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Why you should read this article: • To discover how the virtual nominal group technique (vNGT) effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional face-to-face nominal group technique (NGT) • To gain insights into the practical applications and challenges of vNGT in healthcare research and policy formulation, enhancing your understanding of remote collaboration methods • To learn about the adaptability and benefits of vNGT, including its ability to facilitate inclusive, cost-effective and time-efficient consensus-building processes across diverse geographic locations. Background: Nominal group technique (NGT) is widely used in healthcare research to facilitate decision-making and consensus-building. Traditional NGT requires face-to-face interaction and its limitations include potential biases, logistical challenges and high costs. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual methods, which led to the development of virtual nominal group technique (vNGT). Aim To reflect on the use of vNGT, particularly in the context of Ghader et al (2023), to understand its effectiveness in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT and on its applicability in pandemic-affected scenarios. Method: This paper reviews and discusses literature on the use and effectiveness of NGT compared to other consensus-building methods and examines the emergence of vNGT in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT. The authors also reflect on their use of vNGT in a study to identify cardiovascular research priorities in the UAE and provide details of its implementation. Discussion: vNGT bridges the gap between the localised nature of traditional NGT and the global reach of the Delphi technique. It allows for the inclusion of diverse participants, saves costs and offers time-efficiency. The study demonstrated vNGT’s adaptability, with participants engaging in idea generation, discussion and prioritisation using online tools. However, challenges persist with vNGT, including reduced accessibility for certain demographics, timing issues across time zones and technical difficulties. Conclusion: vNGT successfully integrates the interactive, consensus-building aspects of NGT with the broad reach of Delphi. It can be valuable in research and decision-making, especially in an era of increased remote collaboration. Implications for practice: vNGT can significantly impact healthcare research and policy formulation by enabling more inclusive, cost-effective and timely consensus-building processes. However, considerations for accessibility and technical support are crucial for its wider adoption and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the personal testimonies of male British ex-Armed Forces personnel who have experienced violence and abuse victimization that was perpetrated by civilian female partners. In this research, we argue that to embark upon any understanding of the domestic lives of military personnel, an appreciation of the linkages to the cultural context of the military institution is necessary. Understanding the influence of the military institution beyond the military domain is crucial. We unveil the nature and character of the violence and abuse and how the servicemen negotiated their relationships. In doing so, we highlight the embodiment of military discipline, skills, and tactics in the home—not ones of violence which may be routinely linked to military masculinities; rather ones of restraint, tolerance, stoicism, and the reduction of a threat to inconsequential individual significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Obesity is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe, attaining an alarming level in Arab Gulf countries. Poor diets and a lack of essential nutrients being consumed by pregnant women has been acknowledged, and it is recognised that parental eating habits and preferences can contribute to the development of unhealthy diets in children. However, there have been no studies exploring diet and eating habits that have targeted expectant parents and their families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim. To explore the diet and eating habits of expectant parents and their families during pregnancy and test the feasibility of introducing an EatWell Assist workshop and diary, to increase awareness of healthy eating to improve family diet and nutritional status. Method. Participants were recruited from three study sites in Ras A1 Khaimah, UAE. Initially, a purposive sample of 20 expectant mothers and 10 expectant fathers were interviewed. Phase 2 of the study recruited 15 expectant mothers and five female family members or close friends to attend one of three EatWell Assist workshops and complete a diary for four weeks. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts and simple analysis of the structured questionnaire was undertaken. Results. The thematic analysis identified seven main themes for expectant mothers' current diets and eating habits. These were: knowledge and understanding, eating patterns, fast foods, using supplements, likes and dislikes, body image, influences. Five similar main themes emerged for expectant fathers but the theme, 'no supplements', was in contrast to expectant mothers' 'using supplements', and 'body image' did not emerge. Overall, the findings demonstrated the workshop evaluations were positive and participants gained knowledge and valued the opportunity to attend. Completing an EatWell food diary enabled expectant mothers to improve their diets and eating habits. Conclusions. Expectant parents' current diet and eating habits were significantly influenced by the availability of a Western diet as well as traditional foods and cultural eating preferences. There was some improvement in healthy eating behaviours after attending a healthy eating workshop and keeping a daily food diary. Expectant fathers' work commitments and women's preferences inhibited opportunities for them to receive healthy eating education. Strategies to engage with expectant fathers need to be implemented and online education options may be worth considering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article draws on perceptions of those working in professional capacities with European migrants in one area of the UK, to explore understandings about the relationship between European migrants and crime at the local level. The qualitative study informing the article involved semi-structured interviews with representatives from the criminal justice system (CJS) and community representatives. A key finding of the study was that both CJS and community representative respondent accounts were largely congruent. European migrants were more likely, in respondent accounts, to be victims, rather than perpetrators, of crime. Much of the predominantly ‘low-level’ crime associated with European migrant offending was reported to be largely a function of cultural difference and based on misunderstanding of UK law and CJS processes. The article concludes with some implications for the enculturalization and education of new migrants and the fostering of better understanding between European migrants and CJS agents and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023 Alkhathami and colleagues from the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's transformative upgrades across various sectors, notably including enhancements to the healthcare system, and called for action to extend these upgrades to the military healthcare field. Prompted by this call to action, the leadership of the military healthcare system swiftly commenced initiatives, acting in less than three months from this pivotal appeal. In January 2023 the first author ordered a decree via the General Directorate of Armed Forces Medical Services of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with US central Command and international partners, to host the 3rd International Conference of Military Medicine. The event graciously welcoming more than 1000 military representatives from 20 participating nations. The Military Medical Conference, fostering a global military community dialogue on the necessity to explore collective capacities to endure and overcome humanitarian challenges, thereby sustaining health, promoting well-being, and nurturing life through strategies that align with the insights of Alkhathami et al. (2023). The response and the need underlined by the original article are discussed by the Major General, staff of the Saudi Military Medical Services and academics from the University of Sharjah., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Mandourah Y et al.)