Yes / Reviewing factors that affect work challenges is crucial for any organization as it has an impact of organizational commitment for a better service delivery and job satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of dental health professionals (DHPs) on work challenges and the impact it has on job satisfaction in Fiji. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, qualitative method approach (nationwide) was done commencing from August to November, 2021. DHPs who provide prosthetic services in Fiji were selected using purposive selection located at Nakasi Dental Clinic, Lautoka Dental Clinic, Labasa Dental Clinic, and Fiji National University. A total of 29 DHPs participated in the in-depth interview, and the responses were grouped into nine themes: working conditions, the location of practice, equipment and material, a lack of specialization, service delivery, organizational support, remuneration, career development, and promotions. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire in the form of an interview via a virtual platform—Zoom was used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to transcribe and analyze the audio recordings. Results: The findings from the study indicated that factors such as working conditions, the location of practice, equipment and material, a lack of specialization, service delivery, organizational support, remuneration, career development, and promotions were associated with work challenges. Conclusion: Gaps and areas for the improvement of work challenges and its impact on job satisfaction were identified for DHPs who provide prosthetic services in Fiji such as a need for more career and professional development pathways, improved infrastructure to support prosthetic service delivery, and better remuneration.

Yes / Reviewing job satisfaction is crucial as it has an impact on a person's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as leading to a better organizational commitment of employees that enhances the organizations succession and progress as well as better staff retention. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of job satisfaction amongst Dental Health Professionals (DHPs) in Fiji and associated factors. This study used a phenomenological qualitative method approach commencing from August to November, 2021. The target group for this study were the DHPs who provide prosthetic services. This study was conducted among DHPs from 4 purposively selected clinics in Fiji. A semi- structured open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to transcribe and analyze the audio qualitative data collected from the interviews. Twenty-nine DHPs took part in the in-depth interview and the responses were grouped into three themes. The findings from the study indicate that DHPs are most satisfied with their teamwork and the relationship they have with their colleagues and co-workers, followed by the nature of the work and the supervision they received. The participants indicated that they were less satisfied with professional development opportunities and least satisfied with their pay and organizational support they receive. The results of this study have identified gaps and areas for improvement of job satisfaction for DHPs who provide prosthetic services in Fiji such as need for more career and professional development pathways, improved infrastructure to support prosthetic service delivery in Fiji and improve remuneration for DHPs. Understanding the factors that affect satisfaction levels and being able to act accordingly are likely to lead to positive outcomes both for DHPs and their organization.

Yes / Effective communication can aid in improving oral healthcare measures such as treatment outcomes and satisfaction of edentulous patients (EDPs) toward the treatment process. The triangle of communication (ToC) involves communication between the dentist, dental technician (DTech), and EDPs. This research aimed to explore the ToC between dental professionals (DPs) and patients undergoing complete denture prostheses (CDP) treatment in Fiji. Materials and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among DPs under purposive sampling where focus group discussions were conducted at the four dental prosthetic clinics in Fiji. A semi-structured questionnaire with open-ended questions was applied to participants virtually via Zoom. The collected data were collated and analyzed manually using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 28 DPs participated in the study. Three themes were identified while exploring the ToC from DPs’ perspectives on CDP treatment and care in Fiji: staff communication—dentist and DTech, ToC and information sharing (dentist–DTech and EDPs), and stage-by-stage procedural checks for CDP between DPs. Effective collaboration between dentists and DTechs is an essence of a successful CDP treatment outcome. Most DPs agreed to undergo continuous communication throughout the treatment to keep EDPs engaged throughout the treatment process. In addition, stage-by-stage procedural checks in dental clinics as well as in dental laboratories improved the quality of CDPs. Conclusion: DPs highlighted predominantly the ToC between DPs and EDPs when receiving CDP treatment in Fiji as an essential tool for effective DP and patient engagement. Discussions should be complemented with the use of verbal, nonverbal, and written modes together with the utilization of interpreters to improve CDP treatment and care in Fiji.

Yes / This research aims to determine the organizational preventative strategies implemented by dental clinics in Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted amongst Dental Officers (Dos) and Dental Managers (DMs) who were working at government dental clinics, private dental clinics, and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used for data collection through in-depth interviews via zoom. A manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Thirty Dos and 17 DMs participated in this study. 16 themes emerged from data analysis: Major Strategies implemented, Staff perception about strategies in place, Triaging and Screening, Hand hygiene, Waiting room changes, Operational Capacity, Universal precautions, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Disinfection and decontamination protocols, Ventilation, Sterilization, Pre-procedural mouth rinse, Waste management, Vaccination status, Bubbles and Adaptation of Protocols. The Dos were generally satisfied with the strategies implemented by the DMs. The DMs along with other Dos had used various guidance documents to devise tailor-made ones suited for dental clinics in Fiji. Conclusion: Various strategies were adopted from several guidelines and tailor-made Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each workplaces were developed by the various DMs. The majority of Dos were in favor of and satisfied with the protocols in place. Future research can be conducted in other divisions and include other health care professionals as well apart from just Dos and DMs.

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of flora poaching among conservation officers, park rangers and botanists within Central Appalachia. Though some work has sought to understand poaching in other forms, such as animal poaching, little is known regarding the poaching of plants. This is especially true within the Appalachian Region. Several research questions were explored in this study, including the types of flora being poached, the characteristics of poachers, poaching tactics utilized, and deterrence measures that are currently in place. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals working in the field. Findings contribute to the existing literature surrounding poaching, which can aid conservation efforts across the Appalachian Region.

Knowledge gaps exist related to the care and education of pregnant teens. This project study addressed the problem of an inadequate amount of professional development (PD) and training for healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for pregnant teens at a maternity clinic in the Southeastern United States. Unless HCPs are appropriately trained, the ability to meet the needs of pregnant teens is deficient and negative health outcomes for these patients are likely to be exacerbated. The humanistic learning theory was used in this phenomenological exploratory study to explore perception of 9 HCPs who had the responsibility for patient teaching, clinical care, and were full time employees at a maternity clinic. The research questions focused on the perceptions of the HCPs regarding their experiences of PD as it relates to the care of pregnant and parenting teens, strengths and weaknesses of their current PD, and how their PD could impact the health outcomes of pregnant and parenting teens. The themes developed from the interview data revealed a need for an expansion of HCP knowledge and skills to improve the healthcare of pregnant and parenting teens, as well as challenges associated with the current PD plan. The resulting project consisted of a 3-day workshop to increase the HCPs' proficiency and efficacy in caring for pregnant and parenting teens. Evaluation of the project will be through formative and summative assessment. The project contributes to positive social change at the local clinic by reinforcing the HCPs' skills in in educating, caring for, and supporting the teen parent population.

This qualitative research study examined the patient education experience from the point of view of health care professionals, namely doctors of chiropractic in the Greater Toronto Area practicing for up to ten years. Health care professionals’ views and beliefs of this important aspect of health care have not been well studied. Patient education is defined as, “the process by which patients learn or acquire knowledge about his/her health status or condition and may involve learning in the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains.” The study explored eight participants’ views on the nature of patient education in their early and current practices by examining their feelings, beliefs, and use of patient education, its role in their practices, as well as the perceptions of their roles as patient educators. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants. The transcribed interviews underwent detailed qualitative analysis to determine response trends and consensus. The key findings revealed that the participants felt that, while they were well prepared in their undergraduate curricula to diagnose and treat patients, they were not as well prepared to be effective patient educators when they entered practice. Early in their careers, they did not understand or appreciate patient education’s importance and value as a component of their practice. Over time, their beliefs and understanding of patient education changed and participants reported that with experience, they began to value patient education to a greater extent. Changing values reflected changing behaviours. For example, participants increased their time and efforts related to patient education with increased clinical experience. A variety of teaching aids were used with wall charts/posters, three dimensional anatomical models, printed materials and images from textbooks being among the most common. Most of the teaching described by the participants would be characterized as transmission with a one-way flow of information from the doctor to the patient. To a great extent, patient education involved speaking with individual patients. Participants reported encountering, throughout their careers, intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that interfered with the effectiveness of their patient education. The findings suggest that curricular planners for health care professional programs, and specifically for chiropractors, might consider developing content aimed at improving students’ patient education knowledge and skills.

This qualitative research study examined the patient education experience from the point of view of health care professionals, namely doctors of chiropractic in the Greater Toronto Area practicing for up to ten years. Health care professionals’ views and beliefs of this important aspect of health care have not been well studied. Patient education is defined as, “the process by which patients learn or acquire knowledge about his/her health status or condition and may involve learning in the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains.” The study explored eight participants’ views on the nature of patient education in their early and current practices by examining their feelings, beliefs, and use of patient education, its role in their practices, as well as the perceptions of their roles as patient educators. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants. The transcribed interviews underwent detailed qualitative analysis to determine response trends and consensus. The key findings revealed that the participants felt that, while they were well prepared in their undergraduate curricula to diagnose and treat patients, they were not as well prepared to be effective patient educators when they entered practice. Early in their careers, they did not understand or appreciate patient education’s importance and value as a component of their practice. Over time, their beliefs and understanding of patient education changed and participants reported that with experience, they began to value patient education to a greater extent. Changing values reflected changing behaviours. For example, participants increased their time and efforts related to patient education with increased clinical experience. A variety of teaching aids were used with wall charts/posters, three dimensional anatomical models, printed materials and images from textbooks being among the most common. Most of the teaching described by the participants would be characterized as transmission with a one-way flow of information from the doctor to the patient. To a great extent, patient education involved speaking with individual patients. Participants reported encountering, throughout their careers, intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that interfered with the effectiveness of their patient education. The findings suggest that curricular planners for health care professional programs, and specifically for chiropractors, might consider developing content aimed at improving students’ patient education knowledge and skills.

Syftet med detta arbete är att ta reda på hur icke-professionella och professionella inom musik hör när de lyssnar på musik. Finns det någon skillnad i var fokus ligger i musiklyssnande och går det att urskilja några tendenser? För att undersöka detta har ett urval av personer fått lyssna till olika musikexempel och sedan beskrivit den ljudbild de har uppfattat i musiken. Sedan har dessa narrativ analyserats med utgångspunkt i ett av Gabrielsson (2008) utarbetat klassificeringssystem i form av ett stort antal teman och kategorier, vars syfte är att belysa olika starka musikupplevelser. De varierande fokus som har framkommit hos informanterna i min studie har sorterats in under detta schemas olika teman och kategorier och sedan sammanställts i tabellform för att ge en lättare överblick. Trots att det mig veterligen inte finns en likadan studie om var fokus i musiklyssnande hos icke-professionella och professionella riktas inom musik, så styrkte det som framkom i resultatet befintlig forskning kring relationen mellan upplevelser och reaktioner inom musiklyssning. Det visade sig att i både min och Rays (2000) studie var det samma kategorier som det riktades mest fokus mot. Även diskussionen som fortgår inom musikpsykologi och social musikpsykologi, att hörandet/lyssnadet på musik är socialt och kulturellt betingat, tycktes bli stärkt av resultatet. Denna studie presenterar inga generaliserbara och enkla svar om hur vi hör och lyssnar utan visar snarare upp och förstärker att musiklyssnadet är en komplex process med många aspekter och variabler att ta hänsyn till. / The purpose of this study is to find out how professionals and non-professionals listen to music. Are there any differences in focus or is it possible to discern any characteristic tendencies? In order to find out, a selected group of people have listen to various types of music and then asked to write down what they heard in the music, their “soundscape”. Afterwards these narratives have been analyzed in a classification system - prepared by Gabrielsson (2008), in form of numerous themes and categories, who’s aim is to elucidate different musical experiences. The varying result that has arrived in my study has been sorted in, under this schedule's different themes and categories and then been put together in tabular, in order to give an easier overview. Even though, to my knowledge, it doesn’t exist a former study like this between the listening habits among professionals and non-professionals, it emphasize more common research about the relations between experiences and reactions in listening to music, as it shows that focus is directed towards rather similar categories. The discussion that is taking place within music psychology and social music psychology, that hearing/listening to music is socially and culturally habituated seems to be strengthened in this study.   This study won’t present and generalize any easy answers about how we hear and listen to music but rather emphasize that listening to music is a complex process with many different aspects and variables to consider.

Thesis(MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Background: Community service health professionals working in rural areas experience challenges such poor accommodation, poor supervision, unavailability of equipment and medication. The majority of studies focussed on doctors, with a few including dentists and pharmacists. This study intended to establish the experiences of community service health professionals in all professions. Objective(s): The objectives of the study were to describe and explore the experiences of community service health professionals. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to select community service health professionals for the study. Face to face interviews with community service health professionals were conducted to collect data. Community service health professionals were interviewed until data saturation was reached. The Tesch‘s eight steps were used to analyze data. Results: The study findings indicated that community service health professionals experienced challenges relating to accommodation, supervision and unavailability of equipment and medication. Conclusions: Community service health professionals are experiencing challenges regarding working in Limpopo province rural hospitals. It is recommended that the government should allocate more funds to health care services to address the challenges faced by community service health professionals