MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interview-based qualitative study was conducted in a public university hospital in Malaysia, utilizing in-depth interviews. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcript data were coded, and the codes were then organized into themes using a thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS: Data from twelve mothers and three fathers among a total of fifteen children with CP were acquired. Nine themes were derived from transcript data namely : HT is a simple home prescription,HT empowers and enhances experiences of care, Negative experience, goal-directed positive attitude, External Support System, physical health as a barrier, psychological health as barrier, limited time and limited external support system.
CONCLUSION: Real-life experiences of parents with CP children regarding HT was explored and valuable outcomes were derived from this study to help clinicians to manage children with CP more efficiently and understand their family dynamics better in the local context. Overall, parents perceived HT as doable and it provided physical, functional, and psychological benefits for them as well as improved their confidence and skills to perform exercises on their children and empowered them to monitor their children's progression.
METHODS: A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing inductive thematic analysis. Twenty Bachelor of Pharmacy students (18 women, 2 men; age range, 19-24 years) from Monash University participated in 8 focus group discussions over 2 rounds during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (2020-2021). Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. The focus group discussions, led by experienced academics, were conducted in English via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed for analysis using NVivo. Themes were identified through emergent coding and iterative discussions to ensure thematic saturation.
RESULTS: Five major themes emerged: flexibility, communication, technological challenges, skill-based learning challenges, and time-based effects. Students appreciated the flexibility of accessing and reviewing pre-class materials at their convenience. Increased engagement through anonymous question submission was noted, yet communication difficulties and lack of non-verbal cues in remote workshops were significant drawbacks. Technological issues, such as internet connectivity problems, hindered learning, especially during assessments. Skill-based learning faced challenges in remote settings, including lab activities and clinical examinations. Additionally, prolonged remote learning led to feelings of isolation, fatigue, and a desire to return to in-person interactions.
CONCLUSION: Remote flipped classrooms offer flexibility and engagement benefits but present notable challenges related to communication, technology, and skill-based learning. To improve remote education, institutions should integrate robust technological support, enhance communication strategies, and incorporate virtual simulations for practical skills. Balancing asynchronous and synchronous methods while addressing academic success and socioemotional wellness is essential for effective remote learning environments.
OBJECTIVES: (1) To elucidate and categorize psychiatric nursing expertise in schizophrenia and cancer according to the five stages of Benner's nursing theory. (2) To identify stage-specific learning needs for the psychiatric nursing care of schizophrenia and cancer, and to propose tailored educational programs. (3) To clarify the differences in the roles and training of psychiatric nurses in Malaysia and Japan.
METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 20 psychiatric nurses in Malaysia and Japan. The data were thematically analyzed and categorized with Benner's theory.
RESULTS: Benner's five stages of proficiency were: Novices followed pre-established routines; advanced beginners focused on psychiatric symptoms and behavior; competent nurses determined and prioritized methods of care; proficient nurses flexibly adjusted care to the patient's condition; and experts lent extensive experience to the team and patients. The following learning needs were identified: Novices struggled with identifying physical and psychiatric symptoms; advanced beginners had difficulties understanding ambiguous patient statements; competent nurses needed to improve emergency response skills; proficient nurses faced ethical challenges; and experts sought to pass on their knowledge. Stage-appropriate educational programs, such as a Visual Pain and Psychiatric Symptoms Evaluation Sheet, were proposed accordingly.
DISCUSSION: Further investigations should assess the effectiveness of these educational programs, Japanese-Malaysian cultural differences, and psychiatric liaison nursing.
METHODS: A qualitative study using interview approach was conducted in Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia. Thirty dental undergraduate students, each with one patient from the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong (n = 15) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (n = 15), were introduced to a digitally designed decision aid in missing tooth replacement prior to their treatment appointments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each student and patient, adhering to the interview protocol. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and subsequently coded to investigate the perceptions and potential advantages of this decision aid.
RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified three key themes from the dental students' perspective: communication, utilization, and satisfaction. From patients' perceptions, four central themes emerged: communication, treatment information, uncertainty, and utilization. Detailed examination of the data highlighted an enhancement in patients' confidence and trust in their dental care providers, as well as a marked increase in both student and patient satisfaction levels upon implementing this novel approach. The average satisfaction rates for students were 83 % for Hong Kong SAR and 82 % for Malaysia.
CONCLUSION: This patient-centered clinical decision aid helped to enhance communication between dental students and patients in both regions, ultimately leading to heightened patient satisfaction levels. Nonetheless, to address the present study's limitations, future studies should consider diversifying participant backgrounds, including patients without prior treatment discussions with students.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical decision aids are valuable tools in clinical teaching due to their enhancement of communication between clinicians and patients. They promote shared decision-making, leading to more personalized and evidence-driven treatment plans, ultimately improving patient care.
METHOD: The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design. Fifteen experienced participants were selected through purposive sampling to take part in three focus group discussions. Each focus group consisted of 4 to 6 participants, with the mean age of the participants being (mean ± SD = 47.5 ± 5.90). The majority were females (n = 12, 80%) and males (n = 3, 20%) involved in hospital food service, including catering officers, assistant catering officers, dietitians, nurse managers, and researchers or academicians who participated in three focus group discussions.
RESULTS: A total of five major challenges in hospital food service including a) shortcomings in hospital foodservice management systems and policies; b) patients' meal experiences and dietary practices during hospital stay; c) insufficient training, awareness, and resources in food waste management; d) insufficient menu variety and lack of patient choice across different ward classes; and e) lack of staff engagement and accountability in addressing food waste and enhancing patient meal care. Subsequently, a total of six major actionable intervention strategies for food waste reduction were identified, namely: a) optimising meal ordering systems and implementing centralised plating; b) enhancing communication in food waste management; c) enforcing appropriate portion control, improving food quality and presentation; d) strategic menu planning; e) staff training programs aimed at reducing waste; and f) improving work performance.
CONCLUSION: To reduce food waste in Malaysian hospital foodservices, it is crucial to address challenges through targeted strategies, develop tools, and provide training for foodservice staff and nurses. The assessment data will guide tailored interventions to promote sustainability, improve food service efficiency, and enhance patient satisfaction.
METHODS: This qualitative study used a phenomenological research design and was conducted from January to December 2022, involving 47 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old from 37 PPRs in the Klang Valley. Participants were recruited using the purposive sampling method as this study purposely selected adolescents with moderate, moderately severe, and severe for PHQ-9 and/or moderate and severe for GAD-7 based on the screening. Participants who agreed to participate were recruited (with consent from parents/guardians) and interviews were set at the participants' convenience. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide to conduct the in-depth interviews (IDI). After each IDI session, the recorded interviews were transcribed. Data from the voice recorder were stored on a password-protected computer, and participants' names were replaced with specific codes to ensure confidentiality. The researchers coded all transcripts independently. The transcripts were analysed inductively using a thematic approach to identify recurring themes.
RESULTS: From the 37 PPRs, 194 adolescents were identified as having psychological distress based on the screening. Among them, 47 agreed to participate in the IDIs, which revealed that these adolescents utilized mainly maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance (cognitive distancing, externalization, and internalization), self-harm, vaping, and smoking to deal with stressors related to COVID-19. As for hindrances to help-seeking, three themes were identified such as lack of trust, perceived ineffectiveness of support, and personality.
CONCLUSION: Psychological distress among adolescents was prevalent during the pandemic, and they faced hindrances in seeking help. Coping strategies have been identified to help adolescents manage their psychological distress during the pandemic. It is concerning that some had resorted to maladaptive coping mechanisms. These findings emphasized the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems tailored to vulnerable communities. These interventions could inform policies aimed at strengthening mental health services, fostering better coping strategies and promoting help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in socio-economically challenged communities.
METHODS: A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 stakeholders from diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. Participants, represented various religious groups and geographic areas. Their roles included local leaders, government officials, NGO workers, and community members, providing insights into how sociocultural factors influence disaster response and policy.
RESULTS: Religious beliefs serve as both a source of resilience and a potential barrier, shaping community attitudes toward disaster preparedness. Community cohesion, particularly through gotong-royong (mutual aid), plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and support, though it often excludes marginalized groups. Gender roles significantly influence disaster response, with women taking on caregiving responsibilities yet remaining underrepresented in decision-making processes. Traditional knowledge remains valuable, particularly in rural communities, but faces challenges as younger generations increasingly rely on modern technologies.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive, and community-driven disaster management policies in Malaysia.Integrating sociocultural dimensions into formal frameworks can foster more adaptive and inclusive strategies. Enhancing community participation and gender inclusivity will be key to improving disaster resilience in Malaysia.
Objective: This study aims to analyze management of the tuberculosis program at PHCs in Surabaya.
Methods: The research method used is qualitative research. Data collection was done by interviewing tuberculosis officers about TB program and carrying out observations at the PHCs.
Results: The study showed that case finding in the Perak Timur PHC and the Sawahan PHC was passive-active. The Perak Timur PHC has facilities for rapid molecular testing, while the Sawahan PHC have to go to a center for Health Laboratory if rapid molecular testing is needed. In terms of treatment, patients at the Perak Timur PHC would come according to an agreement with TB officer, while at the Sawahan PHC, patients have to come every Monday. Officer at the Perak Timur PHC tended to accommodate the needs of TB patients compared to officer at the Sawahan PHC. The level of adherence to taking medication in two PHCs is good but there are a number of patients who have not really understood the frequency of taking medication.
Conclusion: Generally, both PHCs have good TB program management but the Perak Timur PHC tends to be more flexible towards patients while the Sawahan PHC tends to be stricter towards patients.