Orla Dolan, Joanne O’Halloran, Micheal O’Cuill, Atiqa Rafiq, Jennifer Edgeworth, Michael Hogan and Agnes Shiel
Dementia is a complex, progressively degenerative condition. It results in loss of cognitive and functional capabilities, along with a significant increase in the level of…
Abstract
Purpose
Dementia is a complex, progressively degenerative condition. It results in loss of cognitive and functional capabilities, along with a significant increase in the level of dependency. A reduction in the use of pharmacological interventions correlates with an increased in good quality non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of 14-session face-to-face cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and Sonas group interventions on individuals living with dementia with moderate cognitive impairment, from pre-intervention to post-intervention in terms of their cognition, communication, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living and quality of life.
Design/methodology/approach
A pilot single blind prospective controlled trial evaluated two group intervention approaches, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and Sonas, with 28 participants with moderate dementia. Pseudorandomisation and single blinding were implemented. CST has a solid evidence base. Sonas is a widely used multi-sensory intervention in Ireland with an emerging evidence base. Participants were recruited from a mental health service. Participants who had a formal diagnosis of dementia, moderate cognitive impairment and some ability to communicate and understand communication were included.
Findings
Results supported CST to a greater extent than Sonas. The CST group showed significant changes in cognition (p = 0.032) and communication (p = 0.006). Both groups had significant changes in carer quality of life (CST, p = 0.019; Sonas, p = 0.035). Results support the recommendations for a future definitive trial.
Research limitations/implications
Rehabilitation potential of individuals living with moderate dementia was demonstrated. This study suggests that group interventions like these impact on the trajectory of dementia.
Practical implications
Rehabilitation interventions impact on the trajectory of dementia. CST and Sonas have no impact on activities of daily living. Future studies with larger sample sizes, 16 weeks intervention period and control groups are required.
Social implications
This pilot study supports CST over Sonas interventions for individuals living with moderate dementia. Multiple outcome measures demonstrated trends towards significance for both interventions. Future definitive trials may detect a significant effect of both interventions.
Originality/value
A dementia diagnosis is devastating and generally creates negative perceptions and associations (Alvira, 2014). In contrast, the outcomes of this study are positive. This study provides evidence that occupational therapist intervention can impact on the trajectory of the condition with people with dementia demonstrating that they do have rehabilitation potential by responding to treatment and improving and maintaining their abilities as they progress through the condition.
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BEGINNING with our July issue, which is the first Number of Volume XXXV, we have decided to change the format of The Library World and enlarge the size of the page. It is hoped by…
Abstract
BEGINNING with our July issue, which is the first Number of Volume XXXV, we have decided to change the format of The Library World and enlarge the size of the page. It is hoped by this means to give increased reading matter and to be of greater service to the Profession. We are proud of the fact that The Library World has been published continuously since 1898, and that during this long record our policy has been one of continued progress.
The new authorities created by this Act, probably the most important local government measure of the century, will be voted into existence during 1973 and commence functioning on…
Abstract
The new authorities created by this Act, probably the most important local government measure of the century, will be voted into existence during 1973 and commence functioning on 1st April 1974. Their responsibilities and the problems facing them are in many ways quite different and of greater complexity than those with which existing councils have had to cope. In its passage through the Lords, a number of amendments were made to the Act, but in the main, it is a scheme of reorganization originally produced after years of discussion and long sessions in the Commons. Local government reorganization in Scotland takes place one year later and for Northern Ireland, we must continue to wait and pray for a return of sanity.
The purpose of this paper is to develop a higher education funding and employment system that obviates barriers to sustainable development and helps engrain the notion of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a higher education funding and employment system that obviates barriers to sustainable development and helps engrain the notion of sustainability into the institutional framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The “Higher Education Sustainability First System” (HESFS) is a conceptual model that builds upon ideas from previous literature. Its theoretical basis draws on a joint value creation framework from the stakeholder theory and business model perspectives.
Findings
A holistic three-pillar approach that offers multiple value propositions is needed to engage the stakeholders to collaborate for the coherent functioning of the HESFS. This will enable the establishment of a viable innovative financial model and the institution of a sustainability-focused student employment program that are facilitated by a robust sustainable infrastructure. Several sustainable development goals may be furthered in the process.
Research limitations/implications
The applicability of a part or entire HESFS depends on the characteristics of the higher education institution and the level of its maturity in a sustainable development process. Although its different constituents have been empirically validated in literature, the HESFS model could be applied in a case study to determine its potential feasibility.
Practical implications
The HESFS may inspire policymakers, businesses and higher education institutions to forge alliances to devise innovative resources of funding and engage in employment partnerships that can lead to progress in sustainable development. It may particularly be useful for institutions in developing and less developed countries, where inequality and high youth unemployment rates prevail.
Originality/value
By focusing on an under-researched topic through a multitheoretical perspective, this study contributes to theories pertaining to stakeholder engagement and business models.
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Giuseppe Scaratti, Mara Gorli and Silvio Ripamonti
This paper seeks to provoke thoughts around the possibility of using the lever of practices and situated knowledge to trigger organisational change and to redesign it with the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to provoke thoughts around the possibility of using the lever of practices and situated knowledge to trigger organisational change and to redesign it with the involvement of the whole organisation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents connections between a psychosociological approach and a practice‐based approach. The use of ethnomethodology is offered as a way to detect situated practice and meaning at works.
Findings
This contribution underlines how change and learning in organisations can find support in investing in local knowledge and in detecting and reflecting around the living practices of daily activities. Knowing in practice requires the involvement and continuous work of connecting among individuals, groups, organisations and institutions in situated contexts. The paper shows how strategic a process this is, presenting a way to work on situated data.
Practical implications
The paper represents a way to work on organisational change grounded on action research.
Originality/value
The paper combines a psychological perspective within the field of practice‐based studies and sustains a specific ethnographic method to create organisational areas of reflexivity.
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George Kofi Amoako, Robert Kwame Dzogbenuku and Aidatu Abubakari
The paper examines the role of green knowledge and green attitude in purchasing behavior of the youth in Ghana. This study focuses on investigating how green value and green trust…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper examines the role of green knowledge and green attitude in purchasing behavior of the youth in Ghana. This study focuses on investigating how green value and green trust mediates the relationship between green knowledge and green attitude and purchase behavior of the youth in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used. A total of 417 respondents were selected using convenient sampling method. Respondents were selected at leading shopping malls (grocery stores) in Accra the national capital of Ghana. Data was analyzed using the partial least square (PLS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the relationship among the variables.
Findings
The findings indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between green knowledge and purchasing behavior and also that there is a positive and significant relationship between green attitude and purchasing behavior. The findings revealed further that green trust do not mediate the relationship between green knowledge and purchasing behavior but green value does. The findings suggest that green value is more important in purchasing decision of the youth in Ghana than trust.
Research limitations/implications
Research is essentially cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and can validate findings in the long term. The researchers admit that this research work which is carried out only in Ghana cannot be used to generalize an assumption for the entire youth in Africa and beyond. The sample size could be improved and the study could be conducted in other African countries for the purposes of comparison.
Practical implications
Business managers who are interested in sustainability of their firms and society at large can be guided by this insight that green knowledge and attitude influence purchase decisions of the youth. The findings that green trust do not mediate the relationship between green knowledge and purchasing behavior but green value does will guide managers on marketing and communication strategies especially toward the youth.
Originality/value
The model argues that the youth purchasing behavior is influenced by green knowledge and attitude. The model suggests that that green value is more important in purchasing decision of the youth in Ghana than trust. The model further points out that green trust do not mediate the relationship between green knowledge and purchasing behavior.