scholarly journals Early Perceptions of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps in German-speaking Countries: A Comparative Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

10.2196/25525 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Maria Zimmermann ◽  
Amelia Fiske ◽  
Barbara Prainsack ◽  
Nora Hangel ◽  
Stuart McLennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
German Speaking

scholarly journals Pilot Evaluations of Two Bluetooth Contact Tracing Approaches on a University Campus: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Shelby ◽  
Tyler Caruthers ◽  
Oren Y Kanner ◽  
Rebecca Schneider ◽  
Dana Lipnickas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Contact Interactions ◽  
University Campus

BACKGROUND Many have proposed the use of Bluetooth technology to help scale up contact tracing for COVID-19. However, much remains unknown about the accuracy of this technology in real-world settings, the attitudes of potential users, and the differences between delivery formats (mobile app vs carriable or wearable devices). OBJECTIVE We pilot tested 2 separate Bluetooth contact tracing technologies on a university campus to evaluate their sensitivity and specificity, and to learn from the experiences of the participants. METHODS We used a convergent mixed methods study design, and participants included graduate students and researchers working on a university campus during June and July 2020. We conducted separate 2-week pilot studies for each Bluetooth technology. The first was for a mobile phone app (“app pilot”), and the second was for a small electronic “tag” (“tag pilot”). Participants validated a list of Bluetooth-identified contacts daily and reported additional close contacts not identified by Bluetooth. We used these data to estimate sensitivity and specificity. Participants completed a postparticipation survey regarding appropriateness, usability, acceptability, and adherence, and provided additional feedback via free text. We used tests of proportions to evaluate differences in survey responses between participants from each pilot, paired <i>t</i> tests to measure differences between compatible survey questions, and qualitative analysis to evaluate the survey’s free-text responses. RESULTS Among 25 participants in the app pilot, 53 contact interactions were identified by Bluetooth and an additional 61 by self-report. Among 17 participants in the tag pilot, 171 contact interactions were identified by Bluetooth and an additional 4 by self-report. The tag had significantly higher sensitivity compared with the app (46/49, 94% vs 35/61, 57%; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), as well as higher specificity (120/126, 95% vs 123/141, 87%; <i>P</i>=.02). Most participants felt that Bluetooth contact tracing was appropriate on campus (26/32, 81%), while significantly fewer participants felt that using other technologies, such as GPS or Wi-Fi, was appropriate (17/31, 55%; <i>P</i>=.02). Most participants preferred technology developed and managed by the university rather than a third party (27/32, 84%) and preferred not to have tracing apps on their personal phones (21/32, 66%), due to “concerns with privacy.” There were no significant differences in self-reported adherence rates across pilots. CONCLUSIONS Convenient and carriable Bluetooth technology may improve tracing efficiency while alleviating privacy concerns by shifting data collection away from personal devices. With accuracy comparable to, and in this case, superior to, mobile phone apps, such approaches may be suitable for workplace or school settings with the ability to purchase and maintain physical devices.

scholarly journals Pilot Evaluations of Two Bluetooth Contact Tracing Approaches on a University Campus: A Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

10.2196/31086 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Shelby ◽  
Tyler Caruthers ◽  
Oren Kanner ◽  
Rebecca Schneider ◽  
Dana Lipnickas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
University Campus

scholarly journals Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy (COCO) in the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/15399 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e15399
Author(s):  
Jan Porthun ◽  
Jonas Manschel
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Training Structures ◽  
Occupational Profile ◽  
Work Area ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Sample Testing

Background Currently, the importance of osteopathy within the health care system is controversial. The training structures and the acknowledgment of the occupational profile strongly differ in the German-speaking territory. Objective This study aims to examine the characteristics of the osteopathic profession as well as the possibilities and challenges for osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Methods This study adopted a mixed methods design. The research topic will be examined based on qualitative and quantitative partial studies that will be conducted in parallel as well as sequentially. By applying different research methods and sample testing and by using standardized, validated measurement methods, we expect to be able to gain new insights into the work area of osteopathy. Results In November 2018, we started the research and data collection. Currently, we are conducting the first two partial studies. The planned duration of each of the partial study is 6-9 months. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Conclusions This study will examine how osteopaths define themselves in comparison with professionals from other occupational profiles and how they describe the characteristics of their work. The identification of central issues is expected to help clarify the issues and define the profession. As such, the results might contribute to the conservation and improvement of the quality of osteopathic treatment. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15399

Voice Function in Gender-Diverse People Assigned Female at Birth: Results From a Participant-Centered Mixed-Methods Study and Implications for Clinical Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 3320-3338 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Azul ◽  
Christiane Neuschaefer-Rube
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Singing Voice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Laryngeal Function ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Professional Voice

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were indications of restrictions to voice function in our group of gender-diverse people assigned female at birth (GD people AFAB ) and whether the participants would benefit from professional voice support. Method We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study combining qualitative content analyses of semistructured interviews, phoniatric examinations, and acoustical voice analyses. Fourteen German-speaking GD people AFAB participated. The data were examined for indications of restrictions to voice function according to the results of participant self-evaluation, auditory-perceptual analyses, laryngostroboscopic examinations, and acoustical measurements. Results All participants presented with indications of restrictions to voice function, with vocal power, voice quality, singing voice, laryngeal function, pitch range/variability, and vocal control having found to be most frequently affected (in over 60% of participants). Sixty-four percent of participants expressed an interest in professional voice support, with clinicians and researchers recommending professional voice support for 67% and 71%, respectively. Conclusions GD people AFAB may experience restrictions to a range of domains of voice function and request or be recommended to participate in professional voice support. Research into this area needs to be intensified so that a more in-depth understanding of the potential voice problems GD people AFAB might experience can be produced and members of this group can be provided with more comprehensive, evidence-based, and high-quality professional support if and when they need it.

Do Transmasculine Speakers Present With Gender-Related Voice Problems? Insights From a Participant-Centered Mixed-Methods Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Azul ◽  
Aron Arnold ◽  
Christiane Neuschaefer-Rube
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Content Analyses ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Gender Attribution ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Presentation

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are indications of gender-related voice problems in our transmasculine participants and to analyze how discrepancies between participant self-evaluations and researcher-led examinations can be best negotiated to ensure a participant-centered interpretation. Method We conducted a participant-centered mixed-methods study combining qualitative content analyses of semistructured interviews, acoustical voice analyses, and an examination of gender attributions to voice. Fourteen German-speaking transmasculine people, 14 cisfemale control persons, and 7 cismale control persons participated. The data were examined for indications of gender-related voice problems pertaining to vocal gender presentation and gender attribution to voice received from others. Results Eleven participants (79%) presented with indications of gender-related voice problems. Problems included dissatisfaction with gender-related voice features, difficulties with control of vocal gender presentation, and mismatch between desired gender attribution and gender attributions received from others. Discrepancies between participant self-evaluations and researcher-led examinations were observed in a number of cases. Conclusion Transmasculine speakers may experience a range of gender-related voice problems. Research and clinical practice with transmasculine people need to be adapted to better match the diversity of the population and the complexity of the processes that shape the production of speaker vocal gender in interaction.

scholarly journals Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy (COCO) in the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Porthun ◽  
Jonas Manschel
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Training Structures ◽  
Occupational Profile ◽  
Work Area ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Sample Testing

BACKGROUND Currently, the importance of osteopathy within the health care system is controversial. The training structures and the acknowledgment of the occupational profile strongly differ in the German-speaking territory. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the characteristics of the osteopathic profession as well as the possibilities and challenges for osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. METHODS This study adopted a mixed methods design. The research topic will be examined based on qualitative and quantitative partial studies that will be conducted in parallel as well as sequentially. By applying different research methods and sample testing and by using standardized, validated measurement methods, we expect to be able to gain new insights into the work area of osteopathy. RESULTS In November 2018, we started the research and data collection. Currently, we are conducting the first two partial studies. The planned duration of each of the partial study is 6-9 months. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2021. CONCLUSIONS This study will examine how osteopaths define themselves in comparison with professionals from other occupational profiles and how they describe the characteristics of their work. The identification of central issues is expected to help clarify the issues and define the profession. As such, the results might contribute to the conservation and improvement of the quality of osteopathic treatment.

Determining Emotional Tone and Verbal Behavior in Patients With Tinnitus and Hyperacusis: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 660-672
Author(s):  
Suzanne H. Kimball ◽  
Toby Hamilton ◽  
Erin Benear ◽  
Jonathan Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Verbal Behavior ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Emotional Tone ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Results

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the emotional tone and verbal behavior of social media users who self-identified as having tinnitus and/or hyperacusis that caused self-described negative consequences on daily life or health. Research Design and Method An explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Two hundred “initial” and 200 “reply” Facebook posts were collected from members of a tinnitus group and a hyperacusis group. Data were analyzed via the LIWC 2015 software program and compared to typical bloggers. As this was an explanatory mixed-methods study, we used qualitative thematic analyses to explain, interpret, and illustrate the quantitative results. Results Overall, quantitative results indicated lower overall emotional tone for all categories (tinnitus and hyperacusis, initial and reply), which was mostly influenced by higher negative emotion. Higher levels of authenticity or truth were found in the hyperacusis sample but not in the tinnitus sample. Lower levels of clout (social standing) were indicated in all groups, and a lower level of analytical thinking style (concepts and complex categories rather than narratives) was found in the hyperacusis sample. Additional analysis of the language indicated higher levels of sadness and anxiety in all groups and lower levels of anger, particularly for initial replies. These data support prior findings indicating higher levels of anxiety and depression in this patient population based on the actual words in blog posts and not from self-report questionnaires. Qualitative results identified 3 major themes from both the tinnitus and hyperacusis texts: suffering, negative emotional tone, and coping strategies. Conclusions Results from this study suggest support for the predominant clinical view that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. The extent of the suffering described and patterns of coping strategies suggest clinical practice patterns and the need for research in implementing improved practice plans.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document