belief in one’s capacity for development and the malleability of human attributes. Three key strategies are identified for fostering a growth mindset and well-being in the workforce: regular constructive feedback, organisational responses to project failures, and adopting a “not yet” approach to unmet goals. Furthermore, the implementation of workplace coaching and mentoring emerges as a strategic solution, targeting individual and organisational performances, and sustainable well-being. Within workplace coaching, bridge mentoring is proposed to address diversity gaps and positively impact employee learning and development.

Improving Surveillance in a Barangay: A Study on Assessing Needs for Designing Optimal Closed-Circuit Television Camera Placement

This study aimed to conduct a needs assessment in order to design a CCTV camera placement plan in a barangay to enhance community safety and security. Employing a descriptive research design, the study involved 300 randomly selected respondents from a barangay in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The results of the needs assessment underscored the importance of developing a CCTV camera placement plan for the barangay. The researcher proposed to develop a plan that aims to provide measures to improve safety and security within the community. Based on the needs assessment that has been conducted, several recommendations were drawn. Firstly, it was strongly advised to design a CCTV camera placement plan in the barangay. A follow-up study may be conducted focusing on this aspect. Future researchers must strategically place the CCTV in the area to optimize its full potential for securing the community. Secondly, community engagement and collaboration were highlighted as crucial factors for successful implementation, emphasizing the importance of involving community members, stakeholders, and educational institutions in the planning process. Thus, when designing a strategic CCTV placement plan, the involvement of various stakeholders is highly encouraged. Further, allocating resources for installation, maintenance, and monitoring was also proposed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the surveillance system. Lastly, continuous evaluation and improvement of the CCTV camera placement plan when implemented is highly recommended, emphasizing the need for regular reviews, resident feedback, and performance monitoring to optimize the system's functionality. These recommendations provide valuable guidance for barangay officials in their pursuit of enhanced safety and security. By implementing the proposed plan that may be developed through this study and considering the input of the community, the barangay can create a safer environment and promote a sense of security among its residents.

District health information system 2 data utilization among health professionals in Amara region private hospitals, Ethiopia.

Globally, health information systems have been improved by District Health Information System Version 2 (DHIS2), which promotes consistency and integrity in collecting data, processing, and utilization. This success has been attributed to its user-friendly interface and incorporation of advanced data analysis and validation features. This study aimed to assess DHIS2 data utilization among health professionals working at private hospitals in the Amara region. An Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 9 May to 30 June 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants, with a total of 395 health professionals participating. Data was collected using a self-administered paper-based questionnaire. Data entry was performed using the Kobo Collect tool, and data analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used and p < .05 with a 95% CI was considered to measure statistically significant variables. Out of 395 participants, about 37.72% of the participants had good DHIS2 data utilization. Had good data analysis skills (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.5, 95% CI [3.1-13.8]), regular supportive supervision and feedback (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI [2.8-9.5]), monthly salary > 5000 ETB (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI [1.1-3.7]), ease of use (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI [2.8-10.2]), and district health information system training (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI [2.2-7.3]) were enabling factors for utilization of DHIS2 data. Private healthcare providers had limited utilization of DHIS2 data. It is highly recommended to provide DHIS2 training, supervision, and feedback focused on private health facilities. Additionally, enhancing data analysis skills and prioritizing ease of use are crucial to improving DHIS2 data utilization.

Sentiment Analysis of Student Evaluation for Teachers Using Valence-Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner

This study analyzed the quality of teaching using the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) and the Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner (VADER) to assess textual comments, providing a comprehensive view of teaching effectiveness beyond numerical ratings. The objectives were to identify faculty strengths and areas for improvement based on student feedback, analyze sentiment toward teaching methods, and determine the optimal number of clusters within the dataset. The analysis included 28,222 student comments from three semesters, preprocessed through tokenization, stopword removal, part-of-speech tagging, and lemmatization. A word cloud visualized common terms, while K-means clustering and the Elbow method identified five as the optimal number of clusters. Results indicate that most comments are positive, emphasizing effective teaching methods' role in creating a positive educational experience. The findings suggest integrating machine learning with VADER and expanding the dataset for broader insights. Institutions should develop effective teaching strategies, prioritizing regular feedback collection and analysis.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES AT UNIVERSITY: DEVELOPMENT OF FLUENCY

This article explores the challenges and methods related to developing fluency in a foreign language for professional purposes at university. It deals with the difficulties faced by both teachers and students in maneuvring through linguistic complexities, overcoming language barriers and mastering specialized terminology relevant to various professional fields. The article highlights the importance of a targeted approach that fosters not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of cultural distinctions and communication norms, specific for various industries. Additionally, it investigates pedagogical strategies and methods aimed at enhancing fluency acquisition at classes of foreign language for professional purposes. Key challenges in the process of developing fluency at classes of foreign language for professional purposes have been highlighted: linguistic complexity; language barriers; cultural nuances; motivation and engagement; limited practice; fear of making mistakes; individual learning styles and preferences; assessment and feedback. Possible methods for developing fluency have been considered: communicative language teaching; immersion into a targeted language; organizing language exchanges; using authentic materials; role-playing and simulation; fluency-oriented activities, unassisted repeated reading and audio-assisted repeated reading; digital storytelling; vlogging, etc. By highlighting challenges and a certain number of existing methods of fostering fluency development, the article stresses on the necessity to provide regular feedback and correction of mistakes. Creating a favorable, engaging, interactive, and stress-free learning environment in the classroom has been stressed as the key prerequisite.

Protocol for an evaluation of the initiation of an integrated longitudinal outpatient care model for severe chronic non-communicable diseases (PEN-Plus) at secondary care facilities (district hospitals) in 10 lower-income countries

IntroductionThe Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions—Plus (PEN-Plus) is a strategy decentralising care for severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease and sickle cell disease, to...

Adverse event reporting practices in drug-resistant tuberculosis facilities across South Africa.

The reporting of adverse drug reactions associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) medication is important for pharmacovigilance, especially in high-burden countries such as South Africa. With DR-TB treatment being so dynamic, it is important to understand adverse event reporting practices at specialised facilities. The study aimed to understand the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting practices at DR-TB treatment facilities in South Africa. Interviews were conducted with healthcare workers at specialised DR-TB facilities. This was to collect data on demographics, pharmacovigilance training, and determine attitudes and practices towards reporting adverse events. A checklist was developed to review the most recent adverse event forms captured at the facility. Most participants did not have adverse event reporting training since their initial training but were confident that they could complete a form themselves. Most participants could correctly identify the major adverse events associated with DR-TB medication, but some deemed non-adverse events as plausible. Adverse event report forms were not standardised with most participants deeming further training and regular feedback as reasons to report ADRs. Standardisation of adverse event report forms used and the establishment of regular reporting will increase adverse event reporting at DR-TB facilities. Continuous training, empowerment and expansion of staff categories eligible to report adverse events will enhance and sustain such practice. The study highlights challenges faced by healthcare professionals in reporting adverse events.