scholarly journals A Tablet App– and Sensor-Based Assistive Technology Intervention for Informal Caregivers to Manage the Challenging Behavior of People With Dementia (the insideDEM Study): Protocol for a Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Kernebeck ◽  
Daniela Holle ◽  
Patrick Pogscheba ◽  
Felix Jordan ◽  
Fabian Mertl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Challenging Behavior ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Log Files

BACKGROUND Despite the enormous number of assistive technologies (ATs) in dementia care, the management of challenging behavior (CB) of persons with dementia (PwD) by informal caregivers in home care is widely disregarded. The first-line strategy to manage CB is to support the understanding of the underlying causes of CB to formulate individualized nonpharmacological interventions. App- and sensor-based approaches combining multimodal sensors (actimetry and other modalities) and caregiver information are innovative ways to support the understanding of CB for family caregivers. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study is to describe the design of a feasibility study consisting of an outcome and a process evaluation of a newly developed app- and sensor-based intervention to manage CB of PwD for family caregivers at home. METHODS In this feasibility study, we perform an outcome and a process evaluation with a pre-post descriptive design over an 8-week intervention period. The Medical Research Council framework guides the design of this feasibility study. The data on 20 dyads (primary caregiver and PwD) are gathered through standardized questionnaires, protocols, and log files as well as semistructured qualitative interviews. The outcome measures (neuropsychiatric inventory and Cohen-Mansfield agitation inventory) are analyzed by using descriptive statistics and statistical tests relevant to the individual assessments (eg, chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test). For the analysis of the process data, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology is used. Log files are analyzed by using descriptive statistics, protocols are analyzed by using documentary analysis, and semistructured interviews are analyzed deductively using content analysis. RESULTS The newly developed app- and sensor-based AT has been developed and was evaluated until July in 2018. The recruitment of dyads started in September 2017 and was concluded in March 2018. The data collection was completed at the end of July 2018. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the protocol of the first feasibility study to encompass an outcome and process evaluation to assess a complex app- and sensor-based AT combining multimodal actimetry sensors for informal caregivers to manage CB. The feasibility study will provide in-depth information about the study procedure and on how to optimize the design of the intervention and its delivery. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/11630

ATM Withdrawal Restriction and Customer Retention: A Case with Students and Pensioners

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajat Deb ◽  
Anirima Datta
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Financial Planning ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sampling Techniques ◽  
Unlimited Access ◽  
Major Factors

Objectives: The present study seeks to examine the perception of the graduate students and pensioners of some selected localities of Kolkata about the importance of ATMs as a branch surrogate, impact of the ceiling on withdrawals from ATMs, and the strategies to win over the capping for the customers as well as for the banks to retain them. Participants and Data collection: It obtained primary data from 200 respondents consisting of 140 graduate students and 60 pensioners using different non-probability sampling techniques through schedule and personal interviews. Research Methods: Different statistical tests like factor analysis, Mann Whitney U test, students t-test, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics were performed to assess support for the hypotheses. The reliability of the questions and sample adequacy test was also carried out. Through factor analysis, five major factors viz. perceptions about ATM- an avatar for banks, customers satisfaction in ATM services, customers repercussion on capping, financial planning for withdrawals, and strategies for customers to avoid charges and for banks to retain them were extracted. Results: The results of the study suggest that youth prefer to use ATMs which has become indispensable and provide diversified financial services that leads to customers satisfaction, but withdrawing now requires some planning as customers need to visit branches to avoid fees. To retain the customers the banks should encourage the use of more electronic cards and net banking, should not charge for withdrawing own funds, allow them to access even the non-home branch ATMs close to the their locality, should reduce the minimum average floor balance to enjoy free unlimited access of home bank ATMs and keep currency of higher denomination to reduce the number of transactions.

scholarly journals Improving mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care using a care pathway: feasibility study and process evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Seckler ◽  
Verena Regauer ◽  
Melanie Krüger ◽  
Anna Gabriel ◽  
Joachim Hermsdörfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Older People ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Implementation Strategy ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Main Trial ◽  
Telephone Helpline

Abstract Background Community-dwelling older people are frequently affected by vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB). We previously developed a care pathway (CPW) to improve their mobility and participation by offering standardized approaches for general practitioners (GPs) and physical therapists (PTs). We aimed to assess the feasibility of the intervention, its implementation strategy and the study procedures in preparation for the subsequent main trial. Methods This 12-week prospective cohort feasibility study was accompanied by a process evaluation designed according to the UK Medical Research Council’s Guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Patients with VDB (≥65 years), GPs and PTs in primary care were included. The intervention consisted of a diagnostic screening checklist for GPs and a guide for PTs. The implementation strategy included specific educational trainings and a telephone helpline. Data for mixed-method process evaluation were collected via standardized questionnaires, field notes and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data using content analysis. Results A total of five GP practices (seven single GPs), 10 PT practices and 22 patients were included in the study. The recruitment of GPs and patients was challenging (response rates: GP practices: 28%, PT practices: 39%). Ninety-one percent of the patients and all health professionals completed the study. The health professionals responded well to the educational trainings; the utilization of the telephone helpline was low (one call each from GPs and PTs). Familiarisation with the routine of application of the intervention and positive attitudes were emphasized as facilitators of the implementation of the intervention, whereas a lack of time was mentioned as a barrier. Despite difficulties in the GPs’ adherence to the intervention protocol, the GPs, PTs and patients saw benefit in the intervention. The patients’ treatment adherence to physical therapy was good. There were minor issues in data collection, but no unintended consequences. Conclusion Although the process evaluation provided good support for the feasibility of study procedures, the intervention and its implementation strategy, we identified a need for improvement in recruitment of participants, the GP intervention part and the data collection procedures. The findings will inform the main trial to test the interventions effectiveness in a cluster RCT. Trial registration Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland (German registry Health Services Research) VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910, date of registration: 30.11.2017; Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (German Clinical Trials Register) DRKS00022918, date of registration: 03.09.2020 (retrospectively registered).

scholarly journals Basics of Statistics for Clinical Research in Hand Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (02) ◽  
pp. 150-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Rosales ◽  
Isam Atroshi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Data Matrix ◽  
P Value ◽  
Real Value ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

AbstractStatistics, the science of numerical evaluation, helps in determining the real value of a hand surgical intervention. Clinical research in hand surgery cannot improve without considering the application of the most appropriate statistical procedures. The purpose of the present paper is to approach the basics of data analysis using a database of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to understand the data matrix, the generation of variables, the descriptive statistics, the most appropriate statistical tests based on how data were collected, the parameter estimation (inference statistics) with p-value or confidence interval, and, finally, the important concept of generalized linear models (GLMs) or regression analysis.

scholarly journals Process Evaluation of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Informal Caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ieva Biliunaite ◽  
Evaldas Kazlauskas ◽  
Robbert Sanderman ◽  
Gerhard Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Delivery Mode

Background: Informal caregivers are individuals who provide care for ill, frail, or otherwise dependent family members, siblings, or friends. Due to the caregiving demands, informal caregivers are known to experience negative mental health symptoms, such as stress or anxiety. Interventions based on Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) principles have been previously found to be effective for different populations and could also be considered as a plausible support option for informal caregivers. However, findings regarding effectiveness alone might not be sufficient for informing about the overall feasibility of the intervention.Objective: The aim of this process evaluation study was to evaluate the feasibility of a previously developed ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania. More specifically, we evaluated the suitability of the intervention in relation to its content and delivery mode.Methods: Two studies were conducted. Study 1 consisted of participant evaluations of an 8-week, 8-module long therapist supported ICBT intervention. Evaluations for the Study 1 were retrieved from previously unused data, obtained from pilot testing of the intervention in which 63 informal caregivers took part. The evaluations contained of qualitative data (participant comments), as well as quantitative data (evaluations of each of the sessions). The Study 2 was an online stakeholder focus-group discussion conducted via Zoom. Eight stakeholders took part in the discussion, among whom there were social workers, medical professionals as well as individuals with caregiving experience themselves. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and data coding.Results: Results of the Study 1 showed that most of the pilot randomized controlled trial participants evaluated content and format of the intervention positively. These results were complemented by the findings in the Study 2, in which stakeholders evaluated the intervention as suitable and promising. In addition, stakeholders made certain suggestions for improving the intervention's usability for the informal caregivers. This included improving the instructions, providing with more guidance, and considering personalization options.Conclusion: The process evaluation helped to evaluate the feasibility of the ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania from the two perspectives: users and stakeholders. Our findings suggest that the intervention is suitable for the target population.

Small-scale, homelike facilities in dementia care: A process evaluation into the experiences of family caregivers and nursing staff

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde Verbeek ◽  
Sandra M.G. Zwakhalen ◽  
Erik van Rossum ◽  
Gertrudis I.J.M. Kempen ◽  
Jan P.H. Hamers
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Small Scale

P12.06 Unmet needs and wish for support of informal caregivers of primary brain tumour patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii31-ii32
Author(s):  
L Pointon ◽  
R Grant ◽  
S Peoples ◽  
S Erridge ◽  
P Sherwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Brain Tumour ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Primary Brain Tumour ◽  
Caregiver Needs

Abstract BACKGROUND Most primary brain tumour patients rely on informal caregivers (i.e. family members or friends) for practical and emotional support. While caregiving can be rewarding, it also commonly leads to significant burden. In developing support for caregivers, it is vital to distinguish between caregivers’ unmet needs, and their actual wish for support to resolve unmet needs. We aimed to 1) identify the presence and magnitude of unmet needs; 2) examine associations between unmet needs and desire for support; 3) evaluate perceived usefulness of caregiver needs screening in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Family caregivers of patients with primary brain tumours were recruited and asked to complete an adapted version of the Caregiver Needs Screen (CNS). This covered the level of distress resulting from 33 common issues in neuro-oncology caregiving (scale 0–10), and wish for information or support for any issue (yes/no). In addition, participants were asked to rank (0–7) their experience of using the CNS based on items covering ‘ease of us’, ‘usefulness’ and ‘satisfaction’. Descriptive and correlational analyses were applied. RESULTS Caregivers (N=79) reported between 1–33 unmet needs (M=17.20, sd=7.98) but did not always wish for support for each need (range 0–28, M=4.71, sd=6.63). Most distressing items were patient’s fatigue (M=5.58), recognising signs of disease progression (M=5.23), changes in patients’ thinking or behaviour (M=5.04), patient distress or sadness (M=4.68), and changes in caregivers’ own emotional health (M=4.44). A weak correlation was found between the total number of unmet needs and the desire for support (r=0.296, p=0.014). Caregivers most often desired support with recognising disease progression (N=24), managing medications and side-effects (N=18), and least often with managing spiritual issues (N=0), communication with (grand)children (N=2) and communication with family members and friends (N=3). Caregivers evaluated the CNS tool positively (mean item scores ranging 4.19–6.21 out of 7). CONCLUSION Family caregivers of brain tumour patients experience distress resulting from many neuro-oncology specific needs, but this is not directly related to a wish for support or information. Caregiver needs screening could be useful to tailor support or information to suit caregivers’ preferences in clinical practice.

Lessons from Project Mars

2020 ◽  
pp. 151-192
Author(s):  
Jason Lyall
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Comparison ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter presents a five-stage empirical strategy. It first details how core variables, including prewar military inequality and battlefield performance, were constructed. Second, the chapter provides simple descriptive statistics about the relationship between military inequality and the various measures of battlefield performance. Next, it subjects two different measures of military inequality to a series of statistical tests to examine the strength of this association. Afterward, the chapter uses matching and a two-control group comparison to investigate how shifts from low to high inequality, and from medium to high inequality, affect battlefield performance within a reduced sample of most similar belligerents. Finally, this chapter considers the fate of leading alternative explanations, which receive almost no empirical support within the expanded Project Mars universe.

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