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Assessing the Current State and Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Transformation in Fiber Project Management
Get PDFThe telecommunications industry is a pivotal driver of technological innovation, with the global market forecasted to exceed $2 trillion by 2026. This growth is fuelled by the rising demand for broadband services, digital transformation initiatives, and the proliferation of mobile devices. This study assesses the current state, opportunities, and challenges of digital transformation in telecom project management, particularly within fibre projects. It aims to evaluate the impact of process automation on enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative online surveys to ensure comprehensive data collection. The survey, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale, targeted a sample size of 100 respondents using judgmental sampling to capture domain-specific insights. Results
indicate a higher integration of digital technologies s in areas such as risk management and resource allocation (Mean = 3.15), while lower utilization was observed in planning (Mean = 2.71) and quality control (Mean = 1.92). Although digital transformation has improved data accessibility (Mean = 3.99) and team collaboration (Mean = 3.58), its overall impact on project effectiveness remains limited (Mean = 2.14). The study reveals that 62% of organizations are still in the nascent stages of adopting technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and AI, with 57% relying on traditional management approaches. To address these challenges, the research proposes a structured digital adoption strategy,
emphasizing phased implementation, focused training, and change management. These recommendations aim to enhance fibre project management processes, optimize outcomes, and ensure sustained competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape
A pilot study to explore children’s experiences of intensive care post-cardiac arrest using art-based participatory methods
Get PDFChildren who have survived a cardiac arrest are at the highest risk of long-term impairment, collectively termed Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). This study aimed to explore through participatory and creative methods, children and young people’s (CYP) experiences post-cardiac arrest intensive care. Participatory research includes drawing, painting and small-world play. CYPs were recruited who had been admitted to intensive care post-cardiac arrest and had the cognitive and physical ability to talk, draw, paint or play out their experiences. Seven CYPs and families consented to participate. The median number of interviews was two (IQR2,3), with a median interview length of 24 minutes (IQR15,65 minutes). Themes that emerged: gratitude, distrust and extrasensory experiences. Four of the seven (57%) participants opted to paint or draw to convey their experiences. Two (28%) participants had no memories of their cardiac arrest or time in intensive care but used creative methods to express gratitude to the care team. Participatory research methods may be an effective way for CYPs to convey their experiences of post-cardiac arrest intensive care. CYPs who have been critically ill have expressed a need to make sense of their experiences in intensive care. Healthcare professionals should be aware that these experiences may be deemed as extrasensory and require sensitive exploration
Economic Evaluations of Speech and Language Therapy Interventions: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground: With constrained funding and increasing demand, the pressures on health and care services globally continue to grow. Given the challenges faced, it is imperative that services and interventions demonstrate cost-effectiveness, as well as patient/service-user and societal benefits, to maximise impact.
Research has started to explore the cost-effectiveness of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) interventions, but little is known about this body of evidence overall. Given the increasing demand for economic information by different decision-makers, an overall understanding of the current evidence base is needed. Such an evaluation should map and assess the current evidence to identify key gaps, areas of strength, and recommendations for future economic evaluations of SLT.
Aims: To identify the extent and type of economic evaluations assessing the cost (incluidng cost-effectiveness) of Speech and Language Therapy interventions.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted identifying studies across seven key databases from date of inception to 20 October 2023. Studies were included if they assessed any type of cost of an intervention which was primarily delivered (directly or indirectly) by a Speech and Language Therapist. A narrative synthesis was undertaken and clustered around common populations of interest.
Outcomes & Results: This scoping review identified 52 studies which have been published over three and a half decades . Recently, there has been a notable increase in the number of studies, specifically cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses; however, there were limited internal citations and a substantial variation in populations and interventions assessed by these studies. Economic evaluations were carried out alongside various effectiveness study designs, using different units of analysis, time horizons, and perspectives.
Conclusion: Although a small number of studies have begun to explore the economic aspects of SLT, evidence in this area remains relatively scarce, highlighting the need to prioritize further economic evaluations. Given the substantial heterogeneity and limited interconnectivity within the existing evidence base, it is crucial to strategically organize and coordinate efforts to optimize future research. This strategic programme may include priority setting, national and international coordination, collaborations with funding bodies and other key stakeholders, networking, and workforce development. Future economic evaluations of SLT interventions should ideally run alongside randomised controlled trials and use decision-analytic modelling techniques to strengthen the economic evidence base
944 Dual- Versus Single-Antibiotic Loaded Cement for Hip Hemiarthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textAim
Hip hemiarthroplasty is a common treatment for hip fractures in the elderly, but surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern. Antibiotic-loaded cement (ALC) is used to reduce this risk; however, the efficacy of dual antibiotic-loaded cement (DALC) versus single antibiotic-loaded cement (SALC) is debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the efficacy of DALC and SALC in preventing infections in hip hemiarthroplasty.
Method
A comprehensive search was conducted in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and grey literature sources, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies evaluating DALC and SALC in hip hemiarthroplasty. The primary outcome was the incidence of deep SSIs, and secondary outcomes included superficial SSIs, mortality, antibiotic use, and complications. Data were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis.
Results
Five studies with 28,418 participants were included. DALC significantly reduced the risk of deep SSIs compared to SALC (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29–0.76; P=0.002; I²=27%). DALC also lowered the risk of any infection (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38–0.79; P=0.001; I²=27%). No significant differences were observed for superficial SSIs, mortality, antibiotic use, or complications.
Conclusions
DALC significantly reduces the risk of deep SSIs and overall infections in hip hemiarthroplasty, demonstrating its potential as a superior option to SALC. However, further large-scale RCTs are required to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term outcomes
Reflections on co-ordinating peer-assisted learning in a university mathematics department
Get PDFThis reflective paper explores the experience of the author while co-ordinating a relaunch of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) within the Department of Mathematical Sciences at a UK university. PAL involves senior students supporting first-year students through regular collaborative learning sessions, fostering both academic engagement and peer mentoring. The paper discusses the practical challenges encountered during implementation, such as student participation, scheduling, and training of PAL leaders, alongside the strategies that proved effective. Drawing on these experiences, the author will suggest potential improvements to enhance the impact of PAL in future iterations. The insights shared may be of value to other academics looking to introduce or refine similar peer-support initiatives in their own departments
AN EXPLORATION OF KNEE JOINT ANGLES AND MOMENTS ON DIFFERENT STEPS DURING STAIR ASCENT AND DESCENT AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS TO FUNCTIONAL DEMAND
No full textParadigm Shift of Microfinance Institutions in Nepal: A Mixed Method Approach
No full textThis study examines how transforming from non-profit oriented to profit-oriented MFIs in Nepal impacted their performance. A mixed-methods Approach was applied where quantitative data was analysed using a Propensity Score Matching (PSM), followed by qualitative thematic analysis. The results show that the transformation of MFIs reduces their profitability and operational self-sufficiency in the short run but increases in the long run. Further, the study found that the number of clients and the loan size of profit-oriented MFIs are increasing in Nepal, which suggests that the MFIs in Nepal are drifting away from their main mission of social welfare, also known as mission drift
When to Stay Put and when to Go: Warnings, Escape Behaviour, Smoke Exposure and Survivability in the Grenfell Tower Fire
No full textRobert F. Kennedy Jr. says antidepressants are harder to quit than heroin – is he right?
No full textRobert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the US health and human services secretary, despite saying a few things that raised eyebrows during his confirmation hearing. One of those things was the claim that some people have a harder time coming off antidepressants than they do coming off heroin. He was referring specifically to the current generation of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs
Telerehabilitation in the context of community stroke service provision; exploring the lived experiences of rehabilitation professionals in the UK
No full textIntroduction: Research into technologies to deliver rehabilitation remotely (Telerehabilitation) is needed to develop guideline recommendations to support implementation. Rehabilitation professionals’ perspectives are key to inform the design and integration of telerehabilitation in routine care. This study explored clinicians' experiences of telerehabilitation in the context of community stroke service provision.
Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit healthcare professionals involved in community stroke services in England, Wales and Scotland. We interviewed 57 multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals and 4 stroke network leads. Using a realist approach, qualitative analysis explored contextual factors and processes driving implementation.
Results or details of the case: A variety of technologies and telerehabilitation models were used in routine care. Telerehabilitation was regarded as an important strategy to increase therapy provision in an efficient way. Perceived ease of use, safety and relative advantage were key factors influencing adoption. Conditions for sustained use included organisational readiness, availability of technical and administrative support and presence of digital champions. A coordinated MDT approach helped to ensure continuity and personalised care, especially where discipline-specific interventions were used. Respondents’ perceptions of their own digital health competence varied; therapists called for guidance and examples of successful implementation to support clinical decision making.
Conclusion: The study highlighted technological, attitudinal and organisational factors influencing the use of telerehabilitation, from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals. Investing in digital infrastructure and staff training, may promote therapists’ confidence in the value of telerehabilitation and their own ability to provide it safely and where appropriate