Publikationer från Högskolan i Gävle
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Experiences and perceptions of physical healthcare among adult autistic patients: A scoping review
No full textBackground and purpose: The number of people diagnosed with autism is increasing globally, and autism is associated with poorer health outcomes. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how physical healthcare is experienced and perceived by adult autistic patients. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the research on adult autistic patients’ experiences and perceptions of physical health care. Results: Sixteen articles from four databases were included. They originated from the US, Europe, and Australia. Most of the articles were published between 2022 and 2024 and employed qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches. Adult autistic patients’ experiences and perceptions of physical healthcare concerned various aspects, including the healthcare organization, rooms and spaces, healthcare staff, and physical examinations and treatments. The patients need opportunities to engage in written communication with healthcare staff, as well as waiting room environments that are low-sensory in nature. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicated that the healthcare needs of adult autistic patients were not being met, particularly concerning communication and sensory impressions. Additionally, there is a need for further research on inpatient hospital care as well as physical examinations and treatments
Balansen mellan effektivitet, arbetsmiljöoch personalens behov : En kvalitativ studie om chefers erfarenhet avarbetstidsförkortning inom socialtjänstens individ ochfamiljeomsorg
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate managers’ experience of reduced working hourswithin the Family and Personal Social Services. A qualitative research approach wasused, involving six semi-structured interviews with managers from various municipalitiesacross Sweden. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results show thatmanagers consider streamlining work and including staff as important factors to considerwhen implementing reduced working hours. In addition, managers described that reducedhours were related to enhanced well-being and improved work-life balance among socialworkers. However, the results also indicated that reduced working hours could lead toincreased stress, particularly among less experienced social workers. The discussionemphasizes the importance of professional experience, social support, and selfdetermination to achieve a well-functioning implementation. The study concludes thatreduced working hours offer many benefits, but its success depends on effectivemanagement and employee involvement. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka chefers erfarenheter av arbetstidsförkortninginom Individ- och familjeomsorgen. En kvalitativ forskningsmetod användes beståendeav sex semi-strukturerade intervjuer med chefer från olika kommuner runt om i Sverige.Data analyserades med hjälp av tematisk analys. Resultaten visar att chefer anser atteffektivisering av arbetet och inkludering av personal är viktiga faktorer att beakta vidimplementering av arbetstidsförkortning. Dessutom beskrev chefer att minskad arbetstidvar relaterat till ökat välbefinnande och förbättrad balans mellan arbetsliv och privatlivbland socialarbetare. Resultaten indikerade dock även att minskad arbetstid kan leda tillökad stress, särskilt bland mindre erfarna socialarbetare. Diskussionen betonar vikten avyrkeserfarenhet, socialt stöd och självbestämmande för att uppnå en välfungerandeimplementering. Studien drar slutsatsen att minskad arbetstid erbjuder många fördelar,men dess framgång är beroende av effektivt ledarskap och inkludering av personalen.
Editorial and an introduction: intersections of historical and democratic consciousness in history curriculum and/or syllabus: A study across nine countries
No full textThe aim of the theme issue is to provide analysis of intersections of historical and democratic consciousness expressed in official curriculum documents such as syllabuses that focus on history in eleven countries. Each of the nation states were selected for their diverse trajectories of democratic developments and political cultures. Drawing on comparative education, policy enactment, and critical discourse analysis the content in the official curriculum documents is approached as texts that are informed by historical ideas of the purposes of education that influence present and future orientations and actions. The articles in this theme issue address the following key questions: 1. How is the intersection between historical consciousness and democratic consciousness described in curriculum and/or syllabus documents regarding the history subject in the selected countries?; 2. What kind of consequences for history education do the descriptions in the curriculum and/or syllabus entail?; and 3. How are the democracy traditions of each selected country reflected in the official knowledge of the various curriculum documents?
Bridging the gap: How sustainability consultants manage the tension between profit and sustainability : A qualitative semi-structured interview study
No full textThe tension between pursuing sustainability goals while simultaneously reaching profitability demands is something businesses face increasingly. This thesis therefore looks to examine how sustainability consultants handle the tension of working with sustainability ambition while collaborating with organizations. As the research questions follow; How do sustainability consultants perceive and handle the tension between sustainability and profitability: (1) in their own professional roles, and (2) in collaboration with profit-driven companies? The chosen theory for the study includes Paradox theory and Sensemaking, both used as interdependent lenses. As the paradox theory presents a macro perspective on how sustainability and profitability dilemmas continuously create tension. While the sensemaking will give a more micro perspective on how and in what way individuals build meaning in uncertain situations. The study adopts an interpretative quantitative approach and consists of semi-structured interviews with ten sustainability consultants with different backgrounds but all still actively pursuing their careers in consulting. The findings from this study results in a two-level tension that consultants address. One, internally where they engage in identity work to put personal environmental ideals with their business interests. This is done by reframing their roles to view both sides. Sustainability and financial goals as attainable. The sensemaking process acts as a help to view the gradual progress as meaningful. Leading the consultants to be motivated while still having to make necessary financial compromises. Externally, consultants can be seen as mediators between sustainability and profit demands, by shifting the client’s mindset with the use of strategic sensegiving techniques. The consultants use strategies and present familiar business terms to the client and incorporate storytelling to make it connect with the client. The strategies used allows for the gradually shifting the client’s perspective towards integrating sustainability goals while still pursuing profit. Finally, the thesis stresses the acceptance of the paradox that is prominent between sustainability and profitability. The consultants can teach those by encourage innovative both/and solutions. The consultants handle two folded identities while continuously making sense of their professional role. This research focuses the important role of sustainability consultants as mediators who operate and balance the tension between long-term sustainability goals and short-term business priorities.
The Role of Professionals in Supporting Intimate Partner Violence Survivors and Preventing Revictimization After Reporting in Sweden
No full textThe aim of this study was to investiagte the role of professionals in supporting Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) survivors after making a report to the police against their abuser, as well as the stratagies they employ to empower survivors in relation to preventing the risk of revictimization within Sweden. The study interviewed four professionals who had experience in relation to IPV survivors through a qualitative approach. The sample consisted of particpants, a police officer, Intimate Partner Violence investigator, and a counselor and psychiatrist, both based at a primary health center. The results reflect the methods professionals use to provide emotional and practcial support, the challenges they face, and the impact of prioritization and interprofessional collaboration. Each of these themes, along with their subthemes, is linked to the Triangle of Empowerment and the Triangle of Disempowerment. In the discussion section, these findings were compared with previous literature and examined through the lens of the Empowerment and Disempowerment framework. In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into the practical realities of social work, highlighting both empowering and disempowering factors that can inform future practice and research
Alleviating consumer demand for fast last-mile delivery: Behavioral nudges and their impact on delivery preferences
No full textThe growing need for last-mile deliveries in e-commerce imposed stresses on the logistics system, leading to strain and environmental damage. This has forced the need for better delivery options that work for sustainability and well-being practices. Decision architecture and nudging play a critical role in addressing these challenges. The study investigates how choice architecture can change e-commerce consumers through measuring the readiness to wait and accept slower delivery, minimising harmful impacts on the environment, and improving delivery staff working conditions. The research involved 148 participants, mostly aged 25-34 with a high number shopping online once a week or monthly. The study used an experimental survey/questionnaire research approach to compare the effect of different types of nudges on consumers’ choice of delivery options. The results showed that people in all four groups (control, incentive, educational, and social) were willing to wait an average of 5.4 to 6.6 days. The social proof group was the most willing to wait, with a significantly higher desire to wait than zero in all three groups.The study emphasises that raising customer knowledge is key to encouraging eco-friendly practices in online shopping. It suggests that discounts and carbon emissions data outreach can encourage responsible choices. But, the small sample size may not prove highly acceptable. It is recommended to conduct field experiments with a larger-scale study for further investigation. Accessibility nudges can also ease the burden as this study showed a little effect on willingness to wait
Proximity Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement in Business Models for Sustainability: A Conceptual Framework
No full textStakeholder engagement is a crucial part of business models for sustainability (BMfS), but companies struggle to implement it. One approach that could be leveraged is the concept of proximity, as it can enable sharing of knowledge and values. However, there is a lack of studies exploring proximity dimensions in BMfS and how they can be combined to facilitate the integration of stakeholder engagement in BMfS. Based on multiple case study research, this paper fills this gap by proposing the Stakeholder engagement in BMfS proximity framework, highlighting how five BMfS proximity dimensions (identity, production and supply chain, functional, inter-organizational and environmental proximity) can be combined in BMfS components through three distinctive strategies—adaptation, association, and identity strategy. These strategies facilitate stakeholder engagement by creating the perception of multiple localities, multiple communities, or a combination of those, providing an enhanced conceptual understanding of stakeholder engagement in BMfS for academics and practitioners
How homelessness can be prevented : a literature review on the importance of social work in counteracting a social problem
No full textSyftet med litteraturöversikten var att få en samlad bild av det sociala arbetets förebyggande samt motverkande metoder att förhindra hemlöshet. Utifrån urvalet av 14 inkluderade studier kunde personer som riskerade hamna i hemlöshet identifieras, förebyggande metoder att förhindra uppkomsten av hemlöshet samt motverkande metoder av befintlig hemlöshet. Ämnet är komplext, hemlöshet beskrevs i de inkluderade artiklarna sällan som ett isolerat socialt problem vilket även ställer krav på det sociala arbetet. Våld och andra sociala problem var faktorer som bidrog till att hamna i hemlöshet och låg eller avsaknad av inkomst identifierades som den primära anledningen. Motverkande metoder som framkom var att integreras på arbetsmarknaden samt genom bostadsprogram finna en hållbar boendelösning. Införandet av nya socialtjänstlagen år 2025 ökar möjligheterna att förebygga sociala problem och slutsatsen blev att det förebyggande sociala arbetet var viktigast då de motverkande metoderna inte förhindrade att ny hemlöshet uppstod.This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive and counteractive methods within social work to prevent homelessness. Based on the 14 selected studies, could people be identified with greater risk of becoming homeless, preventive methods to avoid the emergence of homelessness and counteractive strategies for existing homelessness. The issue was found to be complex, homelessness rarely appeared as an isolated problem, which placed additional demands on social work. Violence and other social issues were factors which contributed to the risk of becoming homeless, with low or no income being identified as the primary cause. Effective countermeasures included integration in the labor market and housing programs offering sustainable living solutions. With the introduction of the new Social Services Act in year 2025, the importance of social work will be further strengthened. The authors concluded that preventive efforts are most crucial, as counteractive methods did not prevent new homelessness from arising
Mechanical Ventilation Strategies in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review of Climate Management, Indoor Air Quality, and Energy Efficiency
No full textAs the demand for energy-efficient homes continues to rise, the importance of advanced mechanical ventilation systems in maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) has become increasingly evident. However, challenges related to energy balance, IAQ, and occupant thermal comfort persist. This review examines the performance of mechanical ventilation systems in regulating indoor climate, improving air quality, and minimising energy consumption. The findings indicate that demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) can enhance energy efficiency by up to 88% while maintaining CO2 concentrations below 1000 ppm during 76% of the occupancy period. Heat recovery systems achieve efficiencies of nearly 90%, leading to a reduction in heating energy consumption by approximately 19%. Studies also show that employing mechanical rather than natural ventilation in schools lowers CO2 levels by 20–30%. Nevertheless, occupant misuse or poorly designed systems can result in CO2 concentrations exceeding 1600 ppm in residential environments. Hybrid ventilation systems have demonstrated improved thermal comfort, with predicted mean vote (PMV) values ranging from –0.41 to 0.37 when radiant heating is utilized. Despite ongoing technological advancements, issues such as system durability, user acceptance, and adaptability across climate zones remain. Smart, personalized ventilation strategies supported by modern control algorithms and continuous monitoring are essential for the development of resilient and health-promoting buildings. Future research should prioritize the integration of renewable energy sources and adaptive ventilation controls to further optimise system performance
Leveraging Double Materiality through Life Cycle Principles, ESRS implementation and CSRD compliance
No full textThe Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) is an impactful tool in corporate sustainability reporting, evaluating both financial and impact materiality. Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approaches, such as Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) and Life Cycle Management (LCM), offers a structured approach to assess environmental, social and economic impact. This study explores how principles from LCT can support the DMA required under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and assesses the extent to which first-wave CSRD-compliant companies disclose DMA and LCT-related information in their annual reports. A qualitative-dominant mixed-method approach was applied. A framework was developed by aligning ESRS disclosure requirements related to DMA with key LCT concepts. 20 annual reports from large Danish companies subject to the first CSRD reporting wave were assessed using a structured analysis, supported by a 0-5 scoring system across thematic categories. The results show partial to moderate alignment with ESRS DMA disclosure requirements and limited but emerging application of LCT principles. Stakeholder engagement and methodology received relatively higher scores, while business model and value chain were the least disclosed. The use of LCT was more prevalent in product-oriented industries. The study provides insights into how companies can strengthen their DMA by integrating LCT practices, thereby improving audit-readiness, transparency, and strategic alignment. It also offers a practical scoring framework that can be adapted to benchmark disclosure quality. The study addresses a research gap by linking life cycle-based methodologies with double materiality under the ESRS. It offers a novel analytical framework for assessing disclosure practices and highlights the role of LCT in supporting systematic and verifiable sustainability reporting. The study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical sustainability methodologies and regulatory reporting practices