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Technology in libraries has played an essential role in serving today's communities. This study provides an overview of the integrated library systems/software (ILSs) used in libraries in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It aims to highlight the strengths and possibilities of ILSs and briefly explain their advantages and disadvantages along with the cost of implementation. The data was gathered from questionnaires sent via an online survey and from direct interviews with certain academic libraries over the period of 2019 to 2020. Fifty-three of 67 libraries that fulfilled the study have implemented an ILS. To deeply understand the application, a direct interview with some libraries was conducted to learn the advantages and disadvantages. The result of the study showed that the most used ILSs are SLiMS and INLISlite and other programs like Apollo, Athenium Light, Simpus, Spektra, Jibas, KOHA, and Openlibrary. The budget spent is an average of300 USD. While the ILSs have helped these libraries improve services, IT expertise and adequate resources are needed, especially when the systems present problems. An easy-to-use system that costs less will potentially be used in this area of research. This study will be particularly helpful for any library in Indonesia. These findings may also be generalized to libraries in other countries facing economic and technological similarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is widespread and growing support and requirement for researchers and larger organisations to collaborate with communities. This ensures that social, educational, or health programmes are relevant and acceptable and address the needs of groups that experience inequity. There is limited research about the processes and approaches that impact successful collaboration. The aim of this study was to identify the best‐practice processes used to develop and sustain collaborative partnerships between community members and formal organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Using a qualitative case study methodology and guidance from our community advisory group, we selected three effective collaborations with groups that experienced inequity in Aotearoa New Zealand. We examined these by reviewing their publicly available documents and conducting focus group discussions and interviews with key stakeholders. We coded and analysed transcriptions thematically to develop case study summaries of findings and then conducted cross‐case analysis to identify themes inherent in the data. Seven themes emerged from the data: (1) work together under Te Tiriti to ensure that collaborations are built on the articles of this founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand; (2) start before the beginning by forming strong relationships with diverse and representative community members; (3) walk the talk by using critically reflexive processes built on shared values and equal power relations; (4) use pencils not pens to implement ensuring an iterative project process; (5) recognise all contributions and especially the value of lived experience and local knowledge; (6) journey at a pace that allows all to participate; and (7) listen twice, talk once to give priority to hearing quieter voices. These seven practices can be utilised by other collaborative initiatives to increase genuine and power‐shared participation. These participatory processes can make sure that collaborative projects respect local knowledge, indigenous culture, and respond iteratively to community needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Universities have established a system of periodic evaluation and accreditation in order to manage the quality of education, enhance their physical resources and educational equipment, and improve their human resources. This study aimed to conduct an analysis of second-generation institutional accreditation standards for medical sciences universities from the experts' perspective. Methods. The present research was a qualitative study with an inductive approach conducted at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between the years 2019- 2022. The sampling method was purposeful, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 34 managers, officials of development offices, and experts involved in the accreditation programs of educational institutions. As for study validation, the four criteria of Guba and Lincoln (i.e., credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) were used. As for data analysis, MAXQDA 20, a software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative and mixed-methods data analysis, was used. The interview texts were analyzed using the content analysis method. Results. The results of the content analysis identified 204 initial codes, 9 subcategories, and 2 main categories (the strengths and weaknesses of the content). The subcategories of strengths included standardization, improvement of educational processes, development of assessment areas, restructuring of educational structure, benchmarking global experiences, and transparency in criteria. The subcategories of weaknesses included structural weaknesses, lack of validity, and ambiguity in criteria. Conclusion. The process of analyzing the content of accreditation standards for educational institutions periodically and obtaining regular feedback will lead to the enhancement of the standards and the realization of activities, ultimately resulting in the improvement of educational quality and the dynamism of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Rural hospitals provide secondary care for much of the rural New Zealand population. Little is known about community perspectives of the health and social contribution. Aim. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore community views on the role of their rural hospital in a low socioeconomic rural district with a high Māori and Pacific population. Methods. Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with rural community members about the perceived role of their rural hospital. Iterative thematic analysis was undertaken. Results. In total, 22 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis yielded four themes: (i) rural hospitals as a safety net – providing access to emergency care and mitigating limited primary care access; (ii) providing personalised, culturally aware care; (iii) facilitating family/whanau support; and (iv) doing the best with limited resources. The latter included pragmatism about resource constraints, but a preference for the hospital to remain open. Discussion. Rural hospitals contribute to community safety by enhancing access to emergency care and mitigating difficulties in access to primary care. The local contextual knowledge of rural hospital providers allows personalised, family-centred and culturally-responsive care. Despite service centralisation, rural hospitals are wanted by their communities. Rural health planners should consider how to maximise the breadth of locally-provided services to reduce the impacts of travel and transfer for care [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mental health and substance use services for youth in Canada continue to be fragmented. In response, Integrated Youth Services (IYS) has been proposed to address gaps in youth mental health services that can lead to improved youth outcomes. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) was launched in 2017 as Ontario's IYS Network for youth ages 12–25, prioritizing continuous improvement through evaluation. Description: At the end of the first three years of the YWHO initiative, an evaluation was carried out to identify the barriers and facilitators to the initial implementation of YWHO and service delivery modifications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic across ten sites. Reporting on these is the focus of this article. Key informant interviews were conducted in early 2021 with Network Leads from all ten initial YWHO sites. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze all interview data. Discussion: Facilitators to the implementation of the YWHO model included diversified funding models, YWHO Provincial Office implementation supports, clear hub processes, robust community partnerships, organizational support and dedicated staff. Common barriers included certain challenges related to staffing and finances, implementation of the shared data collection platform, implementation of measurement-based care, partnerships, integrated service delivery, and branding and communications. Conclusion: Implementation of IYS is highly collaborative and quite complex. As interest in such models increase, so does the need for knowledge related to optimal implementation. Learnings have informed developments and improvements made to the YWHO model. Insights will also inform how stakeholders support youth in their communities in designing and implementing services that improve youth mental health and overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community health workers represent a critical part of the health outreach and services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers ('farmworkers') in rural areas of the United States. Purpose: We sought to identify adaptations to farmworker patient engagement and health outreach made by community health workers during the first 18 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: In this qualitative study, we used semi‐structured interviews with community health workers from August 2020 to February 2022 (n = 21). Two coders used thematic analysis to identify three themes related to the experiences of community health workers in conducting health education and outreach to farmworkers prior to and following the onset of the pandemic. Findings: We found themes related to pre‐pandemic outreach efforts to provide health education resource sharing with farmworkers and pandemic‐related outreach efforts that included adoption of porch drops and distanced delivery of health education, adaptation of modes of health education and communication through technology and the internet, and taking on new roles related to COVID‐19. Finally, we identified changes that reverted after the pandemic or will continue as adaptations. Conclusions: Community health workers created practice‐based innovations in outreach in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. These innovations included new COVID‐19 related roles and new modes of health education and outreach, including the use of digital resources. The changes developed for emergency use in COVID‐19, particularly related to internet and technology, have likely altered how community health workers conduct outreach in North Carolina going forward. Funders, community health worker training programs, and researchers should take note of these innovations. Patient or Public Contribution: Community health workers who typically come from patient populations and provide critical navigation and connection with the health care system advised on the design and creation of this research project, including serving on an advisory board. Two authors have experience working as community health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the rise in mental disorders, psychosocial and community approaches have been proposed, complementing traditional clinical services. The present research aimed to understand the perception of individuals attending community-based strategies regarding mental health services as part of the approach to mental disorders in Colombia. Two workshops were conducted with 30 individuals with mental disorders (depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder), who were members of community strategies. A thematic analysis was conducted. The theme resulting from the analysis shows Community mental health within the healthcare system, which consisted of categories such as Group Amplifying Actions for Health and Groups as Complementary to Other Forms of Care. It is emphasized that the healthcare system should establish bridges with community mental health strategies and actively engage in their strengthening processes to enhance the outcomes of pharmacological interventions and even psychotherapeutic interventions. Bidirectional learning approach is proposed between community-based mental health services and clinical settings within the healthcare system. Community strategies can make an important contribution to complex processes in the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly considered an integral part of health research, and the focus has shifted from why we need PPI to how users can be involved in a meaningful way. The rationale for investigating experiences with PPI from the perspective of occupational therapy (OT)‐trained researchers' originates in the interrelationship between the inclusive approach to knowledge production, and participation and inclusion as core tenets of OT. The aim of this study was to explore PPI in health research from the perspective of OT‐trained researchers. Method: Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted online with nine Norwegian researchers. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Professional background and clinical experience from person‐centred OT formed the foundation for how these researchers approached and facilitated PPI in their research. Valuing experiential knowledge and facilitating PPI to be meaningful for public collaborators were highlighted as essential for PPI to have an impact. The need to balance mutual expectations, requirements for research, and what might be possible to achieve within a research study were found to be vital. Conclusion: Collaborative clinical experience constituted a sound foundation for implementing PPI in research. The occupational perspective underlines the importance of acknowledging experiential knowledge as essential to facilitating meaningful PPI. Challenges related to requirements for research and culture for implementing PPI were addressed by clarifying roles and expectations. Patient or Public Contribution: Three public collaborators were involved in developing the aims, the interview guide, and the data analysis. They all had previous experience being involved in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and incorporating patients' perspectives are necessary to address the emerging challenge of chronic disease management. Our study examined patients' perceptions and experiences for the current chronic disease management system in South Korea. Focus group interviews were conducted on 23 patients and 11 themes emerged by qualitative content analysis. The participants experienced in terms of provider-patient interaction: doctors only prescribe medicine, doctors who provide conventional advice, doctors who do not respect the patients' opinion, long wait times and inadequate consultations, lack of personalized care, and freedom to select another doctor. They also experienced in their community and health system: struggling alone, commercial media and folk remedies, lack of IT technologies for care, demanding visiting services, and lack of collaboration in the community. We found that patients needed comprehensive and personalized care, respect from providers, and self-management support and collaborated care with the community using information technologies advancement. Our findings suggest that a fundamental change in the South Korean healthcare system paradigm is required for successful chronic care, including payment and healthcare delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Urban organic waste diverted from landfills for use as compost feedstock may help mitigate and adapt to the effects of our changing climate. Yet, compost produced from urban food and yard waste is often a source of contaminants harmful to human and environmental health. Efforts by multiple municipalities are increasing residential and commercial food and yard waste collection; however, finished, tested compost is typically unavailable to those contributing the waste and whose gardens would benefit. OBJECTIVES: This commentary evaluates the relative equity and safety of U.S. organic waste cycles in relation to urban and peri-urban agriculture (UA) and waste stewardship. We a) explore historical structures that have led to siloed food and waste systems and b) provide recommendations to promote safer compost production from urban organic waste inputs. The engagement of intersectional partners in the creation of equitable policies and contracts that integrate food and waste justice is crucial to this work. METHODS: A 15-y relationship between community, academic, and government partners in Boston, Massachusetts, has increased access to health-promoting community gardens. Historical concerns raised by gardeners resulted in improvement to the quality of compost sourced from municipal organic waste and motivated a case study of Boston and three other cities (Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; New York, New York). This case study provides the approaches used to source, collect, process, test, and deliver urban organic waste as compost for UA. It informed recommendations to improve the safety and equity of organic waste-to-compost cycles. DISCUSSION: Strict feedstock regulation and required compost safety testing are essential to produce safe, city-sourced compost. Balancing the needs of landfill diversion with equitable distribution to all contributors, particularly low-income and food-insecure people, will help concentrate UA benefits within marginalized communities. Adoption of a public health lens may help ensure the safety of nutrient-rich compost available for urban growers through legislation at state and local levels, along with explicit industry contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector offers services and leadership within the health and care system in England and has a specialist role in working with underserved, deprived communities. This evaluation aims to identify best practices in self-management support for those living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to develop a theory of change (TofC) through understanding the impact of VCSE organisations on diabetes management. An appreciative inquiry (AI) was carried out and co-delivered using qualitative interviews and an embedded analysis with VCSE partners. A voluntary service coordinated seven VCSE organisations who assisted with recruiting their service users and undertook interviews to identify the impact of existing activities and programmes. People living with T2DM were interviewed about services. Themes were as follows: (a) individual and group activities; (b) trusted services and relationships across the community; (c) long-term engagement; (d) sociocultural context of diet and nutritional choices; (e) experience of adaptation; and (f) culturally appropriate advice and independent VCSE organisations. The structured educational approach (DESMOND) for T2DM was accessed variably, despite these services being recommended by NICE guidelines as a standard intervention. The VCSE offered continuity and culturally appropriate services to more marginalised groups. This evaluation highlights the importance of targeted engagement with underserved communities, particularly where primary care services are more limited. The TofC is a unique insight into the impact of VCSE services, offering bespoke support to manage T2DM, suggesting areas for improvements in capacity and offering the capability to sustain the VCSE sector as an essential element of the T2DM care pathway in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Industry and higher education sectors devote considerable, but independent resources to deliver postgraduate nursing education. This leads to duplication, uncertainty among students, and critical gaps in nursing education. Establishing and sustaining meaningful partnerships between invested university and industry stakeholders can strengthen workforce capability and improve patient care. Methods: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using a University-Industry Integration Framework to develop a postgraduate nursing education program. Prospective mixed methods cohort study (STROBE). A co-design approach, using an established University-Industry Integration Framework, leveraged expert stakeholder partnerships to contextualise knowledge and service need for developing a postgraduate education program for cancer care nurses. Results: All participants (n = 46) were 100% satisfied with the online resources, support, and communication processes applied. Qualitative data generated three major analytical interpretations (reciprocity, flexible adaptations, authentic learning), highlighting the experiences and connections and how the partnership evolved. Program participants (n = 15) undertook a six-week cancer education program with eight responding to the survey with overwhelming satisfaction (100%), increasing their knowledge and skills. While barriers were evident, three quarters (n = 6) indicated these were addressed and enabled progress in the program. However, 63% (n = 5) were not satisfied with the program workload. Conclusions: University and industry partners can apply the University-Industry Integration Framework and deliver a successful postgraduate education program for cancer care services. Within a co-design partnership it is possible to develop strategies and processes to overcome barriers and deliver a program for mutual benefit. The culmination of this successful education program has enhanced collaborations between partners and likely will sustain the offering of future co-design endeavours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Limited evidence exists about which patient and stakeholder engagement practices support or hinder study teams as they negotiate different viewpoints in decisions about the design and conduct of patient‐centered outcomes research. Methods: We applied a multiple‐embedded descriptive case study design for six studies funded by the Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). We interviewed 32 researchers and stakeholder partners, including patients, caregivers and clinicians, and reviewed documents related to each study (e.g., publications, and progress reports submitted to PCORI). Findings: Overall, researchers reported that incorporating different viewpoints was a strength or opportunity to learn rather than something to be avoided or dreaded. Across cases, different viewpoints and priorities, often related to ethical or pragmatic considerations, emerged between researchers and stakeholders, between stakeholder groups (e.g., patients and clinicians) or within groups (e.g., amongst researchers). Examples of navigating different viewpoints arose across study phases. The length of time to resolve issues depended on how strongly people disagreed and the perceived importance or impact of decisions on the study. All cases used collaborative decision‐making approaches, often described as consensus, throughout the study. Interviewees described consensus as using negotiation, compromise or working towards an agreeable decision. To encourage consensus, cases actively facilitated group discussions with an openness to diverse opinions, remained flexible and open to trying new things, referenced a ground rule or common goal and delegated decisions to partners or smaller workgroups. When viewpoints were not easily resolved, cases used different approaches to reach final decisions while maintaining relationships with partners, such as elevating decisions to leadership or agreeing to test out an approach. No one engagement structure (e.g., advisory group, coinvestigator) stood out as better able to manage different viewpoints. Teams adjusted engagement structures and behaviours to facilitate an overall culture of inclusion and respect. Partners acknowledged the intentional efforts of researchers to incorporate their perspectives, navigate challenges and communicate the value of partner input. Conclusion: By using collaborative decision‐making in the early stages and throughout the study, researchers built trust with partners so that when decisions were difficult to resolve, partners still felt listened to and that their input mattered. Patient or Public Contribution: Members of the PCORI Patient Engagement Advisory Panel in 2019–2020 provided input into the design of the study, including the research questions and approaches to data collection and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient engagement in patient‐oriented research (POR) is described as patients collaborating as active and equal research team members (patient research partners [PRPs]) on the health research projects and activities that matter to them. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada's federal funding agency for health research, asks that patients be included as partners early, often and at as many stages of the health research process as possible. The objective of this POR project was to co‐build an interactive, hands‐on training programme that could support PRPs in understanding the processes, logistics and roles of CIHR grant funding applications. We also conducted a patient engagement evaluation, capturing the experiences of the PRPs in co‐building the training programme. Methods: This multiphased POR study included a Working Group of seven PRPs with diverse health and health research experiences and two staff members from the Patient Engagement Team. Seven Working Group sessions were held over the 3‐month period from June to August 2021. The Working Group worked synchronously (meeting weekly online via Zoom) as well as asynchronously. A patient engagement evaluation was conducted after the conclusion of the Working Group sessions using a validated survey and semi‐structured interviews. Survey data were analysed descriptively and interview data were analysed thematically. Results: The Working Group co‐built and co‐delivered the training programme about the CIHR grant application process for PRPs and researchers in five webinars and workshops. For the evaluation of patient engagement within the Working Group, five out of seven PRPs completed the survey and four participated in interviews. From the survey, most PRPs agreed/strongly agreed to having communication and supports to engage in the Working Group. The main themes identified from the interviews were working together‐communication and supports; motivations for joining and staying; challenges to contributing; and impact of the Working Group. Conclusion: This training programme supports and builds capacity for PRPs to understand the grant application process and offers ways by which they can highlight the unique experience and contribution they can bring to each project. Our co‐build process presents an example and highlights the need for inclusive approaches, flexibility and individual thinking and application. Patient or Public Contribution: The objective of this project was to identify the aspects of the CIHR grant funding application that were elemental to having PRPs join grant funding applications and subsequently funded projects, in more active and meaningful roles, and then to co‐build a training programme that could support PRPs to do so. We used the CIHR SPOR Patient Engagement Framework, and included time and trust, in our patient engagement approaches to building a mutually respectful and reciprocal co‐learning space. Our Working Group included seven PRPs who contributed to the development of a training programme. We suggest that our patient engagement and partnership approaches, or elements of, could serve as a useful resource for co‐building more PRP‐centred learning programmes and tools going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Considering the importance of self-esteem as an influential variable in the mental health of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and also the inconsistent findings in the related literature, this study intended to compare the level of self-esteem in public, social, academic, and family contexts in students with and without ADHD. Methods. The research design was based on the causal-comparative study. The intended first population of this study consisted of students with ADHD who had visited the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic of Razi Hospital in Tabriz during 2021 (1400 in the solar calendar); the second population was made up of healthy counterparts of this clinical group (i.e., students without ADHD). Based on the purposive sampling method, 48 students who were diagnosed with ADHD without co-occurring psychiatric disorder by a child psychiatry specialist were selected as the study group. Also, 48 healthy students from Tabriz schools were selected as the group without ADHD. Results. Given the obtained results, a statistically significant difference was found between the ADHD group and the non-ADHD group in light of the composite scores of the self-esteem sub-components. The findings showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the public and the family subscales, that is, the public self-esteem of the group with ADHD was higher than the mean of the general self-esteem of the non-ADHD group, and the mean of the family self-esteem of the non-ADHD group was higher than that of the ADHD group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the social and academic subscales. Conclusion. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the self-esteem of students with ADHD in their inner world is different from other individuals’ inferences about the self-esteem of these children. In other words, these children had acceptable self-esteem in their psychological world according to their psychological conditions. In addition, considering the low family self-esteem of the participants with ADHD, the behavioral quality of these children’s parents and relatives may have affected how they define family relationships and consequently, lowered their value. Practical Implications. Considering the obtained results, it was suggested to pay attention to these children’s self-esteem in their interventions and use the potential of this variable in controlling individual and family behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Minas Gerais Medical Journal / Revista Médica de Minas Gerais is the property of Associacao Medica de Minas Gerais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The Compassionate Communities Connectors programme is a volunteer-led initiative designed to enhance the social networks of families living with chronic or life-limiting illnesses. Specially trained volunteers supported existing members of the families' social networks and also enlisted the support of community members, Caring Helpers, to address the social and practical needs of these families. The programme is an initiative of The South West Compassionate Communities Network in Western Australia, in partnership with the health service. Objective: To explore the experiences and views of Connectors implementing this model of care with a particular focus on its feasibility and acceptability from their perspective. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with 11 Connectors covering their experience with 37 patients/family carers (March 2021 to April 2022). A deductive content analysis was used in analysing interview transcripts. Results: Six themes captured the Connectors' view of their role and its impact on their clients and themselves: Mutual benefits from connection and reciprocity; It is ok to ask for and receive help; Sense of community as being 'part of a village'; Making a difference in social connectedness; Frustrations when not achieving everything you want to; Reflecting on the difference with traditional volunteering. These themes are complemented by a social network mapping example and a vignette demonstrating the increase both in connections and interaction between these connections and the process by which such changes took place. Conclusion: Volunteering as a Connector has been a positive and feasible experience for fostering a sense of community among participants, developing relationships with other community members, seeing the difference that the Connector role makes in the lives of those involved in the enhanced network and fostering growth in Connectors' emotional capacity and compassion. The work is challenging but rewarding and differs in several respects from traditional volunteering, particularly in the agency Connectors can bring to their role. A public health approach based on a close partnership between health services and communities/civic institutions is the optimal practice model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite many countries working hard to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Health-related Sustainable Development Goals, access to healthcare services has remained a challenge for communities residing along national borders in the East Africa Community (EAC). Unlike the communities in the interior, those along national borders are more likely to face access barriers and exclusion due to low health investments and inter-state rules for non-citizens. This study explored the legal and institutional frameworks that facilitate or constrain access to healthcare services for communities residing along the national borders in EAC. Methods: This study is part of a broader research implemented in East Africa (2018–2020), employing mixed methods. For this paper, we report data from a literature review, key informant interviews and sub-national dialogues with officials involved in planning and implementing health and migration services in EAC. The documents reviewed included regional and national treaties, conventions, policies and access rules, regulations and guidelines that affect border crossing and access to healthcare services. These were retrieved from official online and physical libraries and archives. Results: Overall, the existing laws, policies and guidelines at all levels do not explicitly deal with cross border healthcare access especially for border residents, but address citizen rights and entitlements including health within national frameworks. There is no clarity on whether these rights can be enjoyed beyond one's country of citizenship. The review found examples of investments in shared health infrastructure to benefit all EAC member countries – a signal of closer cooperation for specialized health care, this had not been accompanied by access rule for citizens outside the host country. The focus on specialized care is unlikely to contribute to the every-day health care needs of border resident communities in remote areas of EAC. Nevertheless, the establishment of the EAC entail opportunities for increased collaboration and integration beyond the trade and customs union to included health care and other social services. The study established active cooperation aimed at disease surveillance and epidemic control among sub-national officials responsible for health and migration services across borders. Health insurance cards, national identification cards and official travel documents were found to constrain access to health services across the borders in EAC. Conclusion: In the era of UHC, there is need to take advantage of the EAC integration to revise legal and policy frameworks to leverage existing investments and facilitate cross-border access to healthcare services for communities residing along EAC borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International and national guidelines state that palliative care should be offered to everyone who needs it. To promote the implementation of palliative care in nursing homes, a partnership collaboration was initiated with the goal of implementing high quality palliative care. The partnership consisted of three partner groups: a project group from a non-profit organisation providing health care, managers at the nursing homes and an academic partner. The aim was to explore the social processes within academic-community partnership in a collaboration project. Methods: Digital focus group discussions were conducted with 16 participants, representing all three partner groups. One individual digital interview was also carried out. A constructivist perspective of a grounded theory approach was used for data analysis. Results: The core category, partnership positioning, covers the social processes of the academic-community partnership in a collaboration project to implement and evaluate health-promoting interventions in clinical health care. The core category was found to have four categories: Pre-positioning, Co-positioning, Re-positioning and GoOn-positioning. The process of partnership positioning is conceptualised in a model. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a new partnership in an implementation project needs holistic, systemic thinking. To enhance implementation in a collaborative project involving different professionals and actors a plan is required to facilitate positioning activities. The process, the roles and the components need to be clearly defined and documented, and the management of a system requires knowledge of the interrelationships between all the components within the system. The development of a conceptual model of Partnership Positioning contributes to knowledge concerning the social dynamic processes which can be applied to support future academic-community collaboration and/or implementation projects. Trial registration: Not applicable. The present study has not been considered as a clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We partnered with veteran-serving nonprofits in order to identify distressed rural veterans and provide them with a mental health workshop in community-based settings. Community organizations helped recruit veterans and provided space for 1-day (5-h) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group workshops conducted in rural locations. Qualitative interviews were conducted at 1- and 3-months post-intervention to assess acceptability. Quantitative measures were conducted at baseline, 1- and 3-months post-intervention to measure effectiveness. We successfully engaged community partners throughout every stage of the research and delivered workshops to thirty-one veterans in rural community-based locations. Veterans appreciated the structure, content, and environment of the workshops; most implemented ACT skills into their daily lives and some initiated new treatment following workshop participation. Quantitative measures showed improvements in functioning (Cohen's d ranging from.27 to.40), reintegration (Cohen's d =.45), meaning and purpose (Cohen's d =.40), and reductions in distress (Cohen's d ranging from.28 to.40) 3-months following workshop participation. Collaborating with rural veteran-serving nonprofit organizations holds promise for engaging hard-to-reach distressed veterans in mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is an extensive literature on public involvement (PI) in research, but this has focused primarily on experiences for researchers and public contributors and factors enabling or restricting successful involvement in specific projects. There has been less consideration of a 'whole system' approach to embedding PI across an organization from governance structures through to research projects. Objective: To investigate how a combination of two theoretical frameworks, one focused on mainstreaming and the other conceptualizing quality, can illuminate the embedding of positive and influential PI throughout a research organization. Methods: The study used data from the evaluation of a large UK research collaboration. Primary data were collected from 131 respondents (including Public Advisers, university, NHS and local government staff) via individual and group interviews/workshops. Secondary sources included monitoring data and internal documents. Findings: CLAHRC‐NWC made real progress in mainstreaming PI. An organizational vision and infrastructure to embed PI at all levels were created, and the number and range of opportunities increased; PI roles became more clearly defined and increasingly public contributors felt able to influence decisions. However, the aspiration to mainstream PI throughout the collaboration was not fully achieved: a lack of staff 'buy‐in' meant that in some areas, it was not experienced as positively or was absent. Conclusion: The two theoretical frameworks brought a novel perspective, facilitating the investigation of the quality of PI in structures and processes across the whole organization. We propose that combining these frameworks can assist the evaluation of PI research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Successful community-engaged research depends on the quality of the collaborative partnerships between community -members and academic researchers and may take several forms depending on the purpose which dictates the degree to which power dynamics are handled within the collaborative arrangement. Methods: To understand the power dynamics and related concepts within community-engaged research arrangements, a secondary analysis of an existing qualitative data set was undertaken. Two models of community-engaged research, a review of literature, and the applied experiences of researchers familiar with community engagement practices confirmed the power dynamics concepts used to carry out the analysis of the qualitative data set according to the principles of directed content analysis. This analysis yielded quotes on power dynamics and related issues. Tools to address the power dynamics exposed by the quotes were selected using the literature and lived experience of the researchers. Finally, to ensure trustworthiness, the selected quotes on power dynamics and the recommended tools were subjected to naturalistic treatment using peer debriefings and triangulation. Results: Analysis of existing qualitative data made clear that community-engaged research between health practitioners and communities may take several forms depending on the purpose and dictate how power dynamics, including inequities, biases, discrimination, racism, rank and privilege, are handled within the collaborative arrangement. Three tools including implicit bias training, positionality, and structural competency may be used to address power dynamics and related concepts. Conclusion: Analysis of the qualitative data set highlighted the power dynamics within different community-engaged research models and the tools that may be used to address inequitable power dynamics including implicit bias training, positionality, and structural competency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Despite a growing interest in service‐user involvement in mental health services, the interaction between health institutions and local groups is only beginning to receive attention, particularly in global south settings. Objective: Looking at a participatory initiative in Chile, this study explores how, under unfavourable administrative conditions, health organizations approach and work with communities. Methods: We interviewed policy‐makers (5), local professionals (10), service users and community representatives (6) linked to a concrete participatory initiative. Participant observation in relevant meetings helped to enrich the interpretations. Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts and field notes. Findings: The findings present a sequence of actions starting with the creation of a network of community‐based groups. A set of problems ensued, related to the group's diversity, internal representation, decision‐making and funding processes. In response, processionals implemented simultaneously bureaucratic and democratic adjustments, developing a vision of community that ignored the particularities—including the motivations—of local groups. Discussion and conclusion: Based on these findings, we argue that participatory initiatives should be studied as on‐going achievements shaped by broad policy orientations and local configurations of interest. In the process, they produce ad hoc forms of knowledge and visions of community that provide orientation to the agents involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background People who have had a stroke and are living in the community have low levels of physical activity, which reduces their functional capacity and increases risks of developing secondary comorbid conditions. Exercise delivered in community centers can address these low levels of physical activity; however, implementing evidence-based programs to meet the needs of all community stakeholders is challenging. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine implementation factors to facilitate participation in relevant exercise and physical activity for people with chronic health conditions, like stroke. Design The design consisted of a qualitative observational study using an integrated knowledge translation approach. Methods Supported by an integrated knowledge translation approach, a series of focus groups—with stakeholder group representation that included people who had had a stroke and care partners, community organizations (ie, support groups, community center staff), health care providers, and exercise deliverers—was conducted. During the focus groups, participants provided perspectives on factors that could influence implementation effectiveness. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results Forty-eight stakeholders participated. Based on the themes, a new implementation model that describes the importance of relationships between community centers, clinicians, and people who have had a stroke is proposed. The development of partnerships facilitates the implementation and delivery of exercise programs for people with ongoing health needs. These partnerships address unmet needs articulated in the focus groups and could fill a gap in the continuity of care. Conclusions Data from this study support the need for the community sector to offer a continuing service in partnership with the health system and people with chronic health needs. It indicates the potential of clinicians to partner with people with chronic health conditions and empower them to improve participation in relevant health behaviors, like community-based exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between interviewers and prospective respondents are crucial to the success of every marketing research project. Based on the results from a recent study, this article explores some approaches to improving these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interviewer is confronted by many environmental factors which influence his effectiveness. This article attempts to establish the significance of some of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Public health accreditation is intended to improve the performance of public health departments, and quality improvement (QI) is an important component of the Public Health Accreditation Board process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the QI maturity and accreditation readiness of local health departments (LHDs) in Nebraska during a 6-year period that included several statewide initiatives to progress readiness, including funding and technical assistance. Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach that consisted of both online surveys and key informant interviews to assess QI maturity and accreditation readiness. Nineteen of Nebraska's 21 LHDs completed the survey in 2011 and 2013, 20 of 20 LHDs completed the survey in 2015, and 19 of 20 LHDs completed the survey in 2016. We facilitated a large group discussion with staff members from 16 LHDs in 2011, and we conducted key informant interviews with staff members from 4 LHDs in 2015. Results: Both QI maturity and accreditation readiness improved from 2011 to 2016. In 2011, of 19 LHDs, only 6 LHD directors agreed that their LHD had a culture that focused on QI, but this number increased every year up to 12 in 2016. The number of LHDs that had a high capacity to engage in QI efforts improved from 3 in 2011 to 8 in 2016. The number of LHDs with a QI plan increased from 3 in 2011 to 10 in 2016. The number of LHDs that were confident in their ability to obtain Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation improved from 6 in 2011 to 13 in 2016. Although their QI maturity generally increased over time, LHDs interviewed in 2015 still faced challenges adopting a formal QI system. External financial and technical support helped LHDs build their QI maturity and accreditation readiness. Conclusion: Funding and technical assistance can improve LHDs' QI maturity and accreditation readiness. Improvement takes time and sustained efforts by LHDs, and support from external partners (eg, state health departments) helps build LHDs' QI maturity and accreditation readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mobile applications and socio-sexual networking websites are used by outreach workers to respond synchronously to questions and provide information, resources, and referrals on sexual health and STI/HIV prevention, testing, and care to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GB2M). This exploratory study examined ethical issues identified by online outreach workers who conduct online sexual health outreach for GB2M.Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted between November 2013 and April 2014 with online providers and managers (n = 22) to explore the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of delivering online outreach services in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analyses were conducted, and member-checking, analyses by multiple coders, and peer debriefing supported validity and reliability.Results: Four themes emerged on the ethical queries of providing online sexual health outreach for GB2M: (a) managing personal and professional boundaries with clients; (b) disclosing personal or identifiable information to clients; (c) maintaining client confidentiality and anonymity; and (d) security and data storage measures of online information. Participants illustrated familiarity with potential ethical challenges, and discussed ways in which they seek to mitigate and prevent ethical conflict.Conclusions: Implications of this analysis for outreach workers, researchers, bioethicists, and policy-makers are to: (1) understand ethical complexities associated with online HIV prevention and outreach for GB2M; (2) foster dialogue to recognize and address potential ethical conflict; and (3) identify competencies and skills to mitigate risk and promote responsive and accessible online HIV outreach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pretrial community consultation (CC) is required for emergency research conducted under an exception from informed consent (EFIC) in the United States. CC remains controversial and challenging, and minimal data exist regarding the views of individuals enrolled in EFIC trials on this process. It is important to know whether participants perceive CC to be meaningful and, if so, whom they believe should be consulted. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from two studies interviewing patients and surrogates of two recent EFIC trials (PEER-RAMPART and PEER-ProTECT). These interviews included similar open- and closed-ended questions regarding participants' views of the importance of CC, the rationale for their responses, and their views regarding which populations should be included in consultation efforts. A template analytic strategy was used for qualitative analysis of textual data, and descriptive statistics were tabulated to characterize demographic data and instances of major themes. Results: Ninety percent of participants perceived CC to be valuable. Participants' reasons for finding CC valuable clustered in two categories: 1) as a method of informing the public about the trial to be conducted and 2) as a way of obtaining input and feedback from the community. Participants cited the medical community (43%) and individuals with a connection to the study condition (41%) as the most important groups to involve in consultation efforts; only 5% suggested consulting the general public in the area where the research will be conducted. Conclusion: Participants in EFIC trials and their decision makers generally valued CC as a method of informing and seeking input from the community. Participants felt that the most appropriate groups to consult were the medical community and individuals with connections to the condition under study. Consultation efforts focused on these two groups, rather than the general public, may be more efficient and more meaningful to individuals involved in EFIC trials. These findings also reinforce the importance of the distinction between public disclosure and CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While media campaigns are increasingly advocated as a strategy for preventing interpersonal violence and abuse, there is little evidence available regarding their effectiveness. Setting and design Consultation with experts and young people was used as part of a UK scoping review to capture current thinking and practice on the use of media campaigns to address interpersonal violence and abuse among young people. Three focus groups and 16 interviews were undertaken with UK and international experts, and three focus groups were held with young people. Main results Participants argued that, although campaigns initially needed to target whole populations of young people, subsequently, messages should be 'granulated' for subgroups including young people already exposed to interpersonal violence and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. It was suggested that boys, as the most likely perpetrators of interpersonal violence and abuse, should be the primary target for campaigns. Young people and experts emphasized that drama and narrative could be used to evoke an emotional response that assisted learning. Authenticity emerged as important for young people and could be achieved by delivering messages through familiar characters and relevant stories. Involving young people themselves in creating and delivering campaigns strengthened authenticity. Conclusions Practice is developing rapidly, and robust research is required to identify the key conditions for effective campaigns in this field. The emotional impact of campaigns in this field appears to be as important as the transmission of learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-based programmes, particularly community health workers (CHWs), have been portrayed as a cost-effective alternative to the shortage of health workers in low-income countries. Usually, literature emphasises how easily CHWs link and connect communities to formal health care services. There is little evidence in Uganda to support or dispute such claims. Drawing from linking social capital framework, this paper examines the claim that village health teams (VHTs), as an example of CHWs, link and connect communities with formal health care services.Methods: Data were collected through ethnographic fieldwork undertaken as part of a larger research program in Luwero District, Uganda, between 2012 and 2014. The main methods of data collection were participant observation in events organised by VHTs. In addition, a total of 91 in-depth interviews and 42 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with adult community members as part of the larger project. After preliminary analysis of the data, we conducted an additional six in-depth interviews and three FGD with VHTs and four FGD with community members on the role of VHTs. Key informant interviews were conducted with local government staff, health workers, local leaders, and NGO staff with health programs in Luwero. Thematic analysis was used during data analysis.Results: The ability of VHTs to link communities with formal health care was affected by the stakeholders' perception of their roles. Community members perceive VHTs as working for and under instructions of "others", which makes them powerless in the formal health care system. One of the challenges associated with VHTs' linking roles is support from the government and formal health care providers. Formal health care providers perceived VHTs as interested in special recognition for their services yet they are not "experts". For some health workers, the introduction of VHTs is seen as a ploy by the government to control people and hide its inability to provide health services. Having received training and initial support from an NGO, VHTs suffered transition failure from NGO to the formal public health care structure. As a result, VHTs are entangled in power relations that affect their role of linking community members with formal health care services. We also found that factors such as lack of money for treatment, poor transport networks, the attitudes of health workers and the existence of multiple health care systems, all factors that hinder access to formal health care, cannot be addressed by the VHTs.Conclusions: As linking social capital framework shows, for VHTs to effectively act as links between the community and formal health care and harness the resources that exist in institutions beyond the community, it is important to take into account the power relationships embedded in vertical relationships and forge a partnership between public health providers and the communities they serve. This will ensure strengthened partnerships and the improved capacity of local people to leverage resources embedded in vertical power networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to community concerns, we used the Tribal Participatory Research framework in collaboration with 5 American-Indian communities in Washington, Idaho, and Montana to identify the appropriate criteria for aggregating health data on small tribes. Across tribal sites, 10 key informant interviews and 10 focus groups (n = 39) were conducted between July 2012 and April 2013. Using thematic analysis of focus group content, we identified 5 guiding criteria for aggregating tribal health data: geographic proximity, community type, environmental exposures, access to resources and services, and economic development. Preliminary findings were presented to focus group participants for validation at each site, and a culminating workshop with representatives from all 5 tribes verified our final results. Using this approach requires critical assessment of research questions and study designs by investigators and tribal leaders to determine when aggregation or stratification is appropriate and how to group data to yield robust results relevant to local concerns. At project inception, tribal leaders should be consulted regarding the validity of proposed groupings. After regular project updates, they should be consulted again to confirm that findings are appropriately contextualized for dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: U.S. health departments have not historically used HIV surveillance data for disease control interventions with individuals, but advances in HIV treatment and surveillance are changing public health practice. Many U.S. health departments are in the early stages of implementing "Data to Care" programs to assists persons living with HIV (PLWH) with engaging in care, based on information collected for HIV surveillance. Stakeholder engagement is a critical first step for development of these programs. In Seattle-King County, Washington, the health department conducted interviews with HIV medical care providers and PLWH to inform its Data to Care program. This paper describes the key themes of these interviews and traces the evolution of the resulting program.Methods: Disease intervention specialists conducted individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 PLWH randomly selected from HIV surveillance who had HIV RNA levels >10,000 copies/mL in 2009-2010. A physician investigator conducted key informant interviews with 15 HIV medical care providers. Investigators analyzed de-identified interview transcripts, developed a codebook of themes, independently coded the interviews, and identified codes used most frequently as well as illustrative quotes for these key themes. We also trace the evolution of the program from 2010 to 2015.Results: PLWH generally accepted the idea of the health department helping PLWH engage in care, and described how hearing about the treatment experiences of HIV seropositive peers would assist them with engagement in care. Although many physicians were supportive of the Data to Care concept, others expressed concern about potential health department intrusion on patient privacy and the patient-physician relationship. Providers emphasized the need for the health department to coordinate with existing efforts to improve patient engagement. As a result of the interviews, the Data to Care program in Seattle-King County was designed to incorporate an HIV-positive peer component and to ensure coordination with HIV care providers in the process of relinking patients to care.Conclusions: Health departments can build support for Data to Care efforts by gathering input of key stakeholders, such as HIV medical and social service providers, and coordinating with clinic-based efforts to re-engage patients in care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public awareness campaigns for cancer are used to alert the UK population to symptoms which, if experienced, should be discussed with their general practitioner (GP). More timely diagnosis of cancer is assumed possible if patients with the appropriate symptoms present to GPs and GPs recognise the need to act on these symptoms. Objective: To investigate GPs’ perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews with 55 GPs from practices in the North and North East of England and Greater London. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Repeated reading of GP transcripts engendered thematic analysis and co‐coding ensured legitimacy of findings. Results: Participants supported the underpinning ethos of public health campaigns and articulated a commitment to engaging with patients with respect to cancer warning signs and symptoms despite the common perception that public awareness campaigns increased numbers of consultations. Tensions were evident with regard to increased demands on GP time and primary care resources during a period of major upheaval within the NHS. Concern was raised that some patients remain outwith the reach of campaign messages. The complexity of addressing how public health messages compete with other issues in people's lives was identified as challenging. Conclusions: General practitioners provided insight into why some members of the general public do not engage with public health messages. Public health/primary care interaction that incorporates GPs' knowledge of their patient populations could advance the search for solutions to a more robust approach to earlier cancer recognition and referral in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article assesses the effectiveness of The Great WASH Yatra handwashing awareness raising campaign in India on changing visitors' intention to wash hands with soap after using the toilet and the underlying behavioural determinants. Interviews based on the RANAS (Risk, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, Self-regulation) model of behaviour change were conducted with 687 visitors before and after their visit to the campaign. Data showed that a campaign visit had little effect on the intention to wash hands with soap, even when comparing visitors who had actively participated in handwashing games with those who had not. After a campaign visit, knowledge about the benefits of washing hands had increased by almost half a standard deviation. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that when considering all behavioural determinants change scores simultaneously, they were able to explain 57% of the variance in the intention change score. These findings suggest that substantively changing behaviour requires more than improving knowledge and emphasizing the importance of washing hands. Identifying the crucial behavioural determinants for handwashing may be an important first step in planning effective large-scale promotion programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing interest in the ethics of cluster trials, but no literature on the uncertainties in defining communities in relation to the scientific notion of the cluster in collaborative biomedical research.Methods: The views of participants in a community-based cluster randomised trial (CRT) in Mumbai, India, were solicited regarding their understanding and views on community. We conducted two focus group discussions with local residents and 20 semi-structured interviews with different respondent groups. On average, ten participants took part in each focus group, most of them women aged 18-55. We conducted semi-structured interviews with ten residents (nine women and one man) lasting approximately an hour each and seven individuals (five men and two women) identified by residents as local leaders or decision-makers. In addition, we interviewed two Municipal Corporators (locally elected government officials involved in urban planning and development) and one representative of a political party located in a slum community.Results: Residents' sense of community largely matched the scientific notion of the cluster, defined by the investigators as a geographic area, but their perceived needs were not entirely met by the trial.Conclusion: We examined whether the possibility of a conceptual mismatch between 'clusters' and 'communities' is likely to have methodological implications for a study or to lead to potential social disharmony because of the research interventions, arguing that it is important to take social factors into account as well as statistical efficiency when choosing the size and type of clusters and designing a trial. One method of informing such a design would be to use existing forums for community engagement to explore individuals' primary sense of community or social group and, where possible, to fit clusters around them.Trial Registration: ISRCTN Register: ISRCTN56183183 Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2012/09/003004 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of herbal markets has increased substantially in South Korea, but the worldwide market share remains small despite significant governmental efforts. This study aimed to characterize manufacturing employment and identify employees’ general perceptions of market expansion. A survey study covering 567 companies was conducted using face-to-face interviews in 2012. Data were analyzed using comparisons among three manufacturing groups (i.e., the herbal dietary supplement manufacturing group, the herbal medicine manufacturing group, and the personal care product manufacturing group) or among the manufacturers themselves. We found that the majority of the manufacturing employee respondents were regular permanent and production workers. The domestic distributors were primarily chain stores/direct outlets or retailers/wholesalers, and the dominant product was red ginseng (hongsam). Although the responding companies exhibited a variety of perspectives, “advertisement/public relations” was cited as the most important factor in the development of the herbal industry. In contrast, “low manpower/seeking business partners” were the most crucial limiting and challenging factors for market globalization. Our results can be used to design a proper national plan by reducing the gaps in perspective between herbal product producers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of herbal markets has increased substantially in South Korea, but the worldwide market share remains small despite significant governmental efforts. This study aimed to characterize manufacturing employment and identify employees' general perceptions of market expansion. A survey study covering 567 companies was conducted using face-to-face interviews in 2012. Data were analyzed using comparisons among three manufacturing groups (i.e., the herbal dietary supplement manufacturing group, the herbal medicine manufacturing group, and the personal care product manufacturing group) or among the manufacturers themselves. We found that the majority of the manufacturing employee respondents were regular permanent and production workers. The domestic distributors were primarily chain stores/direct outlets or retailers/wholesalers, and the dominant product was red ginseng (hongsam). Although the responding companies exhibited a variety of perspectives, "advertisement/public relations" was cited as the most important factor in the development of the herbal industry. In contrast, "low manpower/seeking business partners" were the most crucial limiting and challenging factors for market globalization. Our results can be used to design a proper national plan by reducing the gaps in perspective between herbal product producers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Addressing inequities is a key role for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) working in health and development. Yet, putting equity principles into practice can prove challenging. In-depth empirical research examining what influences INGOs' implementation of equity principles is limited. This study examined the influences on one INGO's implementation of equity principles in its HIV/AIDS programs. Methods This research employed a case study with nested components (an INGO operating in Kenya, with offices in North America). We used multiple data collection methods, including document reviews, interviews (with staff, partners and clients of the INGO in Kenya), and participant observation (with Kenyan INGO staff). Participant observation was conducted with 10 people over three months. Forty-one interviews were completed, and 127 documents analyzed. Data analysis followed Auerbach and Silverstein's analytic process (2003), with qualitative coding conducted in multiple stages, using descriptive matrices, visual displays and networks (Miles and Huberman, 1994). Results There was a gap between the INGO's intent to implement equity principles and actual practice due to multiple influences from various players, including donors and country governments. The INGO was reliant on donor funding and needed permission from the Kenyan government to work in-country. Major influences included donor agendas and funding, donor country policies, and Southern country government priorities and legislation. The INGO privileged particular vulnerable populations (based on its reputation, its history, and the priorities of the Kenyan government and the donors). To balance its equity commitment with the influences from other players, the INGO aligned with the system as well as pushed back incrementally on the donors and the Kenyan government to influence these organizations' equity agendas. By moving its equity agenda forward incrementally and using its reputational advantage, the INGO avoided potential negative repercussions that might result from pushing too fast or working outside the system. Conclusions The INGO aligned the implementation of equity principles in its HIV/AIDS initiatives by working within a system characterized by asymmetrical interdependence. Influences from the donors and Kenyan government contributed to an implementation gap between what the INGO intended to accomplish in implementing equity principles in HIV/AIDS work and actual practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the current economic environment, many local and state health departments are faced with budget reductions. Health department administrators and public health laboratory (PHL) directors need to assess strategies to ensure that their PHLs can provide the same level of service with decreased funds. Exploratory case studies of interorganizational partnerships among local PHLs in California were conducted to determine the impact on local PHL testing services and capacity. Our findings suggest that interorganizational forms of cooperation among local PHLs can help bolster laboratory capacity by capturing economies of scale, leveraging scarce resources, and ensuring access to affordable, timely, and quality laboratory testing services. Interorganizational partnerships will help local and state public health departments continue to maintain a strong and robust laboratory system that supports their role in com­municable disease surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We evaluated efforts in New York to build a consensus between community health workers (CHWs) and employers on CHWs' scope of practice, training standards, and certification procedures. Methods. We conducted multiple-choice surveys in 2008 and 2010 with 226 CHWs and 44 employers. We compared CHWs' and employers' recommendations regarding 28 scope of practice elements. The participatory ranking method was used to identify consensus scope of practice recommendations. Results. There was consensus on 5 scope of practice elements: outreach and community organizing, case management and care coordination, home visits, health education and coaching, and system navigation. For each element, 3 to 4 essential skills were identified, giving a total of 27 skills. These included all skills recommended in national CHW studies, along with 3 unique to New York: computer skills, participatory research methods, and time management. Conclusions. CHWs and employers in New York were in consensus on CHWs' scope of practice on virtually all of the detailed core competency skills. The CHW scope of practice recommendations of these groups can help other states refine their scope of practice elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the decline of public trust in corporate America, organizations must consider ways to improve their relationships with key publics. One of the best strategies to build trust is through engaging in transparent communication (). The increase in the popularity of social media has brought both challenges and opportunities for organizational transparency. This study used multiple methods to explore whether public relations professionals believe they are using social media to communicate transparently, to investigate how social media can be used to improve transparency along with its benefits and challenges, and to identify how transparency is used in social media campaigns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of a dyadic lens to assess and leverage academic and community partners’ readiness to conduct community-based participatory research (CBPR) has not been systematically investigated. With a lack of readiness to conduct CBPR, the partnership and its products are vulnerable. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the dimensions and key indicators necessary for academic and community partnership readiness to conduct CBPR. Key informant interviews and focus groups (n = 36 participants) were conducted with academic and community participants who had experiences with CBPR partnerships. A ‘framework analysis' approach was used to analyze the data and generate a new model, CBPR Partnership Readiness Model. Antecedents of CBPR partnership readiness are a catalyst and mutual interest. The major dimensions of the CBPR Partnership Readiness Model are (i) goodness of fit, (ii) capacity, and (iii) operations. Preferred outcomes are sustainable partnership and product, mutual growth, policy and social and health impact on the community. CBPR partnership readiness is an iterative and dynamic process, partnership and issue specific, influenced by a range of environmental and contextual factors, amenable to change and essential for sustainability and promotion of health and social change in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Emotional support is considered to be important to older patients because it is a contributing factor to experiencing good health and it has been shown that it can prevent depression after a hip fracture. Opinions differ on whether emotional support falls within the field of nursing, and studies also show that nurses in an elderly home care setting fail when it comes to giving emotional support. The aim of this study was to explore reasons for registered nurses to give emotional support to older patients in a municipal home care setting. The study was conducted using Grounded Theory. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 16 registered nurses. The inclusion criteria were emotional support given to patients aged 80 years and above living in ordinary or sheltered housing and who were in need of help from both the home help service and registered nurses. The results show that the main concern of emotional support was ''Trying to relieve the patient from their emotions so they are able to cope with everyday life.'' This core category illustrates how registered nurses tried to support the patients' own strength, so that they were able to move forward. Registered nurses consider that they could support the patients because they give them access to, or could create access to, their emotions, but there were also times when they felt helplessness and as a result, consciously opted out. The results also indicate that registered nurses were keen to give emotional support. To develop patient-centered elderly care, more knowledge of emotional support and the elderly's need for this support is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 50 years, tobacco control has been transformed from a national to a global issue, becoming institutionalized in the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first international public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO. The global tobacco control epistemic community, a worldwide network of professionals with a common interpretation of the science in tobacco use and control, has contributed to this transformation. We investigated the development structure, and function of this community through interviews and archival documents. Professionals in the community are bound by values and consensual knowledge developed after years of contentious debates undergirded their activities. Although these professionals play multiple roles, they recognize that scientific evidence should inform advocacy and policy activities. Public health professionals should continue to strengthen the links between science and advocacy for policy while being vigilant against industry efforts to undermine the scientific evidence on tobacco use and control. INSET: The Global Tobacco Control Epistemic Community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tobacco companies have come under increased criticism because of environmental and labour practices related to growing tobacco in developing countries. Methods Analysis of tobacco industry documents, industry websites and interviews with tobacco farmers in Tanzania and tobacco farm workers, farm authorities, trade unionists, government officials and corporate executives from global tobacco leaf companies in Malawi. Results British American Tobacco and Philip Morris created supply chains in the 1990s to improve production efficiency, control, access to markets and profits. In the 2000s, the companies used their supply chains in an attempt to legitimise their portrayals of tobacco farming as socially and environmentally friendly, rather than take meaningful steps to eliminate child labour and reduce deforestation in developing countries. The tobacco companies used nominal self-evaluation (not truly independent evaluators) and public relations to create the impression of social responsibility. The companies benefit from $1.2 billion in unpaid labour costs because of child labour and more than $64 million annually in costs that would have been made to avoid tobacco-related deforestation in the top 12 tobacco growing developing countries, far exceeding the money they spend nominally working to change these practices. Conclusions The tobacco industry uses green supply chains to make tobacco farming in developing countries appear sustainable while continuing to purchase leaf produced with child labour and high rates of deforestation. Strategies to counter green supply chain schemes include securing implementing protocols for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to regulate the companies' practices at the farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncompliance with labor and occupational health and safety laws contributes to economic and health inequities. Environmental health agencies are well positioned to monitor workplace conditions in many industries and support enhanced enforcement by responsible regulatory agencies. In collaboration with university and community partners, the San Francisco Department of Public Health used an observational checklist to assess preventable occupational injury hazards and compliance with employee notification requirements in 106 restaurants in San Francisco's Chinatown. Sixty-five percent of restaurants had not posted required minimum wage, paid sick leave, or workers' compensation notifications; 82% of restaurants lacked fully stocked first-aid kits; 52% lacked antislip mats; 37% lacked adequate ventilation; and 28% lacked adequate lighting. Supported by a larger community-based participatory research process, this pilot project helped to spur additional innovative health department collaborations to promote healthier workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the activities of churches in Baltimore, Maryland, concerning the issues of sexuality, whether they potentially stigmatize persons with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, and to what extent individual agency versus institutional forces influence churches in this regard. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 leaders from 16 churches and analyzed using a grounded theory methodology. Although many churches were involved in HIV/AIDS-related activities, the content of such initiatives was sometimes limited due to organizational constraints. Church leaders varied, however, in the extent to which they responded in accordance with or resisted these constraints, highlighting the importance of individual agency influencing churches' responses to HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation presented administrative and marketing-related information on Kaohsiung City's preparation for the 2009 World Games. The presented information was allocated through an extensive literature review on secondary sources, personal interviews, and observations from fall of 2008 to summer of 2009. Promotional strategies and activities, projected financial and sales data, reports on constructions, and issues and challenges related to the Games were further analyzed. The study further discussed the "not-for-profit" approach that was practiced by many East Asian Countries to gain international recognition and promote patriotism while hosting a major sport event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]