scholarly journals Improvement Research Priorities: USA Survey and Expert Consensus

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen R. Stevens ◽  
John Ovretveit

The purpose of this study was to identify stakeholder views about national priorities for improvement science and build agreement for action in a national improvement and implementation research network in the USA. This was accomplished using three stages of identification and consensus. (1) Topics were identified through a multipronged environmental scan of the literature and initiatives. (2) Based on this scan, a survey was developed, and stakeholders (n=2,777) were invited to rate the resulting 33-topic, 9-category list, via an online survey. Data from 560 respondents (20% response) were analyzed. (3) An expert panel used survey results to further refine the research priorities through a Rand Delphi process. Priorities identified were within four categories: care coordination and transitions, high-performing clinical systems and microsystems improvement approaches, implementation of evidence-based improvements and best practices, and culture of quality and safety. The priorities identified were adopted by the improvement science research network as the research agenda to guide strategy. The process and conclusions may be of value to quality improvement research funding agencies, governments, and research units seeking to concentrate their resources on improvement topics where research is capable of yielding timely and actionable answers as well as contributing to the knowledge base for improvement.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 379-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Jaimin Bhatt ◽  
Jonathan Avery ◽  
Andreas Laupacis ◽  
Katherine Cowan ◽  
...  

It is critically important to define disease-specific research priorities to better allocate limited resources. There is growing recognition of the value of involving patients and caregivers, as well as expert clinicians in this process. To our knowledge, this has not been done this way for kidney cancer. Using the transparent and inclusive process established by the James Lind Alliance, the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada (KCRNC) sponsored a collaborative consensus-based priority-setting partnership (PSP) to identify research priorities in the management of kidney cancer. The final result was identification of 10 research priorities for kidney cancer, which are discussed in the context of current initiatives and gaps in knowledge. This process provided a systematic and effective way to collaboratively establish research priorities with patients, caregivers, and clinicians, and provides a valuable resource for researchers and funding agencies.


PACEsetterS ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Kathleen Stevens

Author(s):  
Jannie Noppe ◽  
Antoinette Verhage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the type of force that is most frequently used by Belgian police officers in their daily activities, and to examine the individual and contextual triggers that result in using force. Design/methodology/approach First, the results of an online survey of police officers in three Belgian local police zones are presented. Second, qualitative data are used to gain more insight into the factors, individual as well as contextual, that influence the decision to use force. Findings The survey results indicate that the officers in the sample rarely use force. When force is used, the type of force used is typically situated on the lower end of the continuum (verbal and physical force without a weapon). The interview data suggest that suspect resistance, the behaviour of the suspect in general and the character and personality of the police officer have an influence on the use of force. Practical implications The authors conclude that police officers should be provided not only with training on typical situations, but also with training to handle unpredictable cases, as well as individual coaching and aftercare. Increased transparency and reporting of the use of force and evolutions thereof could provide basic information to develop training, coaching and aftercare. Originality/value Although there has been plenty of academic attention given to the factors that determine proper use of force by the police, most research in this field is based on police experiences abroad (such as in the USA).


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 515-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gudrun Sproesser ◽  
Matthew B Ruby ◽  
Naomi Arbit ◽  
Paul Rozin ◽  
Harald T Schupp ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Research has shown that there is a large variety of different motives underlying why people eat what they eat, which can be assessed with The Eating Motivation Survey (TEMS). The present study investigates the consistency and measurement invariance of the fifteen basic motives included in TEMS in countries with greatly differing eating environments. Design The fifteen-factor structure of TEMS (brief version: forty-six items) was tested in confirmatory factor analyses. Setting An online survey was conducted. Subjects US-American, Indian and German adults (total N 749) took part. Results Despite the complexity of the model, fit indices indicated a reasonable model fit (for the total sample: χ 2/df=4·03; standardized root-mean-squared residual (SRMR)=0·063; root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0·064 (95 % CI 0·062, 0·066)). Only the comparative fit index (CFI) was below the recommended threshold (for the total sample: CFI=0·84). Altogether, 181 out of 184 item loadings were above the recommended threshold of 0·30. Furthermore, the factorial structure of TEMS was invariant across countries with respect to factor configuration and factor loadings (configural v. metric invariance model: ΔCFI=0·009; ΔRMSEA=0·001; ΔSRMR=0·001). Moreover, forty-three out of forty-six items showed invariant intercepts across countries. Conclusions The fifteen-factor structure of TEMS was, in general, confirmed across countries despite marked differences in eating environments. Moreover, latent means of fourteen out of fifteen motive factors can be compared across countries in future studies. This is a first step towards determining generalizability of the fifteen basic eating motives of TEMS across eating environments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. S4-S10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristine Radojicic ◽  
Marc A. Riedl ◽  
Timothy J. Craig ◽  
Jessica M. Best ◽  
Jinky Rosselli ◽  
...  

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, chronic disease characterized by debilitating swelling episodes in various parts of the body. Patients experience significant burdens related to the symptoms and management of HAE, which can affect their daily lives and reduce their overall quality of life. Prophylactic treatment options have expanded in the past decade to the benefit of patients; however, these therapies require scheduled injections, which can be painful, burdensome, and time consuming. We conducted an online survey of patients with HAE in the USA to better understand their experiences with available prophylactic medications and the associated treatment burdens. Our survey results suggest that most patients are satisfied with their current therapies but desire novel medications with a simpler route of administration and that, although most patients experience significant treatment-related burdens, they learn to cope with these challenges over time.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darpan I. Patel ◽  
Kathleen R. Stevens ◽  
Frank Puga

The purpose of this paper is to report the variance in institutional review board (IRB) reviews as part of the implementation of a multisite, quality improvement study through the Improvement Science Research Network (ISRN) and recommend strategies successful in procuring timely IRB approval. Using correspondence documents as data sources, the level of review was identified and time to submission, time to approval, and time to study start were analyzed. Thirteen of the 14 IRBs conducted independent reviews of the project. Twelve IRBs approved the study through expedited review while two IRBs reviewed the project at a full board meeting. Lastly, 11 of the 14 sites required documented consent. The greatest delay in approval was seen early on in the IRB process with site PIs averaging 45.1 ± 31.8 days to submit the study to the IRB. IRB approvals were relatively quick with an average of 14 ± 5.7 days to approval. The delay in study submission may be attributed to a lack of clear definitions and differing interpretations of the regulations that challenge researchers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coleen Meyers-Martin ◽  
Laurie Borchard

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the outreach programming and support services offered at academic libraries during final exams week. The article discusses the need to provide this specialized programming, and its impact on the role of the librarian, and the use of library space. Design/methodology/approach – A 21-question online survey was sent to nine library listservs. Respondents were asked about their library’s planning, implementation and assessment of their programming. Participants described their library’s final exams week outreach activities and offerings. Findings – The survey garnered 279 responses. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents collaborate with campus and non-campus partners to provide programming. Most common offerings include extended library hours; therapy animals; as well as games; and arts and crafts. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents reported utilizing virtual media outlets for communication of final exams week events. Most common challenges included lack of funding and staffing issues. Practical implications – The survey results reflect the efforts of librarians and library staff members who are addressing the study break needs of students during the most stressful time in the semester. Originality/value – This paper provides an overview of academic library final exams week outreach initiatives and activities at institutions located in the USA and Canada.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A350-A350
Author(s):  
S M Honaker ◽  
S L Simon ◽  
K C Byars ◽  
D M Graef ◽  
A A Williamson ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction An estimated 25-40% of adolescents endorse symptoms of insomnia. While research has demonstrated that insomnia is associated with impaired functioning, little is known regarding which insomnia symptoms or outcomes are most burdensome for adolescents. Patient-centered outcomes (PCO) are clinical and research questions and outcomes that are meaningful to patients. This study is the first to evaluate PCOs in adolescents with insomnia. Methods We conducted an online survey of adolescents in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who were 13 - 18 years old and reported experiencing one or more insomnia symptoms. Participants were recruited using targeted advertising on Facebook. Participants reported on insomnia symptom severity, frequency, and duration, help-seeking behavior, areas of insomnia-related impairment, and research priorities. Results Of the N=3034 respondents, 99.3% (n=3014) met inclusion criteria. Participants were predominantly female (77.0%) and white non-Hispanic (70.8%), with a mean age of 16.1 years (SD=1.3). Most (87.5%) met DSM-V diagnostic criteria for insomnia, yet only 29.3% reported seeking professional help. Over half (52.1%) reported a symptom duration of three or more years. Insomnia symptoms reported were sleep initiation difficulties (94.4%), sleep fragmentation (65.3%), premature awakening (54.5%), and difficulty sleeping independently (22.3%). The most burdensome areas of insomnia-related impairment were reported to be mood (72.2%), attentional focus (61.0%), pain (49.7%), worry (46.3%) and sleepiness (38.7%). Adolescents with insomnia most frequently endorsed the following research priorities: causes of insomnia (66.4%), early detection (66.1%), public education about sleep (49.1%) and non-pharmacological treatments (48.3%). Conclusion Adolescents with insomnia report significant insomnia-related distress and impairment, with symptoms often persisting for three or more years. However, adolescents with insomnia often do not seek professional help. Areas perceived as most problematic to adolescents living with insomnia (e.g., mood, focus, pain) should be considered as important outcomes for insomnia researchers. Support This publication was made possible with support from Grant Number UL1TR002529 (A Shekhar, PI) from the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Clinical and Translational Sciences Award and the Indiana University School of Medicine.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. White ◽  
James S. Owen ◽  
John C. Majsztrik ◽  
Lorence R. Oki ◽  
Paul R. Fisher ◽  
...  

Nursery, floriculture, and propagation production accounted for 79% ($13.3 Billion) of 2017 ornamental specialty crop production in the United States. Access to high quality water sources is increasingly limited for irrigating these economically significant crops. Given the production, environmental, and economic issues associated with the use of water—including recycled, reclaimed, surface, and ground water—it is critical to develop sustainable runoff, containment, and remediation technologies, and to identify alternative sources of water. To better understand current practices and future water-related needs as perceived by grower stakeholders, an online survey was distributed nationally and five in-depth round table discussion sessions were conducted at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Gulf States Horticultural Expo, California Grown Show, AmericanHort’s Cultivate, and the Farwest Show with a total of 36 individual industry participants. A team of research and extension specialists facilitated by a Specialty Crops Research Initiative Planning Grant (NIFA Project # 2011-51181-30633) analyzed and concisely summarized the results from the survey and the round table discussions. Research priorities related to water management identified by stakeholders revolved around six themes: (1) recycled water infrastructure and management; (2) contaminants; (3) plant health and water quality; (4) water treatment technologies; (5) competing and complementary water uses; (6) societal perception of agricultural water use.


Sexual Health ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Herbenick ◽  
Michael Reece ◽  
Ariane Hollub

Background: Previous research suggests that adult bookstores are a unique way through which individuals may learn about sexuality or practice sexual communication. Recently, the woman-oriented in-home sex toy party industry has rapidly expanded in several countries. The purpose of this study was to document the characteristics of the parties, the women who run the parties (‘facilitators’) and facilitator-consumer communication about sexual health topics. Methods: Female facilitators for a large in-home sex toy party company in the USA were invited to participate in an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey. Results: A total of 1197 completed surveys were received. Most respondents were white (85.2%), heterosexual (91.6%), had at least some college education (76.3%) and were married (59.4%). Most parties were held in another woman’s home (88.3%), lasted 1–2 h (72.2%) and had 10 or fewer women in attendance (65.1%). At their most recent party facilitated, most respondents were asked questions about increasing desire/arousal (75.3%), orgasm (57.8%), desire discrepancy (56.4%), erection and ejaculation (73.8%), and vaginal dryness and lubrication (64.5%). Respondents who encountered sexual health questions or disclosures by consumers (those that were more ‘askable’) scored significantly higher on the Sexual Opinion Survey, indicating greater erotophilia. Conclusions: Results suggest that female in-home sex toy party facilitators have the potential to provide a diverse group of women with opportunities to access sexuality information, products and communication and that facilitators’ ‘askability’ is related to erotophilia. Implications for sexual health professionals are discussed.


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