The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration of school and leisure activities and to inform professional practice by exploring the opportunities and challenges that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration of school and leisure activities and to inform professional practice by exploring the opportunities and challenges that arise when school-day teachers and leisure-care personnel set out to build a collaborative network.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a multiple case study of five Reykjavik elementary schools that participated in a project called “The Day of the Child.” Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with school leaders, leisure-time center coordinators, teachers, and leisure-care personnel, as well as using field notes and documentary analysis.
Findings
The participants in the study reported that increased integration supported the well-being of children by offering leisure activities within the school day. Emphasis on leisure reinforced children’s informal and social learning. Challenges identified were organizational barriers, such as professional boundaries between leisure and school, unclear roles of leisure-care personnel and lack of active collaboration. Drawing on the findings, the author explores possibilities for enhanced professional practice within schools.
Practical implications
Leisure and informal learning are marginalized in the educational discourse due to the global push in education toward outcomes-based education and standardized testing. This study underlines the need for leisure pedagogy in elementary schools.
Originality/value
This paper provides an understanding of the importance of informal learning within the formal school culture. The findings reflect the experiences and insights of those working with children and focuses on a much neglected part of education, informal learning.
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Karin Nilsson, Bodil J. Landstad, Kerstin Ekberg, Anna Nyberg, Malin Sjöström and Emma Hagqvist
This aim of this study was to explore how hospital-based physicians in Sweden experienced the challenges in working conditions related to the provision of care during the initial…
Abstract
Purpose
This aim of this study was to explore how hospital-based physicians in Sweden experienced the challenges in working conditions related to the provision of care during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when hospitals transitioned to pandemic care.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has a qualitative design. Twenty-five hospital-based physicians were interviewed about their experiences from working in a hospital while healthcare organisations initially responded to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the empirical material.
Findings
The analysis resulted in four themes: involuntary self-management, a self-restrictive bureaucracy, passive occupational safety and health (OSH) management, and information overload. These themes reflect how the physicians perceived their work situation during the pandemic and how they tried to maintain quality care for their patients.
Practical implications
The study gives valuable insights for formulating preparedness in regard to crisis management plans that can secure the provision of care for future emergencies in the healthcare services.
Originality/value
This paper shows that a crisis management plans in the healthcare services should include decision structures and management, measures of risk assessment and OSH management, and the maintenance of personnel wellbeing. A prepared healthcare management can preserve quality care delivery while under crisis.
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Zydziunaite Vilma and Katiliute Egle
The study aims to explore the experiences of nursing personnel in private health care organizations in Lithuania, in terms of their work motivation and satisfaction, promotion and…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore the experiences of nursing personnel in private health care organizations in Lithuania, in terms of their work motivation and satisfaction, promotion and quitting the job, interpersonal interaction at work and to identify areas for sustainable improvement to the health care services they provide.
Design/methodology/approach
The research problem includes the following questions. What is the attitude of nursing personnel to the existing elements of motivation in private health care organizations? What organizational tools should be developed in order to improve the motivation of nursing personnel? The sample consists of 237 registered nurses practitioners and 30 nurses' managers working in private health care sector. Methods: data selection: questioning survey; data analysis: descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis (using SPSS for Windows 12.0). The research instrument involves 99 closed‐ended items divided into 11 evaluation blocks; Cronbach α of every part ranges from 0.68 to 0.85.
Findings
Results showed no statistical differences among nurse practitioners and executives of what motivates them in private health care organization as workplace and illuminated factors that decrease and increase motivation among nurses. Motivation decreases, when nurses are not empowered not autonomous in activity; nurses' competencies (specific professional and general) are not applied in full value, e.g. managerial, educational, social‐psychological, clinical/expertise; decisions are not made collectively; in organization does not exist mechanism of information‐sharing; meetings of personnel are not prepared methodically. Motivation increases when the nurses collaborate with physicians by parity; nursing profession is respected and recognized as autonomous and valued by themselves and other health care specialists; the interpersonal communication is effective and conflicts are solved constructively.
Research limitations/implications
A major weakness is that the characteristics of the present sample may limit the generalizability of the results. The major implication is that the paper supports the prediction for characteristics of motivation among health care workers in private health care organizations with perspective of nursing personnel.
Originality/value
The paper examines in a private health care sector the factors that increase and/or decrease the motivation of nursing personnel.
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Hans Rämö and Per Skålén
The implications of new public management (NPM) have been studied from several theoretical perspectives. The present paper sets out to argue that there is a missing dimension to…
Abstract
Purpose
The implications of new public management (NPM) have been studied from several theoretical perspectives. The present paper sets out to argue that there is a missing dimension to the theoretical debate regarding NPM reform – that of time and space. On the basis of two different notions of time‐space logics, the present paper seeks to develop a framework that contributes to a fuller understanding of NPM reform and organizational change/inertia in general.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical framework of the paper draws on studies of time and space in organizations, research on public‐sector reform, and neo‐institutional theory. The empirical case study presented here focuses on an attempt to change geriatric care using NPM initiatives.
Findings
The paper describes two paradigms of time‐space logics – the paradigm of “speed” (as used in finance and manufacturing) and the paradigm of “closeness” (as used in health care and associated care‐giving practices). The study argues that speed is a feature of almost all NPM programs, but that NPM programs are often directed at practices institutionalized by a time‐space paradigm of closeness. The study utilizes the two time‐space paradigms to understand the effects of NPM in the case reported. The use of time‐space paradigms in studies of public‐sector reform adds to the arsenal of theoretical tools for the analysis of NPM‐reform.
Research limitations/implications
Although the methodology of a case study is an appropriate vehicle for introducing the time‐space paradigm to this area of research, the methodology is not well suited to generalizing the findings to other contexts. Future research could elaborate on the present study by applying quantitative approaches to the subject‐matter.
Practical implications
The study presents an analysis of an NPM‐reform program in geriatric care – a context in which ideas of “speed” clash with the traditional practice of “closeness”. This potential clash has important practical implications for managers.
Originality/value
The paper introduces notions of time and space into research on NPM‐reform. This novel approach to the study of NPM reform might be of value in future research.
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Charlotte Bäccman, Linda Bergkvist and Per Kristensson
The purpose of this study is to explore the expectations and experiences regarding a robotic shower, from a dual user perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the expectations and experiences regarding a robotic shower, from a dual user perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This was an explorative qualitative study in which elderly and personnel were interviewed before the robotic shower was installed and again after four or five months of usage.
Findings
The elderly participants found the robotic shower empowering. The personnel’s experiences encompassed their own work conditions, as well as the user value for the elderly. A shared experience for both user groups was a more independent shower situation for the elderly.
Research limitations/implications
Low user frequency among the elderly may have affected the results; more frequent use may lead to different user experiences. Understanding whether and to what extent long-term use affects user experience is important for future adoption and implementation.
Practical implications
Implementation of digital assistive technology (DAT) should focus on the user value of the DAT for all possible user groups, as the different users may experience different values over time. In addition, approaching adoption and acceptance issues of DAT from a learned helplessness perspective may help users find value in the DAT and the independence these aim to provide, helping users maintain or increase quality of life.
Originality/value
This study presents a dual user experience of a DAT in an intimate care situation and shows the importance of including both elderly and personnel to fully understand the value of DATs.
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Outi Tuisku, Satu Pekkarinen, Lea Hennala and Helinä Melkas
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the publicity around the implementation of the Zora robot in elderly-care services in Lahti, Finland. The aim is to discover opinions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the publicity around the implementation of the Zora robot in elderly-care services in Lahti, Finland. The aim is to discover opinions concerning the use of robots in elderly care as well as the arguments and justifications behind those opinions. Zora is a humanoid robot intended to promote mobility and rehabilitation. The Lahti pilot was the first Zora pilot in Finland in public elderly-care services. It received much publicity, both regionally and nationally.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on an empirical case study on the implementation of the Zora robot in elderly-care services. The data consist of interviews with personnel who operated Zora and comments from the general public about the “Zora” robot. Two data sources were used: 107 comments were collected from online and print media, and the personnel (n=39) who worked with Zora were interviewed. The data were analysed by means of interpretative content analysis.
Findings
The results show that public opinion is mainly negative, but that the commentators apparently have little information about the robot and its tasks. The personnel had more positive views; they saw it as a recreational tool, not as a replacement for their own roles.
Originality/value
There is clearly a need for more information, for a better informed discussion on how robots can be used in elderly care and how to involve the general public in this discussion in a constructive way.
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Canan Cengiz, Yusuf Celik and Neset Hikmet
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utilisation of patient wristbands (PWs) and patient identification (PI) process in a training hospital in Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utilisation of patient wristbands (PWs) and patient identification (PI) process in a training hospital in Ankara, Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in a training hospital with 640 beds, accreditied by Joint Commission International. The views of 348 patients and 419 hospital personnel on the implementation of patient wristbands and identification process were evaluated.
Findings
The results indicated that lack of information among patients about the importance of PWs and the misknowledge among staff participants on when, where, and by whom PWs should be put on and verified were the weakest points in this hospital.
Research limitations/implications
PI process must be strictly implemented according to the standard procedures of patient safety. Both patients and hospital personnel should be trained continuously, and training sessions must be held to increase their awareness about the importance of PWs and identification process.
Practical implications
Finding new ways and using new methods for increasing knowledge about PI and PWs are necessary. Hospital management should prepare a written PI and PW policy and procedure documents by taking the views of patients and hospital personnel and share these with them.
Originality/value
This study incorporates the views and attitudes of patients and health care personnel in improving health care quality by increasing awareness about PI and wristbands.
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Aye Nyein Ei and Montakarn Chuemchit
Gender-based violence (GBV) has negative impact on the health and well-being of the survivors. The initial response can lessen the magnitude of the effect, and thus the health care…
Abstract
Purpose
Gender-based violence (GBV) has negative impact on the health and well-being of the survivors. The initial response can lessen the magnitude of the effect, and thus the health care sector's readiness to respond to GBV cases is important. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and its association to practice regarding GBV response among health care personnel.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 public hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar, involving 398 participants including doctors and nurses, by a self-administered structured questionnaire.
Findings
Among 398 participants, most of the participants had moderate level of knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. Only 12.8% had experienced GBV management. The respondents with a bachelor's degree were more likely to practice on health care management towards GBV cases than those who finished with a diploma degree. The medical officers and senior medical officers were more likely to practice than the junior nurses. The participants who had already attended the trainings had more practice than those who had not. Those who work in the regional hospitals were less likely to practice than those who work in the station-level hospital.
Originality/value
This paper explored the associated factors to health care personnel's practice of health care management towards GBV survivors in Myanmar which contains information about knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. The study results can be used for a supportive data for health system strengthening the response of GBV cases in Myanmar.
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Eeva Lyyra, Mervi Roos and Tarja Suominen
The purpose of this study is to describe the workplace culture and factors associated with it from the viewpoint of the personnel providing care to patients with dual diagnosis.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the workplace culture and factors associated with it from the viewpoint of the personnel providing care to patients with dual diagnosis.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from six organizations using an electronic survey in 2019. The respondents (n = 75) worked in addiction psychiatry in specialized health care and provided care to patients. The data were statistically analyzed.
Findings
Workplace culture was evaluated as positive. Stress was experienced occasionally (Md = 2.58, Q1 = 1.96, Q3 = 3.03), job satisfaction levels were moderate (Md = 4.83, Q1 = 4.28, Q3 = 5.44) and the practice environment was evaluated as neutral (Md = 4.46, Q1 = 4.00, Q3 = 5.04). Gender, age in years, employment relationship, work time, staffing, number of patients and the participants’ experience in health care and experience in their current workplace had statistically significant associations with workplace culture.
Originality/value
In Finland, there have been attempts to reform service structures that also influence mental health and substance addiction services. Workplace culture is one approach to promote service development. Yet, there has been no research on workplace culture in the context of the care of patients with dual diagnosis. The results of this study bring knowledge about how health-care personnel perceives stress, job satisfaction and their practice environment in addiction psychiatry, which can be used to further develop services and workplace culture.
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Rachel Margrethe Lørum and Frida Smith
The purpose of this study is to identify important strategies and practices supporting inter-organizational learning (IOL) in integrated care. The two research questions ask how…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify important strategies and practices supporting inter-organizational learning (IOL) in integrated care. The two research questions ask how organizational network architectures can help involved organizations overcome the barriers of IOL in integrated care (RQ1) and what design recommendations can strengthen the processes of IOL in integrated care (RQ2).
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a qualitative design to analyze an improvement initiative in a regional, integrated care service for elderly patients with multiple illnesses in Norway. An inductive thematic analysis for the triangulating of qualitative data from different sources was applied. Patterns within the data were organized into themes, categories and subcategories. No software was applied.
Findings
The identified characteristics of the organizational network architectures supporting IOL in integrated care in the case under study were: equality of the involved parties, shared goals, recognition of expertise and the abilities to coordinate, design IOL processes and make joint decisions (RQ1). The categories of practices supporting the process of IOL were: insight into complex realities, contradictions, iteration, motivation and prototypes (RQ2).
Originality/value
This study offers much-needed insight into a successful approach for IOL in integrated care. The results offer strategies to be considered when building organizational networks for the improvement of integrated care and relevant practices useful when designing IOL processes in such care services. We believe such knowledge has important implications for policymakers, frontline personnel, education, research and leaders.