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Group Discussions (group + discussion)
Kinds of Group Discussions Selected AbstractsExcerpts from Focus Group Discussions: BangladeshIDS BULLETIN, Issue 1 2009Naomi Hossain The focus groups on which these excerpts are based were conducted in 2007 as part of research by the BRAC Research and Evaluation Division with Save the Children UK Bangladesh support into perceptions and practices of child labour, conducted in Nilphamari and Karail in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Further details of the research are available in S. Tariquzzaman and E. Kaiser (2008) Employers'Perceptions of Changing Child Labour Practices in Bangladesh, BRAC Research and Evaluation Division monograph 35, Dhaka: BRAC-RED (http://www.bracresearch.org/monographs/Monograph_35%20.pdf). [source] The use of the OSCE in postgraduate educationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 3 2008R. C. Arnold Abstract Background:, The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a method of assessing the clinical skills of undergraduates in medicine, dentistry and other health sciences and is employed increasingly in postgraduate education. Aim:, To describe the application of the OSCE to the development of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for General Dental Practitioners (GDPs). Methods:, A postgraduate course was designed as an OSCE for GDPs. The OSCE comprised 12 stations covering different aspects of general dentistry. After an introductory seminar outlining the aim of the course, the participants spent 7 min at each station. Each question or task required 10 answers and was designed to highlight areas of weakness or interest and to stimulate further study of the presenting topic. Solutions and answers were provided at each station for self-assessment along with a list of locally presented courses related to that subject. Participants were invited to leave contact details and to make suggestions for future postgraduate courses. The final session consisted of a group discussion and participants were invited to complete an evaluation form to express opinions on the course. Results:, The evaluation demonstrated that most candidates found participation in the OSCE stimulated their interest in CPD. The OSCE also highlighted areas of weakness in knowledge of certain clinical procedures. Group discussion confirmed that practitioners found the hands-on component valuable and that they were likely to participate in further OSCEs to enhance their CPD. Suggestions received during the discussion were used to modify the course. Conclusions:, The OSCE course fulfilled its aim of assisting practitioners to organise their CPD. The reflective nature of the course was helpful in evaluating clinical knowledge and the unique multidisciplinary style fulfilled its objective in promoting thoughts regarding future study. [source] Effects of need for closure on creativity in small group interactionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 4 2004Antonio Chirumbolo Three experiments investigated the consequences of the epistemic motivation toward closure on the emergence of creative interactions in small groups. In the first study, need for closure was manipulated via time pressure. Results showed that in groups under high need for closure (i.e. under time pressure) the percentage of creative acts during group discussion was reduced. The second study replicated this result using an individual differences operationalization of the need for closure. In the third study, groups composed of individuals high (versus low) in need for closure performed less creatively, and exhibited less ideational fluidity during group interaction. Moreover, it was demonstrated that conformity pressure mediates the negative relationship between dispositional need for closure and group creativity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Falsification cueing in collective reasoning: example of the Wason selection taskEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Maria Augustinova This paper focuses on the effectiveness of groups, as opposed to individuals, in benefiting from falsification cueing in solving the Wason selection task. Consistent with the idea that groups use information that often individuals fail to use, Experiment 1 showed that groups (but not individuals) that received falsification cueing focused more on cue-consistent evidence in their reasoning. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that the increment in focus on cue-consistent evidence is moderated by the distribution of the falsification cue within a group. Finally, Experiment 3 demonstrated that the cue distribution affects collective focus on cue-consistent evidence through the content of the group discussion, namely through mentioning the cue during the discussion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The information needs of doctors-in-training: case study from the Cairns Library, University of OxfordHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 3 2000Maureen Forrest The objective of this study was to find out more about the information needs of doctors-in-training and to identify their preferred sources of information. The methodology included interviews with consultants and administrators, a focus group discussion with library staff and a postal questionnaire sent to 347 doctors-in-training (there was a 43% return). The shortcomings of a questionnaire primarily composed of closed questions were addressed by the inclusion of one-to-one interviews which offered the opportunity for more in-depth commentary on specific issues highlighted in the questionnaire. Results indicated the frequency with which various types of information sources were consulted and how this related to the ,ease of access' of each information source. There was also the opportunity to comment on future information needs. It was clear from the interviews as well as comments made on the questionnaire that the two most important requirements for doctors-in-training were ,more time to find and obtain information' and ,better access to information sources when and where they are needed'. The results, although not surprising, included specific suggestions that have been used for the strategic planning of the library service to deliver the best possible support to users within the current framework of evidence-based medicine. [source] Validation of a memory inventory for the assessment of awareness of memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease in Chinese elderlyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 10 2006Victor Wing Cheong Lui Abstract Background This paper describes the development and validation of the Memory Inventory for Chinese (MIC), for measuring the awareness of memory deficits in the Chinese population with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. The MIC was developed with focus group discussion and pilot testing. It has a patient and a caregiver version. A consecutive series of 79 new out-patients with the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorder Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria of probable and possible AD and 20 non-demented elderly subjects were recruited. Results A high internal consistency was found, with Cronbach alpha of 0.89 for the patient version and 0.90 for the caregiver version of MIC. The inter-rater reliability was satisfactory. For validity assessment, the caregiver score of the MIC correlated significantly with cognitive score of the subject as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (rp,=,,0.37; p,<,0.01). The Memory Deficit Awareness Score, calculated by subtracting the patient score from the caregiver score, correlated significantly with clinician ratings of awareness of memory impairment (rs,=,,0.67; p,<,0.01). Conclusions The MIC appears to be a culturally appropriate and valid instrument for the measurement of awareness of memory deficits in Chinese patients with AD. Potential applications of the MIC should be further explored in other subtypes of dementia and in prospective studies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Public funding for residential and nursing home care: projection of the potential impact of proposals to change the residential allowance in services for older peopleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2003Paul Clarkson Abstract Background This paper investigates the potential effects of a policy change in the funding of UK residential care. The White Paper Modernising Social Services (Cm 4169, 1998) outlined plans to change the distribution of the Residential Allowance (RA), payable in support of residents in independent residential or nursing home care, from a component of income support paid direct to establishments to a grant to local authorities. This change was intended to remove the perverse incentive in accessing independent residential care more favourably than local authority care. A further objective was to encourage local authorities to use the grant to support home-based alternatives to residential care. The policy rests on a model in which price signals dictate the choice of care for an older person. By, in effect, raising the price of independent residential and nursing home care, the policy provides an incentive for authorities to seek alternatives to institutional care. Methods Managers from 16 UK social services departments attended a focus group discussion, completed questionnaires and provided information to assist in calculating the potential diversionary effect of the policy. Results Managerial estimates indicated a small diversionary effect of the policy; A potential effect of 0.26 and 0.19 per 1000 older people diverted from residential and nursing care respectively. Conclusions The study indicated that wider organisational factors other than price are likely to play a greater role in deciding whether an older person is admitted to care. Changes in public funding alone do not reflect the complexities involved in decision-making concerning the residential placement of older people. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Introduction to the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders-3 Quality Indicator Measurement SetJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2007Neil S. Wenger MD OBJECTIVES: To update and increase the comprehensiveness of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) set of process-of-care quality indicators (QIs) for the medical care provided to vulnerable elders and to keep up with the constantly changing medical literature, the QIs were revised and expanded. DESIGN: The ACOVE Clinical Committee expanded the number of measured conditions to 26 in the revised (ACOVE-3) set. For each condition, a content expert created potential QIs and, based on systematic reviews, developed a peer-reviewed monograph detailing each QI and its supporting evidence. Using these literature reviews, multidisciplinary panels of clinical experts participated in two rounds of anonymous ratings and a face-to-face group discussion to evaluate whether the QIs were valid measures of quality of care using a process that is an explicit combination of scientific evidence and professional consensus. The Clinical Committee evaluated the coherence of the complete set of QIs that the expert panels rated as valid. RESULTS: ACOVE-3 contains 392 QIs covering 14 different types of care processes (e.g., taking a medical history, performing a physical examination) and all four domains of care: screening and prevention (31% of QIs), diagnosis (20%), treatment (35%), and follow-up and continuity (14%). All QIs also apply to community-dwelling patients aged 75 and older. CONCLUSION: ACOVE-3 contains a set of QIs to comprehensively measure the care provided to vulnerable older persons at the level of the health system, health plan, or medical group. These QIs can be applied to identify areas of care in need of improvement and can form the basis of interventions to improve care. [source] Guidelines Abstracted from the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Stroke RehabilitationJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006Miriam Rodin MD OBJECTIVES: To assist facilities in identifying those evidence-based processes of poststroke care that enhance measurable patient outcomes. The guideline(s) should be used by facilities (hospitals, subacute-care units and providers of long-term care) to implement a structured approach to improve rehabilitative practices and by clinicians to determine best interventions to achieve improved patient outcomes. OPTIONS: The guideline considers five elements of poststroke rehabilitation care: interdisciplinary teams; use of standardized assessments; intensity, timing, and duration of therapy; involvement of patients' families and caregivers in decision-making; and educational interventions for patients, families, and caregivers. Evidence, benefits, harms, and recommendations for each of the five designated elements and specific annotated recommendations for poststroke managements are presented separately. OUTCOMES: The overall guideline considers improvement in functional status measures as the primary outcome. Achieving community-dwelling status and preventing complications, death, and rehospitalization are also important outcomes. Costs are not specifically addressed. PARTICIPANTS: The Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) Stroke Rehabilitation Working Group consisted of 28, largely VA and military hospital, representatives of medical and allied professions concerned with stroke diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. Nine additional members with similar credentials served as the editorial committee. Technical consultation was contracted from ACS Federal Health Care, Inc., and the Center for Evidence-Based Practice, State University of New York,Upstate Medical University, Department of Family Medicine conducted evidence appraisal. Consensus was achieved over several years of facilitated group discussion and iterative evaluation of draft documents and supporting evidence. SPONSOR: The guideline was prepared under the auspices of the VA/DoD. No other source of support was identified in the document, or supporting documents. [source] Participatory land-use planning and conservation in northern Tanzania rangelandsAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2009Abiud L. Kaswamila Abstract In developing countries, participatory land-use planning is seen as a panacea to mitigate land-use conflicts and enhance land productivity. This assumption has not been thoroughly tested in wildlife corridors. Three villages were selected for this study. Several methods were used to provide indication of the performance of the plans against their stated objectives of mitigating conflicts and conserving wildlife corridors. Three hundred and fifty-eight households and eight park and extension workers were interviewed. In addition, focus group discussion with the nomadic Barabeig, field assessment and review of land-use plan/general management plan reports were carried out. Results reveal that land-use plans failed to achieve their set objectives. For example, 75% of the households held this view. Major causes of failure were insufficient participation by stakeholders in the planning process, lack of robust, transparent and accountable implementation strategies, inadequacy of qualified staff and lack of ,holistic approach' to the planning process. Taking these findings into account, an improved buffer zone land-use planning framework is suggested. For the framework to enhance both conservation and development and to enable policies and legislation, equitable benefit sharing and conservation education, initiation of compensation schemes for depredation caused by wild animals and intensification of patrols are required. [source] Simulated Computer-Mediated/Video-Interactive Distance Learning: A Test of Motivation, Interaction Satisfaction, Delivery, Learning & Perceived EffectivenessJOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 3 2001Ruth Guzley This paper reports on an innovative, computer-mediated, educational technology application in a simulated distance learning environment. As an initial evaluation, real student groups completed an entire university course using this state-of-the-art, two-way synchronous audio/visual communication technology, Distributed Tutored Video Instruction (DTVI). The study reported here explored student perceptions of a simulated distance learning environment using the system. The learning environment was characterized by videotaped lectures by the course instructor, delivered in computer-mediated small group settings. Six separate groups made up of six to eight students and a facilitator were studied. Group members were in separate locations, interacting via synchronous audio and visual computer channels. Our findings indicate an overall high level of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction with the instructional mode. In addition, significant relationships were established between facilitator effectiveness and student satisfaction, student motivation and class participation, student exam grades and perceived amount of group discussion. Findings indicate innovations in computer-mediated instructional designs can achieve desired levels of participant interaction considered critical to effective distance education technology. [source] Higher Education Classroom Fail to Meet Needs of Faculty and StudentsJOURNAL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, Issue 2 2000Lennie Scott-Webber Ph.D. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were (1) to determine differences between faculty and student opinions about university classrooms when the User's Environmental Interaction Framework (UEIF) model's quadrants were considered together, (2) to determine the positive, negative, and different effects between these populations within each UEIF quadrant, and (3) to determine faculty and student use. RESEARCH DESIGN: The User's Environmental Framework (UEIF) guided the research at a large university. This framework has four quadrants: environmental/value dimensions, and behavioral/internal responses, prox-emics concepts, and interactional influences. The study had two parts: (1) a 48-question questionnaire, and (2) behavioral observations surveying both faculty and students (120 subjects) who used 15 general purpose classrooms. ANALYSIS: Stepwise Discriminant Analysis determined which subset of questions best separates student from faculty responses. Canonical Discriminant Analysis further explained relationships. KEY FINDINGS: Return rate was 67% and four observations of each classroom were conducted. Faculty and students agreed on the majority of the items. Subjects felt lighting, air quality, maintenance, equipment, and general comfort were adequate. There was a lack of commitment to the classrooms and subjects had little desire to stay in these rooms. Faculty and students disagreed on 10 questions. Faculty felt the classrooms did not convey a positive experience relating to noise control, seating flexibility, and lacked provision for social interaction. Students found signage inadequate and felt classrooms were uninspiring, nonanticipatory, and lacking symbolic meaning. Behavioral observations supported these concerns. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that general purpose classrooms on this campus do not meet all needs of faculty or students. Problem areas can be addressed through thoughtful knowledge-based interior design solutions. "I have to use a lecture format because I can't change the seating around to include group discussion." "I have to send students out into the hallway if I want to utilize a team approach in my teaching, because the seating is fixed." "I have to move the furniture at the front of the room out of my way as it looks like a used furniture store." "Technology is not integrated, nor easily accessible. It is provided ad hoc, and looks it." [source] Confronting assumptions, biases, and stereotypes in preservice teachers' conceptualizations of science teaching through the use of book clubJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 9 2009Felicia Moore Mensah Abstract This study focuses on the structure and theoretical foundations of the book club for promoting multicultural understandings in science teacher education. The book club was defined as an informal, peer-directed group discussion that met regularly to discuss an ethnographic, multicultural text regarding issues pertinent to science teaching and learning in urban classrooms. Twenty-three preservice teachers (PSTs) enrolled in a 16-week elementary science methods course at a large urban university participated in the study. From the qualitative analyses of PSTs' written reflections and researcher journal notes, five themes which emphasize Individual, Collaborative, and Collective learning are presented. These findings highlight how the book club structure and theoretical foundation fostered critical, reflective inquiry and served as a method for effecting ideological change which is needed in order to embrace issues of diversity in urban science education. Implications for science teacher education concerning the relevancy of pedagogical strategies, the use of multiple theoretical perspectives, and the book club as a strategy in teacher education and urban education are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 1041,1066, 2009 [source] Conducting the symphony: a qualitative study of facilitation in problem-based learning tutorialsMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 4 2009Tracey Papinczak Context, Tutors in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials have a complex role to play in facilitating students' learning. This includes providing support for students' acquisition of content knowledge and skills in critical thinking, coaching of group processes and modelling of reflective practice. Few studies which investigate the key role of tutors in the PBL tutorial process are qualitative in design. Methods, This study explores the nature and technique of facilitation provided by PBL tutors from the students' viewpoint. Data were obtained from written responses to an open-ended question asking students about the effectiveness of their PBL tutor(s) and from in-depth interviews carried out with two randomly selected students. Results, Three main themes arose from the inductive analysis of qualitative data: (i) role confusion by tutors; (ii) tutor management of sensitive issues, and (iii) facilitation ,style'. The theme of tutors' facilitation style was dominant and three sub-categories were apparent. These were: (i) managing the learning in PBL tutorials; (ii) facilitating group processes, and (iii) guiding group discussion. Conclusions, Findings highlight the need for tutors to regularly review the PBL tutorial processes and group dynamics within the tutorial setting. These findings have implications for tutor training and programmes of ongoing professional development for PBL facilitators. [source] The risks and benefits of being a young female adolescent standardised patientMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2006KD Blake Objective, To follow the progress of young female adolescents, as risk-taking standardised patients (SPs), and to monitor for adverse affects that role-playing may have on the adolescents. Methods, A prospective design was used in which 11 female adolescents, aged 13,15 years, were recruited from 2 schools. The adolescents were trained to portray risk-taking individuals with a medical condition and were interviewed with their SP mother by final-year medical students 1,3 times a month over 6,14 months. A control group was selected from both schools (n = 6). Main outcome measures were pre- and post-interviews using standardised questionnaires [Achenbach's Youth Self-Report (YSR) and Piers Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (SCS),] and focus groups. Results, The adolescent group simulated 111 interviews (mean per adolescent 10.1, SD = 6.2) each lasting 60,70 minutes. Quantitative data, The pre- and post-scores from the YSR and SCS demonstrated no significant differences within the SP study participants or between the control group vs. the study group. Focus group findings, The initial focus group acted as a debriefing exercise and prompted the adolescents to request that they come out of their role when giving feedback. Subsequent focus group discussion was around the medical student performance and their family doctors. Conclusion, Adolescent females showed no adverse effects when used extensively to portray risk-taking SPs. The focus groups provided the adolescents with an opportunity to debrief together. The adolescent SPs reported benefiting from this study but requested unanimously that they come ,out of character' when giving feedback to the medical students. [source] Being that bit older: mature students' experience of university and healthcare educationOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2000Dip COT Senior Lecturer, Margaret Shanahan MSc, PG Dip Stats Abstract This study used a phenomenological approach to gain insight into the lives of a small number of mature female students on healthcare programmes at university. The qualitative methods used sought to reveal aspects of that lived experience that would explain why mature students lack confidence in their academic abilities. Data were collected from participants using an in-depth interview, a diary/journal, an open questionnaire and group discussion. The emergent themes showed that mature students see education as a catalyst for change in their lives and feel a tremendous pressure to succeed. With the multiple roles they have to juggle there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all the tasks to the high standard they expect of themselves. These compromises leave the women experiencing feelings of guilt, which seems to be expressed as anxiety about the academic demands of the programme. However, experience of life and the world of work is stated as one of the great advantages of being a mature student, and one that adds to their level of confidence as they prepare to qualify and enter the workforce. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Medicare Reform Preferences: Before and After Education and DeliberationPOLITICS & POLICY, Issue 3 2009SAMANTHA WOOLSEY Using the case of Medicare reform, this article provides data on whether certain deliberative democracy efforts result in higher quality public opinion. Through a survey of preexisting social groups before and after a review of educational materials and participation in group discussion, the study hypothesized that: (1) respondents would change their reform preferences due to participation in an educational and deliberative forum; and (2) respondents' reform and value preferences would be more congruent after the forum than they were before it. Results supported these hypotheses. Reform preference changes were influential in terms of overall public opinion. In three cases, opinion changes resulted in the majority response changing from opposition or uncertainty to support. In other instances, preference change was evident in the magnitude of support indicated for particular reform proposals. Congruence between respondent value preferences and related reform proposals increased for all five major policy variables and their corresponding values, indicating higher quality opinion. Utilizando el caso de la reforma al sistema de salud, este artículo provee información acerca de si algunos foros de democracia deliberativa ocasionan una mayor calidad de la opinión pública. A través de una encuesta a grupos sociales pre-existentes antes y después de la revisión de los materiales educacionales y participación en la discusión de grupo, el estudio plantea que: (1) los encuestados cambiarían sus preferencias de reforma debido a la participación en un foro educacional y deliberativo; y (2) las preferencias y valores de reforma de los encuestados serían más congruentes después del foro que antes del mismo. Los resultados apoyaban estas hipótesis. Los cambios en las preferencias de reforma fueron influyentes en términos del conjunto de la opinión pública. En tres casos, los cambios de la opinión resultaron en que la respuesta de la mayoría cambiara de la oposición o indecisión al apoyo. Por otro lado, el cambio en la preferencia fue evidente en la magnitud del apoyo indicado para una propuesta de reforma particular. La congruencia entre el valor de la preferencia del encuestado y las propuestas de reforma relacionadas incrementó en todas las cinco variables políticas más importantes y sus valores correspondientes, indicando una mayor calidad de la opinión. [source] International development management: A Northern perspective,PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2010Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff Abstract This article reviews international development management (DM) from a Northern (primarily though not exclusively US-based) perspective, identifies lessons learned from experience, and discusses new challenges. The primary data sources are an on-line survey of DM scholars and practitioners, and the results of a focus group discussion. Survey respondents expressed dismay that the lessons from theory and experience have failed to penetrate the world of practice (largely due to political and bureaucratic constraints). They were generally pessimistic about DM's relevance and effectiveness in the face of new challenges. Our analysis points to implications for DM as a discipline, and examines the development manager as activist, the evolution of politics within DM, and DM as an art. Identified lessons related predominantly to DM's process and values dimensions, suggesting these may best define DM's unique contours. In response to the perceived absence of learning and to new challenges, research participants issued a call for development manager activism to speak truth to power, promote DM values, educate new actors and the public, and mentor and train newcomers to the field. This study underscores Northern-based development managers' commitment to the profession, including affirmation of the ongoing utility and relevance of DM's knowledge and lessons, and its underlying values of self-determination, social equity, and empowerment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Use of film for community conservation education in primate habitat countriesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Juliet H. Wright Abstract Wildlife films have become an integral part of broadcast schedules in developed countries. As charismatic mammals, primates are frequently the focus of the wildlife filmmaker's attention. Yet the people watching these films tend to be situated on different continents from the species concerned. Communities in primate habitat countries are unlikely to ever have the opportunity to gain such an insight into the species with which they share their environment and the threats these species face. Over recent years, an increasing number of filmmakers are realizing the importance of reaching local audiences through film for conservation purposes. Published research on the impact films can have on eliciting conservation action in developed or developing countries is minimal. The perceived power of wildlife films to change attitudes and behaviors is largely based on anecdotal evidence. This commentary highlights the on-going debate regarding the conservation impact of wildlife films, discusses the work of various NGOs that are using films for conservation purposes in habitat countries and makes recommendations with regards to the film type and situational context necessary to promote positive conservation behavior in communities. Bespoke conservation films convey a specific message to a specific audience at a particular point in time. If produced by trained local conservation educators, these films are likely to have the biggest impact. Films must be shown as a part of a conservation education program that incorporates other education materials and group discussion so that the desired conservation message can be clearly defined and reinforced. Audiences should not be made to feel disillusioned, depressed or vilified by the content of wildlife films. Rather films should increase support for conservation and empower people to act. Once enthusiasm for specific conservation actions has been created, practical assistance and follow-up support is necessary to ensure ideas are implemented. Am. J. Primatol. 72:462,466, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] From hypothetical scenario to tragic reality: A salutary lesson in risk communication and the Victorian 2009 bushfiresAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2010Robin Burns Abstract Objective: To investigate the ways that the risk of a bushfire emergency and communication strategies are perceived by different community segments. Methods: A brief questionnaire preceded focus group discussion of a bushfire scenario with four communications from different sources. Groups were recruited to represent different community segments within a bushfire-prone peri-urban Shire in Victoria. Results: Four groups (28 participants) were recruited. Bushfire experience was highest in the over 40-year-olds, who would use a variety of information sources, preferred to receive information from trusted local sources, such as emergency services and the council, and were more likely to be a member of a local organisation than the under 40s. Younger people used television, local papers, and friends, family and neighbours as information sources. Young parents felt disempowered through lack of local knowledge, and trusted government departments less than older residents. All wanted clear, current, specific local information about ground conditions and actions to be taken during a fire outbreak. Conclusions/implications: Knowledge of and preparedness for bushfire is unequally spread throughout a bushfire community. There is a need in public health risk and emergency situations to focus on community development, information and consultation. [source] 12 Highly Interactive Teaching: A "HIT" with ResidentsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2008Linda Regan Covering the core content of emergency medicine during residency training is both a time consuming and challenging endeavor. One of the more significant challenges in graduate medical education is to develop more interactive, less didactic teaching modalities. In an attempt to develop a more interactive educational curriculum, we interspersed weekly sessions titled "Highly Interactive Teaching" (HIT) with standard formal lecture didactics. A primary focus of many educators in emergency medicine is teaching residents how to manage the undifferentiated patient. To this end, we revised our curriculum to include 34 four-hour symptom/chief complaint-based sessions. The first hour is an introductory lecture on the general approach to a patient with the specified complaint. Residents then divide into small groups which rotate through specific case-based sections covering varied diagnoses which might present with the symptom complaint. These faculty-run small groups use a case-based approach, either high or low simulation-based or oral boards-based format. Each faculty then is required to sum up the salient points of their section. The final hour of the day is an evidenced-based review of supporting literature. Residents are required to read and critique selected articles for the audience so that the basis for diagnosis and management decisions can be discussed as a large group discussion. We believe this change in format will help residents not only to become more active learners, but also to become more astute clinicians. [source] Making the Leap from Researcher to Planner: Lessons from Avian Conservation Planning in the Dominican RepublicCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Steven C. Latta Published accounts of national, multidisciplinary planning efforts and priority setting for avian conservation are not common. I describe the process and results of a broad-based, grassroots-oriented avian conservation planning workshop held in the Dominican Republic in which we designed a coordinated strategy for avian conservation in the country. The planning process sought to (1) increase communication and cooperation among conservationists; (2) familiarize participants with resources pertinent to avian conservation; (3) encourage the transfer of information between researchers and managers; (4) promote the concepts of long-term avian monitoring, avian conservation plans, and species management plans; and (5) develop a common, multidisciplinary strategy to promote the conservation of birds in the Dominican Republic. The workshop highlighted group discussions among research biologists, managers, educators, and public policy specialists to assess avian conservation needs and priorities with respect to each discipline and has since galvanized a significant portion of the conservation community around several cooperative projects involving diverse segments of the community. Avian biologists can play a significant role in conservation efforts through a willingness to work with key players in diverse fields and to envision holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to conservation issues. Resumen: Cuando los biologícos investigadores incursionan en la biología de la conservación enfrentan nuevos desafíos, especialmente en países extranjeros, al intentar prestar apoyo para esfuerzos de planificación de la conservación. Los informes publicados de esfuerzos de planificación nacional, multidisciplinaria y de establecimiento de prioridades para la conservación de aves no son comunes. Describo el proceso y los resultados de un taller nacional de planificación para conservación de aves en la República Dominicana que utilizaba un proceso fundamental de base amplia donde creamos una estrategia coordinada para la conservación de aves del país. El proceso de planeación buscaba (1) aumentar comunicación y cooperación entre conservacionistas, (2) familiarizar a los participantes con los recursos disponibles para la conservación de aves, (3) estimular la transferencia de información entre investigadores y manejadores, (4) promover los conceptos del monitoreo de aves a largo plazo, planes de conservación de especies y planes de manejo de especies y (5) desarrollar una estrategia multidisciplinaria común para promover la conservación de aves en la República Dominicana. El taller puso a relieve discusiones de grupo entre investigadores, manejadores, educadores y especialistas en política pública para evaluar las necesidaes y prioridades para la conservación de aves con respecto a cada disciplina, desde entonces se ha estimulado a una porción significativa de la comunidad conservacionista alrededor de proyectos de cooperación que involucran a diversos segmentos de la comunidad. Los ornitólogos pueden jugar un papel significativo en los esfuerzos de conservación mediante una buena disposición para trabajar con personas clave en diversas disciplinas y visualizar de una manera integral y multidisciplinaria las estrategias para abordar asuntos de conservación. [source] Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries.DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Abstract ,, Trauma to the primary dentition present special problems and the management is often different as compared with permanent teeth. An appropriate emergency treatment plan is important for a good prognosis. Guidelines are useful for delivering the best care possible in an efficient manner. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a consensus statement after a review of the dental literature and group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialties were included in the group. In cases in which the data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion of the IADT board members. The guidelines represent the current best evidence based on literature research and professional opinion. In this third article out of three, the IADT Guidelines for the management of traumatic injuries in the primary dentition, are presented. [source] Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries.DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Abstract,,, Avulsion of permanent teeth is the most serious of all dental injuries. The prognosis depends on the measures taken at the place of accident or the time immediately after the avulsion. Replantation is the treatment of choice, but cannot always be carried out immediately. An appropriate emergency management and treatment plan is important for a good prognosis. Guidelines are useful for delivering the best care possible in an efficient manner. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a consensus statement after a review of the dental literature and group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialties were included in the group. In cases in which the data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion of the IADT board members. The guidelines represent the current best evidence based on literature research and professional opinion. In this second article of three, the IADT Guidelines for management of avulsed permanent teeth are presented. [source] Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries.DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Abstract,,, Crown fractures and luxations occur most frequently of all dental injuries. An appropriate treatment plan after an injury is important for a good prognosis. Guidelines are useful for delivering the best care possible in an efficient manner. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a consensus statement after a review of the dental literature and group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialties were included in the group. In cases where the data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion of the IADT board members. The guidelines represent the current best evidence, based on literature research and professional opinion. In this first article of three, the IADT Guidelines for management of fractures and luxations of permanent teeth will be presented. [source] Evaluation of a holistic treatment and teaching programme for patients with Type 1 diabetes who failed to achieve their therapeutic goals under intensified insulin therapyDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2000U. Bott SUMMARY Aims To evaluate a treatment and teaching programme including psychosocial modules for patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus on intensified insulin therapy who failed to achieve their treatment goals despite participation in standard programmes. Methods The 5-day inpatient programme comprises small groups of 4,6 patients, focusing on individual needs and problems. Beyond the teaching lessons (most topics are deliberately chosen by the patients), the programme provides intensive group discussions and offers individual counselling concerning motivational aspects, psychosocial problems and coping strategies. Of the first consecutive 83 participants, 76 were re-examined after 17.5 ± 5.5 months (range 9,31 months). Results At follow-up, HbA1c was not improved compared to baseline (8.0 ± 1.3% vs. 8.1 ± 1.5%). However, the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia per patient/year (glucose i.v., glucagon injection) was substantially decreased: 0.62 ± 1.5 episodes at baseline compared to 0.16 ± 0.9 at follow-up (P < 0.001). Twenty-six per cent of the patients at baseline, and 4% at re-examination had experienced at least one episode of severe hypoglycaemia during the preceding year (P < 0.001). Sick leave days per patient/year decreased from 17.0 ± 38.5,7.7 ± 13.6 days (P < 0.05). Patients improved their perceptions of self-efficacy, their relationship to doctors and felt less externally controlled (P < 0.001). The majority of patients perceived an improved competence regarding diet (80.6%) and adaptation of insulin dosage (82.4%), an improved knowledge (82.2%), and a renewed motivation for the treatment (84.5%). Treatment success was significantly associated with baseline HbA1c, stability of motivation, frequency of blood glucose self-monitoring, control beliefs and change in subsequent outpatient care. Conclusions The programme improved glycaemic control mainly as a result of a substantial reduction in the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia. Patients with persistent poor glycaemic control may benefit from structured follow-up care focusing on motivational aspects of self-management and psychosocial support. [source] Factors affecting uptake of an education and physical activity programme for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetesEUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 1 2008MPH Postgraduate Research Associate, S Visram BA Hons Abstract Background: Intensive lifestyle intervention involving weight reduction and moderate physical activity has been shown to help regulate, and even prevent, type 2 diabetes. Aim: This study sought to explore factors affecting uptake of an education and physical activity programme for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Method: Focus group discussions were conducted with individuals who completed the programme and semi-structured interviews were conducted with those who declined the invitation to attend. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach and key similarities and differences between the groups were identified. Results: The 11 programme participants studied appeared to have received clearer messages about the severity of unmanaged diabetes, whereas the 10 non-attenders studied felt that co-morbidities posed greater risks to their health. There were major concerns among both groups about undertaking exercise, and strategies for diabetes management focused heavily on dietary modification. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that fears and lack of understanding about both diabetes and exercise can act as barriers to engaging in physical activity. These findings are supported by the literature and highlight the need for more tailored programmes of lifestyle intervention for those with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2008 FEND [source] Undergraduate and postgraduate dental students',reflection on learning': a qualitative studyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2006F. A. Ashley Abstract, The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate and postgraduate dental students' understanding of a good learning experience by using ,reflection on learning' as described by Schon. Four groups of Year 4 BDS students and one group of postgraduate students in dental public health took part in a series of focus group discussions. The responses were grouped into four broad themes (a) active, practical and positive learning; (b) interactive/together learning; (c) personal learning; (d) theory into practice. Six educational models of good learning proposed by the students are described. [source] Opportunities for independent living using direct payments in mental healthHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 2 2006Helen Spandler PhD Abstract Mental health service users have yet to reap the benefits of greater choice, control and independent living, which direct payments have facilitated in other groups of community care users, particularly people with physical disabilities. To redress this imbalance a national pilot to promote direct payments to people with mental health needs in five local authority sites across England was set up and evaluated. The evaluation used a multi-method approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, including individual semi-structured interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders across the pilot sites. This article draws on findings from the pilot evaluation to provide a preliminary understanding of how applicable the independent living philosophy is to mental health and what opportunities direct payments offer for service users. When given the opportunity, service users were able to use direct payments creatively to meet a range of needs in ways which increased their choice, control and independence. This suggests that the benefits of greater independent living through direct payments may be realisable in mental health. However, a number of ways in which the principles of direct payments in mental health could be ,downgraded' were identified. The evaluation results indicate that a thorough understanding of the independent living philosophy needs to be developed in the context of mental health. [source] An exploration of the contribution of the community nurse to rehabilitationHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2003Rosie Kneafsey RGN BSc Abstract Effective hospital and community rehabilitation services are increasingly recognised as a means of meeting the changing pattern of health and social care need. While the district or community nurse has the potential to play a central part in community rehabilitation provision, this role has received relatively scant attention in the literature. This paper describes research findings on community nurses' perceptions of their role and potential contribution to rehabilitation. As part of a wider, 2-year, qualitative investigation of the role of the nurse in rehabilitation, fieldwork was undertaken with both district and community staff nurses. This comprised focus group discussions and interviews with staff recruited as a consequence of the follow-up of patients' experiencing rehabilitation. The findings indicate that community-based nurses contributed to patient rehabilitation by making assessments, referring on to other members of the multi-professional team, advocating for and liaising with other services, helping people to adapt, teaching and motivating patients and carers, supporting and involving families, and providing technical care. A number of challenges to community-based nursing roles were apparent, including feelings of exclusion, lack of recognition, a lack of time for rehabilitation and paucity of referrals for rehabilitation. Greater clarity and recognition is needed of the community-based nursing contribution to rehabilitation, and there is a need to ensure that community nursing assessments contribute to patients' rehabilitation goals and the promotion of independent living. [source] |