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Maya Jariego I, Muñoz Alvis A, Villar Onrubia D. Using personal network analysis to understand the interaction between programmes' facilitators and teachers in psychoeducational interventions. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2024; 103:102410. [PMID: 38367350 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
In this study we use personal network analysis to examine the social relationships taking place throughout programme implementation. Previous literature on psychosocial intervention has used network analysis techniques to examine: (a) the interaction between participants, (b) the facilitators' link to the intervention target group, (c) the transfer of knowledge between experts and facilitators, and (d) the interaction of facilitators with each other. However, there has been little research on how facilitators connect with other figures in their organisational context, impacting both intervention fidelity and the fit of the programme to the local context. In this study we combine the analysis of personal networks with qualitative interviews with 102 teachers in 72 schools in Barranquilla (Colombia), with whom we describe the implementation of the psychoeducational programmes Pisotón and Metodologías Flexibles. The results show that programme implementation networks not only rely on facilitators but also on the contribution of the schools' director of studies, the coupling with the regular classroom teachers, and occasional collaborations from the rest of the school staff. After conducting a cluster analysis, we detected the existence of two types of personal networks, some based on the functioning of highly cohesive teams and others with a greater level of centralisation around the head of studies. Implementation networks not only enable the implementation of programme activities, but also the integration of the programme into educational organisations. In the discussion we reflect on how the analysis of facilitators' personal networks can be used to improve the process of programme implementation.
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Chen Y, He M, Tian S, Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Lin Y, Xing Z, Nandakumar KS, Tian M. Effect of classroom-based physical activity on teaching quality of systemic lupus erythematosus for medical undergraduates. Lupus 2024; 33:217-222. [PMID: 38204378 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231225347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of classroom-based physical activity (CB-PA) on the teaching quality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for medical undergraduates. METHODS Students from 8 classes participating in the clinical medicine program of the affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University were divided into two groups. Four classes received regular teaching on the SLE chapter as the control group, and the other four received CB-PA intervention as the experimental group. After class, the basic ability (diagnostics and pharmacology scores in sophomore year) and teaching quality scores were collected and compared using a questionnaire. The performance of the 2 groups to the SLE review questions was compared. RESULTS The scores of learning interest, the degree of satisfaction with the courses, and the level of mastering the teaching contents in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The evaluation of the teacher's teaching level increased considerably. The experimental group's performance was also better than the control group's (the assessment performance was adjusted with the basic ability). CONCLUSION CB-PA in teaching SLE improves students' interest in learning, teaching satisfaction, and mastery of knowledge and may ultimately enhance their assessment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mang He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shidan Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Teaching Office of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yongqiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yupei Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | | | - Kutty Selva Nandakumar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Craig DW, Walker TJ, Cuccaro P, Sharma SV, Heredia NI, Robertson MC, Fernandez ME. Using the R = MC 2 heuristic to understand barriers to and facilitators of implementing school-based physical activity opportunities: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:207. [PMID: 38233842 PMCID: PMC10792959 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schools are a key setting for supporting youth physical activity, given their broad reach and diverse student populations. Organizational readiness is a precursor to the successful implementation of school-based physical activity opportunities. The R = MC2 heuristic (Readiness = Motivation x Innovation-Specific Capacity x General Capacity) describes readiness as a function of an organization's motivation and capacity to implement an innovation and can be applied to better understand the implementation process. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to and facilitators of implementing school-based physical activity opportunities in the context of organizational readiness. METHODS We analyzed interview data from 15 elementary school staff (principals, assistant principals, physical education teachers, and classroom teachers) from a school district in Texas. We focused on factors related to adopting, implementing, and sustaining a variety of school-based physical activity opportunities. We used the Framework Method to guide the analysis and coded data using deductive (informed by the R = MC2 heuristic) and inductive approaches. Themes were generated using the frequency, depth, and richness of participant responses. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: (1) implementation is aided by the presence of internal and external relationships; (2) physical activity opportunities compete with other school priorities; (3) seeing the benefits of physical activity opportunities motivates school staff toward implementation; and (4) staff buy-in is critical to the implementation process. Themes 1-3 aligned with subcomponents of the R = MC2 heuristic (intra- and inter-organizational relationships, priority, and observability), whereas Theme 4 (staff buy-in) related to multiple subcomponents within the Motivation component but was ultimately viewed as a distinct construct. CONCLUSION Our results highlight and explain how key readiness constructs impact the implementation of school-based physical activity opportunities. They also highlight the importance of obtaining staff buy-in when implementing in the school setting. This information is critical to developing readiness-building strategies that help schools improve their capacity to deliver physical activity opportunities effectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Craig
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Timothy J Walker
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paula Cuccaro
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shreela V Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Sciences, Center for Health Equity, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natalia I Heredia
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Robertson
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Maria E Fernandez
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
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Walker TJ, Craig DW, Pfledderer CD, Robertson MC, Cuccaro P, Fumero K, Bartholomew JB. Observed and perceived benefits of providing physical activity opportunities in elementary schools: a qualitative study. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1240382. [PMID: 37720079 PMCID: PMC10501392 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1240382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Schools play an important role in promoting physical activity for youth. However, school-based physical activity opportunities often compete with other academic priorities, limiting their implementation. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore elementary school teacher and staff perspectives on providing physical activity opportunities and how they impact students and learning. Methods We partnered with a school district in Texas to conduct semi-structured individual interviews. We used a purposeful sampling approach to recruit elementary teachers and staff knowledgeable about the physical activity opportunities provided at their school. Interviews included questions about participant opinions of providing physical activity opportunities and the types of opportunities provided. We analyzed data using a directed content analysis and iterative categorization approach. Results Fifteen participants (4 teachers, 4 physical education teachers, 3 assistant principals, and 4 principals) completed interviews from 10 elementary schools. Participants discussed observed and perceived benefits when providing physical activity opportunities, which emerged into four themes and subthemes: (1) academic benefits (learning readiness, learning engagement, and academic performance); (2) social-emotional benefits (behavior, interpersonal and social skills, and classroom culture); (3) physical benefits (brain health, skill development, physical health); and (4) instructional benefits (quality teaching time, helpful teaching tools, and teacher-student relationships). Conclusions Teachers and staff observed numerous benefits when students had opportunities to be physically active, including the positive impact on academic and social-emotional outcomes. Our findings highlight the alignment of physical activity with other school priorities. Physical activity programming can be used in ways to support academics, learning, behavior, and other important outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Walker
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Derek W. Craig
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christopher D. Pfledderer
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Michael C. Robertson
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Paula Cuccaro
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Keisey Fumero
- Children’s Learning Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John B. Bartholomew
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Walker TJ, Pfledderer CD, Craig DW, Robertson MC, Heredia NI, Bartholomew JB. Elementary school staff perspectives on the implementation of physical activity approaches in practice: an exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1193442. [PMID: 37693726 PMCID: PMC10483115 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1193442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A whole-of-school approach is best to promote physical activity before, during, and after school. However, multicomponent programming is often complex and difficult to deliver in school settings. There is a need to better understand how components of a whole-of-school approach are implemented in practice. The objectives of this mixed methods study were to: (1) qualitatively explore physical activity approaches and their implementation in elementary schools, (2) quantitatively assess implementation levels, and (3) examine associations between school-level physical activity promotion and academic ratings. Methods We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with elementary school staff from a Texas school district and used a directed content analysis to explore physical activity approaches and their implementation. Using qualitative findings, we designed a survey to quantitatively examine the implementation of physical activity approaches, which we distributed to elementary staff district wide. We used Pearson correlation coefficients to examine the association between the amount of physical activity opportunities present in individual schools and school-level academic ratings. Results We completed 15 interviews (7 principals/assistant principals, 4 physical educators, and 4 classroom teachers). Elementary school teachers and staff indicated PE and recess implementation was driven from the top-down by state and district policies, while implementation of classroom-based approaches, before and after school programming, and active transport were largely driven from the bottom-up by teachers and school leaders. Teachers and staff also discussed implementation challenges across approaches. Survey respondents (n = 247 from 22 schools) indicated 54.6% of schools were implementing ≥135 min/week of physical education and 72.7% were implementing 30 min/day of recess. Classroom-based approaches were less common. Twenty-four percent of schools reported accessible before school programs, 72.7% reported accessible after school programs, and 27% promoted active transport. There was a direct association between the number of physical activity opportunities provided and school-level academic ratings r(22) = 0.53, p = 0.01. Conclusion Schools provided physical activity opportunities consistent with a whole-of-school approach, although there was variability between schools and implementation challenges were present. Leveraging existing school assets while providing school-specific implementation strategies may be most beneficial for supporting successful physical activity promotion in elementary schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Walker
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christopher D. Pfledderer
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Derek W. Craig
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Natalia I. Heredia
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John B. Bartholomew
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Walker TJ, Kohl HW, Bartholomew JB, Green C, Fernández ME. Using Implementation Mapping to develop and test an implementation strategy for active learning to promote physical activity in children: a feasibility study using a hybrid type 2 design. Implement Sci Commun 2022; 3:26. [PMID: 35256018 PMCID: PMC8899444 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Incorporating physical movement in the teaching of academic content (active learning) is a promising approach to improve children’s health and academic performance. Despite documented benefits, implementation of active learning remains challenging for schools. The aims of this study are to develop an implementation strategy to support the delivery of active learning in elementary schools and examine the impact of the developed implementation strategy on the implementation and effectiveness of active learning. Methods Aim 1 will use Implementation Mapping, which is a multi-step approach that guides the use of theory, stakeholder input, and existing literature to develop a scientifically based implementation strategy for active learning in elementary schools. Aim 2 will feature a feasibility study to examine the impact of the implementation strategy on both implementation and effectiveness outcomes, consistent with a Hybrid Type 2 design. Acceptability and implementation fidelity will be the primary implementation outcomes, and student physical activity levels will be the primary effectiveness outcome. We will recruit two elementary schools within our partner district, and one will be randomly assigned to receive usual support while the other will receive the newly developed implementation strategy. Participants from each school will complete baseline, 6-, and 12-month assessments. Bayesian statistical approaches will quantitatively examine preliminary effectiveness outcomes. We will also use an embedded mixed methods approach to triangulate findings. Discussion This study’s innovative overarching conceptual framework (centered on Implementation Mapping) will inform the development and testing of the implementation strategy. This study also uses methodological approaches optimal for feasibility studies, including mixed methods and Bayesian statistics. As a result, we will be able to gain a thorough understanding about the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the implementation strategy, which will inform subsequent research and practice for implementing active learning in schools. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05048433, registered on September 8, 2021.
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