scholarly journals Adapting Mighty Girls for Widespread Dissemination: Multicultural Adaptation with Pilot Study, App Development and Usability Testing, and Gauging Parent Support with Focus Groups (Preprint)

10.2196/24937 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Norris ◽  
Michael L. Hecht ◽  
Roxana Delcampo Thalasinos
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Parent Support ◽  
App Development ◽  
Widespread Dissemination

scholarly journals How Mighty Girls Became the Mighty Teens: Using Multi-Cultural Adaptation and App Development to Take an Evidenced-Based Intervention to Scale (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Norris ◽  
Michael L. Hecht ◽  
Roxana Delcampo Thalasinos
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Sexual Pressure ◽  
Multicultural Program ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Pressure Resistance

BACKGROUND Taking evidence-based interventions to scale is a primary challenge for prevention science. Adapting an intervention to be multi-cultural is a useful pathway for scaling up interventions, particularly those that are school based. So too is finding simpler but powerful technological components to reduce overall cost without jeopardizing effectiveness. Mighty Girls is a sexual pressure resistance program developmentally and culturally tailored for 7th grade Latinas. The program combines classroom sessions with an interactive videogame that reinforces program concepts. However, both the exclusive focus on Latinas and game cost (currently relies on digital puppetry by trained inter-actors) limit dissemination. OBJECTIVE Create a multi-cultural program that uses a narrative phone app to reinforce program concepts and build resistance skills. Specific, adaptation goals included: (1) modify classroom lessons; (2) conduct a pilot study to evaluate feasibility and preliminary efficacy of classroom lessons; (3) develop a narrative app to reinforce curriculum content and build resistance skills; (4) conduct usability test of the app; and (5) assess parents’ views of lesson content and activities, and the app as well as their supervision of child's cell phone use. METHODS Consultation with 4 adult key informants, and a series of research activities involving 7th grade girls attending either a “development school” (n=14) or “pilot study school” (n=23), and parents (n=6) addressed adaptation goals. Activities included: focus groups, pilot study (one group pre-test post-test design), and usability testing. Pilot study self-report measures assessed resistance self-efficacy and intentions, and sexual intentions (including intention to delay intercourse). Usability testing self-report measures included the System Usability Scale (SUS), adapted for use with an app and for teens, an open-ended question soliciting suggestions for improving usability, and a 5-item Like scale for assessing engagement. RESULTS Qualitative analyses of interviews, focus groups, and responses to open-ended questions supported multicultural content, and identified simple changes to improve engagement and learning. These changes were supported by quantitative findings from the pilot study school. Preliminary program effectiveness was supported by a significant pre-post difference in intention to delay sexual intercourse (P=.04). A SUS score of 76 (exceeding 68, industry standard) and a “liking” score of 3.2 on a 4-point scale (SD=.60) supported usability and appeal. CONCLUSIONS Our multi-step adaptation process resulted in a multicultural program that is now paired with an app with good usability and engagement properties. Pilot study findings provided preliminary support for program effectiveness. Modifications identified for the app will be addressed in building out of the app as we move toward commercialization and are expected to increase intervention potency. The resulting program is suitable for universal uptake due to its focus on sexual pressure resistance rather than abstinence or comprehensive sex education.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Survivorship Care Plans Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482091720
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Krok-Schoen ◽  
Michelle J. Naughton ◽  
Anne M. Noonan ◽  
Janell Pisegna ◽  
Jennifer DeSalvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care

The Commission on Cancer’s standard 3.3 represents a paradigm shift in the care of cancer survivors, recommending that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCPs). A focus on older breast cancer survivors is needed, as they are the majority of the breast cancer population and their experiences and perspectives of SCPs is limited in the literature. This pilot study utilized a mixed methods approach (focus groups and self-report questionnaire data) to gather information on older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of their SCPs, cancer survivorship, and communication with their health-care providers. The questionnaire was completed individually by the participants prior to the focus group and contained items on basic demographics and their health status following cancer treatment. The focus groups indicated that only a minority of women actually developed a SCP. Those who developed a SCP in collaboration with their providers valued the personal care and attention received. However, some participants reported poor communication with their providers and within their health-care team, resulting in frustration and confusion. Participants’ suggestions for ideal SCPs included better education and personalization, particularly in appropriate nutrition and exercise, and managing side effects and comorbidities. Lastly, the women believed that additional long-term care resources, such as health coaches, were important in improving their survivorship. These findings provide insight into enhancing the content, communication, and application of SCPs to improve the survivorship experience of older breast cancer survivors.

Adoption of E-Government Services in Developing Countries

2012 ◽  
pp. 121-145
Author(s):  
Suha AlAwadhi ◽  
Anne Morris
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Systemic Approach ◽  
Government Services ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

E-government initiatives are in their infancy in many developing countries. The success of these initiatives is dependent on government support as well as citizens’ adoption of e-government services. This chapter explains in detail a study that aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of citizens regarding the adoption of e-government services in Kuwait, as a developing country. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a questionnaire survey incorporating the amended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), as well as usability testing and focus groups. The findings identified factors that determine and influence the adoption of e-government; these were then modeled taking a systemic approach. Based on the results and conclusions of the study, recommendations were made to Kuwaiti officials responsible for the e-government services.

scholarly journals The Infant Cuddler Study: Evaluating the effectiveness of volunteer cuddling in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 414-418
Author(s):  
Amanda Hignell ◽  
Karen Carlyle ◽  
Catherine Bishop ◽  
Mary Murphy ◽  
Teresa Valenzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives St. Michael’s Hospital launched a volunteer cuddling program for all infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit in October 2015. The program utilizes trained volunteers to cuddle infants when caregivers are not available. This was a pilot study to assess the impact of a volunteer cuddle program on length of stay (LOS) and feasibility of implementation of the program. Methods A mixed methods approach was utilized to measure both quantitative and qualitative impact. A pilot cohort study with a retrospective control group assessed the feasibility of implementing a volunteer cuddling program for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Length of stay was used as a surrogate marker to measure the impact of cuddling on infants being treated for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Focus groups using semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers and nurses at the end of the pilot study. Results LOS was reduced by 6.36 days (U=34, P=0.072) for infants with NAS in the volunteer cuddling program. Focus groups with both bedside nurses and program volunteers described a positive impact of cuddling programs on infants, families, staff, and volunteers alike. Conclusions The study results suggest that the volunteer cuddling program may reduce LOS in infants with NAS and have potential economic savings on hospital resources. However, larger prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals 4044 A Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Mobile Health Intervention Among Church-going African-Americans: Formative Evaluation of the FAITH! App

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 53-53
Author(s):  
LaPrincess Brewer ◽  
Ashok Kumbamu ◽  
Christina Smith ◽  
Sarah Jenkins ◽  
Clarence Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Promoting Behaviors ◽  
High Level

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To evaluate the FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health) App mHealth lifestyle intervention by using post-intervention feedback obtained from participants in our intervention pilot study. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used qualitative methods (focus groups) to elicit post-intervention feedback. Participants who completed the pilot study were recruited to one of two focus groups. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to explore participants’ views on the app functionality, utility and satisfaction as well as its impact on healthy lifestyle change. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and qualitative data were analyzed by systematic text condensation thematic analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Nine individuals participated (N = 4 and N = 5) in each of the two focus groups. Their mean age was 47.9 years (SD 12.1), 67% were women, and all had at least an education level of some college. Six overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) overall impression, (2) content usefulness (3) formatting, (4) implementation, (5) impact and (6) suggestions for improvement. Underpinning the themes was a high level of agreement that the intervention facilitated healthy behavioral change through cultural tailoring, multimedia education modules and social networking. Among the suggestions for improvement were streamlining of app self-monitoring features, personalization based on individual’s cardiovascular risk and attentiveness to nuanced cultural perspectives. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This formative evaluation found the FAITH! App mHealth lifestyle intervention had high reported satisfaction and impact on the health-promoting behaviors of African-Americans, thereby improving their overall cardiovascular health. The findings provide further support for the acceptability of mHealth interventions among African-Americans. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: None.

scholarly journals “You look a little bit dark for my liking”: Māori and Pasifika women’s experiences of welfare receipt in Aotearoa New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Gray
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Parent Support ◽  
Welfare Receipt ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Lone Mothers ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Poor Treatment ◽  
The Way

INTRODUCTION: Based on empirical research with Māori and Pasifika lone mothers, this article considers the way that discourses of ethnicity and welfare combine to shape the lived experience of welfare receipt. METHOD: Drawing from 16 focus groups and interviews conducted in 2014 throughout Aotearoa New Zealand with women receiving Sole Parent Support, we analyse the way participants spoke of their experiences with Work and Income New Zealand.FINDINGS: Our findings indicate that the negative experiences related to the receipt of welfare in New Zealand are intensified for women who identify ethnically as Māori or Pasifika. Many of the women who took part in the research attributed poor treatment, including the denial of access to welfare entitlements, to their ethnicity. Participants spoke of avoiding visits to welfare offices because of the racism they anticipated experiencing in these spaces. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant implications for these findings. We argue that identifying as Māori or Pasifika can have consequences in relation to accessing welfare entitlements and that ethnicity may negatively influence interactions within welfare offices in Aotearoa New Zealand.

scholarly journals Web-based self-management support prototype My Kidneys My Health for adults with chronic kidney disease: Co-design and usability testing (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maoliosa Donald ◽  
Heather Beanlands ◽  
Sharon Straus ◽  
Michelle Smekal ◽  
Sarah Gil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Video Production ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Patient Reported

BACKGROUND Supporting patients to self-manage their chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been identified as a research priority by patients with CKD and those that care for them. Self-management has been shown to slow CKD progression and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease. Previous work has identified a need for a person-centered, theory-informed web-based tool for CKD self-management that can be individualized to a patient’s unique situation, priorities, and preferences. We addressed this gap using an Integrated Knowledge Translation method and patient engagement principles. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to implement the systematic co-design and usability testing of a web-based self-management prototype for adults with CKD (non-dialysis, non-transplant) and their caregivers to enhance self-management support. METHODS A multi-step, iterative system development cycle was used to co-design and test My Kidneys My Health prototype. The 3-step process included: (1) creating website features and content using two sequential focus groups with patients with CKD and caregivers; (2) heuristic testing using Nielsen’s 10 heuristic principles; (3) usability testing through in-person 60-minute interviews with patients with CKD and a caregiver. Patients with CKD, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, software developers, graphic designers, and policy makers were involved in all steps of this study. RESULTS In step 1, 18 participants (14 patients and 4 caregivers) attended one of the two sequential focus groups. The participants provided specific suggestions for simplifying navigation, as well as suggestions to incorporate video, text, audio, interactive components, and visuals to convey information. Five reviewers completed the heuristic analysis (step 2), identifying items mainly related to navigation and functionality. Five participants completed usability testing (step 3) and provided feedback on video production, navigation, features and functionality, and branding. Participants reported visiting the website repeatedly for the following features: personalized food tool, my health care provider question list, symptom guidance based on CKD severity, and medication advice. Usability was high, with a mean System Usability Score of 90 out of 100. CONCLUSIONS My Kidneys My Health prototype is a systematically developed, multi-faceted CKD self-management web-based support tool guided by theory and preferences of patients with CKD and their caregivers. The website is user-friendly and provides features that improve the user experience by tailoring the content and resources to their needs. A feasibility study will provide insight into the acceptability of and engagement with the prototype, and identify preliminary patient reported outcomes (e.g., self-efficacy), as well as potential factors related to implementation. This work is relevant given the shift to virtual care during a pandemic era, providing patients with support when in-person care is restricted. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Midwifery-led care embedded within primary care: consumer satisfaction with a model in New Zealand

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Susan Pullon ◽  
Ben Gray ◽  
Monika Steinmetz ◽  
Claire Molineux
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Maternity Care ◽  
Consumer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Analytic Approach ◽  
Model Of Care

INTRODUCTION: Providing quality maternity care for high-needs, socially deprived women from ethnic minority groups is challenging. Consumer satisfaction with maternity services is an important aspect of service evaluation for this group. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using focus groups and interviews to gauge consumer satisfaction of maternity care by high-needs women, and to explore their perceptions of the Newtown Union Health Service (NUHS) model of a midwifery-led service embedded in primary care in Wellington, New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: Following a previous audit of consumer satisfaction surveys collected over a six-year period, a qualitative pilot study using a thematic analytic approach was conducted at the NUHS in late 2011. The study assessed use of focus groups and interviews, interpreted where necessary, and considered the experiences reported by women about the model of care. FINDINGS: Interviews and focus groups were successfully conducted with 11 women: two NZ European (individual interviews), six Cambodian (five in a focus group, one interview), and three Samoan (focus group). Using a thematic analytic approach, key themes identified from the focus group and interviews were: issues with survey form-filling; importance of accessibility and information; and relationships and communication with the midwifery team. CONCLUSION: Interviews and focus groups were well received, and indicated positive endorsement of the model of care. They also revealed some hitherto unknown concerns. Good quality feedback about satisfaction with a range of maternal and child health services helps service providers to provide the best possible start in life for children in high-needs families. KEYWORDS: Interprofessional; maternity care; New Zealand; patient care team; primary health care

scholarly journals A Mobile Health Intervention for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Families Moving Forward Connect): Development and Qualitative Evaluation of Design and Functionalities

10.2196/14721 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e14721
Author(s):  
Christie LM Petrenko ◽  
Jennifer Parr ◽  
Carson Kautz ◽  
Cristiano Tapparello ◽  
Heather Carmichael Olson
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
App Development ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) affect approximately 2% to 5% of the US population. However, most families are unable to access FASD-informed interventions. Barriers to care include the lack of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce and family-level barriers such as limited financial resources, inability to access childcare, and stigma. As a result, families often try peer-to-peer and self-help support strategies. However, they often take these strategies from disparate sources, which have quite variable intervention quality and empirical support. Objective This study aimed to initiate systematic development and evaluation of a mobile health intervention (app) for caregivers raising children with FASD. Focus groups were conducted to elicit participant perspectives on app design and functionalities to inform further app development. Methods The app, called FMF Connect, was derived from the scientifically validated Families Moving Forward (FMF) Program, a clinician-delivered behavioral consultation intervention. FMF Connect was intended for caregiver self-delivery and included five main components: (1) Learning Modules, (2) Family Forum, (3) Library, (4) Notebook, and (5) Dashboard. Focus group methods were used to solicit perspectives from diverse families during the early stages of app development. Questions were asked about interface design, relevance of components and content, and perceived barriers and facilitators of use. A total of 25 caregivers participated in 7 focus groups across 5 US cities. Data were analyzed thematically. Results Focus group participants were generally enthusiastic about the app interface design and components. Four global positive impression themes emerged, including (1) ease of access, (2) how the app guides and organizes information, (3) connection to other users and information, and (4) ability to share some content with others. Themes arose not only in discussions relating to positive app features but also when participants were asked about motivators for app use. Participants related how these positive global themes could address some system-level barriers, such as limited access to services, feeling isolated, and increased advocacy needs related to the societal lack of FASD knowledge. Participants identified many positive features about individual app components and functionalities. They also communicated potential barriers to use and raised important concerns and considerations relating to several app components. These included recognizability of the app based on the logo, and the balance of following the planned intervention sequence versus obtaining immediate answers. Also mentioned were privacy and dynamics within the Family Forum. Conclusions FMF Connect is a promising novel intervention with potential to reach many families in need and reduce significant barriers to care, resulting in a broader public health impact. Study findings will guide further app development both in terms of content and technological advances to optimize intervention effects. FMF Connect app development provides useful directions for other apps aimed at changing parenting practices.

scholarly journals An E-Learning Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Media Literacy Curriculum to Prevent Youth Substance Use in Community Groups: Development and Feasibility of REAL Media (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E Ray ◽  
Kathryn Greene ◽  
Michael L Hecht ◽  
Sarah C Barriage ◽  
Michelle Miller-Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Media Literacy ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
End User ◽  
Community Groups ◽  
Development Organization ◽  
E Learning

BACKGROUND There is a need for evidence-based substance use prevention efforts that target high school-aged youth that are easy to implement and suitable for dissemination in school and community groups. The Youth Message Development (YMD) program is a brief, four-lesson, in-person curriculum that aims to prevent youth substance use through the development of youth media literacy. Specifically, YMD aims to increase understanding of advertising reach and costs, along with the techniques used to sell products; develop counterarguing and critical thinking skills in response to advertisements; and facilitate application of these skills to the development of youth-generated antisubstance messages. Although YMD has demonstrated evidence of success, it is limited by its delivery method and focus on alcohol and smoking. OBJECTIVE Study objectives were two-fold: (1) to adapt the YMD curriculum to a self-paced, interactive, electronic-learning (e-learning) format and expand its content to cover alcohol, combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs, and (2) to test the feasibility of the adapted curriculum in partnership with a national youth organization. METHODS An iterative process was employed in partnership with the 4-H youth development organization and a technology developer and consisted of six phases: (1) focus groups to guide adaptation, (2) adaptation to an e-learning format renamed REAL media, (3) pilot-testing of the REAL media prototype to determine feasibility and acceptability, (4) program revisions, (5) usability testing of the revised prototype, and (6) final revisions. Focus groups and pilot and usability testing were conducted with 4-H youth club members and adult club leaders. RESULTS Focus group feedback guided the build of an e-learning prototype of REAL media, which consisted of five online levels and interactive content guided by a mix of narration and on-screen text. Results of a pilot test of the prototype were neutral to positive, and the program was refined based on end-user feedback. An independent usability test indicated that youth 4-H members felt favorably about navigating REAL media, and they reported high self-efficacy in applying skills learned in the program. Additional refinements to the program were made based on their feedback. CONCLUSIONS The iterative build process involving the end user from the outset yielded an overall successful technology-driven adaptation of an evidence-based curriculum. This should increase the likelihood of effectively impacting behavioral outcomes as well as uptake within community organizations.

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