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Fulltext The UK-SEA-ME Psychosocial-Cultural Cancer Research Network: setting the stage for applied qualitative research on cancer health behaviour in southeast Asia and the Middle East

Lim JN

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(6):1627-9.
PMID: 22126510

Psychosocial and cultural factors influencing cancer health behaviour have not been systematically investigated outside the western culture, and qualitative research is the best approach for this type of social research. The research methods employed to study health problems in Asia predominantly are quantitative techniques. The set up of the first psychosocial cancer research network in Asia marks the beginning of a collaboration to promote and spearhead applied qualitative healthcare research in cancer in the UK, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This paper sets out the rationale, objectives and mission for the UK-SEA-ME Psychosocial-Cultural Cancer Research Network. The UK-SEA-ME network is made up of collaborators from the University of Leeds (UK), the University of Malaya (Malaysia), the National University of Singapore (Singapore) and the University of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The network promotes applied qualitative research to investigate the psychosocial and cultural factors influencing delayed and late presentation and diagnosis for cancer (breast cancer) in partner countries, as well as advocating the use of the mixed-methods research approach. The network also offers knowledge transfer for capacity building within network universities. The mission of the network is to improve public awareness about the importance of early management and prevention of cancer through research in Asia.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
Occupational health research priorities in Malaysia: a Delphi study

Sadhra S, Beach JR, Aw TC, Sheikh-Ahmed K

Occup Environ Med, 2001 Jul;58(7):426-31.
PMID: 11404445

As part of a consultancy project on occupational health, the Delphi method was used to identify research priorities in occupational health in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
Development of a measure profiling problems and needs of psychiatric patients in the community

Cheah YC, Parker G, Hadzi-Pavlovic D, Gladstone G, Eyers K

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 1998 Jul;33(7):337-44.
PMID: 9689896

We argue the advantages of a measure profiling common problems faced by psychiatric patients in the community and indicating a likely need for service recognition, review and possible assistance. We describe the development of such a measure, the 35-item Profile of Community Psychiatry Clients (PCPC), and the identification of four relevant domains. Component scales assess coping limitations, behavioural problems, levels of social support and organic problems. High test-retest reliability was established, and a number of tests of the measure's validity were undertaken. Discriminant validity was established by demonstrating that those case managed by a community mental health service returned significantly higher scale scores than a comparison group who, while having a similar diagnostic profile, were not case managed. Additionally, scale scores were associated with a number of categorical and dimensional validators reflecting aspects of service need, and distinctly with service costs. We demonstrate that PCPC scores correspond with scores generated by the Life Skills Profile (LSP), a measure of disability, and examine the extent to which PCPC scales correspond to those contained in the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). We argue for the scale's capacity to provide both a profile of central problems faced by patients and their likely need for community-based service assistance.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
Fulltext Towards an evaluation framework for Laboratory Information Systems

Yusof MM, Arifin A

J Infect Public Health, 2016 Nov-Dec;9(6):766-773.
PMID: 27665060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.08.014

INTRODUCTION: Laboratory testing and reporting are error-prone and redundant due to repeated, unnecessary requests and delayed or missed reactions to laboratory reports. Occurring errors may negatively affect the patient treatment process and clinical decision making. Evaluation on laboratory testing and Laboratory Information System (LIS) may explain the root cause to improve the testing process and enhance LIS in supporting the process. This paper discusses a new evaluation framework for LIS that encompasses the laboratory testing cycle and the socio-technical part of LIS.

METHODOLOGY: Literature review on discourses, dimensions and evaluation methods of laboratory testing and LIS. A critical appraisal of the Total Testing Process (TTP) and the human, organization, technology-fit factors (HOT-fit) evaluation frameworks was undertaken in order to identify error incident, its contributing factors and preventive action pertinent to laboratory testing process and LIS.

RESULT: A new evaluation framework for LIS using a comprehensive and socio-technical approach is outlined. Positive relationship between laboratory and clinical staff resulted in a smooth laboratory testing process, reduced errors and increased process efficiency whilst effective use of LIS streamlined the testing processes.

CONCLUSION: The TTP-LIS framework could serve as an assessment as well as a problem-solving tool for the laboratory testing process and system.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
Fulltext Healthcare Databases in Thailand and Japan: Potential Sources for Health Technology Assessment Research

Saokaew S, Sugimoto T, Kamae I, Pratoomsoot C, Chaiyakunapruk N

PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0141993.
PMID: 26560127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141993

Health technology assessment (HTA) has been continuously used for value-based healthcare decisions over the last decade. Healthcare databases represent an important source of information for HTA, which has seen a surge in use in Western countries. Although HTA agencies have been established in Asia-Pacific region, application and understanding of healthcare databases for HTA is rather limited. Thus, we reviewed existing databases to assess their potential for HTA in Thailand where HTA has been used officially and Japan where HTA is going to be officially introduced.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
Fulltext Development and analysis of acceptance of a nutrition education package among a rural elderly population: an action research study

Shahar S, Adznam SN, Rahman SA, Yusoff NA, Yassin Z, Arshad F, et al.

BMC Geriatr, 2012 Jun 07;12:24.
PMID: 22676577 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-12-24

BACKGROUND: It is well known that older adults are often vulnerable to malnutrition. This action research was conducted to develop a nutrition education package for promoting healthy ageing and reducing risk of chronic diseases among older adults in a rural area of Malaysia.
METHODS: This study was designed and conducted in three stages, including needs assessment, development of the package and analysis of acceptance among 33 older adults aged 60 years and over in rural communities, and 14 health staff members at rural health clinics. Subjects completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic factors and acceptance evaluation of the nutrition education package with respect to content, graphics and design. Data were analysed descriptively using numbers and percentages.
RESULTS: A nutrition education package comprising a booklet, flipchart and placemats was developed. A total of 42.4% of the older adults expressed that the sentences in the flipchart needed to be simplified and medical terms explained. Terminology (60%), illustrations (20%) and nutrition recommendations (20%) were the aspects that prevented elderly subjects from fully understanding the booklet. Information on the placemats was easily understood by subjects.
CONCLUSIONS: A well accepted nutrition education package for promoting healthy ageing and reducing risk of chronic diseases was developed that incorporated modifications based on feedback from older adult subjects and health clinic staff in a rural area. It is a tool that can effectively be used for health education in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*