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Reflection tools : support for patient learning in group education
No full textThis qualitative study describes how reflection can be supported by using reflective tools in group education in type 2 diabetes. The changed conditions for living with a long-term illness may lead to increased anxiety and new demands that affect one’s current life situation. The didactic model, ‘The challenge – to take charge of one’s life with long-term illness’, has been developed into ‘Taking responsibility in life with type 2 diabetes – a model for group education in primary care’. Specialized diabetes nurses and dieticians received training, a manual and continuous guidance in applying the model. Reflection diaries, notes and interviews both from the patients and the caregivers were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method. The results show that using images as reflective tools engages thoughts and feelings in a way that appears to be important for one’s learning in life with a chronic illness. The images contribute to allowing a distance from one’s situation, actions, thoughts and feelings, which seems fruitful for investigating and discovering new ‘things’ about oneself. With the support of reflective tools and guiding questions, reflection is led to a deeper existential level where both caregivers and patients contribute by asking questions that support the reflection process.CC-BY 4.0The authors would like to thank the Research and Development Centre at Skaraborg Hospital Skövde,Sweden and the Skaraborg Institute, Sweden for their support [Dnr. 21/1024].</p
Additive Manufacturing of PH 13-8 Mo Family : A Review
No full textThe PH 13-8 Mo family of steels belong to the martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steels (MPHSSs) category, which exhibits a good combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers advantages, including reduced material waste and the capability to produce complex, near-net-shape parts. Consequently, the application of AM techniques to the PH 13-8 Mo family is being increasingly explored across various industries. This review paper presents the existing literature on the topic and provides an overview. The review starts by presenting information about the PH 13-8 Mo family, including microstructure, chemical compositions, heat treatments, and mechanical properties. Afterwards, the work focuses on presenting the microstructure and resulting properties of PH 13-8 Mo family processed by three different additive manufacturing processes: Powder Bed Fusion using a Laser Beam (PBF-LB), Directed Energy Deposition using an Electric Arc (DED-Arc), and Directed Energy Deposition using a Laser Beam (DED-LB), both in their as-built condition and following post-processing heat treatments. The review concludes with a summary and outlook that highlights existing knowledge gaps and underscores the need for further research to tailor the microstructural evolution and enhance the properties. The findings indicate that AM of the PH 13-8 Mo family has the potential for industrial applications, yet further studies are necessary to optimize its performance.CC BY 4.0</p
Men's experiences after having suffered myocardial infarction : A literature study
No full textBackground: Myocardial infarction is the deadliest disease globally. It is significantly more common for men to be affected than women, where men more often die of myocardial infarction. Experiencing the myocardial infarction as a negative turning point is not unusual, as a challenging time awaits where the person suddenly needs to adapt to a new, changed everyday life. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate men's experiences of having suffered a myocardial infarction. Method: This study was based on a qualitative literature study. Literature research was done in the databases Cinahl, PsycInfo and Pubmed to find relevant articles. 12 articles were selected and analyzed using five-step analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged; a changed everyday life, the feeling of having been changed and the importance of support. The result showed that men were affected in different ways after the myocardial infarction where some men could not accept their illness or wanted to change their lifestyle. The experience of support also varied, and some men experienced that the support from healthcare was deficient. Conclusion: The results show that nurses need to give more information about possible challenges, lifestyle changes and follow-up.Män är överrepresenterade i insjuknandet och dödligheten av hjärtinfarkt. Livet efter en hjärtinfarkt kan vara en skrämmande och omvälvande upplevelse som följs av många tankar och känslor inför framtiden. Det vardagliga livet förändras, varpå anpassningar och förändringar måste göras för att få den nya vardagen att fungera. Därmed var syftet med studien att undersöka mäns erfarenheter efter en genomgången hjärtinfarkt. Ur resultatet framkom att deltagarna upplevde sin nya vardag på ett varierande sätt. Attityden inför livsstilsförändringar skiftade mellan en vilja av att förändras för en förbättrad hälsa, samt känslor av förlust inför att ge upp tidigare ohälsosamma vanor. Negativa följder efter hjärtinfarkten beskrevs vara trötthet, svaghet, isolering, ensamhet, dödsångest, oro och grubblande. En upplevd minskad manlighet förekom där svaghet och en försämrad arbetsförmåga var bidragande faktorer. Å andra sidan var positiva upplevelser till följd av hjärtinfarkten en ökad motivation till ett förändrat levnadssätt. Andra positiva upplevelser var en ökad tacksamhet samt värnande för livet och relationer. Avseende stöd hade vården samt nära och kära en betydande roll. Vårdpersonalen främjade till delaktighet, men informationen kunde upplevas som överväldigande och svårtolkad. Slutsatserna som kan dras är att en genomgången hjärtinfarkt påverkar män på olika sätt både psykiskt och fysiskt. Livet efter hjärtinfarkten kunde ses som en nystart, men även som en negativ vändpunkt. Sjuksköterskans roll är att kunna möta dessa män oavsett vilka utmaningar de står inför i vardagen.Riskfaktorer för hjärtinfarkt är manligt kön, hög ålder, rökning, övervikt, bukfetma, höga blodfetter, högt blodtryck, förhöjt blodsocker och diabetes typ 2 och stress. Sjuksköterskan har ett omvårdnadsansvar i att stödja personer till beteendeförändringar samt att uppmuntra till livsstilsförändringar för att uppnå en förbättrad hälsa. Att ha goda levnadsvanor är en förutsättning för en god hälsa och förebygger återinsjuknande i hjärtinfarkt. En litteraturbaserad studie med kvalitativ metod användes, där tolv kvalitativa vetenskapliga artiklar valdes ut. Dessa analyserades utifrån Fribergs femstegsprocess, vilket genererade i tre huvudteman och sex underteman
Constant conditions, the dance with politics and recurring dilemmas : A study of municipal managers' perceived room for manoeuvre
No full textFlera decenniers reformer och nya managementmetoder har lagt grunden för offentliga chefers förutsättningar men det råder delade meningar om vad dessa har för faktiska effekter på ledarskapet (Cäker & Siverbo, 2018; Lapsley, 2009; 2018; Scharf & Berntson, 2023; Siverbo, 2023). Stora skillnader och orättvisor i organisatoriska förutsättningar har uppmärksammats mellan traditionellt manliga och kvinnliga kommunala sektorer (Björk & Härenstam, 2016; Kankkunen, 2014; Landstad & Vinberg, 2013; Scharf & Berntson, 2023; Skagert et. al., 2008; Wallin et. al., 2014) men det saknas fortfarande studier som belyser samspelet mellan kontext och aktör samt perspektivet från chefer på högre nivå i kommunal förvaltning. Syfte med studien var att undersöka hur kommunala chefer på högre förvaltningsnivå upplever sitt handlingsutrymme. Genom att belysa det upplevda handlingsutrymmet avsåg studien att bidra med ökad förståelse för vilka organisatoriska förutsättningar som formar ledarskapet på högre nivå inom kommunal förvaltning. Perspektiv och analysverktyg har sin utgångspunkt i tidigare forskning om kommunala chefers förutsättningar, handlingsutrymme och genusordning. Totalt 9 chefer deltog i studien och empiriskt material är insamlat med semistrukturerade intervjuer. Det empiriska materialet tematiserades innan analys. Resultatet visar att kommunala chefers upplevda handlingsutrymme formas av konstanta förutsättningar, cykliska förutsättningar benämnda ”dansen med politiken” samt återkommande dilemman. Genom att följa, förändra eller undvika organisatoriska arrangemang och företeelser skapar cheferna sitt eget handlingsutrymme. Benämningarna konstanta förutsättningar, dansen med politiken och återkommande dilemman speglar i vilken grad och omfattning växelverkan sker och vilka möjligheter cheferna har att påverka. Resultatet visar bland annat att detaljfrågor i större utsträckning når nämndrummet i teknisk sektor medan det förblir på operativ nivå för utbildning, vård och omsorg; varför jag benämner detta som ett intressentdilemma och frångår förklaringar från tidigare studier. Cheferna har sin utgångspunkt i ett ”superföljarskap” men strävar efter ett större handlingsutrymme som innehåller en mix av strategisk kommunikation och närvarande ledarskap vilket signalerar en pågående vändpunkt i synen på ledning inom offentlig sektor till det tillitsbaserade ledarskapet.Several decades of reforms and new management methods have laid the foundation for public managers' conditions, but there are divided opinions about what the actual effects on leadership are (Cäker & Siverbo, 2018; Lapsley, 2009; 2018; Scharf & Berntson, 2023; Siverbo, 2023). Major differences and injustices in organisational conditions have been noted between traditionally male and female municipal sectors (Björk & Härenstam, 2016; Kankkunen, 2014; Landstad & Vinberg, 2013; Scharf & Berntson, 2023; Skagert et. al., 2008; Wallin et. al., 2014) but there are still a lack of studies that highlight the interaction between context and actor and the perspective of higher-level managers in municipal administration. The purpose of the study was to examine how municipal managers at higher administrative levels experience their room for manoeuvre. By highlighting the perceived room for manoeuvre, the study intended to contribute to an increased understanding of the organizational conditions that shape leadership at a higher level in municipal administration. Perspectives and analysis tools are based on previous research on municipal managers' conditions, room for manoeuvre and gender order. A total of 9 managers participated in the study and empirical material was collected with semi-structured interviews. The empirical material was thematized before analysis. The result shows that municipal managers' perceived room for manoeuvre is shaped by constant conditions, cyclical conditions referred to as "the dance with politics" and recurring dilemmas. By following, changing, or avoiding organisational arrangements and phenomena, managers create their own room for manoeuvre. The terms constant conditions, the dance with politics and recurring dilemmas reflect the degree and extent of interaction and the opportunities for managers to influence. The results show, among other things, that detailed issues to a greater extent reach the board room in the technical sector while it remains at the operational level for education, health and social care; why I call this a stakeholder dilemma and deviate from explanations from previous studies. The managers have their starting point in a "super followership" but strive for a greater room for manoeuvre that includes a mix of strategic communication and present leadership, which signals an ongoing turning point in the view of management in the public sector to trust-based leadership
Where are the women? : A study on possible reasons for why there are few female employees in the IT industry
No full textSyftet med studien var att undersöka möjliga orsaker till bristande jämställdhet inom ITbranschen. Historiskt sett har IT-branschen sedan dess början varit en mansdominerad bransch. IT-branschen står inför stora kompetensförsörjningsbehov i framtiden som gör det viktigt att kunna attrahera fler kvinnor till branschen. Detta kräver medvetenhet och större ansträngningar för att främja jämställdhet och skapa förutsättningar för inkludering. På senare år har fler kvinnor börjat arbeta inom branschen, men trots framstegen finns det fortfarande utmaningar med ojämlikhet och stereotyper. Tidigare forskning visar att jämställdhet är väldigt komplext eftersom det involverar en mängd olika faktorer, dynamiker och samhällsstrukturer, till exempel kulturella och sociala normer som påverkar könsskillnader och ojämlikheter i samhället och på arbetsmarknaden. Den teoretiska referensramen som ligger till grund för studien utgår från tidigare forskning och vetenskapliga artiklar inom området. Med denna referensram genomfördes insamling av empirin av semistrukturerade intervjuer med femton medarbetare som arbetar inom IT på ett större företag. Resultatet visar att de anställda upplever att organisationskultur bygger på ansvarstagande som balanseras med förtroende och tillit. Respondenterna vittnar om olika värderingar och normer inom organisationen. Av resultaten framgår också att de anställda upplever att könsstereotyper påverkar mäns och kvinnors val av arbetsplatser eller högre studier. Det leder till att vissa yrken och utbildningar ses som merl ämpade för antingen män eller kvinnor, vilket skapar hinder för individer som väljer ett yrke eller utbildning som inte överensstämmer med stereotypa könsroller. Vi kan också konstatera att det i företaget finns en medvetenhet kring vikten av jämställdhet. Detta indikerar att respondenterna har en förståelse för betydelsen av jämställdhet och dess roll i att främja en inkluderande och mer jämlik arbetsplats. Denna studie kan bidra till att ge en ökad förståelse för vilka möjliga orsaker till bristande jämställdhet inom IT-branschen.The purpose of this thesis was to study possible reasons for a lack of gender equality within the IT industry, and what factors might be the cause. Historically, the IT industry has been male dominated since its inception. With the industry facing significant future skill supply needs, it is important to attract more women to the industry in the future. This requires awareness and greater efforts to promote gender equality and create conditions for inclusion within the IT industry. In recent years, more women have started working in the industry. Despite the progress, challenges of inequality and stereotypes still persist within the IT-industry. Previous research shows that gender equality is very complex, involving a variety of factors, dynamics and societal structures, such as cultural and social norms that influence gender differences and inequalities in society and the labor market. The theoretical framework for the study is based on previous research and scientific articles. Using this theoretical framework as a basis, the empirical data was collected through a qualitative method in the form of semi-structured interviews with fifteen male employees working in IT at a larger company. The results show that employees perceive the organizational culture to be built on responsibility balanced with trust and confidence. The respondents also describe different values and norms within the organization. The results also indicate that employees perceive gender-related stereotypes to influence how women and men choose workplaces or higher education. This leads to certain professions and educational paths being seen as more suitable for either men or women, which creates barriers for individuals who choose a career or education that does not align with stereotypical gender roles. It can also be noted that there is an awareness within the company regarding the importance of gender equality. This indicates an understanding of the significance of gender equality and its role promoting an inclusive and more equitable workplace. This study can contribute to providing increased insight into possible explanations for a lack of gender equality within the IT industry
Organisering för arbetsplatslärande vid digitalisering av kommunla hälsotjänster
No full textThis dissertation will explore the intersection of digitalization and innovation focusing on the management of workplace learning. Adopting a sociocultural perspective, it concentrates on the organizational level, specifically on how management supports workplace learning within municipal healthcare services. The research in the dissertation is delimited to a Nordic healthcare sector, focusing on healthcare within municipal homecare and nursing homes in Sweden and Norway. In many countries, digitalization and innovation are increasingly seen as vital tools for tackling societal challenges and promoting sustainability, particularly concerning the growing gap between available resources and the increasing need for healthcare services. Despite the widespread belief in digitalization and innovation as solutions, and a generally techno-utopian or techno-optimistic outlook on digital technologies, the digital transformation of the healthcare sector has proven to be complex and has not always yielded the anticipated positive results. Factors such as experience, skills, training, knowledge, expectations regarding technology and its use, habits, and the learning environment at the workplace can all impact both the utilization of technology and the potential for driving innovation. This dissertation is built upon two studies, utilizing a qualitative research approach rooted in Engaged Scholarship. In the first study, several rounds of focus group interviews are conducted with managers and employees in municipalities in Sweden and Norway, focusing on current use, needs, and future potential for technology and digitalization, as well as mapping, analyzing, and further needs for development, organization, decisions, and guidelines to then sharpen the focus on learning and knowledge. Study II was organized as a case study following an innovation pilot project in healthcare within a Swedish municipality. Individual and group interviews were conducted with managers and employees, and viii participatory observation took place during workshops throughout the process of the pilot. The results and analyses from the two studies are detailed in the five appended articles. The findings of this dissertation highlight a gap between the current workforce’s competencies and the skills necessary for effectively implementing and utilizing new technologies. It suggests that organizing for workplace learning requires organized learning, with a particular emphasis on active and engaged management. A three-part strategy for organized learning is proposed, which includes: i) individualization through learner-centeredness, ii) the management’s use of tools and strategies, and iii) fostering a participatory learning environment. This dissertation enhances the understanding of organizing for learning in the context of digitalization and innovation within municipal healthcare services, focusing on both individual and organizational perspectives, and particularly the role of managementDenne avhandlingen studerer organisering av læring på arbeidsplassen, med digitalisering og innovasjon som del av konteksten. Gjennom et sosiokulturelt perspektiv, fokuserer den på organisasjonsnivået, og spesielt på hvordan ledelsen organiserer og legger til rette for læring som en integrert del av det daglige arbeidet innen kommunale helsetjenester. Forskningen i avhandlingen er avgrenset til en nordisk helsesektor, med fokus på helsetjenester innen kommunal hjemmesykepleie og sykehjem i Sverige og Norge. I mange land blir digitalisering og innovasjon i økende grad sett på som viktige verktøy for å møte samfunnsutfordringer og fremme bærekraft, spesielt med tanke på den voksende kløften mellom tilgjengelige ressurser og det økende behovet for helsetjenester. Til tross for den utbredte troen på digitalisering og innovasjon som løsninger, samt en generelt tekno-utopisk eller tekno-optimistisk holdning til digital teknologi, har den digitale transformasjonen av helsesektoren vist seg å være kompleks og har ikke alltid gitt de forventede positive resultatene. Faktorer som erfaring, ferdigheter, opplæring, kunnskap, forventninger til teknologi og dens bruk, vaner og læringsmiljøet på arbeidsplassen kan alle påvirke både bruken av teknologi og muligheten for å drive innovasjon. Avhandlingen er basert på to studier, og det er brukt en kvalitativ, “engaged scholarship”-tilnærming. I den første studien gjennomføres flere runder med fokusgruppeintervjuer med ledere og ansatte i kommuner i Sverige og Norge. Fokus for intervjuene er å få mer kunnskap om dagens bruk, behov og fremtidig potensial for teknologi og digitalisering, samt kartlegging, analysering og videre behov for utvikling, organisering, beslutninger og retningslinjer, for deretter å skjerpe fokuset på læring og kunnskap. Studie II ble organisert som en casestudie hvor forskningen fulgte et innovasjonspilotprosjekt i helsetjenesten i en svensk kommune. Ledere og ansatte ble intervjuet individuelt og i fokusgrupper, samt at deltakende observasjon ble gjennomført under workshops gjennom hele pilotprosessen. Resultatene og analysene fra de to studiene er presentert og diskutert i de fem inkluderte artiklene. Funnene i denne avhandlingen fremhever et gap mellom den nåværende arbeidsstyrkens kompetanse og ferdighetene som er nødvendige for vi effektiv implementering og bruk av teknologi. Avhandlingen konkluderer med at organisering for arbeidsplasslæring krever organisert læring, med særlig vekt på aktiv og engasjert ledelse. Det foreslås en tredelt strategi for organisert læring, som inkluderer: i) individualisering gjennom et fokus på den lærende, ii) ledelsens bruk av verktøy og strategier, og iii) å fremme et deltakende læringsmiljø. Denne avhandlingen bidrar til å styrke forståelsen av organisering for læring i sammenheng med digitalisering og innovasjon innenfor kommunale helsetjenester, med søkelys på både individuelle og organisatoriske perspektiver, og særlig ledelsens rolle.Delarbeten A, B och E har tagits bort ur den elektroniska avhandlingen / Paper A, B och E are not included in the electronic thesis.</p
Technology Introduction in the Health Sector Through Learning and Innovation-Oriented Work Processes
No full textDue to rising expectations and, at the same time, increasingly scarce resources, the health care systemis also forced to constantly work on its efficiency. One possible solution is the introduction of innovativewelfare technologies, but this requires the adaptation of work processes. The aim of this paper is to analyzethe role of knowledge management (KM) mechanisms for learning and innovation in work processes ofhealth organizations that increasingly use welfare technologies. The study extends existing knowledge onrelevant KM mechanisms for learning and innovation in the work processes of healthcare organizationsusing welfare technologies. Five different KM mechanisms are suggested and discussed. CC-BY 3.0 DEEDThe longitudinal study is partly conducted within the project eTeam for eHealth, an innovation projectfunded by INTERREG Sweden-Norway, reg.no.20201564. This research was also partly funded b yHealth Academy West, Trollhättan, Sweden </p
Can a feminist foreign policy be undone? : Reflections from Sweden
No full textIn 2022, Sweden retracted its feminist foreign policy (FFP). What are the consequences for Swedish foreign policy and for FFPs elsewhere? We published an extensive report on the Swedish FFP in 2023, based on a survey that went out to all Swedish diplomats, interviews with more than 30 key foreign policy officials, and hundreds of steering documents from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The article draws out new insights from the report. The retraction is likely to result in a deprioritization of gender equality in Swedish foreign policy. Sweden will likely lose its international leadership role on gender issues. However, FFPs may be more resilient than anticipated because of how foreign policy is governed. Governments that wish to retract FFPs are constrained by three key governance features: First, international agreements and soft law on women's rights place demands on policy content. Second, the decentralized nature of foreign policy implementation allows considerable autonomy on the ground, so that implementors may continue to work with gender equality. Third, longstanding international expectations for Sweden as a gender equality champion create a role-based constraint. These factors contribute to the ‘stickiness’ of FFPs, suggesting that a retraction is unlikely to result in a wholesale abandonment of gender equality activities. The article also examines the enduring legacy of the Swedish FFP beyond its formal retraction, highlighting adoption of FFPs by a growing number of states in different parts of the world.CC BY 4.0</p
Students’ experiences of extramural English and the subject English : "It is easier to learn when you are having fun”
No full textResultaten i skolämnet engelska är höga, trots det ser vi en stor brist på motivation till ämnet i skolan. Dagens elever möter ofta engelska utanför skolan via extramurala aktiviteter. Vi undrar om den bristande motivationen till skolämnet engelska har att göra med de extramurala aktiviteter som eleverna stöter på i vardagen. I den här studien har vi undersökt elevernas extramurala vanor samt hur eleverna upplever skolämnet engelska med fokus på motivation. Det har vi gjort genom att utföra semistrukturerade fokusgruppsintervjuer med elever i årskurs 6. Resultatet visar att eleverna känner en brist på elevinflytande, autentiskt material och autonomi. De önskar att undervisningen i stället inkluderar elevernas extramurala aktiviteter och intressen, för att öka motivationen. Resultatet visar således att undervisningen i skolan behöver möta den informella engelska som eleverna möter på fritiden, för att undervisningen ska upplevas som meningsfull