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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a family-based weight loss and healthy life style programme for clinically obese children in England. Design/methodology/approach: The mixed method case study evaluation used included obtaining pre and post measurements of anthropometry and a range of attitude and behavioural attributes. The qualitative phase of the study involved in-depth interviews and focus groups. Findings: The programme is demanding and resource intensive and designed as an intervention for children needing most help with their weight. Participants included the families of five referred children (n = 18 individuals) and the intervention team (n = 7). All but one child had reduced BMI centiles at the end of the programme. There were also improvements to a number of self-report aspects of healthy eating and levels of activity and quality of life, self-esteem and levels of depression indicators. The qualitative evaluation generated a number of insightful data themes. Research limitations/implications: Limitations include the case study design and small sample numbers. Also weight loss is an important indicator of any weight management programme's success however the short length of time programme was run is a barrier to seeing any substantive changes in any of the participating children's weights. Practical implications: The evaluation conducted gives insights into the positive aspects of the programme and can inform development of similar programmes. Originality/value: There are few examples of in-depth and comprehensive quantitative and qualitative approaches used to evaluate this type of intervention. (Contains 5 tables.)

The evidence-based practice agenda in many healthcare professions has increased the importance of teaching research skills to students in these professions. However, concern exists that many healthcare educators may be reluctant to teach research. This study investigated potential barriers to their adoption of this role. A questionnaire was distributed to 111 healthcare educators within the Faculty of Health of a post-1992 university in the north-west of England. Items enquired about career activities, and included 20 attitude statements concerning research teaching, with a 5-point Likert scale for responses. The final sample comprised 72 respondents (55 female: 65% response rate). Males rated themselves more likely to volunteer to teach research than did females. A principal components analysis and varimax rotation on attitude responses yielded three factors explaining 54.792% of variability. It was concluded that the development of a positive commitment to research teaching by healthcare educators was an important priority in delivering evidence-based curricula, and consequently for patient care. However, vigilance was required to prevent gender disparities developing in research teaching. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to undertake a formative evaluation of a young person's Smokebuster club and to examine how young people's experience of being a club member can be used to inform the club's future development. Design/methodology/approach: After seeking and being granted Local Research Ethics Committee approval to undertake the study a postal survey was conducted of all the Smokebusters members (n=2810). Findings: The response rate achieved was 16 per cent (n=438). Quantitative data analysis showed that the majority of club members who responded to the survey were white, non-disabled females, aged between 13-14 years old. The majority of young people surveyed said they had "never smoked and never will" (70.3 per cent, n=308). However, over 6 per cent (n=28) of the young people surveyed said they "currently smoke but would like to give it up". A wealth of qualitative data was also obtained that gives useful information on how the young people surveyed thought club provision could be improved. Practical implications: The findings of this study are thought to be useful not only for future development of the Smokebuster club that is the focus of this evaluation but also for those who organise similar clubs. The findings are also of wider relevance to professionals engaged in smoking cessation initiatives for young people. Originality/value: The value of this paper relates to issues surrounding engaging undertaking young people in such evaluation. Also reports of Smokebuster club evaluations are rarely given in the literature and therefore the findings of this study augment this limited information. (Contains 4 tables.)

Interviews with 18 nursing students elicited views on curriculum issues, program support, and communication. Comparison of these qualitative data with data derived from teacher-devised criterion statements revealed incompatibilities. An eclectic approach to evaluation that includes students'"stories" was recommended. (SK)

Problems in the use of one-time external examiners to assess nursing students in clinical practice include overemphasis on individuals, lack of criterion referencing, input of clinical staff, halo effect, and cost. Continuous assessment, appropriately recorded, may be more satisfactory. (SK)

Abstract Aim To evaluate users' perceptions of an online numeracy assessment tool in terms of improving their numeracy and confidence in mathematical calculation. Method A quantitative and qualitative survey evaluation [...]

BANK AND AGENCY nurses were introduced into UK nursing in the mid 1970s to temporarily fill nursing posts that could not be filled by established staff. As a result, staffing [...]