Deborah Thompson, Peter Williams, David Nicholas and Paul Huntington
City University and the University of Sheffield have been commissioned by the Department of Health to evaluate the use of digital interactive television as a source of health…
Abstract
City University and the University of Sheffield have been commissioned by the Department of Health to evaluate the use of digital interactive television as a source of health information. The aim of this study was to evaluate access issues related to one of these pilot projects, the Living Health database. Nine older people and four deaf people tested the accessibility and usability of the database by attempting to find answers to their health questions. Their opinions were obtained using a combination of questionnaires, interviews and observations. Readability tests were also carried out to assess the reading level of the information content. The results gave an insight into the issues of accessibility and usability, and attempted to describe the individual experiences, difficulties, opinions and perceptions of the study participants. Recommendations were subsequently made for improving the accessibility and usability of the Living Health database to deaf and older people.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this bibliographic guide is to acquaint librarians with resources on health care provision for patients of various cultures. The sources in this bibliography…
Abstract
The purpose of this bibliographic guide is to acquaint librarians with resources on health care provision for patients of various cultures. The sources in this bibliography address lingual and cultural barriers to communication between patients and health care providers. They also cover the health care needs of specific ethnic groups, the impact of cultural beliefs on health behavior and knowledge, and traditionally held health care practices.
Sheila Jackson, Elaine Farndale and Andrew Kakabadse
In a review of the literature, supported by six case studies, executive development for senior managers in public and private organisations is explored in depth. The study looks…
Abstract
In a review of the literature, supported by six case studies, executive development for senior managers in public and private organisations is explored in depth. The study looks at the roles and responsibilities of the chairman, CEO, executive and non‐executive directors, the required capabilities to achieve successful performance, and the related executive development activity implemented to support these. Methods of delivery, development needs analysis and evaluation are explored in case organisations to ascertain current practice. A detailed review of the leadership and governance literatures is included to highlight the breadth of knowledge required at director level. Key findings of the study include the importance of focusing executive development on capability enhancement, to ensure that it is supporting organisational priorities, and on its thorough customisation to the corporate context. Deficiencies in current corporate practice are also identified.
Details
Keywords
Alex Newton, Deborah Shepherd and Eloise Thompson
The main aim of the evaluation was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the service in order to contribute to its further development and sustainability. The study was…
Abstract
The main aim of the evaluation was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the service in order to contribute to its further development and sustainability. The study was carried out in partnership between Lincolnshire Adult Social Care and Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust. A secondary aim was to determine the impact of the service on the quality of life and independence of service users using appropriate scales. These measurements were performed in parallel with an audit of the performance and cost effectiveness of the service. Service users, carers and staff all contributed to the evaluation. Initial results have indicated a positive response to the equipment, with a reduction in anxiety and increased independence for both the service user and carer.
Details
Keywords
Deborah West and Samantha Thompson
The purpose of this paper is to challenge higher education professors and institutions to consider their role and practice in light of the changing landscape of higher education…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to challenge higher education professors and institutions to consider their role and practice in light of the changing landscape of higher education. It draws attention to the substantial changes taking place in society due to the technological and related knowledge revolution and questions the value of the current paradigm of educational practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper utilises a sociological lens to explore the future of higher education learning and teaching. It draws on a range of literature to focus on the concepts of mobile education and mobile knowledge and explores these concepts in relation to the role and function of the professor and the university and the implication for pedagogy, curriculum design and teaching practice.
Findings
While changes in higher education are taking place, they are largely within the current paradigm. With knowledge freely available via technology, the university is no longer the primary holder of knowledge and students are less likely to engage in content delivery styles of education. It is time therefore to consider the shape of education in a new mobile knowledge paradigm.
Originality/value
This paper draws on a range of existing literature from several fields to highlight the need for a new paradigm in higher education pedagogy.
Details
Keywords
Ariane B. Anderson and Jane Jorgenson
Breast cancer support businesses, retail stores selling mastectomy-related products, are playing an expanding role within healthcare in the USA. As commercial spaces separate from…
Abstract
Purpose
Breast cancer support businesses, retail stores selling mastectomy-related products, are playing an expanding role within healthcare in the USA. As commercial spaces separate from the medical settings where most cancer treatment occurs, these businesses have been largely overlooked in studies of medical care providers and their experiences. The purpose of this paper is to seek to bring to light the meanings and dimensions of the care work provided by breast cancer support staff to newly diagnosed patients.
Design/methodology/approach
This project employed an ethnographic approach centered on the workers at one breast cancer support business. The first author carried out participant observation over a 20-month period and supplemented the observations with staff member interviews.
Findings
The analysis of field notes and interviews revealed two themes or purposes as central to the employees’ understanding of their work: defining the organizational setting as a nonmedical space and balancing image enhancement with comforting care. The findings show how values of client-centered care can be enacted in a for-profit healthcare setting.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to one for-profit support business in the southeastern USA.
Practical implications
Mastectomy supply businesses appear to offer a kind of support that patients may not be finding elsewhere or at the particular time they need it. Thus the study holds relevance for practitioners and health policy makers who are seeking to develop more comprehensive care for surgical patients within the established healthcare system.
Originality/value
This study gives a detailed picture of breast cancer support work, including the value premises and meanings it holds for support workers.
Details
Keywords
Life studies are a rich source for further research on the role of the Afro‐American woman in society. They are especially useful to gain a better understanding of the…
Abstract
Life studies are a rich source for further research on the role of the Afro‐American woman in society. They are especially useful to gain a better understanding of the Afro‐American experience and to show the joys, sorrows, needs, and ideals of the Afro‐American woman as she struggles from day to day.
Anne M. Velliquette, Jeff B. Murray and Deborah J. Evers
In order to emphasize in-depth analyses of individual life stories, seven informants were selected. Since breadth of experience will contribute to a more detailed…
Abstract
In order to emphasize in-depth analyses of individual life stories, seven informants were selected. Since breadth of experience will contribute to a more detailed contextualization of the consumer's use of products in identity negotiation, diversity across informants was emphasized. Interviews generally followed the format as suggested by Thompson, Locander, and Pollio (1989). A comfortable setting was chosen and pseudonyms were used to ensure anonymity. Interviews were audio-taped and lasted anywhere from one to just over two hours. Grand tour questions (McCracken, 1988) focused on the meaning of the tattoo design, the experience of being tattooed, perceptions of the body, words the informants used to describe themselves, and other biographical information important for understanding the informant's personal myth. Every effort was made to present a natural front, keep the informant on track without being too directive, demonstrate active listening, and prompt the informant as a way of probing for details (Spradley, 1979). To ensure accuracy, an experienced and trained transcriptionist transcribed each of the seven interviews. The final text totaled 450 typed double-spaced pages.