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The purpose of this paper is to report on the journey, by the Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) Service, towards a suitable measure for use in evaluating the outcome of provision of an environmental control (EC) system.

This journey has involved various approaches and methodologies. A literature search together with qualitative research, by the first author, demonstrated that the power of EC provision lies in the psycho‐social domain. Subsequently, ACT evaluated the 26‐item Psycho‐social Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), as a research project. This was deemed to be not fit for the purpose of outcome measure in routine clinical practice. During the course of this ACT research project, a shortened version of PIADS (the PIADS‐10) was developed at the University of Western Ontario.

ACT has concluded that the PIADS‐10 is more likely to be fit for purpose, as it is shorter, more understandable for the patient, and easier for the clinician to administer.

Service providers and commissioners should consider PIADS‐10 as a means to evaluate outcome in EC.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare and contrast the leadership major in identified programs from universities in the United States. This was done in an attempt to develop a foundation for the leadership discipline. Utilizing interviews, surveys, websites, and evaluation of school materials as data sources, an initial list of 70 schools was narrowed to 15 upon examination of their academic curricula. A thorough evaluation of these 15 leadership degree programs was then conducted. Noticeable differences included varied school sizes, host departments, and credit hour requirements. Other inconsistencies included the focus of the program, the major scholars evident within the curricula, and the disparity between theory versus skill development. Recommendations include further study of other leadership programs across the nation, examination of leadership graduates in the workforce, and collaboration among leadership programs nationwide.

This organizational climate empirical case study involves a religious organization in the United States of America, which has experienced a substantial decline in membership and weekly service participation numbers over the previous five years. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to reveal motivating factors that drive parishioners to leave or stay within a traditional protestant congregation and to uncover the strengths and weaknesses within the organization.

The methodology behind the study considers personal observation by the author and engages current and former members of the organization as well as front-line employees and senior leadership. Qualitative essays were completed through Qualtrics by participants and analyzed with the use of MAXQDA software for thematic frequency and organization.

During analysis, correlations were found to exist between the church's membership decline and ineffectiveness of senior leadership. Also, it is quite evident that the church's strengths were found in the quality of its members and the relationships they developed. This was found to be a significant motivation to stay within the organization.

The study provides value to practitioners within organizational development fields. Usage of this knowledge could assist in providing insights into possible reasons why religious organizations falter under ineffective leadership, which in turn could provide opportunities to implement improvements based on discoveries.

THE note of the Conference at Harrogate was the question of unemployment in relation to libraries. The arguments advanced were intended for the wider public rather than for librarians, and reproduced a now fairly familiar argument that the issues of books from libraries have increased by leaps and bounds since the beginning of the depression. It is quite clear that many men who normally would not read quite so much have turned to books for consolation and guidance. The fact that branch libraries were closed at Glasgow as an economy measure, and were afterwards re‐opened under the force of public opinion, would emphasize the opinion generally held that in times of economic stress it may be an even greater economy to increase expenditure upon libraries than to curtail it. This argument is, of course, in a region which the average material mind of our governors cannot always reach. It is nevertheless true, and the Conference provided ample evidence of its truth.

I should like to describe the work of the biological, argricultural and medical information Review Panels and examine their impact on the information scene in these sectors within the U.K.

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA, 2005) provided a new legal framework for decision-making practice in England and Wales. This study aims to explore qualitative research on practitioners’ knowledge and experiences of the MCA in health and social care settings to inform practice and policy.

Four electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched in November 2019 for peer-reviewed, qualitative, English language studies exploring practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA in health and social care settings. Nine studies were included and appraised for methodological quality. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Data revealed both positive aspects and challenges of applying the MCA in practice within five main themes, namely, travelling the “grey line”, the empowering nature of the MCA, doing the assessment justice, behaviours and emotional impact and knowledge gaps and confidence.

The fundamental principles of the MCA appear to be adhered to and embedded in practice. However, practitioners find mental capacity work remains challenging in its uncertainties. While calling for more training, they may also benefit from further MCA skills development and support to increase confidence and reduce apprehension.

This is the first systematic review to synthesise qualitative literature on practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA. Findings offer insight into practice experiences of the MCA and provide a basis for the development of training and supervisory support.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how social care staff experienced applying the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, following its implementation in 2007 in England and Wales.

A longitudinal qualitative interview study explored the expectations, experiences and practice challenges of social workers and social care staff in relation to implementing the MCA for people with dementia.

The MCA was widely welcomed, although more specific, fine-grained understandings were required. Updating and refresher training may be required, especially in settings where there is high staff turnover. Those in expert or advisory practice roles offer helpful detailed updating and legal digests to roll out to other staff.

Qualitative interviews are subjective and elucidate only what participants wish to cover. However, there were opportunities during this study for participants to be reflective and critical.

Practitioners need initial and sustained continuing professional development. Access to expertise locally is welcomed.

The MCA was implemented five years ago and is largely embedded in practice. The paper provides insight into the evolution of experiences, with suggestions of how to make implementation sustainable.