scholarly journals Developing practical recommendations for preventative healthcare consultations involving dogs and cats using a Delphi technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (11) ◽  
pp. 348-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Natalie Jane Robinson ◽  
Marnie Louise Brennan ◽  
Rachel S Dean
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Preventative Healthcare ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Preventive healthcare is the focus of a large proportion of UK small animal veterinary consultations. The evidence base for how to optimise these consultations is limited. Therefore, evidence-based practical recommendations are needed for veterinary surgeons conducting these consultations. The aim of this study was to use an evidence-based methodology to develop the first consensus recommendations to improve dog and cat preventative healthcare consultations (PHCs).Evidence from multiple sources was systematically examined to generate a list of 18 recommendations. Veterinary surgeons and pet owners with extensive experience of PHCs were recruited to an anonymous panel to obtain consensus on whether these recommendations would improve PHCs. A Delphi technique was followed during three rounds of online questionnaire, with consensus set at 80 per cent agreement or disagreement with each recommendation. Thirteen of the original 18 recommendations reached consensus (>80per cent agreement), while the five remaining recommendations did not reach consensus.Globally, these are the first evidence-based recommendations developed specifically in relation to small animal general practice PHCs, generated via a Delphi panel including both veterinary surgeons and pet owners. Future work is needed to understand how these recommendations can be implemented in a range of veterinary practice settings.

scholarly journals Elder-friendly emergency services in Brazil: necessary conditions for care

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Timmers dos Santos ◽  
Maria Alice Dias da Silva Lima ◽  
Paula Buchs Zucatti
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Emergency Service ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
And Training

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify and analyze the aspects necessary to provide an elder-friendly emergency service (ES) from the perspective of nurses. METHOD This is a descriptive, quantitative study using the Delphi technique in three rounds. Nurses with professional experience in the ES and/or researchers with publications and/or conducting research in the study area were selected. The first round of the Delphi panel had 72 participants, the second 49, and the third 44. An online questionnaire was used based on a review of the scientific literature with questions organized into the central dimensions of elder-friendly hospitals. A five-point Likert scale was used for each question and a 70% consensus level was established. RESULTS There were 38 aspects identified as necessary for elderly care that were organized into central dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The study's results are consistent with the findings in scientific literature and suggest indicators for quality of care and training for an elder-friendly ES.

E-books in the Czech Republic: Analysis of demand and readers’ behaviour

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522198936
Author(s):  
Viktor Prokop ◽  
Jan Stejskal
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Unique Data ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Currently, there is a more frequent replacement of books by e-books, which have become an increasingly viable format and make it easier for readers to read books in a variety of places. Public libraries therefore focus more often on the provision of e-books as one of the components of their digital services. However, these services do not always meet with an adequate demand from readers due to several factors, such as service charges or a lack of awareness. Therefore, in this article, the authors focus on the demand side, represented by e-book readers. Specifically, they focus on the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers’ behaviour and propose a three-step research model. It consists of analyses focusing on: (1) the specifics of the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-book readers; (2) e-book readers’ interest in borrowing e-books; and (3) e-book readers’ interest in the Municipal Library of Prague’s e-service when they must pay a fee. As a data source, the authors use unique data from an online questionnaire survey among readers of the Municipal Library of Prague in 2019 by the Sociores agency. The results show that science fiction and fantasy readers represent the most significant group of e-book readers at the Municipal Library of Prague, and that Facebook is the most significant channel for communication with e-book readers. The authors also confirm the importance of e-book readers and smartphones as devices that significantly affect readers’ decision to read e-books. In the final part of the article, the authors propose some practical recommendations that could attract more e-book readers.

scholarly journals Virtual external implementation facilitation: successful methods for remotely engaging groups in quality improvement

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine W. Hartmann ◽  
Ryann L. Engle ◽  
Camilla B. Pimentel ◽  
Whitney L. Mills ◽  
Valerie A. Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
National Program ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Virtual Experience ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Program Content

Abstract Background Relatively little guidance exists on how to use virtual implementation facilitation to successfully implement evidence-based practices and innovations into clinical programs. Yet virtual methods are increasingly common. They have potentially wider reach, emergent public health situations necessitate their use, and restrictions on resources can make them more attractive. We therefore outline a set of principles for virtual external implementation facilitation and a series of recommendations based on extensive experience successfully using virtual external implementation facilitation in a national program. Model and recommendations Success in virtual external implementation facilitation may be achieved by facilitators applying three overarching principles: pilot everything, incorporate a model, and prioritize metacognition. Five practical principles also help: plan in advance, communicate in real time, build relationships, engage participants, and construct a virtual room for participants. We present eight concrete suggestions for enacting the practical principles: (1) assign key facilitation roles to facilitation team members to ensure the program runs smoothly; (2) create small cohorts of participants so they can have meaningful interactions; (3) provide clarity and structure for all participant interactions; (4) structure program content to ensure key points are described, reinforced, and practiced; (5) use visuals to supplement audio content; (6) build activities into the agenda that enable participants to immediately apply knowledge at their own sites, separate from the virtual experience; (7) create backup plans whenever possible; and (8) engage all participants in the program. Summary These principles represent a novel conceptualization of virtual external implementation facilitation, giving structure to a process that has been, to date, inadequately described. The associated actions are demonstrably useful in supporting the principles and offer teams interested in virtual external implementation facilitation concrete methods by which to ensure success. Our examples stem from experiences in healthcare. But the principles can, in theory, be applied to virtual external implementation facilitation regardless of setting, as they and the associated actions are not setting specific.

Exploring Valued Personality Traits in Practicing Veterinarians

2021 ◽  
pp. e20210051
Author(s):  
Andrea J. Kunze ◽  
Christopher Seals
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Emotional Stability ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Medicine Community

We examined differences in valued Big Five personality traits of small animal veterinarians between members and nonmembers of the veterinary medicine community. Between fall 2019 and spring 2020, data were collected from an online survey sent to eligible persons across a US midwestern state. Eligible persons included veterinary office clients (i.e., pet owners) and persons practicing/training in veterinary medicine. Participants completed demographic questions and 10 Likert scale items about which Big Five personality characteristics they prefer in a veterinarian. Descriptive data were determined and checked for assumptions of linearity and normality. Data for the primary analyses were analyzed using Spearman’s correlations and Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Participants who were members of the veterinary community of practice valued the characteristic openness more than clients but valued emotional stability less than clients. Moreover, tests revealed that young adults (aged 18–24) valued extraversion more than all other age groups but least valued agreeableness. Last, participants aged 55 and older valued agreeableness and emotional stability more than the 18–44 age groups. Findings indicate individuals from different membership and age groups have varying preferences in what personality traits they expect in a veterinarian. Clients care more about their veterinarian being able to handle adversity. Older adults want their veterinarian to be trusting and creative. These findings encourage veterinary medical education to spotlight the development of skills congruent with these desired personality traits. Gaining such skills will be useful for veterinarians who seek to grow or build lasting relationships with clientele and colleagues.

scholarly journals Updating and validating quality prescribing indicators for use in Australian general practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Cuu Phuong Linh Dang ◽  
Li Shean Toh ◽  
Nick Cooling ◽  
Shane Jackson ◽  
Colin Curtain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Medicines Management ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Prescribing Indicators ◽  
Australian General Practice ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Quality Prescribing Indicators

This study aims to update and validate quality prescribing indicators (QPIs) for Australian general practice. The study comprised two phases: (1) developing preliminary potential QPIs based on the 2006 National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise indicators, published literature, international indicators and guidelines, and through qualitative focus group discussions; and (2) validating the proposed QPIs through a two-round online survey using the Delphi technique. The Delphi panel included four GPs, four pharmacists and two clinical pharmacologists. The Delphi panel rated the potential QPIs for their validity, importance and feasibility using a 1–10 Likert scale. In round one, all proposed QPIs presented as ‘prescribing rules’ achieved high scores regarding validity, importance and feasibility No rule was eliminated and three new rules were introduced. Rules were reworded into ‘prescribing indicators’ for round two, which resulted in 35 indicators being accepted and two indicators being eliminated. The final QPIs also include seven drug–drug interactions, which received high scores in round one. In conclusion, 42 QPIs were nominated for use in Australian general practice, based on their validity, importance and feasibility. If implemented, these QPIs have the potential to assist in efforts to improve the quality and safety of medicines management.

Requirements of IS Development Methodologies Towards the New Organizational Paradigm - A Brasilian Study Using Delphi Technique

2002 ◽  
pp. 319-329
Author(s):  
Aline Franca de Abreu ◽  
Ruth Ferreira Roque Rossi
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
System Development ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Process Interaction

The purpose of this study was to identify through the Delphi Technique, important requirements of an information system development methodology. These requirements should satisfy the needs of actual organizations, regarding the strategic use of information technology. An initial listing of requirements was developed through a review of the related literature. The Delphi panel consisted of 31 brazilian specialists in information systems. Two rounds were employed to collect from this panel the most important requirements. The requirements were distributed in five basic areas: technical process, interaction between the end user and analysts, organizational structure, business strategies and quality of the information system. It is expected that methodologies will continue to be of great importance in the development of information systems and they will increase their focus on the social-technical approach.

scholarly journals Safety of psychotropic medications in people with COVID-19: evidence review and practical recommendations

BMC Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Ostuzzi ◽  
Davide Papola ◽  
Chiara Gastaldon ◽  
Georgios Schoretsanitis ◽  
Federico Bertolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Psychotropic Medications ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus pandemic calls for a rapid adaptation of conventional medical practices to meet the evolving needs of such vulnerable patients. People with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may frequently require treatment with psychotropic medications, but are at the same time at higher risk for safety issues because of the complex underlying medical condition and the potential interaction with medical treatments. Methods In order to produce evidence-based practical recommendations on the optimal management of psychotropic medications in people with COVID-19, an international, multi-disciplinary working group was established. The methodology of the WHO Rapid Advice Guidelines in the context of a public health emergency and the principles of the AGREE statement were followed. Available evidence informing on the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, infective, hemostatic, and consciousness alterations related to the use of psychotropic medications, and drug–drug interactions between psychotropic and medical treatments used in people with COVID-19, was reviewed and discussed by the working group. Results All classes of psychotropic medications showed potentially relevant safety risks for people with COVID-19. A set of practical recommendations was drawn in order to inform frontline clinicians on the assessment of the anticipated risk of psychotropic-related unfavorable events, and the possible actions to take in order to effectively manage this risk, such as when it is appropriate to avoid, withdraw, switch, or adjust the dose of the medication. Conclusions The present evidence-based recommendations will improve the quality of psychiatric care in people with COVID-19, allowing an appropriate management of the medical condition without worsening the psychiatric condition and vice versa.

Prevalence of feline chronic gingivo-stomatitis in first opinion veterinary practice

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine AE Healey ◽  
Susan Dawson ◽  
Rachel Burrow ◽  
Peter Cripps ◽  
Christopher J. Gaskell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Oral Mucosa ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Descriptive Data ◽  
Severe Inflammation ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Significant Difference

Feline chronic gingivo-stomatitis (FCGS) is a syndrome characterised by persistent, often severe, inflammation of the oral mucosa. In the absence of similar studies, our objective was to estimate the prevalence of FCGS in a convenience based sample of cats visiting first opinion small animal veterinary practices. Twelve practices took part, providing a sample population of 4858 cats. Veterinary surgeons identified cases of FCGS according to our case definition over a 12-week sampling period; age, sex and breed information was determined for all cats, plus brief descriptive data for FCGS cases. The prevalence of FCGS was 0.7% (34 cases, 95% confidence intervals: 0.5–1.0%). Of the 34 cases of FCGS, 44% (15 cats) were new cases and 56% (19 cats) were ongoing cases. No statistically significant difference ( P>0.353) was found when the age, sex and breed of cats with FCGS were compared to data from cats without the condition.

scholarly journals A perspective on Councils on Chiropractic Education accreditation standards and processes from the inside: a narrative description of expert opinion, part 2: Analyses of particular responses to research findings

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley I. Innes ◽  
Vicki Cope ◽  
Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde ◽  
Bruce F. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Historical Context ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Accreditation Standards ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Chiropractic Education ◽  
Chiropractic Practice ◽  
Mainstream Healthcare ◽  
Assessment Of Student Learning

Abstract Background This is the second article reporting on a study that sought the views of people with extensive experience in Councils on Chiropractic Education (CCEs) on research that has raised concerns about variability in accreditation standards and processes for chiropractic programs (CPs) and chiropractic practice in general. Methods This qualitative study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews that consisted of open-ended questions asking experts about their thoughts and views on a range of issues surrounding accreditation, graduate competency standards and processes. The interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim in June and July of 2018. The transcripts were reviewed to develop codes and themes. The study followed the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies. Results The interviews revealed that these CCE experts were able to discern positive and negative elements of the accreditation standards and processes. They were, in general, satisfied with CCEs accreditation standards, graduating competencies, and site inspection processes. Most respondents believed that it was not possible to implement an identical set of international accreditation standards because of cultural and jurisdictional differences. This was thought more likely to be achieved if based on the notion of equivalence. Also, they expressed positive views toward an evidence-based CP curriculum and an outcomes-based assessment of student learning. However, they expressed concerns that an evidence-based approach may result in the overlooking of the clinician’s experience. Diverse views were found on the presence of vitalism in CPs. These ranged from thinking vitalism should only be taught in an historical context, it was only a minority who held this view and therefore an insignificant issue. Finally, that CCEs should not regulate these personal beliefs, as this was potentially censorship. The notable absence was that the participants omitted any mention of the implications for patient safety, values and outcomes. Conclusions Expert opinions lead us to conclude that CCEs should embrace and pursue the widely accepted mainstream healthcare standards of an evidence-based approach and place the interests of the patient above that of the profession. Recommendations are made to this end with the intent of improving CCE standards and processes of accreditation.

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