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In the post-communist countries, limited access to treatment, lack of financial protection mechanisms, lack of information and low quality of health care frequently imposes an enormous burden on family's well-being when cancer is diagnosed. While many studies have explored barriers to cancer treatment, little attention is paid to the question how patients and their caregivers cope with cancer. In this paper, we systematically review the evidence on patients' coping strategies with cancer in post-communist countries. We performed a literature search in PubMed, JSTOR, Web of Science and EBSCO (CINAHL) to identify papers that describe patients' coping strategies because of organizational and financial barriers to cancer treatment. Papers published between January 1991 and January 2020 were included if they described individual experiences of patients at any stage of cancer treatment. We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Review as a guide for our review. In total, 28 publications from post-communist countries were included in this review. They presented evidence on coping strategies and barriers faced by patients when coping with poor access to cancer treatment, lack of finances, lack of information and low quality of health care services. Most sought coping strategies included using personal finances to pay for medical services, medicines and supplies, charitable contributions to the hospital and informal payments; visiting a private medical doctor; using personal connections and looking for additional information. We conclude that coping strategies are similar across post-communist countries and can be seen as an indicator of the shortcomings in cancer treatment. This evidence can be used to study and/or improve access to cancer treatment and improve health care policies. Research on the prevalence and quantification of coping strategies is needed to provide evidence-informed policies for countries that face gaps in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Selected lifestyle interventions proven effective for White‐European populations have been culturally adapted for South Asian populations living in Europe, who are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. However, a limited theoretical basis underpins how cultural adaptations are believed to augment intervention effectiveness. We undertook a realist review to synthesise existing literature on culturally adapted type 2 diabetes prevention interventions, to develop a framework that shows 'how' cultural adaptation works, for 'whom' and in 'what contexts'. Methods: We followed the stepped methodological approach of realist review. Our work concluded a European‐wide project (EuroDHYAN), and core studies were identified from the preceding EuroDHYAN reviews. Data were extracted, coded into themes and synthesised to create 'Context–Mechanism–Outcome' configurations and to generate a refined explanatory framework. Results: We identified eight core intervention papers. From this evidence, and supporting literature, we examined the 'Team' domain of cultural adaptation and identified a mechanism of shared cultural identity which we theorised as contributing to strong team‐participant relationships. We also identified four key contexts which influenced intervention outcomes: 'research setting' and 'heterogeneous populations' (intrinsic to the intervention) and 'broader environment' and 'socio‐cultural stress' (extrinsic barriers). Conclusions: This work instigates research into the mechanisms of cultural adaptation which, if pursued, will allow a more nuanced understanding of how to apply adaptations, and for whom. In practice we recommend greater consideration of heterogeneous and intersecting population characteristics; how intervention design can safeguard sustainability; and how the four key contexts identified influence how, and whether, these interventions work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of modern cremation was much more than a notion of a more hygienic, ecological and aesthetically acceptable method for the disposal of human remains. From its inception at the end of the 18th century, all the way into the second half of the 20th century, it was tied to various political, national and cultural ideologies, with the common factor throughout being anticlericalism and secularisation. In this paper, I will explore the development and status of the idea and practice of cremation in countries which found themselves behind the Iron Curtain after the Second World War. Did modern cremation serve in the interest of socialist social order and communist ideology, and if so, in what way? What was the fate of the idea in relation to the specificities of different communist regimes and what factors affected its adoption or rejection? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share anecdotally how the pandemic is affecting children, families and some of the frontline local services that support them across three continents. Design/methodology/approach: Three members of Family for Every Child across three continents detail some of the day-to-day challenges they are facing in their work with children and families as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Findings: Social distancing and fear of the virus are hampering front line organisations in Africa, Europe and South America, bringing additional challenges to keeping children safe. Originality/value: These three case studies give a snapshot of the issues faced by three non-governmental children's organisations over three continents during July 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

palacios-ceña d., losa-iglesias m.e., álvarez-lópez c., cachón-pérez m., reyes r.a.r., salvadores-fuentes p. & fernández-de-las-peñas c. (2011) Patients, intimate partners and family experiences of implantable cardioverter defibrillators: qualitative systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(12), 2537-2550. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of an interpretive review of qualitative research on how an implantable cardioverter defibrillator affects adult recipients and their significant others. Background. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator detects pathological cardiac rhythms and automatically converts the rhythm with electrical counter shocks. Data sources. A systematic literature search was conducted for qualitative research papers published between January 1999 and January 2009. PubMed, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge and CINAHL databases were searched with the following key words: internal defibrillator, implantable defibrillator and qualitative research. Review Methods. Twenty-two papers were included. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Prompts were used to appraise studies. Thematic analysis and synthesis approaches were used to interpret evidence. Findings. People with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator were found to experience physical, psychological and social changes. Shocks produce fear and anxiety, affecting relationships and sexual relations. The use of support groups and the use of the Internet are important in helping adjustment to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Women's responses to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator appear different than men's responses and include concerns about physical appearance and relationship issues. Postdischarge follow-up and educational programmes are still underdeveloped. Conclusion. Patients need additional education, support and follow-up care after hospital discharge. Patients and significant others benefit from collaboration between patient associations and healthcare professional societies. Future research is needed to identify the specific challenges that women recipients face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper combines two documents on employment flexibility and security prepared in the context of the research project Social Quality and the Policy Domain of Employment, undertaken by the European Foundation on Social Quality. The first document relates to work time in Europe, its social distribution and its evolution. The second document integrated in this paper starts from the fundamental point that, out of the sphere of work, the main time-constraining parameter in the quality of life of people is care. Indeed, availability of time and opportunities for organizing one's time for looking after a relative like children, a spouse, an elderly parent or any other related person, is one of the main elements that make work possible. When it comes to raising the adaptability and flexibility of economic performance, arrangements around employee working times are an issue in many European countries. New competitive demands mean that industrial and service companies are forced to enhance labor efficiency and organize the labor process to ensure just-in-time production and distribution, or non-stop production. This creates pressure to extend hours beyond the standard working day, by introducing or increasing different forms of irregular and flexible work arrangements, such as call-up work, overtime, evening or night work, shift work and weekend work.

This paper explores the impact on automobile manufacturing networks of adopting modular platforms to replace the standard platforms used to date. Analysis of European manufacturers’ production networks shows that the use of modular architecture improves coordination by increasing manufacturing mobility and thriftiness ability. The changes resulting from this new modular approach also allow manufacturing capacity to be reorganised and overcapacity to be partially eliminated. From the point of view of production systems, the adaptation of manufacturing processes and facilities to this new architecture should aim to increase flexibility by integrating production around a single platform, allowing for different dimensions and for a larger number of models to be produced in a single plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Factors promoting family adaptation to child's disability are poorly studied together. The aim of the study was to describe the family adaptation to disability and to identify determinants associated with using a global theoretical model.Materials and Methods: 286 families of teenagers [13-17 years] with cerebral palsy (CP) from 4 European disability registers were included and visited at home. Face to face interviews were performed in order to measure parental distress, perceived impact in various dimensions of family life, family resources and stressors. Relationships were modelled with structural equations.Results: 31.8% of parents living with an adolescent with CP showed clinically significant high stress requiring professional assistance. The main stressors were the level of motor impairment and behavioural disorders in adolescent. A good family functioning was the best protective factor. Respite in care and a parents' positive attitude were significantly related to less parental distress. Material support, socioeconomical level, marital status or parental qualifications did not appear to be significant protector factors.Conclusions: Particular attention must be paid not only on physical condition but also on adolescent psychological problems to improve family adaptation. Families at risk of experiencing severe distress should be targeted early and proactive caregiver interventions on the whole family should be performed.What This Paper Adds: Family is a dynamic system: facing disability, it tries to recover its balance with available resources and its perception of the situation. Literature highlights potential stressors and protecting factors that could affect the disabled child's family adaptation but few papers study a global model including most of these factors. This study validated a global theoretical model of family adaptation to disability at adolescence. It identified behaviour disorders and motor impairment level as main stressors, family functioning as the largest protecting factors, and equipment and financial support as non significant protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stanford's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) stands out as having a large evidence-base and being broadly disseminated across various countries. To date, neither evidence nor practice exists of its systematic adaptation into a German-speaking context. The objective of this paper is to describe the systematic German adaptation and implementation process of the CDSMP (2010-2014), report the language-specific adaptation of Franco-Canadian CDSMP for the French-speaking part of Switzerland and report findings from the initial evaluation process.Methods: Multiple research methods were integrated to explore the perspective of workshop attendees, combining a longitudinal quantitative survey with self-report questionnaires, qualitative focus groups, and interviews. The evaluation process was conducted in for both the German and French adapted versions to gain insights into participants' experiences in the program and to evaluate its impact. Perceived self-efficacy was measured using the German version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6G).Results: Two hundred seventy eight people attending 35 workshops in Switzerland and Austria participated in the study. The study participants were receptive to the program content, peer-led approach and found principal methods useful, yet the structured approach did not address all their needs or expectations. Both short and long-term impact on self-efficacy were observed following the workshop participation (albeit with a minor decrease at 6-months). Participants reported positive impacts on aspects of coping and self-care, but limited effects on healthcare service utilization.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the process for cross-border adaptation was effective, and that the CDSMP can successfully be implemented in diverse healthcare and community settings. The adapted CDSMP can be considered an asset for supporting self-management in both German-and French-speaking central European countries. It could have meaningful, wide-ranging implications for chronic illness care and primary prevention and potentially tertiary prevention of chronic disease. Further investigations are needed to tailor the program for better access to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups who might benefit the most, in terms of facilitating their health literacy in chronic illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia has been identified as a policy priority area for the European Union (EU). Given projected figures on the global increase in dementia over the next few decades, working with people with dementia is likely to become an even more prominent area of activity for social workers in older people's services. Recent research has begun to engage with the subjective experiences of people with dementia and there is considerable focus within nursing literature on their active efforts to maintain identity and selfhood. However, these issues have received little attention within the domain of social work. This paper reviews recent research on the subjective experiences of people with dementia and discusses the implications for social work in relation to: early intervention; communication and assessment, and support arrangements. Based on experience in England, it is argued that the current policy and practice context constrains social work's ability to respond to these issues and that a supportive organisational context, as well as high levels of skill, time and commitment, are required if concepts of personhood and citizenship are to have meaning in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: research in care home settings is often negatively focused, portraying life as sterile and devoid of meaningful experiences. Care homes have the potential to influence people's lives socially, physically and psychologically. It is important to understand what factors contribute to this.Objective: to conduct a systematic qualitative review of care home life and provide practical recommendations to enhance residents' quality of life.Methods: the following databases were searched: PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. References from appropriate journals and individual articles were checked. Papers that fitted our selection criteria were selected. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological study quality. Thematic analysis and meta-ethnographic methods were adapted to synthesise findings.Results: thirty-one studies were identified. People in care homes voiced concerns about lack of autonomy and difficulty in forming appropriate relationships with others. Four key themes were identified: (i) acceptance and adaptation, (ii) connectedness with others, (iii) a homelike environment, (iv) caring practices.Conclusion: positive experiences in care homes can occur and are important for residents' quality of life. The review supports literature highlighting the need for relationship-centred approaches to care and emphasises the importance of understanding the resident's attitude towards living in care homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past decades, South Korea has placed more children for overseas adoption than any other country in the world. This paper gives a historical overview of overseas Korean adoption and discusses some relevant human welfare issues. Child-trafficking issues aside, this research tentatively suggests that the historical adoption experiment has failed. Indeed, over half of all Korean adoptees have received psychotherapy, suicide rates were found to be four times higher in transracial adoptees compared to the local population, and eight out of ten Korean adoptees raised in the West have experienced an identity crisis. Comparison with Caucasian adoptees suggests that racism as opposed to adoption-related issues are causes of maladjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the adaptation experiences of East Asian masters students in the UK in dealing with western academic norms of critical thinking and debate. Through in-depth interviewing, students' perceptions of their learning experiences were explored, and stages in this adaptation process were identified, with various entry and exit routes. It was found that the majority of the students opt for a 'middle way' which synergizes their own cultural approach to critical thinking with those aspects of western-style critical thinking and debate that are culturally acceptable to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the value of antiandrogen therapy for advanced prostate cancer, two clinical trials of similar design were recently conducted in six countries throughout Europe. A total of 550 patients with previously untreated metastatic prostate cancer were randomized either to treatment with an antiandrogen or castration. While time to treatment failure, objective tumour response and survival were expected to be similar between study treatments, their effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were expected to differ and were therefore a focus of concern in this trial. To assess these effects, we developed a brief self-administered patient questionnaire covering 10 domains of HRQOL (general health perceptions, pain, emotional well-being, vitality, social functioning, physical capacity, sexual interest, sexual functioning, activity limitation and bed disability), which we translated from English into several other languages. In this paper, we describe the development, content and translation of this survey instrument and report on its reliability and validity in six countries based on data collected for the first 487 patients to complete questionnaires at study entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of 'flexicurity' has recently become a buzzword in European labour market reform. It promises to deliver a magic formula to overcome the tensions between labour market flexibility on the one hand and social security on the other hand by offering 'the best of both worlds' This article gives a state-of-the-art review on flexicurity. The development of the concept is set against the background of changed economic circumstances in the last two decades. The components of flexicurity are presented in more detail, followed by a review of 'real worlds of flexicurity' in selected European countries, with Denmark and the Netherlands as the most prominent examples. The third section considers the transferability of flexicurity policies across borders. Finally, we concentrate on collective actors involved in promoting the idea of flexicurity at European, supra-national and national levels. We conclude with a discussion of some tensions within and criticisms of the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive research examining the implications of European integration, the determinants of national adaptation to EU legislation remain poorly understood. There is particular debate as to whether successful adaptation is determined by the compatibility of national and European procedures and practices ('goodness-of-fit'), or domestic institutional veto points. When implementing the Packaging Waste Directive, Britain introduced new legislation swiftly despite severe mismatches between European and national standards and regulatory styles. However, the German government encountered prolonged difficulties negotiating domestic veto points despite making only incremental changes to existing legislation. Whilst this contradicts 'goodness-of-fit' explanations of integration, the situation was reversed for implementation of the Directive's environmental objectives, with Germany exceeding European requirements but Britain struggling to achieve compliance. It is argued that although institutional vetoes are important during transposition, national resistance is often prompted by poor policy fit during both legal and practical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropological studies of mortuary ceremonies have focused primarily on their social and structural correlates and functions. Little attention has been given to their role in facilitating the expression and resolution of grief by the bereaved. The elaborate and extended mortuary rites of the people of northeastern Arnhem Land, Australia (the "Murngin") have several characteristics which promote and structure the mourning process and facilitate the full reintegration of the bereaved into the social life of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using valves and coils has been approved for use since 2003 and 2010, respectively. Objective(s): To study adoption patterns of BLVR in an early-adopting country, and to estimate potential treatment volumes in other European countries. Methods: Therapy- and age-specific volumes for endobronchial valve and coil procedures were obtained from German federal statistics for 2007–2016. Therapy-specific and total BLVR procedure volumes and growth were computed, and patterns in treatment age and device utilization analyzed. Patient volumes for other European countries were predicted using mean German patient volumes of the last 3 data years and age-specific population and emphysema incidences. Results: Over the study period, annual BLVR procedure volumes grew from 91 to 2,053 (+2,256%), reaching a peak of 2,556 procedures in 2013. Coil procedures constituted 36% of the total volume in 2016. Treatment age was stable over time, with highest procedure counts in age group 60–64 years for valves and 65–69 years for coils. A limited increase in device use per procedure was observed. For -Germany, 1,655 newly treated BLVR patients were estimated per year, approximating about 5% of the annual newly diagnosed severe emphysema cases. Predicted volume estimates for other European countries ranged from 1 for Liechtenstein to 1,226 for France. Conclusions: Analysis of -German procedure data show pronounced BLVR therapy uptake in the early years of adoption, with the more recently introduced coil therapy used in about one-third of patients. Estimated patient volumes to date constitute only a small fraction of the severe emphysema population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migration is associated with a number of stress factors which can affect mental health. Ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status can intertwine with and influence the process of migration and mental health. Philippine migration to Europe has increased in recent years and has become more feminised. Knowing more about the factors that influence immigrants' mental health and coping can help aid health care delivery and policy planning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the contextual factors that influence the mental health of Filipinas living in Norway and their coping strategies.Method: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen Filipinas 24-49 years, living in Norway. The analysis was informed by the post-colonial feminist perspective in order to examine the process by which gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status interact with contextual factors in these women's lives and influence their wellbeing.Results: Data analysis revealed that all informants experienced some level of stress or distress. Two main factors: Sense of belonging and Securing a future contributed to the women's level of distress associated with living abroad as an immigrant woman. Distress was heighted by the women's multiple, transnational roles they occupied; roles as workers, breadwinners, daughters, wives and mothers. None of the women had sought professional help for their distress. Religion and informal support from friends and family appear to help these women cope with many of the challenges they face as immigrant women living and working abroad.Conclusions: Filipinas face a number of challenges related to their status as immigrant women and the juggling of their transnational lives. Understanding the context of these women's lives may aid the identification of mental health problems. Although the women show resilience and appear to cope successfully, some may benefit from professional help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: dsd-LIFE is a comprehensive cross-sectional clinical outcome study of individuals with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). This study focuses on various rare genetic conditions characterized by impaired gonadal or adrenal functionality. Methods/Design: The study aims to assess quality of life (QoL) as a measure of psychosocial adaptation, psychosexual and mental health aspects as major outcomes. Health status and functioning, medical and surgical therapies, participants' views on health care, psychological and social support, sociodemographic factors and their interrelations will be investigated as factors associated with the outcomes. In addition, ethical considerations in the field of DSD are addressed and previous experiences with health care were gathered. One thousand and forty participants with different DSD conditions were recruited by 14 study centres in 6 European countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) from February 2014 until September 2015. The conditions included were: Turner syndrome ( n = 301); 45,X0/46,XY conditions ( n = 45); Klinefelter syndrome ( n = 218); 47,XYY ( n = 1); 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis/ovotestes ( n = 63); complete androgen insensitivity (CAIS) ( n = 71); partial androgen insensitivity (PAIS) ( n = 35) and androgen synthesis disorders ( n = 20); severe hypospadias ( n = 25); other or non-classified 46,XY DSD ( n = 8); 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) ( n = 226); 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis/ovotestis ( n = 21); and 46,XX in males ( n = 6). For an add-on study, 121 46,XY male-assigned individuals with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency were recruited. Mean age of participants' was 32.4 (+/− 13.6 years). Discussion: Participation was high in conditions not commonly described as DSD, such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes or CAH. Recruitment of individuals with XY DSD conditions proved to be more difficult. The data collection of PROs resulted in high data quality. Within medical and physical examination data, more missings and/or inaccurate data were found than expected. The European dsd-LIFE study recruited and evaluated the largest cross-sectional sample of individuals with different conditions classified under the term DSD. The data from this large sample will provide a sufficient basis for evidence-based recommendations for improvement of clinical care of individuals affected by a DSD condition. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite calls for integration of neurobiological methods into research on youth resilience (high competence despite high adversity), we know little about structural brain correlates of resilient functioning. The aim of the current study was to test for brain regions uniquely associated with positive functioning in the context of adversity, using detailed phenotypic classification. Methods: 1,870 European adolescents (Mage = 14.56 years, SDage = 0.44 years, 51.5% female) underwent MRI scanning and completed behavioral and psychological measures of stressful life events, academic competence, social competence, rule-abiding conduct, personality, and alcohol use. Results: The interaction of competence and adversity identified two regions centered on the right middle and superior frontal gyri; grey matter volumes in these regions were larger in adolescents experiencing adversity who showed positive adaptation. Differences in these regions among competence/adversity subgroups were maintained after controlling for several covariates and were robust to alternative operationalization decisions for key constructs. Conclusions: We demonstrate structural brain correlates of adolescent resilience, and suggest that right prefrontal structures are implicated in adaptive functioning for youth who have experienced adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Informal caregivers are essential figures for maintaining frail elderly at home. Providing informal care can affect the informal caregivers' physical and psychological health and labour market participation capabilities. They need support to prevent caregiver burden. A variety of existing support measures can help the caregiver care for the elderly at home, but with some limitations. The objective of this review was to explore the experiences of informal caregivers caring for elderly in the community with the use of supportive policy measures in Belgium and compare these to the experiences in other European countries.Methods: An empirical qualitative case study research was conducted in five European countries (Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal caregivers and their dependent elderly. Interview data from the different cases were analysed. In particular data from Belgium was compared to data from the cases abroad.Results: Formal services (e.g. home care) were reported to have the largest impact on allowing the caregiver to care for the dependent elderly at home. One of the key issues in Belgium is the lack of timely access to reliable information about formal and informal services in order to proactively support the informal caregiver. Compared to the other countries, informal caregivers in Belgium expressed more difficulties in accessing support measures and navigating through the health system. In the other countries information seemed to be given more timely when home care was provided via care packages.Conclusion: To support the informal caregiver, who is the key person to support the frail elderly, fragmentation of information regarding supportive policy measures is an important issue of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of soccer players has increased in recent years. In this study, we examined the experiences of elite young soccer players as they engaged in a migratory transition from their home country to an English Premier League (EPL) club. Five young players, who made the migratory transition between the ages of 16 and 24, were interviewed. Data were analysed using the principles of content analysis. Verbatim text was then aligned to the emergent themes. Results indicate that young migratory players face the initial frenzy that is associated with an approach from an EPL club before going through a “decision” phase, followed by a period of “migration” and “acculturation” before establishing (or not) their “home from home”. The challenges of leaving home and family while trying to establish themselves as a professional player in an environment that (still) appears to be beset with (traditional) English soccer culture (i.e. high tempo, ruthless, macho, and aggressive) are recounted. While the player's family was a significant source of social support, there is still a need for qualified personnel (e.g. sports psychologists) and/or appropriately trained international recruitment staff and football agents (i.e. in areas of social, psychological, and/or performance lifestyle) to support young players through their migratory transition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article considers the value of flexibility and free choice in learning, and examines the increasing recognition of the evolving and wide range of appropriate environments for learning, such as the workplace, the home, the community, and the virtual world. This 'Lifeplace Learning' is compared to the requirements and visions of the European Qualifications Framework and it is shown how this concept is ideally placed to satisfy, not only the European vision of freeing and equalising learning and qualification recognition, but also the goals of including more people in education, allowing for flexible and apposite learning, and the development of graduates who are 'fit for purpose'. A model of Lifeplace Learning is described that is based on the utilisation of any chosen life place environment for learning, combined with learner negotiated objectives, enabling formal, informal and non-formal learning to be recognised through assessment, and by the awarding of credit where this is appropriate. The model has, at its core, the development of competence in independent judgement, critical thinking, personal autonomy and reflective practice. It is concluded that, as traditional learning models deprive learners of a personal, autonomous and negotiated approach to learning (without which learners fail to develop critical competence in exercising independent judgment and critical thought considered essential and core to personal and professional development) and as Europe is striving to increase the recognition of many types of learning and ease transitions across national boundaries, this model could be an effective way forward to resolve the former and achieve the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gibbons s.w., hickling e.j. & watts d.d. (2012) Combat stressors and post-traumatic stress in deployed military healthcare professionals: an integrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(1), 3-21. Abstract Background. While there has been a growing body of literature on the impact of combat stressors and post-traumatic stress on military service members involved in current conflicts, there has been little available information that directly examines the impact of these on healthcare providers. Aims. Aims for this integrative review included: (1) identifying exposures, experiences and other factors influencing stress responses in military healthcare providers previously engaged in a war effort and (2) describing the incidence of post-traumatic stress and related mental health problems in this population. Review Methods. Using Cooper's integrative review method, relevant documents were collected and analysed using content categories and a coding scheme to assist with identifying and recording data for units of analysis. Data Sources. Literature searches (including all years to present) were conducted using keywords for stress reaction, for healthcare provider and for military war effort involvement. Literature was obtained using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the National Library of Medicine and the American Psychological Association databases. Results. Evidence suggests that similar to military combatants, military healthcare provider exposure to life-threatening situations will increase the probability of adverse psychological disorders following these traumatic experiences. The presence of a strong sense of meaning and purpose, within a supportive environment appear to help mediate the impact of these dangerous and stressful events. Conclusion. Results of this review and other supporting literature indicate the need for a systematic approach to studying combat stress and post-traumatic stress in deployed healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The increased number of Eastern European immigrants provides many opportunities to work with these immigrants and issues related to immigration. The purpose of this article is to examine Eastern European immigrants' adaptation patterns and provide recommendations for family therapy working with the group. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 120 Eastern European immigrants. Data analysis was conducted using constant comparisons. Findings – Common immigration experiences illustrating the need for services have been identified, along with barriers that might prevent the use of social services. The results indicate similarities and differences among the different groups regarding their immigration experience and adaptation to the host society. Originality/value – Recommendations for overcoming the service-use barriers and conducting family therapy with these immigrants are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the move of Europe to enhance academic mobility. According to European Union Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Europe is built on the four freedoms of services, goods, and people among others and that tomorrow's society need the freedom movement on knowledge. It also mentions that the Council of the European Union placed mobility on the top of its objectives for education and training in 2009 as an important means to enhance the employment and adaptability of its people.

Study design: Longitudinal, multiple wave panel design. Objectives: To investigate the degree to which current thinking in terms of early appraisals and coping predicts adjustment and quality of life outcomes after spinal cord injury, and to what degree social and demographic variables are involved. Setting: Data were analysed from 266 patients recruited as part of an ongoing study from specialist units in selected British, Swiss, German and Irish spinal centres. Method:Questionnaire booklets were administered as soon as possible after injury onset and after 12 weeks to patients with newly acquired spinal cord injuries. Individuals included had sustained their injury between the ages of 16 and 83. Results: Significant improvements in outcome measures were found across the data set within the first 12 weeks after spinal cord injury and changes observed in the appraisals and coping strategies employed. Significant differences were found between participating centres on both outcome measures and in the coping and appraisal processes used. Coping and appraisal processes at 6 weeks after injury were found to contribute significantly to the variation in psychological well-being at 12 weeks after injury. Conclusion: This study shows the process of adjustment to spinal cord injury to begin in the early stages of rehabilitation, and initial appraisals are important to how an individual will cope with their injury and to their psychological well-being. Support is also given to the importance of psychological factors to functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexibility is the capacity to change and to adapt to a challenging environment. It can be either adaptive – when challenges are present in the environment – or spontaneous – a preference for change without any external pressure. Change and adaptation are also key elements of innovation. In this article, we examine how different types of flexibility can play a major part in the innovation process. First, we discuss how flexible cognition and a flexible personality can facilitate the generation of innovations. Second, we discuss how flexibility can be beneficial to the audience for innovations. Lastly, we use the previous discussion of the benefits of flexibility for innovation to illuminate and present some approaches to the improvement of flexibility – both of employees and of the audience – for innovation. These approaches come both from other researchers’ work and from our own original research on the best practices of innovation management in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive adaptation to psychological trauma and wisdom both have a rich history in European literature and philosophy. Although the literature on posttraumatic growth has recognized the possibility of wisdom as an outcome of adaptation, its role in the process of adaptation has been neglected. A theoretical framework is presented that conceptualizes three dimensions of wisdom as crucial to an understanding of the role it can play in posttraumatic positive adaptation. These dimensions are the recognition and management of uncertainty; the integration of affect and cognition; and the recognition and acceptance of human limitation. The role of these dimensions in the process and outcome of traumatic adaptation is considered, together with limitations of the framework and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some Asian and African concepts including the logic of mutual benefit among heterogeneous elements, polyocular vision, self-heterogenization, ability to think in one another's mind, interpersonal aidaschaft, situational adaptability and overlapping responsibility are compared with the European and North American concepts of unity by homogeneity, individual identity, boundary, specialization, separation, opposition, hierarchy, tension and extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]