Background Formal evaluations of programmes are an important source learning about the challenges faced in improving quality healthcare and how they can be addressed. The authors aimed to integrate lessons from Health Foundation's improvement with relevant literature. Methods analysed evaluation reports relating five Foundation using a form ‘best fit’ synthesis, where pre-existing framework was used for initial coding then updated response emerging analysis. A rapid narrative review...

Abstract Objectives To investigate ways in which educational comics might provide support dealing with feelings and attitudes towards health conditions, as well improving understanding of factual information to identify potential weakness a medium for information. Methods Semi‐structured interviewees eleven university students who either had mental or physical condition themselves family member condition. Results The result highlighted the value format In addition conveying information,...

Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) continue to be widely used, yet evidence for their effectiveness is equivocal. We sought explain what happened in Stroke 90:10, a QIC designed improve stroke care 24 hospitals the North West of England. Our study drew part on literature collective action and inter-organizational collaboration. This has been relatively neglected evaluations QICs, even though they are founded principles co-operation sharing. interviewed 32 professionals that...

Research into the effectiveness of comic books as health education tools overwhelmingly consists studies evaluating information learnt a result reading comic, for example using preintervention and postintervention questionnaires. In essence, these evaluate comics in same way which patient leaflet might be evaluated, but they fail to narrative element comics. Health have potential do much more than simply convey facts about an illness; can also support patients dealing with social...

Abstract Learning design is growing in importance but not yet widely adopted by teachers. This paper describes the development of a scenario‐led learning process, divided into two stages, which was implemented with over 500 teachers altogether from 15 European countries. Activity theory used to explore contradictions that arose when such changes were introduced established activity system lesson planning. Data collected through interviews and questionnaires small sample participants...

Purpose This paper reports on the findings of HEFCE‐funded outcomes project which aimed to investigate strategic planning in UK academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach The research consisted a literature and documentation review, followed by interviews with library directors senior institutional managers. There was also survey all HE Findings key issues need be addressed libraries terms are: involvement staff; communication aims plans externally; level active departmental planning;...

Although social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter are widely used by teenagers, to date, research has focused on their uses. This sought investigate the ways in which high school students (15–19 years) use order find information. It highlights importance of considering how young people may for everyday life information well academic and school-oriented Findings from a web-based survey UK, France, Thailand Denmark show that sources most especially related activities. seeking was...

Bibliotherapy is the use of texts to provide support for people with mental and physical health problems. It widely seen have beneficial outcomes but there still disagreement about how best deliver bibliotherapy in practice. This article explores one method delivering which has evolved over past 20 years North England, Kirklees approach. Using a multimethod qualitative research design including reflective observations, interviews document analysis, examines been delivered problems dementia...

Objective Evidence suggests that a high dose of oxytocin for nulliparous women at 37–42 weeks gestation with confirmed delay in labour increases spontaneous vaginal birth. We undertook pilot study to test the feasibility this treatment. Design Pilot double‐blind randomised controlled trial. Setting Three teaching hospitals UK . Population A total 94 consenting term were recruited, and 18 interviewed. Methods Women assigned either standard (2 mU/min, increasing every 30 minutes 32 mU/minute)...

Purpose Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs) are a new UK initiative to promote collaboration between universities healthcare organisations carrying out applying the findings of applied health research. But they face significant, institutionalised barriers their success. This paper seeks analyse these challenges discuss prospects overcoming them. Design/methodology/approach The draws on in‐depth qualitative interview data from first round an ongoing...

Abstract Background Increasingly, the sharing of study results with participants is advocated as an element good research practice. Yet little known about how receiving trials may impact on participants' perceptions their original decision to consent. Objective We explored views consent a clinical trial after they received showing adverse outcomes in some arms trial. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted purposive sample 38 women UK who participated antibiotics pregnancy. All had...

Although the majority of joint use libraries in educational establishments provide at least an adequate level service for their school, college, or university users, standard they members public is more questionable many cases. This article considers benefits and problems from perspective providing examples UK elsewhere to demonstrate how these occur practice. A number success factors are identified that need be considered if a library successful as community library, perhaps most important...

This article examines the representation of nut allergy in comics aimed at children and young people. It maps signification stigma comics, includes an outline imagery, stereotypes, connotations that are created on this condition. Three texts examined: first, Allergic, a semi-autobiographical story by Adrian Tomine adults; second, What's Up With Paulina? from Medikidz series comic books aim to help pre-teenage audience learn about medical conditions; third, Peanut, forthcoming book Ayun...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential participant-created comics as a research method through project investigate life stories British–Bangladeshi women. Design/methodology/approach author worked with group ten women series workshops exploring their personal and community histories. Each produced digital comic that represented her story using text in any languages, photographs drawings. Findings experiences Graphic Lives suggest there considerable unexplored for use...

Researchers from different disciplines may choose to work together for a variety of reasons. Their complementary skills enable problems be solved more quickly; they better placed tackle multi-faceted problem; or wish learn new and expand their methodological range. In other cases, research funders require such an approach. Alternatively, the complexity high cost mean that working is only viable option if carried out at all. Interdisciplinary was just one number topics investigated as part...

Traditionally, the library and information profession has not been strongly research led in way which other professions, such as medicine education for example, might be considered to be. However, it may that extent of practitioner involvement informs practice have underestimated. The article reports on a survey designed scope present planned within variety sectors identify priorities future seen by practitioners. It also investigated main barriers prevent practitioners having greater...

Even when research conducted in public library authorities does not have a major impact on policy, it can be crucial for service development. In Spring 2003, the Centre Information Research (CIRT) at University of Central England carried out series surveys public, academic, health, school and special libraries British Isles order to obtain up-to-date information about issues particular interest staff. This indicated that there is significant research, even among those librarians who are...