1,721,012 research outputs found
Use and mediating effect of interactive design features in audiology rehabilitation and self-management internet-based interventions.
No full textPURPOSE:The purpose of this study is to explore the presence of key interactive design features across Internet-based audiology rehabilitation and self-management interventions, and whether there is evidence of them mediating effects of the intervention.METHOD:Adult audiology interventions relevant to this review were identified through a literature search in Google Scholar and a hand search of key journals. Four key interactive design features that have been proposed to mediate the effects of Internet-based health interventions were reported for each intervention: social context and support, contacts with the intervention, tailoring, and self-management.RESULTS:Five interventions were identified as representative examples of work in the field. Social context and support and contacts with the intervention were provided in most interventions, mainly through clinician guidance. Only 1 intervention utilized tailoring to personalize intervention content to individual users, but use was minimal. Self-management features were also used in all interventions but the precise nature of these features was poorly reported.CONCLUSION:Future studies should assess the optimal dose and combinations of intervention features for maximizing efficacy in audiology intervention. To be specific, the role of tailoring should be explored, which has been identified as a potential mediator of intervention outcome in the wider e-health literature
The application of intervention coding methodology to describe the Tinnitus E-Programme, an internet-delivered self-help intervention for tinnitus
No full textPURPOSE:This article describes the Tinnitus E-Programme, a previously untested Internet-delivered self-help intervention for tinnitus.METHOD:Intervention coding methodology was applied to describe the intervention components, techniques, and mode of delivery.RESULTS:The intervention consists of 5 self-management intervention components, 5 behavior change techniques, and 3 modes of Internet delivery, which aim to promote relaxation behavior and reduce tinnitus distress.CONCLUSIONS:The intervention coding provided a reliable method for reporting Internet-delivered self-help interventions. It will be used to facilitate our understanding of the intervention's potential mechanisms of change and will guide future evaluation work
Developing an information prescription service
No full textBACKGROUND: Availability and accessibility of high-quality information is inconsistent nationally and improving information is central to Department of Health policy. This article outlines an information prescription (IP) pilot.
AIM AND METHOD: Using a quality-improvement cycle, feedback was gathered from stakeholders to develop an IP service for people with Parkinson's disease and their relatives/carers.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Generally, service users were satisfied with the information and felt it enabled them to better understand, manage and be in control of their condition. Despite initial concerns, health staff identified benefits to themselves and patients. Barriers to implementing IPs were discussed
Findings and Ethical Considerations From a Thematic Analysis of Threads Within Tinnitus Online Support Groups
Full text linkPurpose: Tinnitus is the perception of noise without a corresponding external stimulus. Current management typically aims to moderate associated psychosocial stressors and allow sufferers to retain an adequate quality of life. With the increasing recognition of the Internet as a repository for health advice, information, and support, the online support group has become a popular coping strategy for those living with chronic conditions such as tinnitus. Patients find that communicating with each other, providing encouragement, and sharing information in the absence of physical and temporal boundaries are invaluable ways of managing their condition. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential positive and negative consequences of participating in online support groups for tinnitus.Method: Discussion forum threads were collated from across 4 public online support group websites. All threads were initiated between February and April 2016. Texts from these threads were coded by 3 separate analysts using both inductive and deductive thematic analysis, until data saturation was reached.Results: Analysis of 75 threads (641 individual posts) found 9 independent themes pertaining to aspects of participation in tinnitus online support groups. The results revealed that using the forums allowed users to exchange knowledge and experiences, express complex emotions, profit from a network of support, and engage in everyday conversation away from the burden of their tinnitus. However, some experiences appeared to be compromised by negative messages, limited communication, and informational issues such as conflicting advice or information overload.Conclusions: This study represents the 1st research into discussion forums in tinnitus online support groups. A nonintrusive (passive) analysis method was used, whereby messages comprising the dataset were retrieved without direct interaction with the discussion forum. Individuals and the community of tinnitus online support groups are deemed to be at low risk from potential harm in this study. Most tinnitus patients likely benefit from accessing online support groups, for example, they discover they are not alone, and they find new coping strategies. However, for those who are particularly vulnerable or prone to psychological stress, accessing these groups could be detrimental
Developing a long-term conditions information service in collaboration with third sector organisations
No full textBackground: People with long-term conditions need to be signposted to high quality information and advice to understand and manage their condition. Information seeking tools combined with third sector information could help address their information needs.Objective: To describe the development and implementation of an information service for people living with long-term conditions at one NHS acute trust in the Northeast of England.Methods: An information service was trialled using bespoke information models for three long-term conditions in collaboration with third sector organisations. These guided people to relevant, timely and reliable information. Both clinician and service user questionnaires were used to evaluate satisfaction with the service.Results: Appropriately designed information models can be used interchangeably across all services. Between 75% and 91% of users agreed that they were satisfied with various aspects of the service. Generally, users received relevant, understandable and high quality information at the right time. Nearly all health professionals (94–100%) felt the service was accessible, provided high quality information and did not significantly impact on their consultation time.Conclusion: The developed information service was well received by service users and health professionals. Specifically, the use of information prescriptions and menus facilitated access to information for people with long-term conditions
The person-based approach in practice: Methods for intervention development
Full text linkThe “Person-based Approach” to intervention development uses qualitative and mixed methods to ensure that the process of intervention development takes into account the beliefs, attitudes, needs and context of the particular user group the intervention is designed to target. Qualitative research is used in several ways: in the form of a background literature search, in collecting qualitative data from target users to assess their specific needs, and in “think-aloud” interviews that gather detailed feedback on each aspect of the intervention from target users. This allows iterative development of the intervention to be based directly on the input of the target users. We provide an overview of best practices when using the Person-based Approach, together with examples of aspects of intervention development from previously-developed interventions. Including feedback from target users from the beginning of intervention development results in interventions that are more likely to make a difference in practice
Understanding user reactions and interactions with an Internet-based intervention for tinnitus self-management: Mixed-methods evaluation
Full text linkPurpose: Internet-based interventions have the potential to reduce the disparity in access to psychological therapy that people with tinnitus currently experience. One example is the Tinnitus E-Programme, which although freely available online, has not yet been formally evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate past, current, and new users’ reactions and interactions with the Tinnitus E-Programme.Method: Study 1 used an online survey to gather past and current users’ reactions to, and interactions with, the intervention (n=27). Study 2 used interviews and a relaxation log to assess how new users implemented the skills they learned into their everyday lives (n=13). Results: Generally, users expressed positive views of the intervention content and design features. Users particularly valued the education about tinnitus and its management, and relaxation skills training, and use of these components was high. In contrast, user reactions to self-monitoring tools, an online support forum, and therapist support were mixed, and use was lower. Implementation was limited by instances of poor usability and accessibility, user engagement, and adherence to relaxation goals. Users’ perceptions of the interventions credibility and relevance, and beliefs regarding a negative impact on their tinnitus influenced engagement. Users in both studies identified several benefits gained, including functional and emotional management; self-efficacy for managing and coping with tinnitus; understanding tinnitus and its management; social support; and acceptance of tinnitus. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the intervention was acceptable to its target group but also highlighted some areas for improvement. These findings will be used to inform further optimization work
Promotion and views on tinnitus self-help within United Kingdom National Health Service audiology departments
No full textSelf-help has the potential to provide low-cost and effective ways of improving access to psychological support for people with tinnitus. When developing and evaluating resources it is important to consider issues that may influence successful implementation. This Survey explored clinicians’ use and views on self-help, and barriers to implementation. An online survey was distributed to 220 UK audiology departments. One-hundred and twenty-four clinicians responded to the survey (91 audiologists, 32 hearing therapists, 1 clinical psychologist), each representing a different tinnitus department. Two-thirds of respondents reported providing or recommending self-help resources. Potential benefits were patient empowerment and providing a means of engaging patients in their care. Almost half of respondents felt that there is insufficient training or guidance for clinicians on using or promoting self-help. Clinicians felt that for patients with low-level tinnitus severity, self-help may reduce the number of audiology appointments required. For patients with more complex needs self-help may be useful to engage with between clinical appointments. Further research is needed to determine effectiveness, who benefits, and by what mechanism, before clinicians can confidently recommend or implement self-help. Clinicians will benefit from formal guidance on promoting and supporting use of self-help for tinnitus
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