Use Of Theoretical Framework Research Articles

The Persistence of South African Educational Inequalities: The Need for Understanding and Relying on Analytical Frameworks

It is acknowledged that educational inequalities persist in South Africa 25 years after the advent of democracy in 1994, but the debate about the causes and solutions to poor education performance continues. Could the education system be fundamentally improved and mitigate somewhat the socio-economic inequalities from one generation to another? This article argues that the debate will benefit from the use of theoretical frameworks about the role of education in society, especially since many analyses do not engage explicitly with theories. This article summarises the theoretical debates to remind scholars about the need to compare and explore the arguments of different theoretical paradigms on the role of education and assist sociology of education teaching. It concludes with analytical examples, which argue that the best explanatory power comes from the post-structuralist theoretical position.

Assessing telehealth interventions for physical activity and sedentary behavior self-management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An integrative review.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, requiring lifestyle management to prevent chronic complications. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior are integral to maintaining glycemic control. The purpose of this study was to (1) appraise and synthesize the literature about physical activity and sedentary behavior intervention delivery via telehealth strategies in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and (2) to evaluate what is known about the effectiveness of such interventions on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and glycemic control. An integrative literature review was carried out, including the electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo, searching for articles published within the past 10 years, meeting specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines. Seventeen studies were included. Significant improvements in physical activity and sedentary behavior were identified in web and mobile phone-based interventions. Modest improvements in glycemic control were reported. Theoretical framework use and integration was limited, and intervention length and follow-up varied greatly in the studies reviewed. Outcomes were measured using both self-report and objective measures, but objective measures were used less frequently. Further, few studies have been conducted in the United States or in rural populations. Web and mobile phone-based telehealth interventions to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviors, and improve glycemic control have been supported by the literature. A need exists for future studies that are theory-driven, include dose-specific measures, self-report and objective measures, and long-term follow-up. Examining intervention effects in rural populations is needed.

Interventions for Family Members After Long-Term Care Placement of a Relative With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The current systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize the available evidence regarding interventions that assisted family members of long-term care facility residents with dementia to cope with stressful situations. A search of published articles in eight databases was performed. In total, 1,293 records were identified, with six studies included in this systematic review. Interventions were categorized as education/skill training, psychoeducation, and psychosocial support. The risk of bias across the included studies varied from moderate to high. The intervention components, dose, and delivery methods differed widely with mixed results. The interventions showed potential benefits for reducing family members' stress-related outcomes (e.g., stress appraisal, guilt) and residents' problematic behaviors. Yet, meta-analysis yielded a non-significant pooled effect for reducing family members' depressive symptoms (mean difference = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [-2.27, 5.04], p = 0.46). Evidence in this field is currently insufficient and more well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and use of theoretical frameworks are needed. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(1), 43-52.].

White generosity: black freedom faced with good intentions

PurposeThe author advances a theory of white generosity, a product of whiteness and of hierarchised relationships between races characterised by the giving to the racialised person that which has not been asked for and which has no practical immediate purpose, which can be used by anti-racist scholars as a framework for analysing racial oppression.Design/methodology/approachUsing postcolonial and cultural studies and deconstructionist techniques in tandem with autoethnography, the author uses textual readings to examine instances of “giving” shaped by white generosity, drawing on Jacques Derrida's work on the gift in order to deconstruct the structure and rhetorical moves of white generosity.FindingsWhite generosity demands gratitude in excess of the value of the thing given. If for Derrida the gift is given unconditionally, becoming devalued as soon as it demands acknowledgement or draws attention to itself as gift, white generosity is the gift's inverse: a “giving” that manifests itself only as a demand for its supposed recipient's gratitude. Emancipation is no gift at all; simply a deferral of debt. The “gifts” of diversity, decolonisation, widening participation or access are all objects of brokerage in a system that is inherently unequal and violent for black folx.Originality/valueWhite generosity is related to theoretical constructs, such as white fragility, that have commanded significant scholarly engagement. However, it has not previously been named or analysed in a systematic way. This article offers a theoretical framework for use by anti-racist activists and scholars to name, interrogate and deconstruct a powerful narrative used in the continued marginalisation of non-white folx.

Applying thematic synthesis to interpretation and commentary in epidemiological studies: identifying what contributes to successful interventions to promote hand hygiene in patient care

ObjectivesHand hygiene is considered the most important preventive measure for healthcare-associated infections, but adherence is suboptimal. We previously undertook a Cochrane Review that demonstrated that interventions to improve adherence are...

A 10-year evaluation of projects in a doctor of nursing practice programme.

The role of professional doctorates is receiving increased attention internationally. As part of building the rigour and scholarship of these programmes, we assessed projects undertaken as part of a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programme at Johns Hopkins University. Recommendations for programme development in professional doctorates are provided. Past research has described the methodologic limitations and dissemination of DNP projects. However, few studies have provided recommendations for strengthening these projects and alternative strategies for achieving scale in larger student cohorts. A descriptive study reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines. From 2009-2018, 191 final DNP project reports were obtained from the DNP programme administrator. Essential project characteristics from the papers were extracted, including use of theoretical framework, design, setting, sample and dissemination through publication. To determine whether the results of the projects had been published, the title and student's name were searched in Google Scholar and Google. Of the 191 projects, 83% focused on adults and 61% were conducted in the hospital setting. Sample sizes ranged from 7 to 24,702. Eighty per cent of the projects employed a pretest/post-test design, including both single and independent groups. The projects spanned six overarching themes, including process improvement, clinician development, patient safety, patient outcome improvement, access to care and workplace environment. Twenty-one per cent of the project findings were published in scholarly journals. Conducting a critical review of DNP projects has been useful in refining a strategy shifting from incremental to transformative changes in advanced practice. Programme evaluation is critical in order to sufficiently prepare nurses in advanced nursing practice to influence healthcare outcomes at the individual or population level.

Context and the evidence‐based paradigm: The potential for participatory research and systems thinking in oral health

The implementation of research evidence to promote oral health is critical, given the intransigent and emerging challenges for policymakers at a population level. Despite this, little attention has been paid to implementation research within the evidence-based paradigm. This is important as getting research evidence into clinical practice is not a linear path that consists of simple sequential steps. In this article, we argue that we need to consider a broader range of conceptual and methodological approaches to increase the value of information generated. This should be undertaken either in parallel with empirical and experimental designs, or in some cases, instead of. This is important if we are going to understand the complexity and contextual knowledge of the 'system', within which interventions are implemented. Involving key stakeholders alongside empirical and experimental designs is one helpful approach. Examples of these approaches include Patient and Public Involvement and the development of Core Outcome Sets, where the views of those that will be potentially affected by the research, are included. The use of theoretical frameworks and process evaluations alongside trials are also important, if they are fully integrated into the approach taken to address the research question. A more radical approach is using participatory designs and 'systems thinking'. Participatory approaches include subject matter 'experts by experience'. These include patients, their families, carers, healthcare professionals, services managers, policymakers, commissioners and researchers. Participatory approaches raise important questions about who facilitates the process, when it should happen and how the diverse actors become meaningfully engaged so that their involvement is active, democratic and ongoing. We argue that the issues of control, power and language are central to this and represent a paradigmatic shift to conventional approaches. Systems thinking captures the idea that public health problems commonly involve multiple interdependent and interconnected factors, which interact with each other dynamically. This approach challenges the simplicity of the hierarchy of evidence and linear sequential logic, when it does not account for context. In contrast, systems thinking accepts complexity de novo and emphasizes the need to understand the whole system rather than its individual component parts. We conclude with the idea that participatory and systems thinking help to unpack the diverse agents that are often involved in the generation and translation of evidence into clinical dental practice. It moves our conception of research away from a simple exchange between 'knowledge producers' and 'knowledge users' and raises both methodological and epistemological challenges.

A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices

BackgroundKnowledge brokering is a knowledge translation approach that includes making connections between researchers and decision-makers to facilitate the latter’s use of evidence in health promotion and the provision of healthcare. Despite knowledge brokering being well-established in Canada, many knowledge gaps exist, including understanding what theoretical frameworks have been developed and which evaluative practices knowledge brokers (KBs) use.MethodsThis study used a mixed methods design to examine how KBs in Canada (1) use frameworks, models and theories in their practice and (2) how they evaluate knowledge brokering interventions. We gathered interview and survey data from KB practitioners to better understand their perspectives on effective practices. Our analysis focused on understanding the theoretical frameworks used by KBs.ResultsThis study demonstrates that KBs in Canada tend not to rely on theories or models that are specific to knowledge brokering. Rather, study participants/respondents draw on (sometimes multiple) theories and models that are fundamental to the broader field of knowledge translation – in particular, the Knowledge to Action model and the Promoting Action Research in Health Sciences framework. In evaluating the impact of their own knowledge brokering practice, participants/respondents use a wide variety of mechanisms. Evaluation was often seen as less important than supporting knowledge users and/or paying clients in accessing and utilising evidence.ConclusionsKnowledge brokering as a form of knowledge translation continues to expand, but the impact on its targeted knowledge users has yet to be clearly established. The quality of engagement between KBs and their clients might increase – the knowledge brokering can be more impactful – if KBs made efforts to describe, understand and evaluate their activities using theories or models specific to KB.

Theoretical Review of Turnaround Strategy and Its Organizational Outcomes

Strategic management literature has recognized the role of turnaround strategy in the management process as a critical strategy at the corporate level. Researches done on turnaround strategy and corporate performance have however been biased with respect to limited scope in terms of the dimensions of performance as well as the challenges in methodology and conceptualization that affect the generalization of the study findings. This paper undertakes a review of the extant literature on the conceptual, theoretical and empirical work that brings about a number of issues for use in presenting a case for the new theoretical model that is suitable for extension of the current understanding of deployment of turnaround strategy and the ultimate results. The paper suggests an integrated theoretical framework for use in linking turnaround strategy and corporate performance while recognizing the significance of the role of organizational turnaround-based learned experiences and organizational characteristics.

Theoretical Review of Turnaround Strategy and its Organizational Outcomes

Strategic management literature has recognized the role of turnaround strategy in the management process as a critical strategy at the corporate level. Researches done on turnaround strategy and corporate performance have however been biased with respect to limited scope in terms of the dimensions of performance as well as the challenges in methodology and conceptualization that affect the generalization of the study findings. This paper undertakes a review of the extant literature on the conceptual, theoretical and empirical work that brings about a number of issues for use in presenting a case for the new theoretical model that is suitable for extension of the current understanding of deployment of turnaround strategy and the ultimate results. The paper suggests an integrated theoretical framework for use in linking turnaround strategy and corporate performance while recognizing the significance of the role of organizational turnaround based learned experiences and organizational characteristics.

A personal reflection: using theoretical frameworks to understand the impact of starting university on health and wellbeing.

This article presents a personal reflection using theoretical frameworks as the basis of understanding multifaceted influences on the personal health of the primary author since beginning undergraduate university degree studies in nursing. It also explores theoretical and lay definitions of health and wellbeing, before analysing influences on health from a personal perspective. This illustrates how understanding, developed through the use of theoretical frameworks, can enable individuals to enhance their own health and wellbeing.

Young People's Online Help-Seeking and Mental Health Difficulties: Systematic Narrative Review.

BackgroundYoung people frequently make use of the internet as part of their day-to-day activities, and this has extended to their help-seeking behavior. Offline help-seeking is known to be impeded by a number of barriers including stigma and a preference for self-reliance. Online help-seeking may offer an additional domain where young people can seek help for mental health difficulties without being encumbered by these same barriers.ObjectiveThe objective of this systematic literature review was to examine young peoples’ online help-seeking behaviors for mental health concerns. It aimed to summarize young peoples’ experiences and identify benefits and limitations of online help-seeking for this age group. It also examined the theoretical perspectives that have been applied to understand online help-seeking.MethodsA systematic review of peer-reviewed research papers from the following major electronic databases was conducted: PsycINFO, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. The search was conducted in August 2017. The narrative synthesis approach to reviews was used to analyze the existing evidence to answer the review questions.ResultsOverall, 28 studies were included. The most common method of data collection was through the use of surveys. Study quality was moderate to strong. Text-based query via an internet search engine was the most commonly identified help-seeking approach. Social media, government or charity websites, live chat, instant messaging, and online communities were also used. Key benefits included anonymity and privacy, immediacy, ease of access, inclusivity, the ability to connect with others and share experiences, and a greater sense of control over the help-seeking journey. Online help-seeking has the potential to meet the needs of those with a preference for self-reliance or act as a gateway to further help-seeking. Barriers to help-seeking included a lack of mental health literacy, concerns about privacy and confidentiality, and uncertainty about the trustworthiness of online resources. Until now, there has been limited development and use of theoretical models to guide research on online help-seeking.ConclusionsApproaches to improving help-seeking by young people should consider the role of the internet and online resources as an adjunct to offline help-seeking. This review identifies opportunities and challenges in this space. It highlights the limited use of theoretical frameworks to help conceptualize online help-seeking. Self-determination theory and the help-seeking model provide promising starting points for the development of online help-seeking theories. This review discusses the use of these theories to conceptualize online help-seeking and identify key motivations and tensions that may arise when young people seek help online.

The relevance of case studies in climate change research: a review of policy recommendations

In the age of big data, case studies build the foundation for the large-scale models that are increasingly being used for decision and policymaking. In this systematic literature review, we investigated the geographic, methodological, and conceptual characteristics of case studies in climate change science to evaluate the extent they provide policy recommendations to answer the questions: how can researchers best gather and report policy-relevant information for climate change adaptation, resilience, and/or recovery? What are the current themes within the literature, and how can these areas best advance as policy-relevant fields within climate change science? Findings highlight that policy recommendations were more robust, and significantly more likely, in case studies that employ participatory research methods; and geographic characteristics and use of theoretical frameworks are associated with providing policy recommendations. On the other hand, studies that focus on biophysical parameters of climate change offered weak or no policy recommendations. Thus, we conclude that local-level case study research can serve as validation and calibration data for large-scale models as long as they accurately represent the local values and perceptions of the people in the study area. We elaborate on the opportunities that exist in non-human, biophysical, research for communicating findings to policy-friendly audiences.

A need for implementation science to optimise the use of evidence-based interventions in HIV care: A systematic literature review.

To improve health outcomes in people living with HIV, adoption of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) using effective and transferable implementation strategies to optimise the delivery of healthcare is needed. ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Pathways initiative was established to support the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals. A compendium of EBIs was developed to address gaps within the HIV care continuum, yet it was unknown whether efforts existed to adapt and implement these EBIs across diverse clinical contexts. Therefore, this review sought to report on the use of implementation science in adapting HIV continuum of care EBIs. A systematic literature review was undertaken to summarise the evaluation of implementation and effectiveness outcomes, and report on the use of implementation science in HIV care. Ten databases were reviewed to identify studies (time-period: 2013–2018; geographic scope: United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Australia and Europe; English only publications). Studies were included if they reported on people living with HIV or those at risk of acquiring HIV and used interventions consistent with the EBIs. A broad range of study designs and methods were searched, including hybrid designs. Overall, 118 publications covering 225 interventions consistent with the EBIs were identified. These interventions were evaluated on implementation (N = 183), effectiveness (N = 81), or both outcomes (N = 39). High variability in the methodological approaches was observed. Implementation outcomes were frequently evaluated but use of theoretical frameworks was limited (N = 13). Evaluations undertaken to assess effectiveness were inconsistent, resulting in a range of measures. This review revealed extensive reporting on implementation science as defined using evaluation outcomes. However, high variability was observed in how implementation outcomes and effectiveness were defined, quantified, and reported. A more specific and consistent approach to conducting and reporting on implementation science in HIV could facilitate achievement of UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.

Process evaluations of primary care interventions addressing chronic disease: a systematic review

ObjectiveProcess evaluations (PEs) alongside randomised controlled trials of complex interventions are valuable because they address questions of for whom, how and why interventions had an impact. We synthesised the methods...

Integrated clinical experience with concurrent problem-based learning is associated with increased clinical reasoning of physical therapy students in the United States.

Clinical reasoning (CR) is a key learning domain for physical therapy educators and a core skill for entry-level practitioners. Integrated clinical experience (ICE) and problem-based learning (PBL) have each been reported to improve interpersonal and social domains, while promoting knowledge acquisition and CR. Unfortunately, studies monitoring CR during ICE with concurrent PBL in physical therapy education are sparse. We hypothesized that ICE with concurrent PBL would be associated with improved self-reported CR in third-year student physical therapists (PTs) in the United States. The Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) survey was administered to 42 student PTs at the beginning and end of their third and final year of didactic training. Between the pretest and posttest analyses, the participants completed faculty-led ICE and PBL coursework for 16 weeks. The overall SACRR score and 26 individual item scores were examined. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test and paired t-test were used, with statistical significance accepted at P< 0.05. Significant improvements were observed in the overall SACRR score (P< 0.001), including 6 of the 26 survey items centered around decision-making based on experience and evidence, as well as self-reflection and reasoning. ICE with PBL was associated with improved self-assessed CR and reflection in third-year student PTs in the United States. Monitoring the impact of curricular design on CR may improve educators’ ability to enhance cognitive and psychomotor skills, which underscores the importance of increasing the explicit use of theoretical frameworks and teaching techniques for coping with uncertainty as a way of enhancing entry-level training.

Improving the sustainability of hospital-based interventions: a study protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionSustaining effective interventions in hospital environments is essential to improving health outcomes, and reducing research waste. Current evidence suggests many interventions are not sustained beyond their initial delivery. The reason...

Examining the association between parenting and childhood depression among Chinese children and adolescents: A systematic literature review

In recent years, an increasing amount of research has identified various parenting dimensions related to childhood depression among Chinese children and adolescents. However, much of the extant literature reports inconsistent findings, and lacks methodological rigor and theoretical guidance. The purpose of this review is to synthesize and critically assess the existing literature on the association between parenting and childhood depression among Chinese children and adolescents. The included studies were investigated based on choice of methodology and the use of appropriate theoretical underpinnings in order to inform insightful directions for future inquiries. Literature was systematically searched using eight English and three Chinese electronic databases. The review included quantitative peer-reviewed articles that focused on parenting behaviors and childhood depression among Chinese children and adolescents 0 to 18 years. Quality assessments were adapted based on existing validated instruments and the study characteristics in order to assess the implemented methodologies and theory utilization. The search concluded with thirty-eight articles identified for inclusion. Findings suggest the associations between parenting and childhood depression were generally small to moderate but non-trivial. Various dimensions of parenting were differentially associated with childhood depression. Authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles were most consistently related to childhood depression, however, the former reduced childhood depression, while an authoritarian style resulted in more childhood depression. Based on the detailed methodological and theory utilization quality assessment, several limitations of the reviewed studies were noted, such as the lack of prospective studies; the use of single informant and questionnaire measures; insufficient use of theoretical frameworks; and unclear conceptualization and operationalization of the parenting constructs. This review provides recommendations for social workers and public health practitioners to better incorporate consideration of varying parenting dimensions into family-based interventions designed to reduce depression among Chinese children and adolescents.

A Discussion on Student Use of Theoretical Frameworks for the Analysis of Discourse and Policy within ECE

A Discussion on Student Use of Theoretical Frameworks for the Analysis of Discourse and Policy within ECE

Integrating Spirituality Within Yalom's Group Therapeutic Factors: A Theoretical Framework for Use With Adolescents

Integrating Spirituality Within Yalom's Group Therapeutic Factors: A Theoretical Framework for Use With Adolescents