Qualitative Data Analysis Software Research Articles

NVivo.

NVivo. A qualitative data analysis software tool, QSR International, https://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo-qualitative-data-analysis-software/home; $1,249/user (one-time cost for using specific version indefinitely; upgrades are additional).

End-of-life communication experiences within families of people with advanced cancer in China: A qualitative study

BackgroundEffective communication between people with advanced cancer and their family members on end-of-life issues has a profound impact on meeting needs and improving quality of life of both sides. Several studies have shown that patient–family end-of-life communication is not always adequate and optimal. Little is known about the experiences of end-of-life communication within families of people with advanced cancer in China. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the experiences of end-of-life communication between people with advanced cancer and their family members in China and the factors influencing their communication. DesignA qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. SettingsThis study took place at three tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China from July 2018 to October 2019. ParticipantsPurposive sampling was employed to select participants. Eleven people with advanced cancer and 14 family members were finally interviewed. MethodsAudio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and entered into qualitative data analysis software. Qualitative data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. ResultsFive themes and associated categories were identified: (1) silence without intention; (2) silence with intention; (3) silence-breaking; (4) openness without restraint; and (5) the influencing factors of end-of-life communication. These four states of end-of-life communication have different essential characteristics and change under the influence of the awareness of disease diagnosis, awareness and acceptance of the incurability of disease, and fear of impending death. ConclusionsAffected by the willingness and ability to communicate about end-of-life issues, people with advanced cancer and their family members present four communication states, namely silence without intention, silence with intention, silence-breaking, and openness without restraint. The study provides an insight into end-of-life communication experiences within families where different communication states are interconnected. The findings enable professionals to evaluate the communication and its influencing factors, so as to provide feasible and effective end-of-life communication support. RegistrationNot registered.

Critical attributes for selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships

The construction industry is increasingly embracing long-term collaborative relationships for project delivery. Since it is not all contractors that are suitable for collaboration and long-term relationships, and most clients are familiar with traditional practices of selecting contractors, there is need for an understanding on the critical attributes to consider in selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate attributes required of contractors to successfully perform in long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The qualitative research methodology was adopted in this study, consisting of multiple case studies of organisations employing framework contracts in South Africa. Data for the study were collected via semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants of eight purposively selected organisations. The data were analysed with the aid of Nvivo 11 qualitative data analysis software utilising thematic qualitative data analysis techniques and presented using word clouds and direct quotes from key informants. The findings indicate that the critical attributes to consider when selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships are: team working attribute, commitment, innovativeness, and attributes relating to the behaviour and attitude of the contractors, such as openness, honesty, trust, transparency, ethical and being realistic. These critical attributes are add-ons to other general attributes (such as technical capacity, experience, and price) for contractor selection which are already sufficiently articulated in literature. The study result provides knowledge that can aid better decision making in selecting appropriate contractor for long-term collaborative relationship contracts in the construction Industry

Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software in the Study of Educators’ lived experiences: Exploring the Divergence and Convergence of the Role of the Researcher

Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software in the Study of Educators’ lived experiences: Exploring the Divergence and Convergence of the Role of the Researcher

Using Social Media to Support the Special Autonomous Region of Papua's Continuity Program

Social media has become part of society; in 2021, citizen Indonesia trends issue of continuity program particular autonomous region of Papua. This research examines what kind of social media supports Papua's continuity, mainly autonomous region programs. This study employed a qualitative method and analyzes data using Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Q-DAS); the toll is Nvivo 12Plus and delivers the value and result using Descriptive way. This research founds that: First, social media Dominated three terms on social media. Second, social media hashtags relation also appears and exits. Third, social media Narratives refer to support the program of a special autonomous region in Papua. Forth, social media dominance with Individual and Ngo. This study has significant drawbacks. This study focused on the use of social media to help Papua's special autonomous area. Some recommendations to the next research is to assist the Papua's special autonomous region program.

The impact of living in an un- or under-furnished house on individuals who transitioned from homelessness.

Very few empirical evaluations have been conducted on the impact of furniture on the lives of those who have transitioned from homelessness into permanent housing, especially within the United States. Our study contributes to this limited body of research by exploring the impact of furniture on the lives of 20 recently housed individuals residing in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. In partnership with the Furniture Bank of Southeast Michigan, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with recently housed individuals that lived for a period of time in an un‐ or under‐furnished house before receiving furniture support. Given the study's exploratory nature, interview questions were purposefully broad to allow themes to naturally emerge and were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis software package, NVivo (release 1.0). We present a conceptual model that outlines our findings and conclude with a discussion of the limitations of our approach, avenues for future research, and policy implications.

Knowledge, challenges, and standard of care of young women with ADHD at Swedish youth clinics

ObjectivesSexual risk-taking and its consequences for young women with ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) including sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies and underage parenthood constitute substantial challenges for individuals and midwives. The aim was to investigate current knowledge and specific challenges in reproductive health and contraceptive counselling for women with ADHD at Swedish youth clinics. MethodInductive qualitative interview study of ten midwives at six youth health clinics in Stockholm and Uppsala County. We used a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with the NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software. ResultsThree main categories were identified: (1) challenges in provision of care of young women with ADHD, (2) standard of care and active adaptations towards women with ADHD and (3) organizational readiness for change;. Several challenges and frustrations, such as difficulties with attention with or without concomitant impulsivity and overactivity, in provision of reproductive health and contraceptive counselling for young women with ADHD were identified. Midwives reported high organizational readiness for improvement of standard of care. ConclusionsInadequate contraceptive counseling or lack of knowledge on specific challenges in the sexual and reproductive health of young women with ADHD may contribute to this group failing to access, inadequately respond to, or act upon counseling at youth clinics. Support for midwives with evidence-based interventions specifically developed for these women are imperative. Development of such tools should be a priority for research.

The enduring consequences of conflict-related sexual violence: a qualitative study of women survivors in northern Uganda

BackgroundOne in three women in northern Uganda report having suffered from conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), including forced marriage and rape. Research on the long-term effects of CRSV on the health and social well-being of survivors is scant, but crucial to informing policy and improving programs tailored to conflict-affected communities. Understanding women’s perceptions of and experiences with CRSV, especially related to the persistent health and social challenges they continue to face, is critical for developing effective and targeted interventions.MethodsWe worked with a local, survivor-led organization to recruit participants purposively from three post-conflict districts in northern Uganda: Gulu, Lira, and Pader. Women who had experienced CRSV and who were 18 years of age or older were eligible to participate. We asked participants open-ended questions about their experience with CRSV, including how it continues to affect their health and social well-being, any impact it had on their relationships, and if they faced barriers to accessing services. We transcribed, translated, and uploaded interview responses to the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA and analyzed data thematically using a modified approach to grounded theory.ResultsWe conducted 30 interviews between October 2016 and March 2017. All participants reported experiencing forced marriage, rape, or forced pregnancy. Over two-thirds of participants said they continued to face physical and psychological issues, including untreated sexually transmitted infections, anxiety, and depression. Almost half of the women faced challenges with maintaining links with family members, stigma related to their experiences during abduction that also extended to their children born in captivity, and difficulty with accessing and affording health care. Barriers to seeking care included fear of disclosure and being unable to find services. Women identified peer-support from other survivors as a key coping mechanism.ConclusionsWomen survivors continue to face multifaceted health and social problems in the post-conflict period. Most health-related programs that were set up at the end of the war in northern Uganda are no longer available. Increasing access to care, particularly services tailored to treating chronic reproductive health issues and mental health, is paramount for women survivors in northern Uganda and other conflict-affected regions.

Nurses’ Views on How to Best Design a Program to Prevent Adolescents’ Anxiety in the Perioperative Period. A Qualitative Study

PurposeTo describe the nurses' views for consideration when designing a program to prevent adolescents' anxiety in the perioperative period. DesignA qualitative descriptive case study using focus group and thematic analysis was conducted. MethodsThree face-to-face focus group interviews were conducted in October and November 2019 in the pediatric department of a university hospital. A purposive criterion method was applied to achieve a sample of 19 pediatric nurse specialists. Data were organized and systematized in the professional software for qualitative and mixed methods data analysis software (MAXQDA) and treated through the thematic analysis method. The COREQ checklist was used to report data collection, analysis, and results. FindingsFour major themes and 14 subthemes regarding the perioperative period were generated. The first, adolescent evaluation, included the knowledge evaluation about procedures, signs and symptoms, and desire to be engaged in care. The second, caring adolescents and parents, means that nurses must be ready to care for both, use the opportunities to implement the nursing interventions, and manage physical teen space to accommodate adolescents in the ward. The third, nurses' challenges in the perioperative period, comprise the lack of time and trained nurses to work with adolescents, and the absence of prior adolescents' preparation and postoperative feedback. The fourth, nursing consultation, consists in promoting interdisciplinarity, developing the nursing interventions, and the main content to be included in the program's design. ConclusionsGiven the challenges experienced by nurses when caring for adolescents in the perioperative period, nurses suggested a systematized assessment of the adolescent at an early stage of the perioperative caring process. Added to this is the nurse's readiness for the adolescent and parents, as well as the existence of trained nurses to evaluate adolescents and to implement non-pharmacological interventions in the perioperative period. A nursing consultation emerges as the most suitable solution to include in a program to prepare adolescents for the surgical procedure and help them to manage anxiety. This kind of intervention should begin in the preoperative period, preferably after the decision on the need for the procedure.

Stakeholders’ Views on Patient Access Schemes in Malaysia

ObjectivesThe healthcare system aspires to ensure improved access to treatment while working within the existing financial constraints and increasing demands. Patient access schemes (PASs) are initiated to improve access. This study seeks the stakeholders’ views on the PAS in the public healthcare sector in Malaysia. MethodsThis is an exploratory qualitative study using a web-based online survey and semistructured interviews. The participants were recruited by purposive sampling, where the Ministry of Health of Malaysia staff, pharmaceutical organization personnel, and patient advocacy organization personnel with experience in PAS were invited to participate. A total of 42 consenting participants answered the survey, whereas the face-to-face interview had 8 participants. Interviews were thematically analyzed using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo V.12. The Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, approved the study. ResultsOnly finance-based PAS was reportedly implemented, and it covered drugs for antineoplastic or immunomodulating therapy, alimentary tract and metabolism, sensory organs, and systemic hormonal preparations. A total of 3 major themes were identified. High upfront cost and high budget impact are a major concern leading to the need for PAS. Identifying the treatment needs was a major concern as well. The readiness of the health system to implement PAS will determine whether the PAS can be successfully implemented. Challenges similar to other jurisdictions were observed in Malaysia, concerns on data availability, the responsibility of the stakeholders, and the need for a legal framework. ConclusionMost stakeholders responded positively that the PAS would grow. Trust among stakeholders and a structured access plan would enhance the implementation and ensure its success.

Preferences for Mobile-Supported e-Cigarette Cessation Interventions Among Young Adults: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BackgroundDespite the steady rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) uptake among young adults, increasingly more young people want to quit. Given the popularity of smartphones among young adults, mobile-based e-cigarette cessation interventions hold significant promise. Smartphone apps are particularly promising due to their varied and complex capabilities to engage end users. However, evidence around young adults’ preferences and expectations from an e-cigarette cessation smartphone app remains unexplored.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to take an initial step toward understanding young adults’ preferences and perceptions on app-based e-cigarette cessation interventions.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive approach, we interviewed 12 young adults who used e-cigarettes and wanted to quit. We inductively derived themes using the framework analysis approach and NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software.ResultsAll participants agreed that a smartphone app for supporting cessation was desirable. In addition, we found 4 key themes related to their preferences for app components: (1) flexible personalization (being able to enter and modify goals); (2) e-cigarette behavior tracking (progress and benefits of quitting); (3) safely managed social support (moderated and anonymous); and (4) positively framed notifications (encouraging and motivational messages). Some gender-based differences indicate that women were more likely to use e-cigarettes to cope with stress, preferred more aesthetic tailoring in the app, and were less likely to quit cold turkey compared with men.ConclusionsThe findings provide direction for the development and testing of app-based e-cigarette cessation interventions for young adults.

Youth Perspectives on Life and Healthcare After Lung Transplant

<h3>Purpose</h3> Adolescence is an inimitable stage of human development representing rapid musculoskeletal, social-emotional and neurocognitive growth. To grow and develop in optimal health, young people need information of relevance to support their engagement in meaningful healthcare and this is especially fundamental to outcomes associated with lung transplant in adolescence. Despite careful consideration of eligibility criteria prior to lung transplant, adolescent recipients have poorer overall length of survival when compared to other recipients. It is hypothesized, that healthcare systems which fail to incorporate developmental tenets of adolescence into their design and delivery may contribute to poor outcomes. The goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of young lung transplant recipients aged 15-29 years and identify features of clinical care perceived as supportive and features perceived as lacking. What could the unique perspectives of recipients themselves add to a contemporary treatment paradigm to support targeted healthcare and address current morbidity statistics? <h3>Methods</h3> This study is an exploratory qualitative design using photo elicitation of everyday activities and in-depth one-on-one semi structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. A purposive sample of 16 lung transplant recipients, transplanted prior to 25 years of age was identified and recruited from a national database. <h3>Results</h3> Themes that emerged from interviews included: general satisfaction with daily routines and lifestyle choices: challenges adjusting without support to medication and lifestyle needs; importance of communication and mutual respect throughout all stages of transplant; and the impact of COVID-19 upon daily life. Overall, young persons expressed satisfaction with the life they were living and healthcare processes experienced. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Themes generated from this study reflect the voices of young people and their identification of the need for: developmentally targeted education; the importance of individuated and collaborative program delivery; and support to learn how to independently manage their own healthcare. In the delivery of effective healthcare, the voices of those for whom intervention is directed, are fundamental to engagement in their own care pathway.

A Qualitative Study on Nurse Educators' Perceptions Regarding Challenges and Strategies of Nursing Education and Practice in Guyana and India

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of nurse educators regarding the challenges and strategies of nursing education and practice in Guyana and India. The study was a qualitative design that used a convenient and purposive sample of 15 Nurse educators (eight participants from Guyana and seven from India). Ethical permission was obtained to conduct this study from the appropriate IRBs in Guyana and India. The subjects were given prior information regarding the study's purpose, objectives and methodology. Each interview lasted between 30 and 45 minutes and was audiotaped. Audiotapes were subsequently transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analyzed using the R Computer Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA) software program. The grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis was used. The study's findings supported the literature that nurses were working in a low resource environment. The challenges of nursing education included lack of adequate and qualified faculty, inadequate teaching and learning resources, lack of conducive environment for learning, and inadequate curricular reviews. Additionally, lack of professional image, scope, autonomy and advocacy, poor salaries, limited opportunities for leadership roles at the policymaking level, inadequate clinical experiences, need for in-service education and maintaining professional standards were indicated as challenges of nursing practice. Addressing the shortage of human and material resources and upholding professional values and standards are the critical strategies. The data supported that the government policies, regulatory frameworks, and funding models that foster collaboration was pivotal in addressing nursing education and practice demands. The findings reiterated that quality education is one of the critical prerequisites for generating a quality nursing workforce.

Exploring the performance of shared-value banking at discovery bank: a leadership perspective

The concept of shared value was born out of a determined effort to find methods for the corporate sector and society to grow while being sustainable. Often, banks are criticised for focusing on maximising shareholder value and not addressing societal issues or creating value for society. However, corporate shared value in banking is beginning to be embraced in the financial banking sector. Discovery Bank is a new-to-market entrant in the South African banking sector that has implemented shared-value banking to distinguish itself from competitors and create value for society. There are limited studies that explore the performance of shared-value banking in South Africa and whether implementation is viable or provides a competitive advantage. This study aimed to explore the performance of shared-value banking based on the perceptions of Discovery Bank leaders using a qualitative study methodology. The population in this study comprised 300 employees of Discovery Bank that was involved in the implementation of Discovery Bank since 2019. The target population of this research inquiry was 30 leaders of Discovery Bank. From the target population, 8 participants were chosen as the appropriate sample size to obtain the necessary data to address research objectives through interviews. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, NVivo version 1.5.2 (946), was used to analyse data. Study findings were used to draw up recommendations to Discovery Bank South Africa management regarding improvement areas to meet performance objectives. The findings of the study revealed the following: Discovery Bank has created its shared-value banking model that deviates from the academic framework, it has created a new market of highly desirable clients who exhibit healthy financial behaviours and enhancing client engagement through client communication may yield greater success. Limitations and areas of future research was addressed in this study.

The changing role of Advanced Clinical Practitioners working with older people during the COVID- 19 pandemic: A qualitative research study

BackgroundCOVID-19 was identified as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in December 2020. Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) in England working with older people with frailty, experienced their clinical role changing in response to the emergency health needs of this complex population group. In contrast to other countries, in England Advanced Clinical Practitioners are drawn from both nursing and allied health professions. Whilst much of the literature emphasises the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the Advanced Clinical Practitioners’ role, the pandemic threw further light on its potential and challenges. However, an initial review of the literature highlighted a lack of research of Advanced Clinical Practitioners’ capabilities working with uncertainty in disaster response situations. AimTo capture the lived experience of how English Advanced Clinical Practitioners working with older people adapted their roles in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020–January 2021). Design, setting and participantsA qualitative research design was used. Following ethical approval, 23 Advanced Clinical Practitioner volunteer participants from across England with varied health professional backgrounds were recruited from Advanced Clinical Practitioners’ professional and social media networks on Twitter using a snowballing technique. MethodsDepending on preference or availability, 23 participants (nurses (18), physiotherapists (2), paramedics (2) and a pharmacist (1)) were interviewed singularly (n = 9) or as part of 3 focus groups (n = 14) using Zoom video communication. Audio recordings were transcribed and using qualitative data analysis software, NVivo 12 pro, coded for an essentialist thematic analysis of Advanced Clinical Practitioners’ responses using an inductive approach. 27 codes were identified and collated into five themes. For the purposes of this paper, four themes are discussed: experiencing different work, developing attributes, negotiating barriers and changing future provision. FindingsAdvanced Clinical Practitioners successfully transferred their advanced practice skills into areas of clinical need during the pandemic. Their autonomous and generic, high level of expertise equipped them for management and leadership positions where speed of change, and the dissolution of traditional professional boundaries, were prioritised. Barriers to progress included a lack of knowledge of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role and friction between Advanced Clinical Practitioners and physicians. Discussion and conclusionThe study demonstrated the successful adaption of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role to enable more creative, personalised and sustainable solutions in the care of older people living with frailty during the pandemic. The potential of Advanced Clinical Practitioner development is in a juxtaposition to the threat of pandemic services being dismantled once the emergency nature of care has passed. Healthcare organisations have a vital part to play in considering the enablers and barriers of Advanced Clinical Practitioner capability-based practice when responding to uncertainty.

Concerns and Challenges of Living Donors When Making Decisions on Organ Donation: A Qualitative Study.

Background:Mental concerns of living donors can be a solid barrier to logical and informed decision-making for organ donation. The present study explores living donors' mental concerns and problems during the process of decision-making for organ donation.Materials and Methods:present study was performed using qualitative content analysis. Twenty-one participants were selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected and recorded through semistructured interviews and analyzed by MAX Qualitative Data Analysis software 12, based on Graneheim and Lundman's contractual content analysis method.Results:Data analysis extracted 425 codes, 13 subcategories, 3 main categories, and 1 core theme (conflict between doubt and certainty). The three main categories were individual barriers and concerns (faced by the donor), interpersonal concerns and barriers (experienced by the family), and socio-organizational concerns and barriers (at the community).Conclusions:Based on the results, donors have significant concerns and face major problems when deciding on organ donation. Therefore, health-care professionals should take into account organ donors' concerns, raise awareness of donor associations, and formulate policies to increase living donors' satisfaction.

What do patients referred to physical therapy for a musculoskeletal condition expect? A qualitative assessment

BackgroundPatient expectations related to physical therapy outcomes are commonly collected through surveys and close-ended questionnaires. These methods may not optimally capture patients' expectations for physical therapy, especially in the patients' own words. Louis Gifford identified four questions attempting to guide clinicians' understanding of patients’ expectations for physical therapy. However, a qualitative assessment mapping the expectations that patients have prior to starting physical therapy appears to be undocumented. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine patient expectations prior to beginning physical therapy for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. DesignQualitative analysis with structured interviews and open-ended participant responses. MethodsTwenty-five people (18 female, 7 male; mean age: 47.04 years) were interviewed prior to their initial physical therapy evaluation using a pragmatic approach rooted in phenomenology. Data were transcribed, coded, and thematized using qualitative data analysis software. ResultsOutcome, education, exercise, evaluation, and cause of pain were key themes expressed by participants. Participants appear to want to better understand their symptoms, how they can improve symptoms, what the clinician will do, and how long they will attend physical therapy. Many participants were not certain where physical therapy fit within their overall healthcare plan, and perceptions of manual therapy were vague. ConclusionsThese identified themes highlight what patients may expect from a physical therapy experience and clinicians should work to identify and satisfy each patient's individual expectations to optimize outcomes.

THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SKILLS ON EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ACCORDING TO THE VIEWS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Total Quality Management is to move the organization to a high-quality level in cooperation with the personnel and managers working in the institution, to develop products or services with the perception of continuous improvement, to reach highly competitive power and to ensure that the institution reaches its goals. The aim of this study is to reveal university students' views on the benefits and applicability of total quality management practices in educational institutions. In the study, it was aimed to present an in-depth view with the case study design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The working group of the research consists of 15 students studying at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Sport Sciences in the 2019-2020 academic year. A purposeful sampling method was used to reach the volunteers who were thought to be helpful in exploring and explaining the facts and events by conveying their thoughts in detail. A semi-structured interview form was prepared in order to deeply examine and understand university students' views on the benefits of total quality management practices and their applicability in educational institutions and to reveal their experiences and feelings. Individual interviews were completed within three weeks and each took an average of 15-20 minutes. Data obtained from individual interviews were deciphered and transferred to NVIVO 12.0 Qualitative Data Analysis package program, and data analysis was completed. Some important results of the research; Participating students stated that total quality management practices in educational organizations are mostly unsuccessful. The most mentioned reason for this is the replacement of the planned applications before the results are obtained. According to the participants, the PDCA Cycle and the Kaizen method were mentioned as the most appropriate total quality method for educational institutions.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0908/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Vaccination Attitudes and Experiences of Medical Doctors in Croatia amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Social Roles Conflict?

The study aimed to investigate the range of experiences and attitudes of Croatian medical doctors (MDs) related to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy. In January 2021 three asynchronous online focus groups were held using MRQual, a web-based platform, which included 46 MDs from all three levels of the healthcare system in Croatia. NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software package, was used for the thematic analysis of collected data. The participants expressed a high level of support for the Croatian immunization program and vaccines in general. However, some skepticism was expressed regarding new vaccines and the regulatory processes of their approval. A significant number of participants raised concerns over the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, especially given their rapid development. The results also revealed that the process of communication with patients is often based on the very elaborate categorizations of patients based on previous experience, which leads to prioritizing and a communication breakup when dealing with “problematic patients”. MDs find themselves in a delicate situation where a fine balance between time-consuming communication with patients and the demands for maintaining satisfying vaccination uptake is needed. The situation arises from a social roles conflict that is embedded in wider social values and expectations, since communication problems do not arise in the doctor’s office, and therefore cannot be solved without addressing the social forces that cause trust deficiencies. To achieve better immunization results public health leaders need to better understand the social contexts and constraints of MDs vaccine-related behaviors.

Political practitioners’ perspectives on political management: the importance of people and power

PurposePolitical management is about getting things done in campaigns, parties and government. Political organizations can use management concepts such as strategic planning, human resources and organizational design to help them achieve their goals. Research into specifically how management is used by political practitioners – political staffers and politicians – in government is limited. This study aims to fill that gap.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the limited literature on political management, outline interview methodology, results and conclude with overall lessons drawn out using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo.FindingsThis study identifies the aspects of political management that political practitioners saw as the most important, the difference between managing in business and politics, and why.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides suggestions for what future empirical research should focus on, noting a focus on informal behavior that relate to people and power that are not seen from outside the organization.Originality/valueThe perspectives of high-level practitioners help give a view to what political management really is.