Analyzing free-text survey responses: An accessible strategy for developing patient-centered programs and program evaluation

Despite widespread availability of yoga in the Veterans Health Administration (VA), it remains unclear how to best evaluate yoga programs. This is particularly problematic for programs aimed at veterans with mental health concerns, as evaluation typically focuses narrowly upon mental health symptom severity, even though program participants may have other health-related priorities. We analyzed responses to free-text questions on 237 surveys completed by veterans with mental health concerns enrolled in a yoga program at six VA clinics in Louisiana to characterize veteran participants’ experiences with yoga. Qualitative analysis resulted in 15 domains reflecting veterans’ individual health-related values and priorities. We use results to illustrate the potential for analysis of free-text responses to reveal valuable insights into patient experiences, demonstrating how these data can inform patient-centered program evaluation. The approach we present is more accessible to those responsible for decision-making about local programs than conventional methods of analyzing qualitive evaluation data.     

An E-learning outreach program for public schools: Findings and lessons learned based on a pilot program in Makati City and Cabuyao City,Laguna, Philippines

The E-Learning Outreach Program (ELOP) is a multisectoral, collaborative, and commitment-driven action research that focuses on providing relevant and useful computer and Internet literacy short courses for public elementary students. This study presents the critical action plans of setting up a pilot e-Learning station in Hen. Pio del Pilar Elementary School in Makati City and in Pulo Elementary School in Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines. The school’s computer laboratory was converted to an E-Learning station with additional devices and technical support from De La Salle University (DLSU). The study aims to account for a process-based heuristic approach in laying down the different phases of the program, specifically to: (1) coordinate and orient parents, pupils, teachers and school administrators, (2) set-up an e-Learning environment (3) design and write course modules (4) assess learning skills and experience of pupils, and (5) evaluate the program based on research team’s observation and results of the focus group discussion (FGD) with teachers and student-participants. In Pulo Elementary School, a pretest and posttests were conducted with results showing that the program has improved participants’ e-Learning knowledge and skills except for advance skills in hardware utilization. The participants also showed a strong positive attitude towards the ELOP.     

“I Really Belong Here”: Civic Capacity-Building among Returning Citizens

This article focuses on unlikely movement actors whose civic engagement has been understudied: people with criminal records (“returning citizens”). We present findings from 18 months of ethnographic research with members (leaders) of Fighting to Overcome Records and Create Equality (FORCE), a civic group led by returning citizens. FORCE leaders received institutional support from Community Renewal Society (CRS), a larger faith and community-based organization, to lead a rights reform movement in Chicago. Findings suggest that FORCE leaders constructed notions of kinship, recognition, and power through civic capacity-building efforts—and that social belonging was core to such capacity-building efforts. While bonding social belonging occurred as FORCE leaders formed kinship with people facing similar social and economic marginality, bridging social belonging emerged as leaders felt recognized by CRS staff organizers, affiliates, and elected officials. Bonding and bridging social belonging enabled FORCE leaders, who faced constant social exclusion in society, to experience much needed kinship, recognition, and power. Future studies should continue to uncover how local capacity-building processes have life-changing relational effects on movement participants from socially and economically marginalized groups.     

Exploring the effectiveness of methadone treatment from the perspective of drug users and their families: a qualitative study in Iran

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) from the perspective of drug users and their families. For this qualitative content analysis study, 15 participants were selected via purposive sampling. Data collection was done using deep and semi-structured interviews, which were then analyzed. The results showed that MMT can bring favorable impacts into the patients’ lives and help them with the process of treatment and rehabilitation despite the medical side effects.     

Salutogenic qualities of midwifery care: A best-fit framework synthesis

BackgroundAlthough midwifery care is wellness-based and promotes normal physiology, it exists within a medical model that focuses on risk aversion and disease prevention. Salutogenic theory could provide an alternative approach to midwifery care, supporting health-promoting factors, rather than solely avoiding adverse events.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences of their midwifery care and identify salutogenic aspects of midwifery care.MethodsBest-fit framework synthesis was used to analyse 349 quotes about women’s experiences of midwifery care from 31 qualitative studies in ten high-income countries. Key salutogenic concepts of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness were used as the basis for coding, and thematic analysis was used to expand and clarify the framework to best fit the data.FindingsDefinitions for the salutogenic aspects of midwifery care were developed. Comprehensibility (cognitive aspects of health): ways that midwives help women increase predictability and preparation during childbearing through apredictable caregiver, a predictable system and preparation for an unpredictable experience. Manageability (behavioural aspects of health): ways that midwives enhance and support a woman’s internal resilience, adding extra support when needed, and strengthen women’s external resources through connections to family, community and specialist care. Meaningfulness (emotional/spiritual aspects of health): ways that midwives encourage the commitment and engagement of childbearing women by providing care through a personalised relationship, by cultivating a woman’s autonomy.ConclusionFindings of this study may be used to further research into ways that salutogenic theory can bring a health and wellness-focused agenda to midwifery policy and practice.     

Women’s reports of satisfaction and respect with continuity of care experiences by students: Findings from a routine,online survey

BackgroundPre-registration midwifery students in Australia undertake a minimum of ten continuity of care experiences with childbearing women. However, women are rarely asked to formally evaluate this care by students.AimTo evaluate data from a routine, web-based survey of women about having a midwifery student provide a continuity of care experience.MethodsAll women (n = 886) recruited by a midwifery student for a continuity of care experience during a 12 month period received an email inviting them to complete an online survey. The survey included personal details, experiences of care, and two scales on Respect and Satisfaction.ResultsA response rate of 57% (n = 501) was achieved. On average students attended six antenatal visits (mean = 5.83) and had six postnatal contacts with women. Most students attended labour and birth (92.6% n = 464). Most women rated overall satisfaction with care by their student as ‘better than they had hoped’. Positive correlations were found between number of antenatal visits and postnatal contact with students on both levels of satisfaction and respect felt by women. Women felt more satisfied when their midwifery student attended labour and birth.ConclusionsThe online survey was feasible and provided valid and reliable feedback from women about their student during a continuity of care experience. Women valued having an ongoing relationship with a student during pregnancy, labour and birth, and postpartum. Pre-registration midwifery education programs should continue to privilege relationship-based care and national standards should support the effective integration of continuity of care experiences.     

氧气的发现及其哲学意蕴 ——兼论拉瓦锡的研究纲领

拉瓦锡对氧气的发现作出了重要贡献。氧气的发现取决于其背后思维范式和研究纲领的转变。他运用已掌握的经验知识和丰富理论,以客观事实为准则,审查燃素说的一切观念范畴;确立正确的思想观念,以彻底的批判精神和无畏的创新意识开展新的理论思考和实验研究,深刻分析实验现象,揭示出燃素说的逻辑矛盾性,发现了氧气及其在燃烧反应中的作用;使用精确的语言表述氧气及其性质,阐述燃烧现象的本质和规律。氧气的发现是认识上由特殊到普遍、实践上由抽象到具体的结合过程,是事实、观念和语言三者辩证交织的结果。     

Providers’ perspectives of barriers experienced in maternal health care among Marshallese women

Problem

Pacific Islanders are disproportionately burdened by poorer maternal health outcomes with higher rates of pre-term births, low birth weight babies, infant mortality, and inadequate or no prenatal care.