Patient safety strategies have traditionally involved the promotion of provider-oriented practices aimed at reducing known risks associated with surgery, infection, and continuity of care. With the knowledge that patient safety incidents can significantly impact patients, providers, and health care organizations, greater emphasis on patient involvement as a means to mitigate risks warrants further research. The primary objective of this research was to determine the relationship between perceptions of patient safety and the likelihood of patient involvement in both factual and challenging patient safety practices. This mixed methods study was conducted at two tertiary hospital sites located in Atlantic Canada between February 2011 and January 2012. The study design was the sequential explanatory model of mixed methods design, integrating both quantitative survey methods and qualitative focus group methods for both patient and provider participants. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Focus group sessions were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The development and analysis of this research was guided by the Health Belief Model. Overall, patients were more willing to engage in factual patient safety practices (e.g., asking questions of their doctors) than challenging patient safety practices (e.g., asking a provider if they have washed their hands). The patient PLS analysis revealed relationships between patient perceptions of threat and self-efficacy and the performance of factual and challenging patient safety practices, explaining 46% and 42% of the variance, respectively. The provider PLS model found that perceptions of safety culture accounted for 34% of the variance in perceptions of threat and 42% of the variance in perceptions of barriers versus benefits. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four major themes for both patient and providers related to the phenomenon of patient involvement. Quantitative and qualitative results were complementary in nature. Perceptions of patient safety were shown to influence both patient and provider likelihood in engaging in selected patient safety practices. Greater understanding of the roles that perceptions play in patient involvement in their care may help to improve the safety and quality of care delivered.

Environmental issues are increasingly discussed through social media applications. Consequently, researchers are beginning to question whether social media could represent a green virtual sphere: a virtual public space to discuss environmental issues not governed by a single authority in which anyone can access; however, limited empirical research has been conducted to date. In response, this study combines text analysis, social network analysis, and semi-structured interviews to determine whether discussions regarding the Alberta oil sands and the Northern Gateway Pipeline on Twitter – a micro-blogging site – reflect the characteristics of a green virtual sphere. It was found that Twitter is used to disseminate information, access news, and engage in debate, but there are limitations: not everyone has access to Twitter, the government may monitor online activity, and discussions appear to be dominated by environmentalists and environmental organizations. Twitter use on these issues only partially reflects the characteristics of a green virtual sphere.

Rationale: Previous studies have reported low employment rates for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The challenges to finding and maintaining work have been attributed to their social, communication, behavioural and sensory processing difficulties. Numerous studies report that children with ASD experience abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, whereas estimates for adults remain unclear. Furthermore, little is known about how sensory processing patterns affect employment. Objectives: The purposes of this study were a) to describe the self-reported sensory processing patterns in high-ability adults with ASD and compare them to adults without ASD; and b) to explore the role that sensory processing patterns play in the workplace for high-ability adults with ASD. Methods: A sequential mixed methods approach was used. In Phase I, 20 participants with and 20 without ASD completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and employment details. In Phase II, 10 of the 20 participants with ASD described their work experiences during phone interviews. Participants with ASD were recruited from autism societies in Ontario and Québec. Results: Significant differences were found in all four subscales of the AASP between the high-ability adults with ASD and those without ASD. The adults with ASD obtained significantly higher scores on the Low Registration, Sensation Avoiding and Sensory Sensitivity subscales than the comparison group, and significantly lower scores on Sensation Seeking. Approximately half of the adults with ASD were employed, but few were experiencing sustained employment. Participants described using avoidant, replacement and preventative coping strategies to overcome overwhelming sensations at work. Enhanced sensory processing had the potential to improve work performance. Participants chose alternative work environments based on their sensory preferences and challenges. Disclosing their ASD diagnosis proved to be a delicate process, resulting in differential consequences on accommodations and workplace relationships. Conclusions: High-ability adults with ASD displayed different sensory processing patterns compared to individuals without ASD. Most of these adults showed an awareness of their sensory needs. Sensory processing patterns impacted on work choice, performance and satisfaction. Accommodations that modified the physical environment and occupational tasks promoted an optimal work fit for individuals with sensory issues. Self-employment offered a means of self-accommodation. / Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2009-08-28 14:26:16.084

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No description available.

Self-compassion, a healthy way of relating to the self that is premised on treating oneself with kindness and understanding in the face of pain and failure (Neff, 2003a, 2003b), is emerging as a potentially useful way to transform young women athletes’ difficult experiences in sport (Mosewich, Crocker, Kowalski, & DeLongis, 2013; Mosewich et al., 2011). Although associated with a variety of well-being indices, self-compassion has largely been neglected in the eudaimonic tradition concerned with psychological flourishing (Ryff, 1989, 1995). The themes of eudaimonic well-being – which include feeling autonomous and competent, the pursuit of continuous growth, having quality relations with others, finding purpose in life, and acceptance of oneself (Ryff, 1989, 1995) – closely align with many of the goals and motives that young women athletes have reported for competing in sport (e.g., Chatzisarantis & Hagger, 2007; Kilpatrick et al., 2005). However, being eudaimonically-well or flourishing in sport is not a given, as young women athletes can encounter a variety difficult experiences as they journey through athletic pursuits (Fraser-Thomas et al., 2005; Krane et al., 2001; Mosewich et al., 2009). Whether the promise of self-compassion as a way to transform difficult sport experiences might have similar potential for young women athletes’ eudaimonic well-being is currently unknown; that is, whether self-compassion contributes to or thwarts psychological flourishing is an important question. The purpose of the present program of research was to explore the role of self-compassion in young women athletes’ psychological flourishing. Using a mixed methods research design, Study 1 explored self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes. The quantitative phase consisted of young women athletes (n = 83; Mean age = 18.70 years) completing an online survey including trait-level measures of self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being, as well as measures of plausible process variables (i.e., passivity, responsibility, initiative, and self-determination). In addition to finding evidence for a positive relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being (r = .76, p < .01), the data were consistent with a model of multiple mediation whereby, as a group, passivity, responsibility, initiative, and self-determination emerged as potential mechanism variables. Expanding on the links from the quantitative phase, a qualitative phase consisting of one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions with young women athletes (n = 11; Mean age = 19.72 years) explored when and how self-compassion might be useful in striving to reach one’s potential in sport. Self-compassion was described as advantageous in difficult sport situations (i.e., when failing to meet personal goals, making mistakes during competition, experiencing an injury, reaching a plateau) by increasing positivity, perseverance, and responsibility, as well as decreasing rumination. The qualitative findings support previous claims that self-compassion is beneficial during emotionally difficult situations (Leary et al., 2007; Neff, 2003b). However, concerns were expressed about being too self-compassionate in sport; in particular, that self-compassion might lead to complacency, which would ultimately thwart psychological flourishing in sport. To better understand the seeming complex relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being specifically in the sport domain, Study 2 explored the role of self-compassion during hypothetical, emotionally difficult, sport-specific scenarios in relation to psychological flourishing in sport. Young women athletes (N = 137; Mean age = 19.04 years) completed an online survey including trait-level measures of self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being, as well as brief reaction measures (i.e., self-compassionate, positive, perseverant, responsible, ruminative, passive, and self-critical reactions) to hypothetical, emotionally difficult, sport scenarios, and proxy indicators of eudaimonic well-being in sport. The results contextualized the relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being to the sport domain, showing positive associations between self-compassion and autonomy, meaning (i.e., personal growth) and vitality (i.e., purpose in life) in sport, and body appreciation (i.e., self-acceptance). Findings from path model analyses suggest that increased positive and perseverant reactions and decreased passive reactions to emotionally difficult sport scenarios might explain the relationship between self-compassion and certain indices of eudaimonic well-being in sport (e.g., autonomy, vitality in sport, body appreciation). The pattern of findings suggest that having a kind and understanding self-attitude might nurture constructive reactions to emotionally difficult sport scenarios, enabling athletes to strive towards their potential in sport. Taken together, findings from the program of research presented here suggest that compassionately relating to the self might be advantageous for young women athletes’ eudaimonic well-being, both in general and in terms of eudaimonic indicators that are specific to psychological flourishing in sport. A conceptual model is formulated to help understand the relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being. Reduced passivity emerged as one possible process variable, which is a key finding that directly addresses the concern as to whether self-compassion leads to complacency; a concern that appears both within the larger self-compassion body of literature as well as qualitative findings in my research. The identification of promising mechanism variables is an important contribution to the literature, as the findings reported here can be further examined in future research directed at the promotion of self-compassion for athletes’ flourishing in sport. Caution is warranted, however, for researchers moving forward in this area, particularly in terms of athletes’ concerns with being self-compassionate. Building off of my research findings and conclusions, two noted directions for future research are (1) to explore ways for athletes to recognize the potential usefulness of self-compassion in sport and (2) to longitudinally and/or experimentally target mechanism variables that will have associated changes on eudaimonic outcomes in sport. Such research efforts will work towards the development of self-compassion in sport programs that are theoretically- and empirically-driven, and have the end goal of helping young women athletes reach their full potential.

Advanced maternal age (AMA) is linked to several adverse pregnancy outcomes, hence these pregnancies are considered to be "high risk." Risk perception impacts pregnant women’s health care use, health behaviors, and adherence to medical recommendations. Yet, a gap remains in the understanding of perception of pregnancy risk and its contributing factors. This mixed methods research study was developed to address this gap, using a conceptual framework based on a literature review and the Psychometric Model of risk perception. The specific objectives of this study were to compare risk perception in nulliparous women of AMA with younger women, determine the factors influencing perception of pregnancy risk, and gain an understanding of women’s perspectives of risks associated with AMA. Between December 2009 and January 2011, a sample of 159 participants (105 women aged 20-29 years and 54 women aged 35 years or older) was recruited from a variety of settings in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Several questionnaires were completed by participants. Descriptive statistics, chi square, t tests, Pearson's r correlations, and stepwise multivariate linear regressions were used to analyze data. Fifteen women of AMA were chosen purposefully to participate in individual and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was used to identify themes. Results revealed that pregnancy-related anxiety, maternal age, medical risk, perceived control (internal), and gestational age were significant predictors of perception of pregnancy risk accounting for 47-49% of the variance in risk perception. Maternal age interacted in a synergistic manner with pregnancy-related anxiety to increase perception of pregnancy risk levels. In the qualitative component, four main themes emerged from the data: definition of pregnancy risk, factors influencing risk perception, risk alleviation strategies, and risk communication with health professionals. Women of AMA perceived higher pregnancy risk for both themselves and their fetuses than younger women. However, they were not a homogenous group in their pregnancy risk appraisal. This study contributed to the field by proposing pregnancy-related anxiety as a pregnancy dread factor in risk perception theories. Risk communication is an important element of developing care plans for women of AMA and should be integrated into prenatal care visits.

Exurban development, consisting of low density residential housing in a rural setting, is steadily increasing in North America. This increase may have negative impacts on the habitat for some species, through the introduction of non-native plants and new predators such as house cats. The northern prairie skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis) is listed as Endangered in Canada occurring only in southwestern Manitoba. The objectives of this study included: a) defining prairie skink microhabitat use on private land according to vegetation, temperature and cover availability, b) determining landowner awareness of prairie skinks on their property, and c) determining how landowner stewardship could be used in skink conservation. Mixed methods strategy of inquiry was utilized and data collection procedures included both quantitative habitat surveys and qualitative landowner interviews. I found that prairie skinks were most often found in prairie habitat, and were found most often in areas with a) high percent artificial cover, b) high leaf litter, and c) more pieces of cover per acre. Landowners most often saw skinks near buildings, in flower beds and in debris piles. Landowner attitudes towards skinks were positive,though willingness may not translate into action.

One key goal of Physics Education Research is providing research-based instructional techniques and tools to help assess the complex learning goals associated with a mature understanding of physics. Characterizing faculty expectations is important to produce a comprehensive understanding of knowledge students should acquire before and during a quantum mechanics course (QMC). Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with faculty members and students entering a QMC in the Physics Program at a Large Public Research University (LPRU) in the Southeast. The interviews examine perspectives of different evaluation techniques, ideal preparation, course content, and expected conceptual models of students. A post-course survey was offered to the students that took the QMC in the Fall of 2012 and to those who completed the course in the past three years. The survey addressed similar questions on evaluation, course content, and preparation. Using Classical Content Analysis and Key-Words-In-Context coding methods, contradictions and similarities within and between faculty and student populations are presented. These results are presented in an effort to highlight predictors for success in the QMC, identify “common-core” perceptions, and strengthen course evaluation. In all data, findings suggest that student perceptions shift towards those of faculty over the course of the QMC. Evaluation data indicate that on average the faculty members, like students, are open to a varied array of evaluation techniques, if it is within the goals of the course and does not interfere with other faculty responsibilities. In perceptions of preparation and course content, faculty have a uniform perspective of what should be prerequisite, and the student survey data strongly recommend that the second semester of Linear Algebra offered at the LPRU will help with the mathematical complexities of the QMC. Through triangulation of qualitative and quantitative results contradictions of preparation and content are exhibited through multiple media for the use course content such as the Hamiltonian.

Tax agents have important roles in tax systems as both advocates for their clients and intermediaries for the tax authorities. The roles of tax agents are becoming more challenging with the changes in the tax landscape, such as with the implementation of the self-assessment systems (SAS) which transfers more responsibility to taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations and who in turn, rely on tax agents to comply with the tax laws. This study examined some selected factors in understanding the tax agents’ tax compliance behaviour by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour, by including two additional factors namely, ethical sensitivity and culture. Conducted in the tax jurisdictions of Malaysia and New Zealand, this study is comparative in nature. To understand the tax compliance behaviour of tax agents in this study, a mixed-method approach, combining surveys and semi-structured telephone interviews, was used. In Malaysia, the survey data were collected using a mail survey from a sample of tax agents in public practice whose names were listed on the website of the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board. Online surveys were used to collect responses from a sample of members of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) whose names were listed as public practitioners on NZICA’s website. Descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares (PLS), a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, were used to describe and analyze the quantitative data. Transcribing, coding, finding the relevant themes and member checking were used to analyze the qualitative data of the study. Basically, the results indicate some similarities and some differences between tax agents’ compliance behaviour in Malaysia and New Zealand. Consistent with findings from prior studies, the results suggest that attitude towards intention to comply with the tax law was the most influential factor in explaining tax agents’ compliance behaviour to tax law in Malaysia and New Zealand in both scenarios of overstating tax expenses and understating income examined in the study. This was followed by ethical sensitivity, which was measured using Rest’s (1986) Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES), as the second influential factor in tax agents’ compliance behaviour to tax law. Mixed findings were recorded for culture which was measured using Hofstede’s (1980) National Cultural Dimensions and perceived behavioural control. No support, however, was found for subjective norms in the study. The findings from the survey were elaborated further in the interviews. The interviews with seventeen tax agents in Malaysia and fourteen tax agents from New Zealand provide some interesting findings. While the results of the survey indicate that attitude was found to be the most important factor in tax agents’ tax compliance behaviour, the interview findings clarified how tax agents understand attitude. For instance, attitude was interpreted as not only complying with the professional code of ethics, but also, fear towards being penalized, audited and interestingly, fear towards obtaining a bad reputation among the public and peers. Overall, the findings suggest that noneconomic factors, such as attitudes and ethical sensitivity, can explain the tax compliance behaviour of tax agents in the study. Some economic factors identified for example, amount of risk involved, the trade-off between costs and benefits, and the probability of being penalized, from the interviews could also potentially explain the tax compliance behaviour of the tax agents in Malaysia and New Zealand who participated in the study. The findings contribute to the theoretical and practical aspects of understanding the tax compliance behaviour of tax agents in two different countries. In a response to the calls for more cross-cultural research, this study reveals some similarities and differences in the tax compliance behaviour of tax agents in Malaysia and New Zealand which may be helpful in improving our understanding of the ethical decision making of tax agents. The findings from the study also provide some insights into the ethical behaviour of tax agents in Malaysia and New Zealand which may be useful for professional bodies and regulators.