2,482 results
Search Results
2. Developing a disease-specific patient reported outcome measure to enhance understanding of the lived experiences of ANCA associated vasculitis: A protocol paper.
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Floyd, Lauren, Dhaygude, Ajay, Mitra, Sandip, and Rowland, Christine
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PATIENT reported outcome measures , *PATIENT experience , *RENAL replacement therapy , *ANTINEUTROPHIL cytoplasmic antibodies , *PATIENTS' attitudes - Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is a chronic, relapsing-remitting condition associated with increased morbidity. Previous research has shown patients with AAV report high levels of fatigue, pain, depression and anxiety. Over recent years successful work has been carried out to improve clinical outcomes, resulting in reduced mortality and end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite this, little work has been done to better understand the role of the patient within this condition. The prevalence of AAV is increasing and to date, there is a shortage of specific tools that assess and measure key features relating to patient reported outcomes (PROs). This protocol details how we can better understand the lived experiences of those with AAV through the development of a disease specific, patient reported outcome measure (PROM), to be used in clinic practice. This will allow us to recognise and validate PROs and the impact the disease and its treatment has on patients' health related quality of life (HRQoL). In addition, we aim to identify potential differences in PRO's between demographics, organ involvement and treatment subgroups in AAV as well as outcomes relating to the patient experience. Patients from a single centre in the UK will be recruited to take part in the exploratory qualitative study which will include focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The inclusion criteria comprise anyone with a diagnosis of AAV and willing to participate, including those who have active or relapsing disease, those are economically active, unemployed, retired and patients receiving renal replacement therapy. The aim of the project is to identify key issues patients experience in relation to their disease and its management and how these can be better assessed in a new PROM developed for use in the clinic setting. This will enable better delivery of individualised care and inform shared decision making, while also serving as a platform for future research looking at PROs in other glomerulonephritides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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3. Centenary Paper: Down But Not Out: Fighting to Maintain Federico García Lorca in UK Higher Education.
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BASTIANES, MARÍA
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UNIVERSITIES & colleges , *RHETORIC , *HUMANITIES , *MODERN languages - Abstract
Over the last decade, British universities have become increasingly reliant on an instrumentalist rhetoric to defend the ongoing relevance of research and teaching in the Humanities. This has resulted in a new chapter in the long-running saga concerning the crisis (purported or real) of Modern Languages alongside the study of literature. The very flexibility condemning traditional Modern Languages curricula to the past nevertheless offers new opportunities for literary study when used for the development of new skills. In this article, I employ my experience of a research-led undergraduate project on the UK stage legacy of Federico García Lorca as a case study to suggest ways in which the study of literature and theatre might be revamped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Management of Impacted Fetal Head at Caesarean Birth: Scientific Impact Paper No. 73 (June 2023).
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Cornthwaite, Katie, Bahl, Rachna, Winter, Cathy, Wright, Alison, Kingdom, John, Walker, Kate F., Tydeman, Graham, Briley, Annette, Schmidt‐Hansen, Mia, and Draycott, Tim
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BRAIN injuries , *PENILE prostheses , *INFANTS , *CLINICAL prediction rules , *PELVIS , *UTERUS - Abstract
Plain language summary: Over one‐quarter of women in the UK have a caesarean birth (CB). More than one in 20 of these births occurs near the end of labour, when the cervix is fully dilated (second stage). In these circumstances, and when labour has been prolonged, the baby's head can become lodged deep in the maternal pelvis making it challenging to deliver the baby. During the caesarean birth, difficulty in delivery of the baby's head may result – this emergency is known as impacted fetal head (IFH). These are technically challenging births that pose significant risks to both the woman and baby. Complications for the woman include tears in the womb, serious bleeding and longer hospital stay. Babies are at increased risk of injury including damage to the head and face, lack of oxygen to the brain, nerve damage, and in rare cases, the baby may die from these complications. Maternity staff are increasingly encountering IFH at CB, and reports of associated injuries have risen dramatically in recent years. The latest UK studies suggest that IFH may complicate as many as one in 10 unplanned CBs (1.5% of all births) and that two in 100 babies affected by IFH die or are seriously injured. Moreover, there has been a sharp increase in reports of babies having brain injuries when their birth was complicated by IFH. When an IFH occurs, the maternity team can use different approaches to help deliver the baby's head at CB. These include: an assistant (another obstetrician or midwife) pushing the head up from the vagina; delivering the baby feet first; using a specially designed inflatable balloon device to elevate the baby's head and/or giving the mother a medicine to relax the womb. However, there is currently no consensus for how best to manage these births. This has resulted in a lack of confidence among maternity staff, variable practice and potentially avoidable harm in some circumstances. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding the prediction, prevention and management of IFH at CB, integrating findings from a systematic review commissioned from the National Guideline Alliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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5. Digital skills to enhance engineering.
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Irons, Alastair
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CAREER development , *ELECTRONIC paper , *ENGINEERS , *EDUCATIONAL accreditation , *REQUIREMENTS engineering - Abstract
The professional skills required to be a successful engineer continue to grow and expand as the engineering disciplines evolve. In the United Kingdom, the Engineering Council has released the latest version of the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP). AHEP4 as it has become known covers a wide range of topics central to engineering disciplines. As well as traditional core professional and subject requirements for engineering this document introduces challenges for the future such as sustainability, EDI, and cybersecurity. In addition, there is an expectation that appropriate digital skills for engineers form part of the toolkit for engineers as they move towards chartered engineering status. This paper discusses the digital skills that will enable engineers to develop their skill set as engineering professionals, enhance their employability by developing digital skills in the context of their engineering specialism and ensure that they have the digital skills to enable their activities to contribute to the betterment of society. In the paper the work done to embed digital skills in the engineering curriculum will be discussed. We will then go on to discuss the work done with engineering employers to identify the digital skills expectations for graduates entering employment and finally how the continued professional development process for digital skills can be embraced as engineers move through their careers. The session will conclude with a discussion on how colleagues from the UK and from Malaysia can work together to develop a framework to support engineers in developing their digital skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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6. Evaluation of Dried Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Filter Paper Spots for Storing and Transporting Clinical Material for the Molecular Diagnosis of Invasive Meningococcal Disease.
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Kwambana-Adams, Brenda A., Clark, Stephen A., Tay, Nicole, Agbla, Schadrac, Chaguza, Chrispin, Kagucia, Eunice W., Borrow, Ray, and Heyderman, Robert S.
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MENINGOCOCCAL infections , *FILTER paper , *MOLECULAR diagnosis , *CEREBROSPINAL fluid examination , *CEREBROSPINAL fluid , *NEISSERIA meningitidis , *NUCLEOTIDE sequencing , *WHOLE genome sequencing - Abstract
To improve the storage and transport of clinical specimens for the diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) infections in resource-limited settings, we have evaluated the performance of dried blood spot (DBS) and dried cerebrospinal fluid spot (DCS) assays. DBS and DCS were prepared on filter paper from liquid specimens previously tested for Nm in the United Kingdom. Nm was detected and genogrouped by real-time PCR performed on crude genomic DNA extracted from the DBS (n = 226) and DCS (n = 226) specimens. Targeted whole-genome sequencing was performed on a subset of specimens, DBS (n = 4) and DCS (n = 6). The overall agreement between the analysis of liquid and dried specimens was (94.2%; 95% CI 90.8–96.7) for blood and (96.4%; 95% CI 93.5–98.0) for cerebrospinal fluid. Relative to liquid specimens as the reference, the DBS and DCS assays had sensitivities of (89.1%; 95% CI 82.7–93.8) and (94.2%; 95% CI 88.9–97.5), respectively, and both assays had specificities above 98%. A genogroup was identified by dried specimen analysis for 81.9% of the confirmed meningococcal infections. Near full-length Nm genome sequences (>86%) were obtained for all ten specimens tested which allowed determination of the sequence type, clonal complex, presence of antimicrobial resistance and other meningococcal genotyping. Dried blood and CSF filter spot assays offer a practical alternative to liquid specimens for the molecular and genomic characterisation of invasive meningococcal diseases in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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7. Digital geographies of everyday multiculturalism: 'Let's go Nando's!'.
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Bennett, Katy, Gardner, Zoe, and De Sabbata, Stefano
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MULTICULTURALISM , *ELECTRONIC paper , *CITIES & towns , *GEOGRAPHY , *SOCIAL media - Abstract
As UK cities and towns become increasingly ethnically and culturally diverse, researchers have tuned into how people inhabit multiculturalism. Ethnographic approaches have focused on the kind of togetherness that people generate as they go about their everyday lives, observing the affective textures of interactions and happenings of the here and now in granular detail. Missing from these accounts is what crowdsourced data might add to understandings of how multicultural places are experienced. What is vital about this kind of data is that it is 'big', involving a diversity of voices similarly intent on messaging their experiences, presenting opportunities to scale up the affect of encounters and to quantify what is difficult to qualify. This paper brings Digital Geographies into conversation with research on everyday multiculturalism to examine qualitatively and quantitatively how social media use folds into and expresses various practices of sociality and connection. Our paper involves Twitter, Nando's and the city of Leicester in the UK to challenge and advance ways of understanding everyday multiculturalism in an era of global migration and ethnically complex populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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8. Weekly Policy Papers.
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EDUCATION policy , *LEGISLATIVE libraries , *RESEARCH institutes , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence - Abstract
The article delves into various policy papers recently published by the UK Government and parliamentary libraries, as well as insights from think tanks and other organizations. It covers topics such as T Level education plans, the integration of AI (artificial intelligence) in education regulation, findings from the National Behaviour Survey, and discussions on child poverty statistics and the UK's policy response.
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- 2024
9. Multidisciplinary paper on patient blood management in cardiothoracic surgery in the UK: perspectives on practice during COVID-19.
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Al-Attar, Nawwar, Gaer, Jullien, Giordano, Vincenzo, Harris, Emma, Kirk, Alan, Loubani, Mahmoud, Meybohm, Patrick, Sayeed, Rana, Stock, Ulrich, Travers, Jennifer, and Whiteman, Becky
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COVID-19 pandemic , *MEDICAL personnel , *OPERATIVE surgery , *TASK forces , *BLOOD transfusion - Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted all surgical specialties significantly and exerted additional pressures on the overburdened United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service. Healthcare professionals in the UK have had to adapt their practice. In particular, surgeons have faced organisational and technical challenges treating patients who carried higher risks, were more urgent and could not wait for prehabilitation or optimisation before their intervention. Furthermore, there were implications for blood transfusion with uncertain patterns of demand, reductions in donations and loss of crucial staff because of sickness and public health restrictions. Previous guidelines have attempted to address the control of bleeding and its consequences after cardiothoracic surgery, but there have been no targeted recommendations in light of the recent COVID-19 challenges. In this context, and with a focus on the perioperative period, an expert multidisciplinary Task Force reviewed the impact of bleeding in cardiothoracic surgery, explored different aspects of patient blood management with a focus on the use of haemostats as adjuncts to conventional surgical techniques and proposed best practice recommendations in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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10. Impact of sampling and data collection methods on maternity survey response: a randomised controlled trial of paper and push-to-web surveys and a concurrent social media survey.
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Harrison, Siân, Alderdice, Fiona, and Quigley, Maria A.
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RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *SOCIAL media , *ACQUISITION of data - Abstract
Background: Novel survey methods are needed to tackle declining response rates. The 2020 National Maternity Survey included a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and social media survey to compare different combinations of sampling and data collection methods with respect to: response rate, respondent representativeness, prevalence estimates of maternity indicators and cost. Methods: A two-armed parallel RCT and concurrent social media survey were conducted. Women in the RCT were sampled from ONS birth registrations and randomised to either a paper or push-to-web survey. Women in the social media survey self-selected through online adverts. The primary outcome was response rate in the paper and push-to-web surveys. In all surveys, respondent representativeness was assessed by comparing distributions of sociodemographic characteristics in respondents with those of the target population. External validity of prevalence estimates of maternity indicators was assessed by comparing weighted survey estimates with estimates from national routine data. Cost was also compared across surveys. Results: The response rate was higher in the paper survey (n = 2,446) compared to the push-to-web survey (n = 2,165)(30.6% versus 27.1%, difference = 3.5%, 95%CI = 2.1–4.9, p < 0.0001). Compared to the target population, respondents in all surveys were less likely to be aged < 25 years, of Black or Minority ethnicity, born outside the UK, living in disadvantaged areas, living without a partner and primiparous. Women in the social media survey (n = 1,316) were less representative of the target population compared to women in the paper and push-to-web surveys. For some maternity indicators, weighted survey estimates were close to estimates from routine data, for other indicators there were discrepancies; no survey demonstrated consistently higher external validity than the other two surveys. Compared to the paper survey, the cost saving per respondent was £5.45 for the push-to-web survey and £22.42 for the social media survey. Conclusions: Push-to-web surveys may cost less than paper surveys but do not necessarily result in higher response rates. Social media surveys cost significantly less than paper and push-to-web surveys, but sample size may be limited by eligibility criteria and recruitment window and respondents may be less representative of the target population. However, reduced representativeness does not necessarily introduce more bias in weighted survey estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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11. Why do health professionals need to know about the nutrition and health claims regulation? Summary of an Academy of Nutrition Sciences' Position Paper.
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Stanner, Sara, Ashwell, Margaret, and Williams, Christine M.
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HEALTH insurance reimbursement laws , *GOVERNMENT regulation , *DIET , *ORGANIZATIONAL goals , *MEDICAL protocols , *HEALTH insurance reimbursement , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations - Abstract
The article presents the discussion on claims about the nutritional and health benefits of foods and drinks Position Paper emphasises the learnings gaining through the implementation of the European Food Safety Authority evidence‐based process for assessment of proposed claims; and main audience for the Academy's work is the nutrition science community/profession and its stakeholders.
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- 2023
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12. Perimeter description of research publications on drones by prolific engineering writers.
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Suryani, I., Basir, N., Norkhairi, A., Halim, M. Z. A., and Zubir, F.
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BIBLIOMETRICS , *CONFERENCE papers , *ENGINEERING , *ACADEMIC discourse , *AUTHORS - Abstract
Teaching technical writing to engineering researchers particularly post graduate students is a demanding and complex task. Often the challenge faced by the language instructor is in having inadequate understanding on students' expected writing output which is engineering research publication. While the language instructors may find the language use aspect manageable, it is the understanding on expected writing output for engineering discipline that is a challenge; therefore, supporting language module developers to understand those expected outputs is essential and needed for the advancement in language teaching. In view on the need for the description of the targeted output which is engineering publication, this study focuses on supporting the understanding of engineering research publication specifically on drones. This study is aimed to describe the perimeter of research publication on drones written by prolific engineering writers. This paper uses bibliometric analysis method which is based on identifying the core research and authors, as well as the works that cited them. This study examines 275 research publications indexed in SCOPUS database and also investigates 1947 research publications that cited the 275 publications as reference source. The findings show that the publications are mostly articles, conference papers and reviews deriving mostly from the US, China and the UK whereas the citing documents are mostly from China, the UK and the US. This paper presents the description on the perimeter for both groups. Such description provides a ready narrative to language instructors as well as ready narratives and guidance on writing/content dimension for young scholars embarking on writing scholarly articles on drone research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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13. Measuring the online attention to business research papers: An altmetric study of selected journals with high impact factor.
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Verma, Manoj Kumar and Yuvaraj, Mayank
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ALTMETRICS , *SOCIAL media in business , *BUSINESS ethics , *CITATION analysis , *KRUSKAL-Wallis Test , *STATISTICAL software - Abstract
The present study is aimed toward examining the attention received by research papers through social and electronic media in business research. In recent years, altmetrics has emerged as a complementary measure of the impact of research works besides citation analysis and bibliometrics. Using the altmetric attention score (AAS) the paper is the first research of its kind to shed light on the characteristics of 100 papers receiving the highest online attention. Various predictors of online engagement with articles in business research journals having an impact factor greater than 6 are discussed. Data was collected from the Dimensions.ai database and analyzed using R statistical software. It is found that the Journal of Business Ethics contributed maximum papers with the highest AAS followed by the Journal of Business Research. Using the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test it was determined that AAS in business research is dependent upon article type, topics, and journal of publication. Most of the papers in high impact factor business journals have been contributed by the authors of USA, UK and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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14. Weekly Policy Papers.
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GOVERNMENT policy , *VALUE-added tax , *PRIVATE schools - Abstract
The article covers policy papers published from May 13-17, 2024. Several discussed include briefing from the House of Lords Library on proposed VAT changes for independent schools, a report criticizing the Office for Students' regulatory approach, a research briefing on school attendance in England, a briefing on educational outcomes for Gypsies and Travellers, and a briefing on youth unemployment statistics in the UK.
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- 2024
15. Worth the paper it's written on? A cross-sectional study of Medical Certificate of Stillbirth accuracy in the UK.
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Rimmer, Michael P, Henderson, Ian, Parry-Smith, William, Raglan, Olivia, Tamblyn, Jennifer, Heazell, Alexander E P, Higgins, Lucy E, and authors, the UKARCOG NESTT working group
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STILLBIRTH , *NEONATAL death , *PROOF & certification of death , *CAUSES of death , *CROSS-sectional method - Abstract
Background The Medical Certificate of Stillbirth (MCS) records data about a baby's death after 24 weeks of gestation but before birth. Major errors that could alter interpretation of the MCS were widespread in two UK-based regional studies. Methods A multicentre evaluation was conducted, examining MCS issued 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 in 76 UK obstetric units. A systematic case-note review of stillbirths was conducted by Obstetric and Gynaecology trainees, generating individual 'ideal MCSs' and comparing these to the actual MCS issued. Anonymized central data analysis described rates and types of error, agreement and factors associated with major errors. Results There were 1120 MCSs suitable for assessment, with 126 additional submitted data sets unsuitable for accuracy analysis (total 1246 cases). Gestational age demonstrated 'substantial' agreement [K = 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.76)]. Primary cause of death (COD) showed 'fair' agreement [K = 0.26 (95% CI 0.24–0.29)]. Major errors [696/1120; 62.1% (95% CI 59.3–64.9%)] included certificates issued for fetal demise at <24 weeks' gestation [23/696; 3.3% (95% CI 2.2–4.9%)] or neonatal death [2/696; 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–1.1%)] or incorrect primary COD [667/696; 95.8% (95% CI 94.1–97.1%)]. Of 540/1246 [43.3% (95% CI 40.6–46.1%)] 'unexplained' stillbirths, only 119/540 [22.0% (95% CI 18.8–25.7%)] remained unexplained; the majority were redesignated as either fetal growth restriction [FGR: 195/540; 36.1% (95% CI 32.2–40.3%)] or placental insufficiency [184/540; 34.1% (95% CI 30.2–38.2)]. Overall, FGR [306/1246; 24.6% (95% CI 22.3–27.0%)] was the leading primary COD after review, yet only 53/306 [17.3% (95% CI 13.5–22.1%)] FGR cases were originally attributed correctly. Conclusion This study demonstrates widespread major errors in MCS completion across the UK. MCS should only be completed following structured case-note review, with particular attention on the fetal growth trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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16. Evaluating misoprostol and mechanical methods for induction of labour: Scientific Impact Paper No. 68 April 2022.
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Weeks, Andrew D., Lightly, Kate, Mol, Ben W., Frohlich, Julie, Pontefract, Sarah, and Williams, Myfanwy J.
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INDUCED labor (Obstetrics) , *MISOPROSTOL , *ARTIFICIAL membranes , *DRUG standards , *DINOPROSTONE - Abstract
Plain language summary: Increasingly, births around the world are started artificially using medications or other methods. This process is known as induction of labour. As it becomes more common, methods are needed to meet the different clinical needs and birth preferences of women. Induction of labour typically includes a combination of the medication dinoprostone inserted into the vagina, artificial rupture of membranes ('releasing the waters'), and synthetic oxytocin (hormone given via a drip). This paper reviews some of the methods less commonly used for induction in the UK, namely a drug called misoprostol, which can be given orally or vaginally, and 'mechanical' methods, where labour is started by stretching the cervix (neck of the womb), most commonly with a soft silicone tube with a balloon near the tip, filled with water. Low‐dose oral misoprostol tablets are now commercially available in the UK. Other methods for labour induction are not reviewed in detail in this paper. The evidence suggests mechanical induction of labour (using a balloon catheter) and misoprostol are both at least as safe and effective as using the standard drug, dinoprostone. There is evidence to suggest a balloon catheter may reduce the chance of serious negative outcomes for babies when compared with dinoprostone, and that giving low‐dose oral misoprostol results in fewer caesarean births. Where possible and after informed consent, the method of induction of labour should be personalised to suit the individual woman, her clinical condition, and the setting in which she is giving birth. Local contexts and resources also need to be taken into account. To date, research into women's perspectives and experiences of induction of labour have been significantly lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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17. Weekly Policy Papers.
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EDUCATION , *TEACHERS , *EDUCATIONAL leadership , *CHILD abuse - Abstract
The article focuses on providing details of policy papers published in the past week, covering topics such as the 2024 pay award for teachers and leaders, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement overview, and duties to report child abuse in England. It categorizes the papers into sections, including those from the UK Government, parliamentary libraries, and other think tanks or non-governmental bodies, offering comprehensive insights into recent policy developments within the education sector.
- Published
- 2024
18. Microfibrillated cellulose films for mending translucent paper: an assessment of film preparation and treatment application options.
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Henniges, Ute, Angelova, Lora, Schwoll, Sonja, Smith, Holly, and Brückle, Irene
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JAPANESE films , *NATIONAL archives , *OPTICAL properties - Abstract
Mending tears in translucent papers is a challenging task that requires mending materials with specific mechanical and optical properties. Recently, translucent films from microfibrillated cellulose have been suggested as an attractive alternative to traditional repair materials. We prepared custom films from a commercial microfibrillated cellulose suspension and compared their mechanical and optical properties as mending supports with commercially manufactured microfibrillated cellulose films and Japanese tissue. Tear mending of modern and historic translucent paper samples using the custom-made films and Klucel G or isinglass as adhesives showed satisfactory strength and resilience, and accelerated ageing tests yielded acceptable visual results. A case study on a translucent paper document from the collection of The National Archives, UK, is detailed. We conclude that custom-made tear mending materials from commercially available microfibrillated cellulose suspensions present a cost-effective and attractive approach for the mending of translucent papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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19. Worth the paper they are printed on? Findings from an independent evaluation of the understandability of patient information leaflets for antiseizure medications.
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Noble, Adam J., Haddad, Sara, Coleman, Niamh, and Marson, Anthony G.
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READABILITY (Literary style) , *PEOPLE with epilepsy , *PAMPHLETS , *DRUGS , *PREGABALIN , *COLLEGE students - Abstract
Objective: The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is an authoritative document that all people with epilepsy in the EU receive when prescribed antiseizure medication (ASM). We undertook the first independent, comprehensive assessment to determine how understandable they are. Regulators state that when patients are asked comprehension questions about them, ≥80% should answer correctly. Also, recommended is that PILs have a maximum reading requirement of US grade 8. Methods: Study 1: We obtained 140 current ASM PILs written in English. "Readability" was assessed using four tests, with and without adjustment for influence of familiar, polysyllabic words. A total of 179 online materials on epilepsy were also assessed. Study 2: Two PILs from Study 1 were randomly selected (Pregabalin Focus; Inovelon) and shown to 35 people from the UK epilepsy population. Their comprehension was assessed. Study 3: To understand whether the student population provides an accessible alternative population for future examination of ASM PILs, Study 3 was completed, using the same methods as Study 2, except that participants were 262 UK university students. Results: Study 1: No PIL had a reading level of grade 8. Median was grade 11. Adjusting for context, the PILs were still at grade 10.5. PILs for branded ASMs were most readable. PILs were no more readable than (unregulated) online materials. Study 2: Users struggled to comprehend the PILs' key messages. The eight questions asked about pregabalin were typically answered correctly by 54%. For Inovelon, it was 62%. Study 3: Most student participants comprehended the PILs' key messages. The questions about Inovelon were answered correctly by 90%; for pregabalin it was 86%. Significance: This is the first independent and comprehensive examination of ASM PILs. It found that PILs being used fail to meet recommendations and regulatory requirements and risk not being understandable to a substantial proportion of users. In finding that people from the epilepsy population differ markedly in comprehension of PILs compared to students, this study highlights the importance of completing user testing with the target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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20. Serious Funny Papers: A Contextual Examination into the Making of an Acadomic.
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Lawrence, Julian
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DIGITAL technology , *GRAPHIC novels , *COVID-19 pandemic , *ACADEMIC discourse , *COMIC books, strips, etc. - Abstract
In this academic comic (or acadomic) I reflect on impacts to the creative process when reconceptualizing and recontextualizing a comics-based research (CBR) project as an acadomic for an edited book during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns intensified computer-mediated-communication (CMC) and I am compelled by two years of virtually exclusive engagement with digital technologies to explore the impact unrestrained online activities have on my creative comics practice, on my conceptions of research, and on my experiences as a teacher. Analysis of this process and its impacts is realized through a mixed research methodology that explores the impacts of conceptualizing and making an earlier acadomic, which in turn documents a comics-based research project between university students and a national charity as they successfully collaborate on the creation of a graphic novel. I probe the boundaries of academic writing by visualizing and performing Baudrillard's theoretical violence to critique digital intensification through metaphor, semiotics, and comics. The work for this article was undertaken during the rolling pandemic lockdowns in the UK and around the world from 2020 to 2022. Academic theory and the medium of comics problematize the digital simulacrum as I action a utopian pedagogy that supports balance between traditional and digital techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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21. Health geography in the time of Covid-19: Selected papers from the 19th International Medical Geography Symposium, Edinburgh, UK, July 2022.
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Pearce, Jamie and Shortt, Niamh
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CONFERENCES & conventions , *POPULATION geography , *COVID-19 - Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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22. Weekly Policy Papers.
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GOVERNMENT policy , *ASSOCIATIONS, institutions, etc. , *ADULT education , *UNEMPLOYMENT statistics , *LEGISLATIVE libraries - Abstract
The article discusses the publication of policy papers in the United Kingdom, categorizing them into three parts: government policy papers, parliamentary policy papers, and those from think tanks and other organizations. Topics include government policies on devolved adult education, the United Kingdom Space Agency's Space Sector Skills Survey, and parliamentary inquiries on children's social care reforms, multi-academy trusts, university strike action, youth unemployment statistics, and more.
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- 2023
23. Risk‐Reducing Salpingo‐Oophorectomy and the Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy Below the Age of Natural Menopause: Scientific Impact Paper No. 66.
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Manchanda, R, Gaba, F, Talaulikar, V, Pundir, J, Gessler, S, Davies, M, and Menon, U
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HORMONE therapy , *SALPINGO-oophorectomy , *BREAST self-examination , *MENOPAUSE , *BRCA genes , *FALLOPIAN tubes , *CANCER hormone therapy - Abstract
Plain language summary: This paper deals with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer in premenopausal high risk women. Some women have an alteration in their genetic code, which makes them more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Two well‐known genes which can carry an alteration are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Examples of other genes associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer include RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, PALB2 and Lynch syndrome genes. Women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer, may also be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women at increased risk can choose to have an operation to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which is the most effective way to prevent ovarian cancer. This is done after a woman has completed her family. However, removal of ovaries causes early menopause and leads to hot flushes, sweats, mood changes and bone thinning. It can also cause memory problems and increases the risk of heart disease. It may reduce libido or impair sexual function. Guidance on how to care for women following preventative surgery who are experiencing early menopause is needed. HRT is usually advisable for women up to 51 years of age (average age of menopause for women in the UK) who are undergoing early menopause and have not had breast cancer, to minimise the health risks linked to early menopause. For women with a womb, HRT should include estrogen coupled with progestogen to protect against thickening of the lining of the womb (called endometrial hyperplasia). For women without a womb, only estrogen is given. Research suggests that, unlike in older women, HRT for women in early menopause does not increase breast cancer risk, including in those who are BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers and have preventative surgery. For women with a history of receptor‐negative breast cancer, the gynaecologist will liaise with an oncology doctor on a case‐by‐case basis to help to decide if HRT is safe to use. Women with a history of estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer are not normally offered HRT. A range of other therapies can be used if a woman is unable to take HRT. These include behavioural therapy and non‐hormonal medicines. However, these are less effective than HRT. Regular exercise, healthy lifestyle and avoiding symptom triggers are also advised. Whether to undergo surgery to reduce risk or not and its timing can be a complex decision‐making process. Women need to be carefully counselled on the pros and cons of both preventative surgery and HRT use so they can make informed decisions and choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. British Association of Critical Care Nurses: Evidence‐based consensus paper for oral care within adult critical care units.
- Author
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Collins, Tim, Plowright, Catherine, Gibson, Vanessa, Stayt, Louise, Clarke, Sarah, Caisley, Jo, Watkins, Claire Harcourt, Hodges, Emily, Leaver, Gillian, Leyland, Sarah, McCready, Patricia, Millin, Sara, Platten, Julie, Scallon, Michelle, Tipene, Patsy, and Wilcox, Gabby
- Subjects
- *
PNEUMONIA , *CONSENSUS (Social sciences) , *ORAL hygiene , *CRITICALLY ill , *TOOTH care & hygiene , *PATIENTS , *NOSOCOMIAL infections , *VENTILATOR-associated pneumonia , *EVIDENCE-based nursing - Abstract
Background: Patients who are critically ill are at increased risk of hospital acquired pneumonia and ventilator associated pneumonia. Effective evidence based oral care may reduce the incidence of such iatrogenic infection. Aim: To provide an evidence‐based British Association of Critical Care Nurses endorsed consensus paper for best practice relating to implementing oral care, with the intention of promoting patient comfort and reducing hospital acquired pneumonia and ventilator associated pneumonia in critically ill patients. Design: A nominal group technique was adopted. A consensus committee of adult critical care nursing experts from the United Kingdom met in 2018 to evaluate and review the literature relating to oral care, its application in reducing pneumonia in critically ill adults and to make recommendations for practice. An elected national board member for the British Association of Critical Care Nurses chaired the round table discussion. Methods: The committee focused on 5 aspects of oral care practice relating to critically ill adult patients. The evidence was evaluated for each practice within the context of reducing pneumonia in the mechanically ventilated patient or pneumonia in the non‐ventilated patient. The five practices included the frequency for oral care; tools for oral care; oral care technique; solutions used and oral care in the non‐ventilated patient who is critically ill and is at risk of aspiration. The group searched the best available evidence and evaluated this using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence from high to very low, and to formulate recommendations as strong, moderate, weak, or best practice consensus statement when applicable. Results: The consensus group generated recommendations, delineating an approach to best practice for oral care in critically ill adult patients. Recommendations included guidance for frequency and procedure for oral assessment, toothbrushing, and moisturising the mouth. Evidence on the use of chlorhexidine is not consistent and caution is advised with its routine use. Conclusion: Oral care is an important part of the care of critically ill patients, both ventilated and non‐ventilated. An effective oral care programme reduces the incidence of pneumonia and promotes patient comfort. Relevance to Clinical practice: Effective oral care is integral to safe patient care in critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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25. An innovative multi-agency consultation model for harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people: practice paper.
- Author
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Ibrahim, Jeyda
- Subjects
- *
RISK-taking behavior , *COUNSELING , *HUMAN sexuality , *MATHEMATICAL models , *MENTAL health , *THEORY , *MEDICAL referrals , *HEALTH care teams , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *SUPPORT groups , *SOCIAL case work - Abstract
Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) has been regularly documented as a demanding area of practice within the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of this paper is to share a practice model developed in an under-resourced inner London borough. The HSB forum is formed of a multi-agency group of professionals and runs monthly providing a platform for practitioners to seek consultation for young people they are working with who are displaying HSB's. Initial feedback for the forum from practitioners has been consistently positive and they have valued specifically the opportunity to formulate, have clear directions, and the multi-disciplinary perspective. In addition, most reported feeling empowered to implement the recommendations suggested. Given the shared vulnerability factors between those displaying HSB's and other at-risk young people such as those who are being sexually exploited, this model provides an innovative way that practitioners can be supported by multiple agencies where there is a lack of specialist services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. 'Best paper' prize winners for 2023 and in the current issue: entry to UK ENT specialist training.
- Author
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Fisher, Edward W and Fishman, Jonathan
- Subjects
- *
PUBLISHING , *AWARDS , *SERIAL publications , *OTOLARYNGOLOGY , *MEDICAL specialties & specialists , *AUTHORSHIP - Abstract
An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various articles on topics including ENT specialist training in the United Kingdom, providing valuable insights for aspiring ENT surgeons regarding portfolio building, competitiveness of the process, and strategies for success.
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- 2024
- Full Text
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27. Weekly Policy Papers.
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EDUCATION policy , *CHILD sexual abuse , *FEDERAL aid to education , *HIGHER education - Abstract
gives details of all policy papers on education published in Great Britain from 22 to 26 May, 2023. Topics discussed include "Government Response to the Final Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse;" "Funding for Levelling Up;" and "Accessing Higher Education in the UK's Overseas Territories."
- Published
- 2023
28. Weekly Policy Papers.
- Subjects
- *
EDUCATION policy , *NATIONAL Curriculum (Great Britain) , *STRIKES & lockouts , *MATHEMATICS education - Abstract
The article offers insight to policy papers on education published in Great Britain from 24 to 28 April, 2023. Topics discussed include "2022 National Curriculum Assessments: Lessons Learnt;" "School Strike Action in the UK;" and "Maths to 18' Plan," and "Examining Exams. Are there credible alternatives to written examinations?."
- Published
- 2023
29. British Lymphology Society's position paper for management of people with lymphoedema in presence of deep vein thrombosis: a summary.
- Author
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O'Neill, Catriona and Elwell, Rebecca
- Subjects
- *
LYMPHEDEMA treatment , *PULMONARY embolism , *VENOUS thrombosis , *MEDICAL protocols , *COMPRESSION therapy , *PROFESSIONAL associations , *PATIENT education , *DISEASE management , *POSTTHROMBOTIC syndrome , *DISEASE risk factors , *SYMPTOMS , *DISEASE complications - Abstract
There is some confusion surrounding the management of people with lymphoedema in the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This may be in relation to the suitability of commencing compression therapy or regarding the continuation of compression therapy in those who develop DVT. The purpose of this British Lymphology Society position paper is to support evidence-based practice and debunk the myths surrounding the management of DVT and lymphoedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Weekly Policy Papers.
- Subjects
- *
INTERNATIONAL agencies , *NONGOVERNMENTAL organizations , *LEGISLATIVE libraries , *RESEARCH institutes , *GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
The article discuses the Education Parliamentary Monitor (EPM) weekly policy papers released by the UK Government. Several discussed include white and green Papers, parliamentary libraries, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. It is further reported that the period covered by this report is from January1-13, 2023.
- Published
- 2023
31. Policy papers published last week.
- Subjects
- *
EDUCATION policy , *WOMEN'S rights , *STUDENT loans , *CHILD mental health services - Abstract
The article offers insight to policy papers on education published in Great Britain. Topics include "International Women and Girls Strategy 2023 to 2030;" "Lifelong Loan Entitlement: Impact assessment;" and "The Role of Higher Education in Overseas Investment in UK R&D," and "Children's Mental Health Services."
- Published
- 2023
32. Evaluation of the performance of semi-flexible pavement contained sustainable grout material.
- Author
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Al-Zerejawy, Hussein K. and Al-Humeidawi, Basim H.
- Subjects
- *
GROUT (Mortar) , *FLEXIBLE pavements , *ASPHALT modifiers , *GROUTING , *WASTE paper , *PAVEMENT management , *ASPHALT , *PAVEMENTS , *MECHANICAL abrasion - Abstract
In recent years a new type of pavement has gained popularity in the United Kingdom this type is called Semi flexible Pavements (SFP). It consists of porous asphalt with high air voids between (25-35) % and is filled with cementitious grout materials. SFP is a combination road surface that incorporates the effects of both porous asphalt and cement paste grout. In addition it has proven to function well in strongly loaded freeways and airport pavement. The primary goal of this research was to assess the performance and durability of SFP contained sustainable grout material. The Reed Waste Ash (RWA) was adopted as a partial replacement for conventional grout material and Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) used in SFP. Also superplasticizer (SP) was used to improve the fluidity of grout and waste paper fiber (W-PF) was used as a modifier for asphalt binder. The indirect Tensile Stress (ITS) and Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) tests were used to evaluate the resistance of new SFP to cracking and moisture susceptibility while the wheel track test was used to assess the resistance to permanent deformation. The results showed that the SFP containing OPC+10% RWA enhanced the moisture susceptibility of SFP up to 83.52 %. In addition, the result of the abrasion test of the SFP mixture containing OPC+10%RWA gives a great improvement, reached to 55% and 88% for unaged and aged specimens, respectively, when compared to the control mix. The rutting resistance was improved by 85% for the above mentioned replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Weekly Policy Papers.
- Subjects
- *
GOVERNMENT policy , *PRIVATE schools , *EDUCATION policy , *YOUTH employment - Abstract
The article focuses on the all policy papers published by the United Kingdom government from June 12 -16, 2023. It includes parliamentary policy papers on charitable status and independent schools, think tank and third-party policy paper regarding homophobia and transphobia in schools and youth employment statistics.
- Published
- 2023
34. Weekly Policy Papers.
- Subjects
- *
GOVERNMENT policy , *RESEARCH institutes , *UNEMPLOYMENT statistics , *LEGISLATIVE libraries , *SCHOOL attendance - Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent policy papers released from February 12-16, 2024. It covers papers from various sources, including the UK government, parliamentary libraries, and other think tanks or non-governmental bodies. It highlights government policy papers, outlines parliamentary policy papers, including topics such as youth unemployment statistics and school attendance in England.
- Published
- 2024
35. 'As straight as they come': Expressions of masculinities within digital sex markets.
- Author
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Rand, Helen M
- Subjects
- *
INTERNET marketing , *QUEER theory , *MASCULINITY , *GENDER identity , *ELECTRONIC paper , *DATA privacy , *MASCULINE identity , *DESIRE - Abstract
The research presented in this paper supports claims by feminists and queer theorists that there are numerous and diverse sex/gender/desire categories (Bem, 1995). Taken from a broader digital ethnography of digital sex markets in the United Kingdom, the findings are based on ten in-depth interviews with those who identified as men or 'gender flexible' and who buy and/or sell sex within digital markets. The participants featured in this paper used digital sex markets as a space to explore and express non-normative/subversive sexual and gender identities. Yet for many of them, these subversive acts were bounded by the market, so they were able to uphold masculine heterosexual identities outside of sex markets. The relative privacy of digital sex markets empowered them to maintain heterosexist power, reducing the social risks of stigmatisation and ostracisation associated with subversive sexual and gender identities. The thematic analysis revealed the limitations of heteronormative and homonormative labels and assumptions of sex work relations, thus, prompting the need to write this paper. Framing sex markets in narrow binary terms, as either homosexual or heterosexual markets, or research participants as customers or workers do not reflect the fluidity and diversity evident in this small yet revealing sample. The study shows multiple and fluid expressions of sex/gender/desire; and a duality in market roles as workers and/or customers amongst men engaged in digital sex markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Reply to: Letter on the Recent Paper "Vascular 'Long COVID': A New Vessel Disease?".
- Author
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Zanini, Giada, Selleri, Valentina, Roncati, Luca, Coppi, Francesca, Nasi, Milena, Farinetti, Alberto, Manenti, Antonio, Pinti, Marcello, and Mattioli, Anna Vittoria
- Subjects
- *
POST-acute COVID-19 syndrome , *RISK assessment , *VASCULAR diseases , *DISEASE risk factors , *SYMPTOMS , *CHILDREN , *ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
The article focuses on the prevalence and challenges of diagnosing Long Covid Syndrome in children and adolescents, highlighting the varied symptoms, the scarcity of literature on the subject, and the potential risk factors, including age, gender, allergies, and persistent symptoms.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. 'No health without mental health': where are we now?
- Author
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Clark, Louise L, Zagni, Maria, and While, Alison E
- Subjects
- *
MENTAL illness prevention , *NATIONAL health service laws , *COMMUNITY health services , *MENTAL health , *PSYCHIATRIC treatment , *COMMUNITY health nursing , *PRIMARY health care , *AT-risk people , *POSITIVE psychology , *EMOTIONS , *CLINICAL competence , *HEALTH promotion , *HEALTH education , *CONTINUING education , *WELL-being - Abstract
Mental health services are under unprecedented pressure with overwhelming referrals and a current waiting list of 1.2 million people of all ages. The cross-government White Paper 'No health without mental health' was launched 12 years ago detailing the importance of wellbeing services in the creation of mentally healthy communities through health promotion and illness prevention. While primary care, community services and psychiatry are pivotal in the treatment of mental Illness/disorder, mental health care per se is on a continuum, and a great deal of work can be undertaken in communities by wellbeing services to prevent avoidable referrals. This paper proposes a broad framework of education and training for wellbeing/positive mental health services, primary and community care, and nurses working in Community Mental Health Treatment Teams and Home Treatment Teams to ensure all those working with potentially vulnerable adults and children are regulated and meet national standards for mandatory mental health education and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Collaborative working between speech and language therapists and teaching staff in mainstream UK primary schools: A scoping review.
- Author
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Mathers, Alys, Botting, Nicola, Moss, Rebecca, and Spicer-Cain, Helen
- Subjects
- *
HEALTH services accessibility , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *OCCUPATIONAL roles , *ELEMENTARY schools , *RESEARCH funding , *MAINSTREAMING in special education , *FAMILIES , *TEACHING , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PHYSICIANS' attitudes , *TEACHERS , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *MEDLINE , *MEDICAL research , *LITERATURE reviews , *SOCIAL networks , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *SOCIAL support , *FAMILY support , *MEDICAL practice - Abstract
Support for school-age children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) usually takes place within the school setting. Successful outcomes for children with SLCN rely on effective collaborative working between speech and language therapists (SLTs), school staff and families. We need to understand the current evidence regarding the joint working practices, relationships and collaboration experiences of SLT and teaching staff within mainstream primary schools, in order to identify whether sufficient research exists for a systematic review within this field, and to inform practice. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify what research currently exists regarding collaboration, roles and relationships of SLTs and teaching staff within mainstream UK primary schools, and clarify the nature, participants and concepts described within this literature. A scoping review framework was used, consisting of identification of the review objectives, identification of relevant studies, study selection and iterative searches, data charting and reporting of the results. Information regarding research question, participants, data collection and analysis and terms used for key concepts was extracted. This scoping review identified 14 papers, however, collaboration was the primary focus of only 5 of these. Clarity and perceptions of roles were key themes within six of the papers. Whilst facilitators and barriers to collaboration are discussed in all 14 papers, only 4 studies aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators. Teaching assistant (TA) views are underrepresented within the research. Drawing conclusions from the body of research is challenging due to the varied ways in which the key concept 'collaboration' is used. Currently, there is insufficient literature to carry out a systematic review. This scoping review highlights the need for research that considers collaboration within the complex social network of school staff (including TAs) and SLTs, in order to ensure that future guidance is rooted in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Education, work and social mobility in Britain's former coalfield communities: reflections from an oral history project.
- Author
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Simmons, Robin and Walker, Martyn
- Subjects
- *
SOCIAL mobility , *ORAL history , *COMPULSORY education , *COALFIELDS - Abstract
This paper draws on an oral history project which focuses on former coalminers' experiences of education and training. It presents the stories of five participants, all of whom undertook significant programmes of post-compulsory education during or immediately after leaving the coal industry and achieved a degree of social mobility over the course of their working lives. The paper compares and contrasts their experiences with those which now exist in Britain's former coalmining communities which, it is argued, have been substantively attenuated over time, especially for young men. Whilst it is evident that individual choice and motivation can play an important role in helping (or hindering) young people's journeys through education and employment, the central argument of the paper is that individual labour market success lies at the intersection of structure and agency – although the data presented also demonstrate the extent to which opportunities available to young men in the former coalfields have been diminished by de-industrialisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. The emergence and undermining of sex worker-led freelance feminism.
- Author
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Simpson, Jessica
- Subjects
- *
FEMINISM , *HOSTILE work environment , *PRECARITY , *SEX workers , *FREELANCERS - Abstract
Using one sex worker-led collective as a case example, this paper explores how feminism, precarious work and entrepreneurialism coexist together in contradictory ways. I begin by highlighting how freelance work within UK strip clubs creates precarity and hostile work environments for sex workers when coupled with exploitative managerial practices; however, when similar, equally precarious gig work and promotional activities are combined with sex worker-led collectivist practices, they can instead be used to advance feminist politics. The paper then shifts to a discussion of how the transformative potential of the sex worker collective and their efforts to fight for labour rights and safer working conditions are continually and violently undermined by the feminism of those outside the stripping industry and with access to more privilege, power, and resources. While there are many different feminisms, the article ends by arguing for the ongoing need to seek some reconciliation within the movement to ensure that the voices and concerns of those most marginalised remain at the centre of politics and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. 'We live in a capitalist world, we need to survive!': Feminist cultural work, platform capitalism, and pandemic precarity.
- Author
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Curran-Troop, Hannah
- Subjects
- *
PRECARITY , *FEMINISTS , *FEMINISM , *PANDEMICS , *CAPITALISM , *ARTS endowments - Abstract
This paper analyses the working practices of several feminist creative and cultural enterprises in London (which I term 'feminist CCIs'). In particular, it shows how pandemic precarity has driven feminist CCIs towards more entrepreneurial, self-promotional, and self-branding practices in order to sustain their work. Drawing on both digital ethnographic material and interviews with 12 workers in feminist CCIs conducted online between 2020 and 2022, the article provides insights into the landscape and contemporary realities of arts and cultural funding within these fields. It considers how decades of austerity measures and cuts have forced some feminist CCIs to operate independently outside of the UK public sector funding models. Survival tactics include adopting corporate funding models, subscription and membership schemes, platformisation and digitalisation. Focusing on funding, money and subjectivity, it unpacks the contradictions these imperatives bring to feminist politics: tensions about which some feminist CCI workers themselves are aware of and critical of. In the process, this paper considers how activism, feminism, entrepreneurialism, and precarity are fused together and negotiated in this form of 'freelance feminism'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Nuha: A study of the conduct of everyday life of a British Yemeni young person.
- Author
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Ahmed, Huda Kamel
- Subjects
- *
YOUNG adults , *CONDUCT of life , *PERSONALITY (Theory of knowledge) , *HUMAN behavior , *EVERYDAY life , *YOUNG women - Abstract
There is a lack of research that focuses on the lived experiences of British Yemeni young people in the UK as they pertain to their learning and development. This paper aims to bridge the gap by exploring the case of Nuha, an 18-year-old British Yemeni young woman, as she navigates the conduct of her everyday life. The paper presents a developed conceptual model and associated methodological approach for exploring Nuha. It does so by first reviewing what might be viewed as dominant approaches to the study of ethnic young people's experiences that advocate a social identity theory. A critique of such thinking is developed that takes issue with much of this writing that has the potential for an essentialised abstracted approach. The paper instead advocates the use of a subjectively focused, practice orientated and yet culturally sensitive approach to exploring human behaviour in the context of the conduct of everyday life. Based on an analytical matrix that is developed from such thinking, I examine Nuha's life experiences using Dreier's theory of a person. In doing so, I recognise the additional importance of personhood in practice that provide a reference point for exploring more deeply the learning and development of Nuha. The research is generated through a case study narrative that is analysed dialectically through theory, recognising how theory is simultaneously driven by the data. The paper concludes with arguments made about the centrality of an extended and developed sense of the conduct of everyday life to get at the nuanced evolving sense of being and doing for British Yemeni young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Soil sampling and sensed ancillary data requirements for soil mapping in precision agriculture II: contour mapping of soil properties with sensed z-score data for comparison with management zone averages.
- Author
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Kerry, Ruth, Ingram, Ben, Oliver, Margaret, and Frogbrook, Zoë
- Subjects
- *
SOIL mapping , *CONTOURS (Cartography) , *PRECISION farming , *SOIL sampling , *DIGITAL mapping - Abstract
Sensed and soil sample data are used in two approaches for mapping soil properties in precision agriculture: management zone (MZs) and contour maps. This is the second paper in a two-part series that focuses on contour maps. Detailed and accurate contour maps of soil properties for precision agriculture are often costly to produce because of the large sampling effort required. Such maps or those of sensed ancillary data are often simplified to represent MZs. This research investigated the accuracy of detailed maps of soil properties produced inexpensively from sensed data by transforming them to z-scores. The z-scores of ancillary values are then transformed to values of soil variables using the mean and standard deviation of a small soil data set. The errors from this mapping approach are examined with historic soil data from three field sites with different scales of spatial variation in the United Kingdom. Errors from the conversion of z-scores of sensed data to soil variable ranges are compared with those from MZ averages (Paper I in this series). For soil properties with a moderate relation to ancillary data, the errors related to the z-score conversion were small irrespective of sample size. The root mean squared errors associated with the MZ mean rather than values from the digital map were generally smaller except when sample size was very small. The results suggest that when the scale of variation is small and more samples are required to define MZs, calibrating z-scores of sensed ancillary data may provide better MZ averages than sampling on a grid; it also provides a detailed map of spatial variation within the field. The z-score conversion approach is less sensitive to sample size and captures small features of the variation compared to the standard 100 m grid sampling to determine MZ averages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Soil sampling and sensed ancillary data requirements for soil mapping in precision agriculture I. delineation of management zones to determine zone averages of soil properties.
- Author
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Kerry, Ruth, Ingram, Ben, Oliver, Margaret, and Frogbrook, Zoë
- Subjects
- *
SOIL mapping , *SOIL sampling , *PRECISION farming , *KRIGING , *SOILS , *CONTOURS (Cartography) - Abstract
Sensed and soil sample data are used in two main approaches for mapping soil properties in precision agriculture: management zones (MZs) and contour maps. This is the first of two papers that explores maps of MZs. Management zones based on variation in sensed data that are related to the more permanent soil properties assume that the zones are multi-purpose. Soil properties are then often sampled on a grid to provide the average values of each property per zone. This paper examines the plausibility of this approach by examining how the number of samples taken on a grid and the application of kriging affect mean soil property values for MZs. The suitability of MZs based on ancillary data for managing several agronomically important properties simultaneously is also considered. These concepts are examined with historic soil data from four field sites in southern UK with different scales of spatial variation. Results showed that when the grid sampling interval is large, there is less difference in the means of properties between MZs, but kriging the soil data increased the differences between zones when the sampling interval was large and sample small. Sensed data are used increasingly to aid the identification of MZs, but these could not be considered multi-purpose at all sites. The MZs produced were most useful for phosphorus (P), pH and volumetric water content (VWC) at the Wallingford site and useful for most properties at the Clays and Y215 sites. For the latter site this was true only when the most dense data were used to calculate MZ averages. The results show that sampling interval for MZ averages should relate to the scale of variation or the size of the MZs at a site. The sampling density could be based on the variogram range of ancillary data. This research suggests that there should be 6–8 samples per zone to obtain accurate averages of soil properties. Nutrient data for more than one year were examined at two sites and showed that patterns remained consistent in the short term unless variable-rate management was used, but also the range of values changed in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Selling world-class education: British private schools, whiteness and the soft-sell technique.
- Author
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Ayling, Pere
- Subjects
- *
PRIVATE schools , *PRIVATE education , *BRAND image , *INTERNATIONAL competition , *BOARDING schools - Abstract
Education-UK and British private schools more specifically are often framed as a global brand of 'world-class' quality. However, the increased competition within the international education market has meant British private schools cannot rest on their laurels but instead must continue to project their 'world-classness' in a way that does not diminish their brand image. Drawing on interviews of parents and key gatekeepers, this paper examines how British private schools in Nigeria (BPS-NIG) and British private boarding schools in the UK (BPBS-UK) evoked and projected their supposed world-classness through the strategic use of white symbolism and the expensive admission process. The paper contends that the latter are types of soft-sell marketing techniques utilised by BPS-NIG and BPBS-UK to sell British schools without imperilling their brand image. The paper concludes by drawing attention to the racial implication of framing whiteness and white British specifically as synonymous with high-quality, 'world-class' education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Elite schools and slavery in the UK – capital, violence and extractivism.
- Author
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Gamsu, Sol, Ashe, Stephen, and Arday, Jason
- Subjects
- *
ELITISM in education , *SLAVE trade , *SLAVERY , *SCHOOLBOYS , *BLACK people ,BRITISH colonies - Abstract
Elite schools in the UK are bound to the history of British colonialism. This paper examines the material ties between these schools and the transatlantic slave trade. We combine multiple sources to examine which schools and their alumni accrued substantial economic capital derived from the enslavement of Black people. We find two principal connections: first, in donations and foundations of schools from those who made their fortune in the slave trade; and second, through income of boys attending these schools. Drawing on the Legacies of British Slavery dataset, we show that schools with alumni benefitting from the slave trade include the most prestigious British private schools. Moreover, this paper traces the histories of several secondary schools founded by, or in receipt of, substantial donations from slave-owning families. We argue that extractive, violent forms of colonial capital accumulation have been central to, the formation and maintenance of these elite educational institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Pacemaking and placemaking on the UK canals.
- Author
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Kaaristo, Maarja
- Subjects
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FOREGROUNDING , *BOATS & boating , *RHYTHM , *TEMPO (Music theory) - Abstract
This paper focuses on the complex relationship between pace and place, offering a novel lens for understanding mobility within the context of canal boating. Drawing on fieldwork on the canals in north‐west England, the paper focuses on mobile placemaking practices. Canal boats act as physical and material but also ideological pacemakers, guiding the boaters towards subscribing to the idea of slow living, where certain canal‐based pace‐myths play an important role. Pacemaking on the canals is therefore a form of placemaking, realised through the mobility of the vessel, materialities of the infrastructure, tempos and temporalities, representations and stories about canal life as well as the bodies on board and on towpaths as canal boaters modulate and manage their experience and performance of pace. The investigation of the interplay between the slow pace, rhythms, embodied practices, canal infrastructure, and the prevalent pace‐myths offers valuable insights into the ways places are shaped by the pace of mobility, thus expanding the concept of placemaking. By foregrounding pace as a key concept in mobility studies, the paper demonstrates the need for a more nuanced understanding of the temporalities associated with different modes of movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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48. Care‐driven informality: The case of community transport.
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Ravensbergen, Léa and Schwanen, Tim
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NONPROFIT sector , *VOLUNTEER service , *TRAVEL websites , *VOLUNTEERS - Abstract
Nation‐wide cuts to bus subsidies have led to reduced service in rural communities in the UK, leaving those who do not have access to a car – most of whom are older, have a disability, or have a low income – with few other options to meet their travel needs. This has resulted in greater demand on community transport, small‐scale, local, and community‐based transport schemes that are run by the not‐for‐profit sector and are primarily volunteer‐run. Drawing on 28 interviews conducted with volunteers and staff from community transport schemes across Oxfordshire, this paper describes the provision of community transport schemes at the intersection of informal transport and an ethics of care. This sector is posited as informal, however; unlike many informal transport schemes, community transport is non‐entrepreneurial. Instead, these schemes emerge from the community and are care‐driven. Volunteers who run these schemes all provide skilled labour that is a practice of caring about, caring for, or care giving. This framing highlights the undervaluing of community transport. Indeed, the labour and schemes are underfunded and lack recognition. This study therefore emphasises the socio‐political nature of community transport and shows the importance of supporting caring transport services. It concludes by discussing how this undervalued sector might be re‐valorised so that it can continue to support those with few other transport options. Community transport refers to small‐scale, local, and community‐based transport schemes that are run by the not‐for‐profit sector and are primarily volunteer‐run. Drawing on 28 interviews conducted with scheme providers, this paper describes the provision of community transport schemes at the intersection of informal transport and an ethics of care. This care‐driven informality framing highlights the undervaluing of community transport, a trend that might be applied to other sectors in need of revalorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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49. A Discussion of Building a Smart SHM Platform for Long-Span Bridge Monitoring.
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Xie, Yilin, Meng, Xiaolin, Nguyen, Dinh Tung, Xiang, Zejun, Ye, George, and Hu, Liangliang
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LONG-span bridges , *STRUCTURAL health monitoring , *DIGITAL twins , *INTELLIGENT sensors , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence , *INTELLIGENT buildings - Abstract
This paper explores the development of a smart Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) platform tailored for long-span bridge monitoring, using the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) as a case study. It discusses the selection of smart sensors available for real-time monitoring, the formulation of an effective data strategy encompassing the collection, processing, management, analysis, and visualization of monitoring data sets to support decision-making, and the establishment of a cost-effective and intelligent sensor network aligned with the objectives set through comprehensive communication with asset owners. Due to the high data rates and dense sensor installations, conventional processing techniques are inadequate for fulfilling monitoring functionalities and ensuring security. Cloud-computing emerges as a widely adopted solution for processing and storing vast monitoring data sets. Drawing from the authors' experience in implementing long-span bridge monitoring systems in the UK and China, this paper compares the advantages and limitations of employing cloud- computing for long-span bridge monitoring. Furthermore, it explores strategies for developing a robust data strategy and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin (DT) technologies to extract relevant information or patterns regarding asset health conditions. This information is then visualized through the interaction between physical and virtual worlds, facilitating timely and informed decision-making in managing critical road transport infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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50. UK paediatric speech and language therapists' perceptions on the use of telehealth in current and future clinical practice: An application of the APEASE criteria.
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Charlton, Jenna, Gréaux, Mélanie, Kulkarni, Amit, Dornstauder, Melanie, and Law, James
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SPEECH therapists , *NATIONAL health services , *PROFESSIONAL practice , *INTERPROFESSIONAL relations , *COST effectiveness , *MENTAL health , *MEDICAL care , *LEADERSHIP , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PEDIATRICS , *TELEMEDICINE , *SURVEYS , *THEMATIC analysis , *ATTITUDES of medical personnel , *MATHEMATICAL models , *COMMUNICATION , *TECHNOLOGY , *THEORY , *STAKEHOLDER analysis , *COVID-19 pandemic , *SPEECH therapy - Abstract
Background: Telehealth for paediatric speech and language therapy became one of the most salient modes of service delivery during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Evidence for speech and language therapy services via telehealth in comparison to face‐to‐face delivery demonstrates promising outcomes, and studies have begun to explore practitioner and client experiences. However, across the literature, many critical elements of services are overlooked, and there is a need to frame the evidence base within a theoretical model that can draw out practical implications that consider the range of factors having an impact on clinical implementation in real‐world contexts. The APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side‐effects, and Equity) criteria offer such a model. The current study explored practising UK speech and language therapists' (SLTs) clinical experience of telehealth through the lens of the APEASE criteria and aimed to identify recommendations for future service provision from the practitioner perspective. Methods: An online survey structured using the APEASE criteria was developed in collaboration with the UK Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four hundred and thirty‐eight qualified and practicing UK paediatric SLTs completed the survey. Telehealth was broadly acceptable and practicable to SLTs yet there remains some uncertainty about its efficacy and cost‐effectiveness compared to face‐to‐face interventions and how equitable it is for different population groups. SLTs reported that effective implementation of telehealth services was dependent upon several contextual factors; affordability was a perceived barrier to clients having access to telehealth resources, intervention via telehealth was perceived as more acceptable than assessment, and whilst many SLTs welcomed aspects of telehealth, there were concerns about the physical and mental health consequences for practitioners. Six themes for the future development of telehealth in paediatric speech and language therapy were identified: (1) balanced and tailored services; (2) technology and equipment; (3) information and communication; (4) capacity building; (5) monitoring and evaluation; and (6) leadership and governance. Conclusions: Outcomes highlight promising, concerning and uncertain aspects of telehealth in paediatric speech and language therapy. SLTs value a flexible and tailored approach to service delivery and recommend that effective leadership, clear communication, ongoing policy and guidance development, upskilling of users and careful evaluation of impact are required to ensure optimal implementation. The APEASE criteria offer a valuable opportunity to enhance and streamline practice and research to ensure sustainable implementation of telehealth in the paediatric speech and language therapy services of tomorrow. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: The COVID‐19 pandemic led to the increased use of telehealth as a main mode of service delivery in paediatric speech and language therapy. Pre‐COVID‐19, evidence for the use of telehealth in this field included small‐scale experimental studies that reported on children with particular disorders and explored telehealth outcomes in comparison to face‐to‐face delivery. The realities of at‐scale clinical practice were not well‐represented, and critical elements of service such as cost‐effectiveness were often overlooked in the paediatric literature. Furthermore, despite emerging global evidence for temporary telehealth responses to the crisis in speech and language therapy, the long‐term and future use of telehealth remains unclear. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The current study applied the lens of the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side‐effects, and Equity) criteria, which were used in this case to consider socioeconomic, ecological and cultural factors to capture an overarching understanding of the use of telehealth in paediatric speech and language therapy, and to inform the role of telehealth in future, longer‐term and at‐scale service development. Results indicated emerging trends in UK paediatric speech and language therapists' (SLTs') perceptions of telehealth and SLTs perceived a hybrid approach to service delivery, combining mostly face‐to‐face services with some telehealth, was likely to continue in the future. We identified six themes to guide the future development of telehealth in paediatric speech and language therapy services: (1) balanced and tailored services; (2) technology and equipment; (3) information and communication; (4) capacity building; (5) monitoring and evaluation; and (6) leadership and governance. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: UK SLTs believe that speech and language therapy services using telehealth should be reflective, tailored and flexible to meet the requirements and circumstances of the children, young people and families served, as well as the physical and emotional needs of practitioners. SLTs recommend that this service development is clearly communicated to all stakeholders and suggested that those using telehealth should be supported through appropriate training, and ongoing effectiveness should be monitored. Telehealth is here to stay and the APEASE criteria offer a unique opportunity to ensure sustainable models of service delivery; to support co‐ordinated leadership at the local, national and international levels and the development of policy and clinical guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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