scholarly journals Death and dying in literature

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
English Language ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Symbolic Representation ◽  
Death In Literature ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Impending Death ◽  
Literary Device ◽  
Personal Accounts ◽  
Cultural Gaps

This paper considers how death and dying are presented in literature. A wide range of texts, principally but not exclusively from the English language tradition, is used to illustrate themes. Broad categories are suggested for the study of death: some authors give personal accounts of their impending death or their sense of bereavement; some use literature to structure and order our thoughts about death; and some treat death as a literary device, using it, for example, as a symbolic representation of the decay of society. It concludes that the biggest obstacles that health professionals and patients face as they attempt to understand death in literature are concerned not with a lack of appropriate emotional depth, but with difficulties either in understanding the conventions of literature or in coming to terms with the cultural gaps imposed by time and place.

scholarly journals Before the 2020 Pandemic: an observational study exploring public knowledge, attitudes, plans, and preferences towards death and end of life care in Wales

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishrat Islam ◽  
Annmarie Nelson ◽  
Mirella Longo ◽  
Anthony Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Manner Of Death ◽  
Attitudes Towards Death

Abstract Background Understanding public attitudes towards death and dying is important to inform public policies around End of Life Care (EoLC). We studied the public attitudes towards death and dying in Wales. Methods An online survey was conducted in 2018. Social media and the HealthWiseWales platform were used to recruit participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results 2,210 people participated. Loss of independence (84%), manner of death, and leaving their beloved behind were the biggest fears around death and dying. In terms of EoLC, participants sought timely access to care (84%) and being surrounded by loved ones (62%). Being at home was less of a priority (24%). Only 50% were familiar with Advance Care Planning (ACP). A lack of standard procedures as well as of support for the execution of plans and the ability to revisit those plans hindered uptake. The taboo around death conversations, the lack of opportunities and skills to initiate discussion, and personal fear and discomfort inhibited talking about death and dying. 72% felt that we do not talk enough about death and dying and advocated normalising talking by demystifying death with a positive approach. Health professionals could initiate and support this conversation, but this depended on communication skills and manageable workload pressure. Participants encouraged a public health approach and endorsed the use of: a) social media and other public platforms, b) formal education, c) formal and legal actions, and d) signposting and access to information. Conclusions People are ready to talk about death and dying and COVID-19 has increased awareness. A combination of top-down and bottom-up initiatives across levels and settings can increase awareness, knowledge, and service-utilisation-drivers to support health professionals and people towards shared decisions which align with people’s end of life wishes and preferences.

scholarly journals An exploration of migrant women’s perceptions of public health messages to reduce stillbirth in the UK: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasina Stacey ◽  
Melanie Haith-Cooper ◽  
Nisa Almas ◽  
Charlotte Kenyon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Perinatal Mortality ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Stillbirth is a global public health priority. Within the United Kingdom, perinatal mortality disproportionately impacts Black, Asian and minority ethnic women, and in particular migrant women. Although the explanation for this remains unclear, it is thought to be multidimensional. Improving perinatal mortality is reliant upon raising awareness of stillbirth and its associated risk factors, as well as improving maternity services. The aim of this study was to explore migrant women’s awareness of health messages to reduce stillbirth risk, and how key public health messages can be made more accessible. Method Two semi-structured focus groups and 13 one to one interviews were completed with a purposive sample of 30 migrant women from 18 countries and across 4 NHS Trusts. Results Participants provided an account of their general awareness of stillbirth and recollection of the advice they had been given to reduce the risk of stillbirth both before and during pregnancy. They also suggested approaches to how key messages might be more effectively communicated to migrant women. Conclusions Our study highlights the complexity of discussing stillbirth during pregnancy. The women in this study were found to receive a wide range of advice from family and friends as well as health professionals about how to keep their baby safe in pregnancy, they recommended the development of a range of resources to provide clear and consistent messages. Health professionals, in particular midwives who have developed a trusting relationship with the women will be key to ensuring that public health messages relating to stillbirth reduction are accessible to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

How can we ensure the success of specialised palliative home-care? A qualitative study (ELSAH) identifying key issues from the perspective of patients, relatives and health professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110265
Author(s):  
Hannah Seipp ◽  
Jörg Haasenritter ◽  
Michaela Hach ◽  
Dorothée Becker ◽  
Lisa-R Ulrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Palliative Home Care ◽  
Palliative Care Teams ◽  
Key Issues

Background: Specialised palliative home-care supports patients with life-limiting diseases in their familiar surroundings. The number of palliative care teams and patients being cared for is increasing worldwide. To assess and improve quality, it is needed to understand, how specialised palliative home-care can be provided successfully. For this purpose we examined the views of all involved stakeholders. Aim: To identify the issues that patients, their relatives and involved health professionals view as important in ensuring the success of specialised palliative home-care. Design: We used a qualitative design based on participant observations, interviews and focus groups following the principles of a Grounded Theory approach. Setting/participants: All specialised palliative home-care teams ( n = 22) caring for adults in Hesse, Germany, participated. We conducted participant observations ( n = 5), and interviewed patients ( n = 14), relatives ( n = 14) and health professionals working in or collaborating with specialised palliative home-care ( n = 30). We also conducted focus groups ( n = 4) with health professionals including a member check. Results: Successful specialised palliative home-care needs to treat complex symptoms, and provide comprehensive care including organisation of care, involving relatives and addressing issues of death and dying. Sense of security for patients and relatives is key to enable care at home. Care delivery preferences include a focus on the quality of relationships, respect for individuality and the facilitation of self-determination. Conclusions: Consideration of the identified key issues can help to ensure successful specialised palliative home-care. Knowledge of these should also be considered when researching and assessing quality of care. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00012421; http://www.germanctr.de .

scholarly journals Effects of self-management education programmes on self-efficacy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Uritani ◽  
Hitoshi Koda ◽  
Sho Sugita
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Enhancing self-efficacy to manage symptoms and functions is an important aspect of self-management for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Many reports have investigated the effects of self-management education programmes for arthritis patients. However, a study that exclusively focuses on patients with OA in the same joints is required to clarify the effects of self-management programmes because individuals with knee OA experience physical and psychological difficulties different from those experienced by individuals with other arthritis diseases. Furthermore, previous studies have reported a wide range of delivery styles of self-management education programmes. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of group-based and face-to-face self-management education programmes conducted by health professionals targeting self-efficacy for knee OA exclusively. Methods The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PEDro databases were searched to identify quantitative measures used in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of self-management education programmes targeting self-efficacy in patients with knee OA. We included studies in which medical professional-delivered self-management education programmes were conducted in a group-based and face-to-face manner in community or outpatient settings. Results Seven RCTs from five countries were included in this review. Our retrieved studies included various types of self-management education programmes such as cognitive behavioural counselling, pain management education, physical education, weight management education, and arthritis self-efficacy management education, and control arms. They assessed various aspects of self-efficacy, including pain, physical function, arthritis symptoms excluding pain, weight management, mobility, and self-regulation. The total score of the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale was also measured. Some studies have reported beneficial effects of group-based and face-to-face self-management education programmes on self-efficacy for management of pain and other symptoms and for self-regulatory, knee OA. However, the results of the included studies were varied and inconsistent. Conclusions The current review only included seven studies, and there was a wide range of clinical heterogeneity among these studies. Thus, the effects of group-based and face-to-face self-management education programmes conducted by health professionals on self-efficacy for knee OA exclusively are inconclusive to date. Therefore, high-quality studies are required to provide significant information on clinicians, patients, and healthcare professionals in the future.

scholarly journals REAPing the benefits: development and use of a structured evaluation framework to codify learning resources for Global Health professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meike Schleiff ◽  
Elizabeth Hahn ◽  
Caroline Dolive ◽  
Lillian James ◽  
Anant Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Course Quality ◽  
Health Leadership ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Meaningful Engagement ◽  
Online Activities ◽  
Competency Domains

Abstract Background The learning opportunities for global health professionals have expanded rapidly in recent years. The diverse array of learners and wide range in course quality underscore the need for an improved course vetting process to better match learners with appropriate learning opportunities. Methods We developed a framework to assess overall course quality by determining performance across four defined domains Relevance, Engagement, Access, and Pedagogy (REAP). We applied this framework across a learning catalogue developed for participants enrolled in the Sustaining Technical and Analytic Resources (STAR) project, a global health leadership training program. Results The STAR learning activities database included a total of 382 courses, workshops, and web-based resources which fulfilled 531 competencies across three levels: core, content, and skill. Relevance: The majority of activities were at an understanding or practicing level across all competency domains (486/531, 91.5%). Engagement: Many activities lacked any peer engagement (202/531, 38.0%) and had limited to no faculty engagement (260/531, 49.0%). Access: The plurality of courses across competencies were offered on demand (227/531, 42.7%) and were highly flexible in pace (240/531, 45.2%). Pedagogy: Of the activities that included an assessment, most matched activity learning objectives (217/531, 40.9%). Conclusions Through applying REAP to the STAR project learning catalogue, we found many online activities lacked meaningful engagement with faculty and peers. Further development of structured online activities providing learners with flexibility in access, a range of levels of advancement for content, and opportunities to engage and apply learning are needed for the field of global health.

Practitioners respond to Freda Mishan's ‘The Global ELT coursebook: A case of Cinderella's slipper?’

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
David Connolly
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Wide Range

First of all, I would like to thank Freda Mishan (2021) for a fascinating and insightful article into English language teaching (ELT) coursebooks. She covers a wide range of perspectives and raises many important issues. Although I may have different views on some of these, I think she has done a great service in helping me look with fresh eyes at what many teachers take for granted: the humble yet ubiquitous ELT coursebook.

Human acanthocephaliasis: A thorn in the side of parasite diagnostics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blaine A. Mathison ◽  
Ninad Mehta ◽  
Marc Roger Couturier
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
English Language ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Treatment And Diagnosis

Acanthacephala is a phylum of parasitic pseudocoelamates that infect a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts and can cause zoonotic infections in humans. The zoologic literature is quite rich and diverse, however the human-centric literature is sparse and sporadically reported over the past 70 years. Causal agents of acanthacephaliasis in humans are reviewed as well as their biology and life cycle. This review provides the first consolidated and summarized report of human cases of acanthacephaliasis based on English language publications, including epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and diagnosis and identification.

Method for automatic key concepts extraction

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudarsana Desul ◽  
Madurai Meenachi N. ◽  
Thejas Venkatesh ◽  
Vijitha Gunta ◽  
Gowtham R. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coming Out ◽  
English Language ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Ontology Learning ◽  
Specific Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Concept Extraction ◽  
Nuclear Domain ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Key Concepts

PurposeOntology of a domain mainly consists of a set of concepts and their semantic relations. It is typically constructed and maintained by using ontology editors with substantial human intervention. It is desirable to perform the task automatically, which has led to the development of ontology learning techniques. One of the main challenges of ontology learning from the text is to identify key concepts from the documents. A wide range of techniques for key concept extraction have been proposed but are having the limitations of low accuracy, poor performance, not so flexible and applicability to a specific domain. The propose of this study is to explore a new method to extract key concepts and to apply them to literature in the nuclear domain.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, a novel method for key concept extraction is proposed and applied to the documents from the nuclear domain. A hybrid approach was used, which includes a combination of domain, syntactic name entity knowledge and statistical based methods. The performance of the developed method has been evaluated from the data obtained using two out of three voting logic from three domain experts by using 120 documents retrieved from SCOPUS database.FindingsThe work reported pertains to extracting concepts from the set of selected documents and aids the search for documents relating to given concepts. The results of a case study indicated that the method developed has demonstrated better metrics than Text2Onto and CFinder. The method described has the capability of extracting valid key concepts from a set of candidates with long phrases.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is restricted to literature coming out in the English language and applied to the documents from nuclear domain. It has the potential to extend to other domains also.Practical implicationsThe work carried out in the current study has the potential of leading to updating International Nuclear Information System thesaurus for ontology in the nuclear domain. This can lead to efficient search methods.Originality/valueThis work is the first attempt to automatically extract key concepts from the nuclear documents. The proposed approach will address and fix the most of the problems that are existed in the current methods and thereby increase the performance.

scholarly journals Occurrence of linezolid induced thrombocytopenia and its association with the risk factors: a review article

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 2483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radha A. ◽  
Anuradha H. V. ◽  
Radhika K.
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Albumin Concentration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Baseline Platelet Count ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linezolid Therapy

Linezolid is the oxazolidinone group of antibiotic with wide range of activity against the gram positive bacteria including methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus and penicillin resistant pneumococci and vancomycin resistant enterococci. Patients who are on linezolid were reported to have reversible myelosuppression especially thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Since there are less number of studies regarding the occurrence of thrombocytopenia and the risk factors associated with it, this study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of linezolid induced thrombocytopenia and its association with risk factors. It was a systematic review with synthesis of available literature in English language. Articles were retrieved using search terms included “linezolid”, “and”, “or”, “thrombocytopenia” from Clinical key and PubMed, published during 2000 - 2017. Out of 16 studies retrieved, only 7 studies were analysed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria; of them, 3 were found to be prospective and retrospective cohort each and only one was retrospective cross-sectional study. The occurrence of linezolid induced thrombocytopenia range from 18-50% with normal renal function and 57% of incidence associated with renal insufficiency patients. The risk factors were found to be dose of linezolid >18-27mg/kg, body weight of subjects <55kg, creatinine clearance <88.39 to 60ml/min/1.73m2 and baseline platelet count <200*103/mm3, serum albumin concentration, serum creatinine, concomitant caspofungin therapy and duration of linezolid therapy.

scholarly journals Death and Dying as a Literary Device: A Reading of Selected Works by Contemporary Malaysian Writers

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Arbaayah Ali Termizi ◽  
◽  
Nurul Soleha Mohd Noor ◽  
Wan Iman Wan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Death And Dying ◽  
Literary Device
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