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Qualitative Assessment (qualitative + assessment)
Selected AbstractsQUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN A SPECIALIST ONCOPLASTIC UNIT: DISCUSSIONANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2005FRCS (Ed), Julian J. Pribaz FRACS No abstract is available for this article. [source] Using Videotaped Feedback During Intervention With Married Couples: A Qualitative AssessmentFAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 4 2006Edgar C. J. Long Abstract: Sixteen married couples volunteered to participate in a 6-week empathy training program. Ten of the 16 couples observed and made comments about their taped interaction at the end of the program. Individuals watched the tape of their own interaction at the follow-up and were asked several qualitative questions, including what they noticed about themselves. The five themes that emerged in the comments individuals made after watching themselves on videotape included surprised by self, discomfort watching the tape, increased self-awareness of emotions, observed patterns of interaction, and nondefensive self-disclosure. We discuss the potential utility of the videotape methodology for marriage educators and interventionists. [source] The psychosocial spiritual experience of elderly individuals recovering from stroke: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 2 2008Marianne Lamb RN Abstract Objectives, The objective of this review was to appraise and synthesise best available evidence on the psychosocial spiritual experience of elderly individuals recovering from stroke. Inclusion criteria, This review considered qualitative studies whose participants were adults, mean age of 65 years and older, and who had experienced a minimum of one stroke. Studies were included that described the participant's own experience of recovering from stroke. Search strategy, The search strategy sought to find both published and unpublished studies and papers, not limited to the English language. An initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken followed by an analysis of text words contained in the title and abstract, and of index terms used to describe the article. A second extensive search was then undertaken using all identified key words and index terms. Methodological quality, Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI) developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. Data collection, Information was extracted from each paper independently by two reviewers using the data extraction tool from QARI developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. Data synthesis, Data synthesis aimed to portray an accurate interpretation and synthesis of concepts arising from the selected population's experience during their recovery from stroke. Results, A total of 35 studies were identified and of those 27 studies were included in the review. These qualitative studies examined the perceptions of elderly individuals who had experienced a stroke. Findings were analysed using JBI-QARI. The process of meta-synthesis using this program involved categorising findings and developing synthesised topics from the categories. Four syntheses were developed related to the perceptions and experiences of stroke survivors: sudden unexpected event, connectedness, reconstruction of life and life-altering event. Conclusion, The onset and early period following a stroke is a confusing and terrifying experience. The period of recovery involves considerable psychological and physical work for elderly individuals to reconstruct their lives. For those with a spiritual tradition, connectedness to others and spiritual connection is important during recovery. The experience of stroke is a life-altering one for most elderly individuals, involving profound changes in functioning and sense of self. [source] Systematic review on embracing cultural diversity for developing and sustaining a healthy work environment in healthcareINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 1 2007Alan Pearson RN, FRCN, FRCNA Abstract Objectives, The objective of this review was to evaluate evidence on the structures and processes that support development of effective culturally competent practices and a healthy work environment. Culturally competent practices are a congruent set of workforce behaviours, management practices and institutional policies within a practice setting resulting in an organisational environment that is inclusive of cultural and other forms of diversity. Inclusion criteria, This review included quantitative and qualitative evidence, with a particular emphasis on identifying systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials. For quantitative evidence, other controlled, and descriptive designs were also included. For qualitative evidence, all methodologies were considered. Participants were staff, patients, and systems or policies that were involved or affected by concepts of cultural competence in the nursing workforce in a healthcare environment. Types of interventions included any strategy that had a cultural competence component, which influenced the work environment, and/or patient and nursing staff in the environment. The types of outcomes of interest to this review included nursing staff outcomes, patient outcomes, organisational outcomes and systems level outcomes. Search strategy, The search sought both published and unpublished literature written in the English language. A comprehensive three-step search strategy was used, first to identify appropriate key words, second to combine all optimal key words into a comprehensive search strategy for each database and finally to review the reference lists of all included reviews and research reports. The databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, Current Contents, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase, Sociological Abstracts, Econ lit, ABI/Inform, ERIC and PubMed. The search for unpublished literature used Dissertation Abstracts International. Methodological quality, Methodological quality was independently established by two reviewers, using standardised techniques from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (SUMARI) package. Discussion with a third reviewer was initiated where a low level of agreement was identified for a particular paper. Following inclusion, data extraction was conducted using standardised data extraction tools from the JBI SUMARI suite for quantitative and qualitative research. Data synthesis was performed using the JBI Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument and JBI Narrative, Opinion and Text Assessment and Review Instrument software to aggregate findings by identifying commonalities across texts. Quantitative data were presented in narrative summary, as statistical pooling was not appropriate with the included studies. Results, Of the 659 identified papers, 45 were selected for full paper retrieval, and 19 were considered to meet the inclusion criteria for this review. The results identified a number of processes that would contribute to the development of a culturally competent workforce. Appropriate and competent linguistic services, and intercultural staff training and education, were identified as key findings in this review. Conclusions, The review recommends that health provider agencies establish links with organisations that can address needs of culturally diverse groups of patients, include cultural competence in decision support systems and staff education as well as embed them in patient brochures and educational materials. The review also concluded that staff in-service programs consider the skills needed to foster a culturally competent workforce, and recruitment strategies that also explicitly address this need. [source] Patient subjective experience and satisfaction during the perioperative period in the day surgery setting: A systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 4 2006BN (Hons), Lenore Rhodes RN This systematic review used the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument to manage, appraise, analyse and synthesize textual data in order to present the best available information in relation to how patients experience nursing interventions and care during the perioperative period in the day surgery setting. Some of the significant findings that emerged from the systematic review include the importance of pre-admission contact, provision of relevant, specific education and information, improving communication skills and maintaining patient privacy throughout their continuum of care. [source] Qualitative assessment of patient experiences following sacrectomy,JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 6 2010K.M. Davidge MD Abstract Background and Objectives The primary objective was to investigate patient experiences following sacral resection as a component of curative surgery for advanced rectal cancers, soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Methods Qualitative methods were used to examine the experiences, decision-making, quality of life, and supportive care needs of patients undergoing sacrectomy. Patients were identified from two prospective databases between 1999 and 2007. A semi-structured interview guide was generated and piloted. Patient interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using standard qualitative research methodology. Grounded theory guided the generation of the interview guide and analysis. Results Twelve patients were interviewed (6 female, 32,82 years of age). The mean interview time was 34,min. Five themes were identified, including: (1) the life-changing impact of surgery on both patients' and their family's lives, (2) patient satisfaction with immediate care in hospital, (3) significant chronic pain related to sacrectomy, (4) patients' need for additional information regarding long-term recovery, and (5) patients' gratitude to be alive. Conclusions Sacrectomy is a life-changing event for patients and their families. Patients undergoing sacrectomy need further information regarding the long-term consequences of this procedure. This need should be addressed in both preoperative multi-disciplinary consultations and at follow-up visits. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:447,450. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Towards more empathic medical students: a medical student hospitalization experienceMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 6 2002Michael Wilkes Objective, We designed a curricular exercise intended to expose healthy medical students, near the end of their basic science training, to the experience of hospitalization. We attempted to assess how a standardized hospitalization, for medical students just about to start their clinical rotations, was experienced by student participants. Design, A qualitative observational design was used, both to explore the perceptions of the hospitalized students and to generate hypotheses for further exploration. Setting, University and affiliated hospitals. Participants, Second-year medical students, towards the end of their basic science training. Outcome measures, Qualitative assessment of hospitalization experience. Results, Among key themes expressed by student participants were the following: they felt a profound loss of privacy; they found the nursing staff to be caring, attentive and professional, and repeatedly commented about how much time the nurses took to talk and listen to them and to take a complete history; in contrast they were particularly upset about the distance and coldness they felt from the medical staff; they expect this experience to affect their own future practice as physicians. When asked how this might change their attitudes in the future, students' comments generally reflected a primary concern with improving the human aspects of the patient experience. Conclusions, Student participants in a standardized inpatient hospitalization generally experienced strong feelings about issues of privacy, and about interactions with medical and nursing staff, which they expect to have an important impact on their own professional development. [source] Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends improve the understanding of oxygen delivery and the pathophysiology of hypoxaemia,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 11 2006J. F. Cosgrove Summary Understanding basic pathophysiological principles underpins the practice of many healthcare workers, particularly in a critical care setting. Undergraduate curricula have the potential to separate physiology teaching from clinical contexts, making understanding difficult. We therefore assessed the use of analogous imagery as an aid to understanding. Two groups of first year physiotherapy students were randomly assigned to receive either a control lecture (oxygen delivery and hypoxaemia) or a study lecture (control lecture plus images of a train set delivering rocks: an analogy to oxygen delivery.) Qualitative assessment of the lectures showed a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in understanding by the study group, and increased the proportion of students that found the lecture ,interesting and stimulating' (p = 0.01). Quantitative assessment demonstrated a significant increase in the multiple choice questionnaire marks of the study group (p = 0.03). In conclusion, analogous imagery can significantly increase the understanding of this physiological concept. [source] Qualitative assessment of initial biofouling on fish nets used in marine cage aquacultureAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007Richard A Corner First page of article [source] Utility of CD26 in flow cytometric immunophenotyping of T-cell lymphomas in tissue and body fluid specimens,CYTOMETRY, Issue 6 2008Diane M. Pierson Abstract Background CD26 is expressed by most CD4+ T cells in normal peripheral blood specimens. Neoplastic T cells are frequently CD26, in mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome involving the peripheral blood. However, CD26 expression by reactive and neoplastic T cells in solid tissues and body fluids has not been fully characterized by flow cytometry (FC). Methods Solid tissue and body fluid specimens were assayed for CD26 expression using four-color FC immunophenotyping, by qualitative assessment of population clusters, and by quantitation with comparison with isotype controls. Benign T cells were studied in reactive tissues and in the background of other malignancies. Results Many T-cell lymphomas were dim or negative for CD26, whereas a few were brightly positive. In the majority of T-cell lymphomas, CD26 expression could potentially help identify aberrant population clusters. T cells in reactive tissue specimens and tumor-infiltrating T cells were commonly dim to negative for CD26. Conclusions Both T-cell lymphomas and reactive T cells in tissue and body fluid specimens often show low levels of CD26 expression. Therefore, quantitative methods may not reliably distinguish benign from neoplastic T cells in these specimens. However, CD26, in combination with other T-cell markers, can be helpful for identifying aberrant population clusters in T-cell lymphomas. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society [source] A Hand-Carried Personal Ultrasound Device for Rapid Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function: Use After Limited Echo TrainingECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2003Kristina Lemola A hand-carried personal ultrasound device (HCPUD) may be used for rapid cardiac screening by physicians with limited echo training. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of rapid HCPUD evaluation of left ventricular (LV) size and function when used by a Cardiology Fellow. Forty-five patients underwent an HCPUD exam using a 2.4-kg device with a 2- to 4-MHz curved transducer and color power Doppler (SonoSite). The results were compared with sonographer-performed and echocardiographer-interpreted exams using conventional equipment. The HCPUD exam lasted 6 ± 2 minutes. There was 100% agreement between HCPUD and conventional echo on qualitative assessment of LV systolic function. Comparing the HCPUD and conventional linear measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and of interventricular septal (IVS) thickness: LVEDD is HCPUD = 0.94 conventional ,0.2,r = 0.82, P < 0.0001; IVS is HCPUD= 0.59conventional+0.6, r = 0.69, P < 0.0001. Thus, an HCPUD can effectively be used after limited training to rapidly screen for qualitative abnormalities of LV systolic function. Quantitative measurements of smaller structures with the HCPUD are more challenging. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, May 2003) [source] Capillary electrophoresis as a probe of enantiospecific interactions between photoactive transition metal complexes and DNAELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 15 2003James P. Schaeper Abstract Recently, we have demonstrated the capacity to separate chiral transition metal (TM) complexes of the type [M(diimine)3]n+ using CE buffers containing chiral tartrate salts. In separate work, several chromium(III)- tris -diimine complexes in particular have been shown to bind enantioselectively with calf-thymus (CT) DNA, and a qualitative assessment of the relative strength and enantiospecificity of this interaction is of significant interest in the characterization of these complexes as potential DNA photocleavage agents. Here, we describe two convenient approaches to investigate such binding behavior using chiral CE. For complexes with lower DNA affinities exhibiting primarily surface binding, DNA itself is used as the chiral resolving agent in the electrophoretic buffer. In this approach, resolution of the TM complexes into their , and , isomers is achieved with the isomer eluting later exhibiting superior binding affinity toward DNA. For more strongly bound TM complexes containing ligands known to intercalate with DNA, the [Cr(diimine)3]3+ complexes are preincubated with oligonucleotide and subsequently enantiomerically resolved in a dibenzoyl- L -tartrate buffer system that facilitates analysis of the unbound TM species only. Differences in isomer binding affinity are distinguished by the relative peak areas of the ,- and ,-isomers, and relative binding strengths of different complexes can be inferred from comparison of the total amount of unbound complex at equivalent DNA/TM ratios. [source] Diversity of human colonic butyrate-producing bacteria revealed by analysis of the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase geneENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Petra Louis Summary Butyrate-producing bacteria play an important role in the human colon, supplying energy to the gut epithelium and regulating host cell responses. In order to explore the diversity and culturability of this functional group, we designed degenerate primers to amplify butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase sequences from faecal samples provided by 10 healthy volunteers. Eighty-eight per cent of amplified sequences showed > 98% DNA sequence identity to CoA-transferases from cultured butyrate-producing bacteria, and these fell into 12 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The four most prevalent OTUs corresponded to Eubacterium rectale, Roseburia faecis, Eubacterium hallii and an unnamed cultured species SS2/1. The remaining 12% of sequences, however, belonged to 20 OTUs that are assumed to come from uncultured butyrate-producing strains. Samples taken after ingestion of inulin showed significant (P = 0.019) increases in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Because several of the dominant butyrate producers differ in their DNA % G+C content, analysis of thermal melt curves obtained for PCR amplicons of the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene provides a convenient and rapid qualitative assessment of the major butyrate producing groups present in a given sample. This type of analysis therefore provides an excellent source of information on functionally important groups within the colonic microbial community. [source] Quantitative EEG Asymmetry Correlates with Clinical Severity in Unilateral Sturge-Weber SyndromeEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2007Laura A. Hatfield Summary:,Purpose: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder with vascular malformations of the skin, brain, and eye. SWS results in ischemic brain injury, seizures, and neurologic deficits. We hypothesized that a decrease in quantitative EEG (qEEG) power, on the affected side, correlates with clinical severity in subjects with SWS. Methods: Fourteen subjects had 16-channel scalp EEG recordings. Data were analyzed using fast Fourier transform and calculation of power asymmetry. Blinded investigators assigned scores for clinical neurological status and qualitative assessment of MRI and EEG asymmetry. Results: The majority of subjects demonstrated lower total power on the affected side, usually involving all four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). qEEG asymmetry correlated strongly with neurologic clinical severity scores and MRI asymmetry scores. qEEG data generally agreed with the MRI evidence of regional brain involvement. In MRI-qEEG comparisons that did not agree, decreased power on qEEG in a brain region not affected on MRI was more likely to occur in subjects with more severe neurologic deficits. Conclusions: qEEG provides an objective measure of EEG asymmetry that correlates with clinical status and brain asymmetry seen on MRI. These findings support the conclusion that qEEG reflects the degree and extent of brain involvement and dysfunction in SWS. qEEG may potentially be a useful tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in SWS. qEEG may prove useful, in severely affected individuals with SWS, for determining regions of brain dysfunction. [source] An evaluation of actual and simulated smoke propertiesFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2 2005Jill Suo-Anttila Abstract Federal regulations require that aircraft cargo compartment smoke detection systems be certified by testing their operation in flight. For safety reasons, only simulated smoke sources are permitted in these certification tests. To provide insight into smoke detection certification in cargo compartments, this research investigates the morphology, transport and optical properties of actual and simulated smoke sources. Experimental data show the morphology of the particulate in smoke from flaming fires is considerably different from simulated smoke. Although the detection of smoldering fires is important as well, only a qualitative assessment and comparison of smoldering sources was possible; therefore, efforts were concentrated on the quantitative comparison of smoke from flaming fires and smoke generators. The particulate for all three different flaming fires was solid with similar morphological properties. Simulated smoke was composed of relatively large liquid droplets, and considerably different size droplets can be produced using a single machine. Transport behavior modeling showed that both the actual and simulated smoke particulates are sufficiently small to follow the overall gas flow. However, actual smoke transport will be buoyancy driven due to the increased temperature, while the simulated smoke temperature is typically low and the release may be momentum driven. The morphology of the actual and simulated smoke were then used to calculate their optical properties. In contrast to the actual smoke from a flaming fire, which is dominated by absorption, all of the extinction for the simulated smoke is due to scattering. This difference could have an impact on detection criteria and hence the alarm time for photoelectic smoke detectors since they alarm based on the scattering properties of the smoke. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Review of validation of the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) methodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 4 2006M. M. MacLaughlin Abstract Over the last decade, researchers in the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) community have dedicated a great deal of effort to document the accuracy of the method by performing validation studies. This paper contains a summary of more than 100 published and unpublished validation studies which comprise the body of DDA validation information to which the authors have access. The studies are grouped into three general categories: (a) validation with respect to analytical solutions, (b) validation with respect to results of other numerical techniques, and (c) validation with respect to laboratory and field data. Three general techniques for validation are described: qualitative assessment visually examining runtime behaviour of simulations, semi-quantitative assessment comparing numerical results of simulations, and quantitative where numerical simulation results are evaluated in detail with respect to similar analytical, laboratory or field results. We find that for many of the problems addressed by the papers in this review, DDA performs more than adequately for engineering analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Relationship between Internal Audit and Senior Management: A Qualitative Analysis of Expectations and PerceptionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING, Issue 3 2006Gerrit Sarens This study, based upon Belgian case studies, provides a qualitative assessment of the relationship between internal audit and senior management, analysing the expectations and perceptions of both parties. We found that senior management's expectations have a significant influence on internal audit and that internal audit, generally, is able to meet most of these expectations. Senior management wants internal audit to compensate for the loss of control they experience resulting from increased organisational complexity. Senior management expects internal audit to fulfil a supporting role in the monitoring and improvement of risk management and internal control, and wants them to monitor the corporate culture. Furthermore, they expect internal audit to be a training ground for future managers. On the other hand, internal audit expects senior management to take the first steps in the formalisation of the risk management system. They are looking for senior management support, as this benefits their overall acceptance. [source] A dictation system for reporting prescribing errors in community pharmaciesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 1 2004Amanda G. Kennedy assistant professor of medicine ABSTRACT Objective To pilot and evaluate dictation as a novel method of reporting prescribing errors in community pharmacies. Setting Seven community pharmacies in northwestern Vermont. Method An intervention reporting form was developed and implemented in seven community pharmacies. Using a crossover design, pharmacists reported by both dictation and paper methods for six weeks each. The primary objective was to determine if dictation stimulated more prescribing error reports than a paper-based reporting method. Secondary objectives included a qualitative assessment of dictation feasibility, pharmacist satisfaction with reporting in general, pharmacist preference for a dictation or paper reporting method, and a content description of the prescribing errors reported. Key findings Pharmacists completed a total of 72 reports, describing 80 interventions, during the 12-week study. Thirty-three reports were dictated and 39 were completed on paper (P= 0.56). There were no differences in completeness of reports between paper and dictation (P = 0.62). Seven out of the nine pharmacists (78%) stated they preferred the paper method to dictation. Conclusion Dictation does not appear to increase prescribing error reporting as compared with a paper method. Implementing dictation in community pharmacies proved feasible although most of the pharmacists in this study preferred the paper method. Further investigation to explore dictation as a useful technology in community pharmacies is warranted. [source] Negative predictive value of normal adenosine-stress cardiac MRI in the assessment of coronary artery disease and correlation with semiquantitative perfusion analysisJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2010Guenter Pilz MD Abstract Purpose: To prospectively determine the negative predictive value of normal adenosine stress cardiac MR (CMR) in routine patients referred for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD), predominantly with intermediate to high pretest risk. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography were examined in a 1.5 Tesla whole-body scanner before catheterization. A total of 158 patients with normal CMR on qualitative assessment were included, and semiquantitative perfusion analysis was performed. Significant CAD was regarded as luminal narrowing of ,70% in coronary angiography. Results: In the 158 study patients, negative predictive value of normal adenosine-stress CMR for significant CAD was 96.2% (for stenosis ,90%: 98.1%). True-negative and false-negative patients were comparable regarding clinical presentation, risk factors, and CMR findings. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis gave significantly prolonged arrival time index and peak time index in the false-negative group. Using cutoff values >1.8 for arrival time index or >1.2 for peak time index, the CMR negative predictive value increased to 98.7% (for stenosis ,90%: to 100%). Conclusion: The very high negative predictive value for CAD supports CMR-based decision making for the indication to coronary angiography. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis seems promising to identify the small group of CAD patients not detectable by qualitative CMR assessment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:615,621. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The School Health Portfolio System: A New Tool for Planning and Evaluating Coordinated School Health ProgramsJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 9 2004Robert M. Weiler ABSTRACT: The School Health Portfolio System (SHPS), developed originally to evaluate the Florida Coordinated School Health Program Pilot Schools Project, offers a new and innovative system for planning and evaluating a coordinated school health program at the individual school level. The SHPS provides practitioners a detailed but easy-to-use system that enables schools to create new programs or modify existing programs across all eight components of the CSHP model, as well as administrative support critical to sustainability. The System comes packaged as a self-contained, notebook-style manual divided into 15 sections. It includes electronic templates of key documents to guide school teams in creating a customized portfolio, and a list of sample goals and artifacts that confirm achievement of a goal related to the school's coordinated school health program. An evaluation rubric provides a structured method to assess a program portfolio's contents, and the extent to which the contents document achievement of program goals. The rubric produces both a qualitative assessment, such as a narrative summary of program strengths and areas for improvement, and a quantitative assessment, such as a numerical score (0,100), letter grade (A-F), or 5-star system (* - *****). The physical structure, function, and scoring of the rubric depend on the method of assessment. The SHPS enables schools to set goals based on individual school needs, and incorporate CSHP goals into school improvement plans - a critical factor in sustainability and accountability. The System also offers teams the option of coordinating their efforts with CDC's School Health Index as a companion assessment measure. This article outlines the process a team would follow in developing a portfolio, and includes a sample assessment for the area of School Health Education. (J Sch Health. 2004;74(9):359,364) [source] Paediatric training for family doctors: principals and practiceMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 5 2002C Melville Background There is controversy as to how best to train general practitioners for the paediatric challenges they will meet in practice, in particular what should be included in training, what should be left out and how long should it last? Subjects and methods All 615 general practice principals referring to 6 hospitals were surveyed (40% response rate). Setting West Midlands region of England. Study design Postal questionnaire. Statistics Quantitative and qualitative assessment of responses. Quantitative responses were analysed by hospital, decade of qualification, and duration of paediatric training. Qualitative responses were analysed using grounded theory. Results Satisfaction with training was directly related to its duration, with low levels of satisfaction for less than 6 months paediatrics, moderate levels for 6,11 months, and high levels with 12 months or more. The most important item of training was recognition of the sick child. Acute and chronic paediatrics was generally well covered. Psychosocial aspects, public health and immunisation were poorly addressed. Neonatal resuscitation and first day checks were seen as relevant, but neonatal intensive care was not. Conclusions At least 6 months of paediatrics is necessary for GPs in training, but longer paediatric exposure further increases their satisfaction with training. GPs have a biopsychosocial rather than biomedical approach to their child patients, suggesting potential benefits from a greater emphasis on psychosocial and public health aspects at the expense of neonatal intensive care. Recognition of the sick child is essential, and acute and chronic organic illness should be covered in breadth. Possible future models for GP training in paediatrics are discussed. [source] Protocol for clinical neurophysiologic examination of the pelvic floorNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 6 2001Simon Podnar Abstract Clinical neurophysiologic examination of the pelvic floor is performed worldwide, but there is no consensus on the choice of tests, nor on technical details of individual methods. Standardized methods are, however, necessary to obtain their valid application in different laboratories for the purpose of collection of normative data, comparison of patient data and organization of multi-center studies. It is proposed that in patients with suspected "lower motor neuron" type lesions concentric needle electromyography (CNEMG) is the most informative test to detect pelvic floor denervation/reinnervation, and the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle is the most appropriate muscle to be examined (either in isolation,when a selective lesion is suspected,or in addition to examination of other muscles). An algorithm consisting of standardized tests including a standardized approach to CNEMG examination of the EAS is presented. The proposed electrophysiologic assessment consists of a computer-assisted analysis of denervation and reinnervation features of the CNEMG signal, a qualitative assessment of reflex and voluntary activation of EAS motor units, and of electrical (or mechanical) elicitation of the bulbocavernosus reflex in those patients in whom manual anogenital stimulation failed to elicit a robust response in the EAS. The proposed protocol could serve as a basis for further studies on validity, sensitivity and specificity of electrophysiologic assessment in patients with different types of "lower motor neuron" involvement of pelvic floor muscles and sacral dysfunction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 20:669,682, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Using qualitative methods to assess academic success and retention programs for underrepresented minority studentsNEW DIRECTIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 136 2007Denise O'Neil Green The author discusses the importance of qualitative assessment for programs created primarily to serve minority students in higher education, associated benefits and challenges, and procedures for conducting culturally competent program assessments. [source] Globalization of tertiary nursing education in post-Mao China: A preliminary qualitative assessmentNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 4 2001Zhaomin Xu RN Abstract This article examines China's collaborative initiatives with Western countries to assess the impact of globalization on Chinese nursing education, especially at the post-secondary level, in the post-Mao era. Through the theoretical framework of mutuality, it evaluates the outcomes of globalization in two broad domains: pedagogy and system-institution-program building. In addition, case studies on two collaborative projects between Chinese nursing programs and Western institutions were conducted to further illustrate the principles of mutuality. This qualitative assessment is primarily based on a systematic review of published studies on the multifaceted dimensions of globalization in Chinese post-secondary nursing education in both English and Chinese nursing literature since 1990. It is supplemented by unpublished documents and data obtained from a research trip to China in 2000. The study concludes that globalization has been, and will remain, one of the major forces underpinning Chinese nursing education (and the nursing profession in general), which is moving towards integration into the global nursing community. However, there is a significant imbalance in the knowledge transfer equation both in the national and international context. Great efforts need to be made to synthesize nursing knowledge in the East and West to achieve an integrative nursing science. [source] Implementation of school-based wellness centersPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 5 2003Nancy G. Guerra This article describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of school-based Wellness Centers operated by the Riverside Unified School District in Riverside, CA, as part of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). We describe the program as planned in terms of the theoretical model for the intervention and the evaluation design, and discuss the actual implementation including accomplishments and challenges. The program was designed to promote positive development and wellness for individual students via self- and teacher-referrals for personal and mental health problems handled through a case management and referral process, support groups, and other activities such as after-school programs, mentoring, tutoring, and parent training. An effort was also made to promote wellness at the school level by providing wellness campaigns, information, and compatible policies and procedures designed to enhance healthy development. Our observations are based on a qualitative assessment that was a component of the evaluation. A more detailed evaluation examining the impact of school-wide and student-focused activities on academic and behavioral outcomes is currently underway. However, we do include comments from students suggesting that the Wellness Center concept holds much promise for school-based mental health and violence prevention services. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 473,487, 2003. [source] Phospholipids in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry bioanalysis: comparison of three tandem mass spectrometric techniques for monitoring plasma phospholipids, the effect of mobile phase composition on phospholipids elution and the association of phospholipids with matrix effectsRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 14 2009Yuan-Qing Xia Because plasma phospholipids may cause matrix effects in bioanalytical liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods, it is important to establish optimal mass spectrometric techniques to monitor the fate of phospholipids during method development and application. We evaluated three MS/MS techniques to monitor phospholipids using positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI). The first technique is based on using positive precursor ion scan of m/z 184, positive neutral loss scan of 141 Da and negative precursor ion scan of m/z 153. The second technique is based on using class-specific positive and negative selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions to monitor class-representative phospholipids. The third technique, previously reported, utilizes in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID)-based positive SRM of m/z 184,,,184. We recommend the all-inclusive technique 1 for use in qualitative assessment of all classes of phospholipids and technique 2 for use in quantitative assessment of class-representative phospholipids. Secondly, we evaluated the elution behaviors of the plasma phospholipids under different reversed-phase mobile phase conditions. The phospholipid-eluting strength of a mobile phase was mainly dependent on the type and amount (%) of the organic eluent and the strength increased in the order of methanol, acetonitrile and isopropyl alcohol. Under the commonly used gradient and isocratic elution schemes in LC/MS/MS bioanalysis, not all the phospholipids are eluted off the column. Thirdly, we investigated the association between phospholipids and matrix effects in positive and negative ESI using basic, acidic and neutral analytes. While the phospholipids caused matrix effects in both positive and negative ESI, the extent of ionization suppression was analyte-dependent and was inversely related to the retention factor and broadness of the phospholipids peaks. The lysophospholipids which normally elute earlier in reversed-phase chromatography are more likely to cause matrix effects compared to the later-eluting phospholipids in spite of the larger concentrations of the latter in plasma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Quantitative and qualitative assessment of women's experience of a one-stop menstrual clinic in comparison with traditional gynaecology clinicsBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 9 2001Jafaru I. Abu Objective A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the views of patients attending two types of clinics for menstrual disorders. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interview and quantitative questionnaire. Setting Five traditional general gynaecology clinics and a one-stop menstrual clinic, where investigations are performed and results given to patients on the same day. Participants Two hundred and thirty-nine women (126 from the gynaecology clinic and 113 from the menstrual clinic) were recruited into the quantitative study; 18 and 26 patients from the gynaecology and the menstrual clinic, respectively, were interviewed for the qualitative study. Main outcome measures Women's views about their care and progress towards resolution of their problem. Results Following the initial consultation, 106 (84%) of the gynaecology clinic, and 98 (87%) of the menstrual clinic patients completed the first part of the questionnaire. Of those, 75 (71%) and 79 (81%) patients from the two types of clinic, respectively, completed a follow up questionnaire one year later. There were statistically significant differences in all the components of the first part of the questionnaire (information, continuity, waiting, organisation, and limbo) in favour of the one-stop menstrual clinic. After one year, there was a statistically significant difference in one of the components, patient centeredness, but not in overall process co-ordination. The interviews showed that patients attending the menstrual clinic appreciated getting the results of their investigations on the same day. They also found the organisation of the one-stop menstrual clinic more closely suited to their needs and as a result were more likely to feel they were making progress. Conclusion Women were consistently more positive about their experience in the one-stop clinic. One-stop clinics organised to meet the needs of patients might be appropriate for other clinical conditions. The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is an effective method of assessing patients' views of health services. [source] Corneal and conjunctival findings after mitomycin C application in pterygium surgery: an in-vivo confocal microscopy studyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009Andrey Zhivov Abstract. Purpose:, To perform a qualitative assessment of the topical side-effects of mitomycin C on cornea after pterygium surgery. Methods:,In-vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II in combination with the Rostock Cornea Module) was performed in 10 patients with unilateral primary pterygium. Mitomycin C 0.02% was applied topically to seven eyes for 5 min intraoperatively and twice daily for 5 days postoperatively. Three eyes underwent surgery without application of cytostatic agent. Patient follow-up was 1 month. Results:, After application of mitomycin C, complete epithelialization of the operated zone was found 2 weeks after surgery. In-vivo confocal microscopy revealed signs of superficial punctate keratitis for 2 weeks in the central cornea only after application of mitomycin C. The presence of epithelial and stromal oedema in this group was noted for up to 2 weeks in the central cornea and for up to 4 weeks in the operated zone. In the control group, complete epithelialization was found after 1 week; there were no signs of oedema after 1 week in the central cornea or after 2 weeks in the operated zone. Leucocyte infiltration and increased Langerhans cell density were noted in both groups in the operated and central zones. Analysis of the conjunctiva revealed a decrease in goblet cell density following cytostatic application. Conclusion:, Local application of mitomycin C delays corneal epithelialization, and prolongs postoperative epithelial and stromal oedema in both the centre and periphery. Moreover, signs of punctate keratitis were noted 2 weeks after surgery in central intact cornea. Nevertheless, in-vivo confocal microscopy shows that these changes are reversible 4 weeks after application of mitomycin C 0.02%. [source] The psychological impact of genital anomalies on the parents of affected childrenACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2007A Duguid Abstract Background: There is scarce information on how parents cope with children with genital anomalies. Participants & methods: Twenty-six parents of 25 children with a median age of 0.5 years (r, 5 days,10.8 years) were recruited through the Scottish Genital Anomaly Network and had a quantitative assessment of parenting stress and coping patterns; a qualitative assessment by a semi-structured interview was also performed in19 parents. Results: In five parents, the total stress score was above the 85th centile, denoting clinical levels of stress. Three parents showed reduced coping pattern scores for social support, self-esteem and psychological stability and three showed a reduction in utilization of communication with medical professionals. The scores did not correlate with each other or the extent of genital anomaly in the child. Semi-structured interview analysis revealed parents' need for more knowledge about the imminent surgery, post-operative care and their desire for written information that could complement the time-restricted contact with the clinical team. Conclusion: In the majority of cases, parents did not display abnormal levels of stress or coping on quantitative assessment. The semi-structured interview provided further information about the parents' level of coping and potential for stress and highlighted the need for more effective exchange of clinical information at a critical period of the parent,child relationship. [source] Productivity in Malagasy rice systems: wealth-differentiated constraints and prioritiesAGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2007Bart Minten rice productivity; poverty; technology adoption; Madagascar Abstract This study explores the constraints on agricultural productivity and priorities in boosting productivity in rice, the main staple in Madagascar, using a range of different data sets and analytical methods, integrating qualitative assessments by farmers and quantitative evidence from panel data production function analysis and willingness-to-pay estimates for chemical fertilizer. Nationwide, farmers seek primarily labor productivity enhancing interventions, e.g., improved access to agricultural equipment, cattle, and irrigation. Shock mitigation measures, land productivity increasing technologies, and improved land tenure are reported to be much less important. Research and interventions aimed at reducing costs and price volatility within the fertilizer supply chain might help at least the more accessible regions to more readily adopt chemical fertilizer. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||