Related Services Research Articles

“Trying to find a rabbit hole to fall down”: A phenomenological case study of a queer youth parent seeking services for homelessness and intimate partner violence

Queer youth are vulnerable to experience intimate partner violence (IPV), which is compounded for those who also experience homelessness and are parents. Among these, transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth are especially vulnerable. Accordingly, it is important to have queer-affirming services related to both homelessness and IPV that consider parents’ needs. This phenomenological case study centers the voice of one queer youth parent who experienced IPV in a context of homelessness and their experiences of accessing services. The survivor’s data were supplemented with data from two social workers at the organization where the survivor received services. Findings suggest that experiences of homelessness and the need to access related services took precedence over IPV-related aid. Cis-heteronormativity in services made help-seeking difficult and being a parenting limited access to queer-affirmative, youth-focused supports as those supports were not designed to accommodate parents.

Managers of Aged Care Residential Services in Australia 2006-2021: Transformation reform

Objectives: This article provides analyses of the number and characteristics of managers of aged care residential services in relation to number of aged people, residents of aged care facilities and people employed in them. Design: The research design follows specifications provided by the authors for tabulations prepared by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from the censuses of population conducted by ABS in 2006 and 2021. Analyses undertaken by the authors show changes that have taken place in the number of managers of aged care residential facilities in relation to the number of aged people, residents of aged care facilities, and people employed in them. Further, the analyses examine changes in the demographic characteristics of managers, their working hours and income, over time. Findings: There was a substantial decline in the proportion of the growing number of people aged 70 years and over who lived in aged care residential services during the 15-year period. While there was a large increase in the number of employees and managers per resident, and a slight increase in the number of managers per employee. The proportion of female managers fell, and the average age of managers increased slightly. The proportion of managers at graduate level rose substantially. Although the average income of aged care residential services managers was similar to that in all industries in 2021, their increase was larger than in all industries during the 15-year period. Average hours worked remained similar over time. The proportion of Australia-born managers declined while that of managers born in Asia rose substantially, and the proportion of indigenous managers about doubled during the 15-year period. Implications: Relevance to those concerned with the evolving transformation of aged care in Australia and those interested with management training of the growing number of managers of aged care residential services.

China's Real Estate Market: Issues and Countermeasures

The real estate sector plays a vital role in China's economy and is a crucial engine of economic growth. The massive investment and construction activity has promoted the upgrading of infrastructure and the development of manufacturing, construction, and related services, thus strongly supporting the expansion of the overall economy. However, with the rapid growth of the real estate market, some problems that cannot be ignored have also been exposed, including rising housing prices, intensified real estate "speculation," and the environmental impact of real estate projects. These problems may threaten the financial system's stability and negatively impact social equity and the ecological environment. This article aims to delve into the main issues facing the real estate industry today, explore their causes, and propose practical countermeasures, aiming to promote the development of the real estate industry in a healthier and more sustainable model to promote long-term stable economic growth.

Explaining Privacy Paradox on WeChat

With the development of the information age, people need to disclose personal information in exchange for socializing and related services. At the same time, people's privacy concerns are gradually increasing. Privacy paradox has become a normal phenomenon in social network sites (SNS). The loss of control of privacy might lead to privacy fatigue. Previous work has studied the mechanism of privacy paradox and explored the influence of specific factors on privacy paradox. However, the effect of privacy fatigue on privacy paradox among SNS users has not been studied. In this study, we use structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the effect of privacy fatigue on personal information disclosure intentions and actual behaviors among WeChat users. Our results of 710 participants showed that privacy fatigue has a mediating role between privacy concern and privacy disclosure intention, and has a positive influence on privacy disclosure intention and disclosure behavior. Based on these results, we provide implications to reduce privacy fatigue and privacy paradox.

Readiness of the health system to provide non-communicable disease services in Nepal: a comparison between the 2015 and 2021 comprehensive health facility surveys

BackgroundIn Nepal, despite the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), there is a gap in the continuum of care for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care services for NCDs. The study aimed at assessing the changes in availability and readiness scores of health facilities between two consecutive health facility surveys.MethodsWe compared NCD readiness scores between 2015 and 2021, using data from two nationally representative cross-sectional Nepal Health Facility Surveys (NHFS). Both consecutive surveys used globally validated standard tools of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS)’s service provision assessment. Both surveys were undertaken using World Health Organization’s (WHO) service availability and readiness assessment (SARA) tools. Data were collected using the Census and Survey Processing System on tablets, with validation performed through field check tables. Trained enumerators with a medical background collected data for the surveys, and we analyzed the information from a de-identified dataset downloaded from the DHS website upon request. Both the NHFS protocols were reviewed and approved by the Nepal Health Research Council and the institutional review board of ICF. We calculated the readiness scores based on WHO SARA indicators for diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic respiratory disease (CRD) using a additive procedure. Multivariate linear regression analysis was undertaken to assess associated factors, with complex sampling design accounting for both surveys.ResultsThe overall availability of all three services has improved between 2015 and 2021 NHFS. Although the availability of diabetes-related services increased significantly between 2015 and 2021, this does not correspond to the increase in the readiness score. The readiness score increased by 10% points for CVDs related services and 9% points for CRDs. Compared to public hospitals, primary healthcare facilities experienced greater increase in readiness scores (11.5% versus 20.9%). Interestingly, those health facilities without quality assurance systems experienced a lower increase or even decrease in readiness scores than those with quality assurance systems. For the factors associated with readiness scores, health facilities charging additional or separate fees to the patients had a higher readiness score than those not charging any user fee for all three services. Compared to 2015, the readiness scores in 2021 improved for diabetes [β = 11.01 (95% CI 9.02 to 12.96)], CVD [β = 10.70 (95% CI 9.61 to 11.80)], and CRD [β = 8.41 (95% CI 7.20 to 9.62)].ConclusionThe improvement in NCD service availability does not correspond to the proportional increase in readiness scores, which is crucial for delivering quality care. Regular staff meetings and feedback systems are crucial for improving all services including NCD-related service readiness and should be prioritized by local and provincial governments.

The Perspective of Haitian Parents on Heritage Language Maintenance in Children With Speech-Language Disorders

Purpose: This study is part of a larger study that explores the beliefs and attitudes of Haitian parents in the United States regarding heritage language maintenance. The study sought to understand Haitian parents' perspective of heritage language maintenance when the parent has a child with a communication disorder. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven Haitian parents of children who have or had a speech-language disorder. The interviews were conducted virtually through videoconferencing. A thematic analysis was used to explore the data and determine recurring themes. Results: Participants desired to preserve the heritage language; however, fear of further language delay and sociolinguistic factors influenced their language choice. Furthermore, the results revealed that the lack of Haitian Creole language maintenance led to a communication breakdown with family and parental regret on the missed opportunity to pass on the heritage language. Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrate a need for continued education with physicians, SLPs, and other related service providers on the issues related to bilingual language development, language maintenance, and counseling families regarding home language practice. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27190611

Association between personal characteristics and anxiety and burnout in orthopedic residents: a cross-sectional cross-sectional study

ObjectiveBurnout is becoming a major problem in medicine, and some articles have pointed to the link between burnout and anxiety. Several factors can contribute to burnout and anxiety, and recognizing each can improve medical education environments. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between personal characteristics, anxiety and burnout of orthopedic residents.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, the anxiety rate, depression, and burnout were evaluated in 94 orthopedic residents above the second year and orthopedic fellowships in three hospitals. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) were used to measure the levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictor variables for burnout.ResultsSevere anxiety and depression were reported in 17% and 12.77% of residents, respectively. The rate of burnout for Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and low sense of Personal Accomplishment (PA) subscales was 18.09%, 28.72%, and 43.62% of people with high levels of burnout, respectively. Multivariate analysis of logistic regression showed that Works > 60 h per week, Anxiety score > 28, Time spent in the hospital > 9 h per Day, Academic year and Experience being abused by the upstream, Balance between work and life, Feeling the need for support from nurses in the hospital were significantly associated with burnout.Conclusionstress and anxiety can be considered a severe factor in burnout; this issue can provide a clear perspective of the psychological cycle that ultimately leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the medical system and related services.

Smart Product-Service System for Parking Furniture—Sale of Storage Space in Parking Places

Growing competition, changing customer needs, and growing environmental protection requirements mean companies are forced to change their approach to business. Traditional product sales are being replaced by systemic solutions focused on meeting specific customer requirements while reducing negative impacts on the environment. One such solution is the Product-Service System (PSS). This allows manufacturers to offer their products’ functionalities and features through related services. By extending the life of products, promoting the reuse of materials, and reducing the amount of waste, the implementation of PSS strongly supports sustainable development. The paper focuses on a new product group—garage boxes (GB). It discusses a new PSS business model that responds to the needs of people living in blocks of flats with no tenant storage lockers or rooms in the basement. The new business model sells the function (storing various possessions) and eliminates problems faced by tenants due to the lack of sufficient storage space. It provides customers with high-quality GB for as long as they need them. Customers can pick and choose equipment with additional services depending on their needs. The idea of the model is the outcome of a nationwide study carried out in Poland on a group of 500 residents of blocks of flats and consultations with manufacturers, homeowner associations, wholesale and retail traders, and the financial sector. The study provided us with information and data that provided a comprehensive picture of the problem of the absence of storage lockers or rooms for residents and the needs connected with GB. The results of the conducted research indicate that the developed business model responds to the diverse requirements of residents and supports sustainable solutions. It is an alternative to the lack of a storage unit assigned to each apartment. The business model developed in the paper is highly innovative and comprehensive. This makes it an attractive solution for residents of apartment blocks, and its implementation can significantly reduce the environmental impact.

Do all complain the same? Examining the role of luxury hotels reviewer attributes using text mining

Purpose Although extant studies found the determinants of customer complaints in luxury hotels, comparison of complaint severity using reviewer characteristics (nationality, reviewer type and expertise) is limited. This study aims to identify the variation in customers’ complaint attributes among different customer categories. Design/methodology/approach This study tried to address this gap by using structural topic modelling and text mining techniques to find the sentiment score, word count, complaints attributes and severity score. The research sample covers luxury hotels in India, and online review text and their associated data has been collected and analysed. Findings The authors found that leisure customers wrote lengthier reviews and complained about the facility-related aspects (valet parking, entertainment and amenities) and food-related aspects (food variety, service and menu) while the business customers’ complaint severity score is more on salient aspects (room size, bathroom and staff related services). The international customers wrote lengthier reviews and complained more about the facility-related aspects (amenities, pick-up and entertainment) and core service offerings (stay experience, bathroom, dirtiness and complaint resolution). Whereas domestic customers complained more about stay-related aspects (food variety, quality, services, staff behaviour and stay experience). Also, this study used correlation analysis to find the dependencies between topics and uncovered underlying patterns, trends and associations, aiding in a deeper understanding and interpretation of the complaints. This study can help service providers tailor their services based on customer attributes to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Originality/value The findings of this study can enable hotel service providers to customise their services based on customer attributes to reduce dissatisfaction among customers and promote customer loyalty. The findings of this study can also be used to devise differential promotional strategies for different types of customers.

EVOLUTIONARY TRANSFORMATION OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM OF DEFENSE GOODS, SERVICES AND WORKS IN UKRAINE

It is inadvisable to limit the quality assurance system for defense-related goods/services/works solely to a set of mechanisms; it must necessarily encompass vertical and horizontal connections both among the relevant functional blocks (subsystems) and between the entities involved in their operation. In the context of not only geopolitical challenges but also the ongoing daily struggle against an aggressor state, it is critically important to establish an effective and efficient system for controlling the quality of defense-related goods/services/works. This article is dedicated to the systematization of the characteristics of transformational changes and the outlining of methodological foundations for the effective functioning of the quality assurance system for defense- related goods, works, and services in Ukraine. A conceptual three-level model of the quality assurance system for defense-related goods, services, and works has been formulated by distinguishing the essential parameters of their operation at the global, national, and micro levels. The peculiarities of forming a quality assurance system for defense-related products at both the micro and macro levels have been justified. It has been emphasized that the effectiveness of the evolutionary transformation of the quality assurance system for defense-related products at all levels of its representation should be characterized by the penetration of market forces into the mechanism of its operation. Attention has been drawn to the substantive directions for implementing the requirements of NATO standards in the AQAP series (AQAP 2110) within the framework of a corporate quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001. Since there are no legal or legislative requirements mandating the implementation of quality management systems, the enhancement and improvement of the efficiency of internal business and production processes should be a direct concern of the enterprise itself, driven by market forces. At the same time, the state should create stimulating mechanisms, for instance, by employing soft regulation; in military procurement specifications, it should mandate the presence of a certificate of compliance with AQAP requirements for the enterprises involved. The expected effects of the transformation of the studied system include economic, organizational, and worldview effects. A comparative analysis of the evolutionary transformation of the quality assurance system for defense-related goods, services, and works has been conducted based on the following criteria: the object and subject of control; the function performed by the control subject; the breadth of the controlling institution’s functionality; the perimeter of the controlling institution’s authority; the level of depth of control; and the level of subordination of the controlling institution to the Ministry of Defense. Despite the complexity of the task declared at the state level regarding the functioning of the state guarantee system for the quality of defense-related products, which is influenced not only by objective factors but also by worldview factors, its implementation has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of Ukraine’s defense products and substantially improve Ukraine’s rankings in terms of transparency, institutional maturity, and the ecological soundness of economic relations in the defense sector.

Implementation of the four habits model in intermediate care services in Norway: a process evaluation

BackgroundIntermediate care (IC) services bridge the transition for older patients from the hospital to the home. Despite the goal of involving individuals in their recovery process, these services often become standardised, leading to communication breakdowns. While evidence-based practices, such as the Four Habits Model (4HM), for effective communication are crucial for enhancing high-quality healthcare, research suggests their integration into routine practice remains limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the implementation process of the 4HM through a two-day course that engaged healthcare professionals and managers in IC.MethodsWe conducted a process evaluation employing qualitative and quantitative methods: (i) individual interviews with three managers and two course participants pre-course, (ii) two focus group interviews with course participants (N = 11) and individual interviews with the same three managers post-course, and (iii) the NoMAD questionnaire (Normalisation MeAsure Development) administered four months later to assess the short- and long-term impact on course participants (N = 14). Reflexive thematic analyses were guided by Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), which offers insight into how new interventions become routine practices. The analysis of the NoMAD involved descriptive statistics.ResultsWe identified four themes in the qualitative data: (i) Decoding Interactions: Making Sense of the 4HM in IC services, (ii) Fostering Change: Legitimising 4HM Through Staff Engagement, (iii) Harmonising Practice: Integrating 4HM into Complex Situations, and (iv) Embedding Value: Normalising the 4HM into Everyday Work. These themes illustrate the normalisation process of the 4HM course within IC, establishing standard practices. Healthcare professionals and managers highlighted the urgent need to integrate communication skills based on the 4HM into daily care. They noted positive changes in their communication habits following the course. The consistent findings from the NoMAD questionnaire underscore the sustainability of implementing the 4HM programme, as participants continue to utilise it in their clinical practice beyond the initial four-month period.ConclusionThe 4HM course programme was deemed feasible for expansion within IC services. Both managers and staff found its focus on addressing communication breakdowns and readiness for change sensible. The study findings may benefit the stakeholders involved in IC service routines, potentially improving services for older patients and relatives.

Environmental impact of single-use versus reusable gastroscopes

IntroductionThe environmental impact of endoscopy is a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to compare the carbon footprint of performing an esogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a reusable (RU) or with...

Characterization by key performance indicators of SFERA-III project to ALTAYR packed-bed prototype

The objective of this study is to assess the viability of implementing the methodology proposed in the SFERA-III project for the assessment of key performance indicators (KPIs) of thermal storage prototypes in a specific packed-bed device. SFERA-III project is an EU funded project aiming, among others, to upgrade the infrastructures and services related to Concentrating Solar Thermal technologies. In order to improve the quality of services in relation to the testing of thermal energy storage prototypes, a protocol and KPIs were defined and validated with different types of devices, though none of them was a packed-bed. This study elucidates the challenges encountered in the implementation of the protocol on a packed-bed prototype, alongside the proposed alternative solutions and their influence on the resulting KPIs. The analysis demonstrates that the SFERA-III Key Performance Indicators are an appropriate means of evaluating packed bed thermal energy storage prototypes. Consequently, the use of these KPIs as a standard is supported.

Care models for coexisting serious mental health and alcohol/drug conditions: the RECO realist evidence synthesis and case study evaluation.

People with severe mental illness who experience co-occurring substance use experience poor outcome including suicide, violence, relapses and use of crisis services. They struggle to access care and treatment due to a lack of an integrated and co-ordinated approach which means that some people can fall between services. Despite these concerns, there is limited evidence as to what works for this population. To undertake a realist evaluation of service models in order to identify and refine programme theories of what works under what contexts for this population. Realist synthesis and evaluation using published literature and case study data. Mental health, substance use and related services that had some form of service provision in six locations in the United Kingdom (five in England and one in Northern Ireland). People with lived experience of severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use, carers and staff who work in the specialist roles as well as staff in mental health and substance use services. Eleven initial programme theories were generated by the evidence synthesis and in conjunction with stakeholders. These theories were refined through focus groups and interviews with 58 staff, 25 service users and 12 carers across the 6 case study areas. We identified three forms of service provision (network, consultancy and lead and link worker); however, all offered broadly similar interventions. Evidence was identified to support most of the 11 programme theories. Theories clustered around effective leadership, workforce development and collaborative integrated care pathways. Outcomes that are meaningful for service users and staff were identified, including the importance of engagement. The requirement for online data collection (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) worked well for staff data but worked less well for service users and carers. Consequently, this may have reduced the involvement of those without access to information technology equipment. The realist evaluation co-occurring study provides details on how and in what circumstances integrated care can work better for people with co-occurring severe mental health and alcohol/drug conditions. This requires joined-up policy at government level and local integration of services. We have also identified the value of expert clinicians who can support the workforce in sustaining this programme of work. People with co-occurring severe mental health and alcohol/drug conditions have complex and multifaceted needs which require a comprehensive and long-term integrated approach. The shift to integrated health and social care is promising but will require local support (local expert leaders, network opportunities and clarity of roles). Further work should evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of service models for this group. This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020168667. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR128128) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 67. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Assessing the ionospheric scintillations occurrence on L-band in the southern Mediterranean sector

We assess the ionospheric scintillation occurrence on Global Navigation Satellite Signals (GNSSs) over the Mediterranean sector under the rising phase of the current solar cycle. To the scope, we leverage on a network of three Ionospheric Scintillation Monitoring Receivers (ISMRs), being part of the electronic Space Weather upper atmosphere (eSWua: eswua.ingv.it) system (Pica et al., 2021). Such ISMRs are located in Lampedusa Island (Italy, Lat: 35.52°N–Lon: 12.63°E), Chania (Crete, Greece, Lat: 35.52°N, Lon: 24.04°E) and Nicosia (Cyprus, Lat: 35.18°N–Lon: 33.38°E). To our knowledge, this is the first thorough assessment of the scintillation patterns in the Southern Mediterranean sector, aimed at depicting how small-scale irregularities that form in the area can potentially affect the GNSS-based positioning and related application and services. We analyse the period from January 2021 to December 2023, reporting that the bulk of the scintillation occurrence is due to small-scale irregularities forming in the southernmost area of the field of view of the network. Irregularities of such a scale are formed during the evolution of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability featuring the Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB), which may spill-over in the field of view (FoV) of the receivers, i.e. at low elevation angles in the southernmost azimuthal range. As observations at low elevation angles are subject to multipath mimic weak to moderate scintillation conditions, we focus exclusively on severe amplitude scintillation occurrence (S4 > 0.7) in the azimuthal range 110–250°, w.r.t the FoV of the receivers, subsequently reaching down to the Saharian ionosphere. To further confirm the nature of the detected GNSS scintillation occurrence, we compare the results with the Swarm Level-2 Ionospheric Bubble Index (IBI) evaluated within the same period. In the context of the April 2023 geomagnetic storm, a worst-case scenario is also documented, illustrating the potential impact of ionospheric disturbances associated with EPBs in the Southern Mediterranean area.

Low uptake of Pap test as a cervical cancer screen among Saudi women: Findings from a national survey.

The present study aimed to assess the current knowledge and uptake of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests for cervical screening among Saudi women, including barriers to undergoing the test and the availability of related services. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a health questionnaire administered through the Absher portal between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020. The questionnaire consisted of five questions and took less than 5 min to complete. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze demographic variables, and chi-square tests were used to examine the association between these variables and Pap test uptake. The questionnaire included 8194 Saudi women, with the majority from Makkah (24.40%), Riyadh (21.92%), and Eastern (14.44%) regions. Only 22.52% of respondents had ever received a Pap test, and among them, 17.48% did so based on their physician's recommendation. Private clinics accounted for 10.73% of Pap test locations, while public clinics accounted for 8.97%. The primary reasons for not undergoing the test were lack of knowledge regarding its importance (40.24%) and lack of information from physicians (16.96%). Knowledge of the Pap test as a cervical screening method was significantly associated with marital status, Saudi region, and age group. This study revealed low awareness of the Pap test for cervical screening among Saudi women, particularly in younger age groups. Targeted educational initiatives are essential to increase awareness and emphasize the significance of regular screenings, especially among younger individuals, to enhance early detection and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia.

EVALUATION OF IT GOVERNANCE USING COBIT 2019 ON REGIONAL ASSET MANAGEMENT AGENCY OF DKI JAKARTA

An adequate level of IT availability can obtained by implementing IT Governance, which pay attention to all related issues service readiness, including services and resources. This research aimed to assess the IT Governance capability at the Regional Asset Management Agency (BPAD), a government institution responsible for asset management. The study specifically focused on issues related to data and information management, including leadership and risk management challenges. Using the COBIT 2019 Framework, data were collected through interviews and observations. The respondent of this research are 4 who work in the Data and Information Sub-Sector and one Head of Asset Administration. The findings revealed that the EDM 05 process achieved a capability level of 4, surpassing the organization's target. However, the APO 08 and APO 12 processes were rated at level 2, highlighting areas in need of improvement. The study provides recommendations to enhance BPAD's performance and optimize its business activities.

Nurse Managers' Experiences in Managing Inpatient Wards During a Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided valuable lessons for all parties, including nursing services in hospitals. To date, literature has been lacking on the role of nurse managers in managing inpatient wards for COVID-19 patients, especially in Indonesia. This study aims to explore the experiences of, and the challenges encountered by nurse managers in managing inpatient wards during the crisis. This is a qualitative study with a phenomenology design. The study used a purposive sampling technique involving four nurse managers from several hospitals in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study yielded three themes and nine sub-themes. Nurse managers experienced panic and fear but carried out inpatient management immediately. There was also a solid commitment to protect the fellow nurses from infection. Valuable lessons include the availability of human resources, strong commitment from all lines, management support, and teamwork. Meanwhile, nurse managers encountered challenges such as the lack of personal protective equipment, frequently changing service procedures and the psychological needs of nurses. Nurse managers obtained numerous lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic related to their capabilities in managing inpatient wards. The findings suggest the adaptability of nurse managers to similar challenging crisis encounters in the future by analysing the effects of frequent workflow changes on care quality and staff adaptation, examining the long-term psychological impact of pandemic work on nurses developing strategies to enhance organizational support for nurses including coping mechanisms and well-being related trainings and services, and to build dynamics of effective teamwork during crisis.

The effect of service concept on customer acquisition: the moderating role of manager’s experience on Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Tanzania

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of the service concept on customer acquisition and when the relationship is moderated with manager’s experience in Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) within Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a cross-sectional research design and utilizes simple random sampling to select 226 respondents, all of whom are managers of SACCOS in Tanzania. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings indicate that service concept have a highly statistically significant impact on customer acquisition, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Conversely, managers’ experience also influences customer acquisition by the p-value of less than 0.05. The result also confirms the significance influence of positive moderating effect of manager’s experience on the relationship between service concept and customer acquisition, with a p-value of less than 0.05, therefore it shows that manager’s experience facilitate the influence of service concept to customer acquisition.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide valuable insights for SACCOS aiming to thrive and attract more customers. By understanding the nuances of service concepts, these institutions can refine their strategies for customer acquisition effectively.Originality/valueThe study’s insights into the composite effect of service concepts hold significance for SACCOS seeking to enhance their customer acquisition strategies enhanced by manager’s experience. These findings contribute new perspectives to the SACCOS and other related financial services sector, offering fresh insights into innovation and customer-centric approaches.

Population perinatal substance use and an environmental scan of health services in British Columbia, Canada

BackgroundSubstance use during pregnancy is underreported globally and there is limited data on its prevalence and the availability of supportive services. This study determined population perinatal substance use in British Columbia (BC) by region and examined the availability of clinical and community-based programs. MethodsUsing linked provincial health administrative data, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study including all BC residents accessing care for substance use (alcohol, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and cannabis) within 12 months of first perinatal care record to delivery during 2016–2021. We also conducted an environmental scan to identify all programs offering perinatal care and substance use treatment/support in BC as of December 2022 and described program components by region. ResultsThe population included 12,439 people with perinatal substance use with 13,814 linked livebirths during the study period. The incidence rate of perinatal substance use was nearly eight times higher in rural/remote Northern BC compared to the metropolitan Vancouver Coastal region (1044.2 vs. 131.3 per 100,000 population, respectively). We identified 29 related services (19 wrap-around programs, 8 supportive housing, and only 2 acute care programs). Residents outside of Metro Vancouver accounted for 60 % (N=1745) of people with perinatal substance use; however, these regions represented only 35 % of BC’s specialized acute care and supportive housing beds (N=140). ConclusionsExpanding supports for perinatal substance use - particularly acute care and supportive housing within more rural/remote regions in BC - will be critical to address geographic inequities in access to perinatal care and improve health outcomes for pregnant people who use substances and their infants.