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Qualitative Exploration (qualitative + exploration)
Selected AbstractsAdoption of voluntary environmental tools for sustainable tourism: analysing the experience of Spanish hotelsCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2006Silvia Ayuso Abstract Since the early 1990s, tourism companies, mostly hotel facilities, have undertaken different voluntary initiatives to show their commitment to sustainable tourism. Among the voluntary tools applied by the hotel industry, the most common are codes of conduct, best environmental practices, eco-labels, environmental management systems (EMSs) and environmental performance indicators. This article presents the findings of empirical research conducted with Spanish hotels that have adopted one or more of the existing environmental tools. Based on a qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of hotel managers applying these instruments, the general understanding of the concept of sustainable tourism is examined, and the practical application of different voluntary environmental instruments is analysed. In an attempt to interpret the facilitators and barriers reported by hotel companies, three interpretative approaches are combined to explain the selective adoption of environmental tools: the perspective of competitive advantages, the perspective of stakeholders' influence and the perspective of the human cognitive process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] A qualitative exploration of multiple medicines beliefs in co-morbid diabetes and cardiovascular diseaseDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008R. J. Stack Abstract Aim,, Multiple medicines are typically prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Non-adherence to medicines can arise for those who self-manage the complex regimens typical of T2D and CVD. Perceptions about treatment and illness are probable drivers of adherence and self-management behaviours. However, few studies have explored perceptions about multiple medicines and none has examined the complexities of managing medicines used in T2D and CVD. We explored perceptions towards multiple medicines expressed by people managing co-morbid T2D and CVD. Method,, Nineteen adults managing multiple medicines for T2D and CVD participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using a modified grounded theory framework. Results,, Participants were sceptical about the prescription of additional medicines, particularly CVD medicines. Often medicines for T2D management were thought to be more important than medicines prescribed for CVD management. Lifestyle change was thought to be a way of reducing CVD risk and this was related to the lower status given to CVD medication. Lipid-lowering medicines were often thought to be the least important CVD medication prescribed, with some participants considering cessation of medicines to test their necessity. Conclusions,, Despite evidence on the severity of macrovascular complications in T2D being available, participants in this study undervalued their CVD medications. Survey research is needed to assess how widely held these beliefs are and whether these beliefs influence non-adherence. Future research should explore how healthcare professionals can best address such beliefs. [source] Unplanned attempts to quit smoking: a qualitative explorationADDICTION, Issue 7 2010Rachael L. Murray ABSTRACT Aims To gain a greater understanding of the process of unplanned attempts to quit smoking and the use of support in such attempts. Design Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 20 smokers and ex-smokers. Setting Twenty-four general practices in Nottinghamshire, UK. Participants Smokers and ex-smokers who reported that their most recent attempt to quit smoking was unplanned. Measurements Descriptions of the unplanned quit attempts and reported use of support within these. Findings Smokers who report making ,unplanned' quit attempts exhibit substantial variation in what they mean by this; many quit attempts reported as ,unplanned' were actually delayed and involved some planning and use of cessation support. Conclusions Reported ,unplanned' quit attempts often involve elements of planning and delay for quitters to access to cessation support. It is important, therefore, that smoking cessation services offer flexible and adaptable support which can be used readily by potential quitters. [source] ,You can't go without a fag . . . you need it for your hash',a qualitative exploration of smoking, cannabis and young peopleADDICTION, Issue 1 2004Amanda Amos ABSTRACT Aims To examine the relationship between smoking tobacco and cannabis use among smokers in their mid-to-late teens. Design and participants Two qualitative studies in Scotland. One study used semistructured paired interviews involving 99 16,19-year-old smokers, the other comprised eight focus groups involving 46 15,16-year-old smokers. Measurement The interviews and focus groups explored the role and meaning of smoking in the participants' lives, smoking histories and future cessation intentions and how these related to other aspects of their lives, particularly cannabis use. Findings Cannabis use was regarded as an important and enjoyable aspect of many of the participants' lives. Importantly, cannabis use and cigarette smoking were linked inextricably. Several reported how smoking joints had been a ,gateway' to smoking cigarettes. While most wanted to quit smoking cigarettes, cannabis use reinforced their cigarette smoking and few wanted to stop using cannabis. Conclusion National studies need to be conducted to examine how widespread the problem identified is and tobacco control initiatives and smoking cessation treatment services need to consider urgently how to overcome the barrier that a desire on the part of young people to continue cannabis smoking poses to achieving a reduction in tobacco use. [source] Smoking after the age of 65 years: a qualitative exploration of older current and former smokers' views on smoking, stopping smoking, and smoking cessation resources and servicesHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 6 2006Susan Kerr BA MSc PhD RN HV Abstract The aim of this study was to explore older current/former smokers' views on smoking, stopping smoking, and smoking cessation resources and services. Despite the fact that older smokers have been identified as a priority group, there is currently a dearth of age-related smoking cessation research to guide practice. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used the health belief model as a conceptual framework. Twenty current and former smokers aged , 65 years were recruited through general practices and a forum for older adults in the West of Scotland. Data were collected using a semistructured interview schedule. The audio-taped interviews were transcribed and then analysed using content analysis procedures. Current smokers reported many positive associations with smoking, which often prevented a smoking cessation attempt. The majority were aware that smoking had damaged their health; however, some were not convinced of the association. A common view was that ,the damage was done', and therefore, there was little point in attempting to stop smoking. When suggesting a cessation attempt, while some health professionals provided good levels of support, others were reported as providing very little. Some of the participants reported that they had never been advised to stop smoking. Knowledge of local smoking cessation services was generally poor. Finally, concern was voiced regarding the perceived health risks of using nicotine replacement therapy. The main reasons why the former smokers had stopped smoking were health-related. Many had received little help and support from health professionals when attempting to stop smoking. Most of the former smokers believed that stopping smoking in later life had been beneficial to their health. In conclusion, members of the primary care team have a key role to play in encouraging older people to stop smoking. In order to function effectively, it is essential that they take account of older smokers' health beliefs and that issues, such as knowledge of smoking cessation resources, are addressed. [source] A qualitative exploration of communication within the community mental health teamINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 5 2009Jenny Donnison ABSTRACT:, This qualitative study sought to explore conceptual models employed by community mental health team (CMHT) staff in the care of their clients and how CMHT clinicians communicated with one another, particularly in relation to complex clinical work. The qualitative method of interpretive phenomenological analysis was used, and semistructured in-depth interviews with seven UK CMHT clinicians were conducted and analyzed. Four themes were evident in the data and showed that clinicians face complex and competing demands and draw on a range of therapeutic models in their work. It was also clear that much discussion centred primarily on pragmatic issues and lacked conceptual depth. The results underline the complex and challenging nature of CMHT work and suggest that a more systematic approach to interdisciplinary training within teams could be beneficial in increasing clinicians' knowledge, skills, and their understanding of the conceptual models used across different disciplines. [source] The clinical and cultural factors in classifying low back pain patients within Greece: a qualitative exploration of Greek health professionalsJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2007Evdokia V. Billis MSc Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Identifying homogenous subgroups of low back pain (LBP) patients is considered a priority in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and is believed to enhance clinical outcomes. In order to achieve this, the specific features of each subgroup need to be identified. The aim of this study was to develop a list of clinical and cultural features that are included in the assessment of LBP patients in Greece, among health professionals. This ,list' will be, utilized in a clinical study for developing LBP subgroups. Methods, Three focus groups were conducted, each one comprising health professionals with homogenous characteristics and all coordinated by a single moderator. There were: 11 physiotherapists (PTs) with clinical experience in LBP patients, seven PTs specialized in LBP management, and five doctors with a particular spinal interest. The focus of discussions was to develop a list of clinical and cultural features that were important in the examination of LBP. Content analysis was performed by two researchers. Results, Clinicians and postgraduates developed five categories within the History (Present Symptoms, History of Symptoms, Function, Psychosocial, Medical History) and six categories within the Physical Examination (Observation, Neurological Examination, Active and Passive Movements, Muscle Features and Palpation). The doctors identified four categories in History (Symptomatology, Function, Psychosocial, Medical History) and an additional in Physical Examination (Special Tests). All groups identified three cultural categories; Attitudes of Health Professionals, Patients' Attitudes and Health System influences. Conclusion, An extensive Greek ,list' of clinical and cultural features was developed from the groups' analysis. Although similarities existed in most categories, there were several differences across the three focus groups which will be discussed. [source] A prospective qualitative exploration of views about attending pulmonary rehabilitationPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009Catherine Bulley Abstract Background and Purpose.,Pulmonary rehabilitation has been found to be an effective strategy for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, attendance at such programmes is not optimal, therefore, this study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of views regarding attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation and experiences which may have shaped these views.,Methods.,An inductive qualitative study was carried out within the framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five female and four male individuals with COPD who had been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted prior to participation in pulmonary rehabilitation.,Results.,Three main themes were identified that related to views about attending pulmonary rehabilitation. The first is entitled ,Desired benefits of attending pulmonary rehabilitation', which described realistic hopes about impact on daily life. The second theme was called ,Evaluating the threat of exercise', and it encompassed both positive and negative evaluations; some interviewees described fear and avoidance of exercise, while others were determined to overcome symptoms. These attitudes extended to views about pulmonary rehabilitation. The third theme was called ,Attributing value to pulmonary rehabilitation'. Contrasting opinions about the value of attending pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be influenced by the nature of prior interactions with health personnel and systems as well as information about the programme provided at referral. The referrer's attitude towards pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be particularly influential.,Conclusion.,In summary, when considering rehabilitation attendance, potential participants are able to identify possible benefits, but previous experiences of symptoms and attitudes towards their condition can influence views both positively and negatively. Information and enthusiasm conveyed by the referring clinician, as well as previous interactions with health professionals can have powerful impact on views about attending. Referral practices should be informative and enthusiastic to increase the likelihood of uptake. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pathways Through Crime: The Development of Crime and Desistance in the Accounts of Men and Women OffendersTHE HOWARD JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Issue 3 2008CLARE FIONA BYRNE Abstract: Findings are presented of a qualitative exploration of offenders' accounts of themselves, their lives and their offending behaviour. Participants were nine male and nine female offenders, aged 19 to 50 years. A model of crime as described by these individuals was developed. Gendered meanings were explored in both men's and women's accounts. Pathways into crime described by the participants were shaped by a range of personal and social background influences and by processes related to negative social relations, positive evaluations of crime, and crime orientation. Changes in the same influences and processes, with a greater emphasis on the personal level, were apparent in participants' descriptions of their pathways out of crime. [source] Social and environmental reporting and the corporate egoBUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 4 2009Crawford Spence Abstract This paper reports on the results of a qualitative exploration into the target audiences for social and environmental reporting (SER). In spite of the wealth of literature on SER motivations, relatively few studies have sought to ascertain who the key target or actual audiences are for SER. The results of this study, based on interviews with UK SER managers, suggest that investors and employees are overwhelmingly the most important audiences targeted by SER managers. The paper draws on auto-communication theory to question the extent to which SER serves as a means of engaging in dialogue with stakeholders. It is argued that, beyond sending risk management signals to the financial markets, SER primarily serves as a vehicle whereby organizations can communicate with themselves. Moreover, broader stakeholders might be targeted with SER only insofar as doing so serves as a perceived endorsement of organizational communications, thereby embellishing the corporate ego's fantasy of how it would like to be perceived. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] A qualitative exploration of the perception of emotions in anorexia nervosa: A basic emotion and developmental perspectiveCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 4 2009John R. E. Fox Abstract Difficulties in emotional processing have long been regarded as a core difficulty within anorexia nervosa. Recent research and theory have started to highlight how eating disorder symptoms are often used to regulate painful emotions. However, there has been a lack of theoretical sophistication in how emotions have been considered within the eating disorders. This study was designed to use qualitative methodologies to address these inadequacies and provide a richer, more thorough account of emotions within anorexia nervosa. It used a grounded theory methodology to gather and analyse interview data from 11 participants who had a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, being seen at a regional eating disorder service (both inpatient and day patient). The results highlighted two main overarching themes regarding the perception and management of emotions within anorexia nervosa: (1) development of poor meta-emotional skills; and (2) perception and management of emotion in anorexia nervosa. These two categories comprised of a significant number of components from the qualitative analysis, including difficulties with anger, meta-emotional skills and poverty of emotional environments while growing up. Once the data had been collected and analysed, links were made between the findings of this research and the current literature base.,Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: Practitoners needs to consider the importance of poor meta-emotional skills within anorexia nervosa. These meta skills appears to be more complicated than the simplistic notion of alexithymia. The routes to these difficulties in emotion appear to be drawn from a complicated developmental picture. The role of anger needs to be considered more fully in the psychotherapeutic work with people with anorexia nervosa. This study's findings suggest that increasing levels of anger may play a role in increased eating disorder symptomatology, especially vomitting. [source] Herbert Gans and the Politics of Urban Ethnography in the (Continued) Age of the UnderclassCITY & COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2007Alford A. Young Jr. In his criticism of scholarly and public utilization of the term underclass, Herbert Gans helped to initiate new and more complex thinking about both the kinds of people that constitute America's most disenfranchised urban constituency and the ways in which more privileged Americans have striven to make sense of them. In forwarding his criticism of the term, Gans helped establish a template for ethnographic and qualitative explorations of America's urban poor that breaks with a rigid and vulgar social problems framing and, instead, invites more provocative and more accurate assessments of the agency of such people. In doing so, he has encouraged recent efforts to offer new framings of this population, which have facilitated new cultural projects in qualitative studies of the African American urban poor. This article briefly reviews Gans's criticism of the term underclass, and then elucidates how that criticism relates to some contemporary scholarly efforts to consider people who would be characterized as underclass as more complex cultural actors,and, indeed, who often are more complicated social beings,than is implied by the label underclass. [source] | |||||||||||||