Role of Trust, Risk Perception, and Perceived Benefit in COVID-19 Vaccination Intention of the Public

COVID-19 vaccination is an effective method for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposed and validated a theoretical intention model for explaining the COVID-19 vaccination intention (CVI) of the public. The theoretical intention model incorporated trust in vaccines, two types of risk perception (risk perception of COVID-19 and risk perception of COVID-19 vaccination), and perceived benefit into a theory of planned behavior (TPB). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the theoretical intention model with data collected from 816 Chinese adults in China. The results confirmed the crucial role of trust in vaccines, risk perception, and perceived benefit in shaping the CVI of the public. In addition, TPB was found to be applicable in a research context. The theoretical intention model accounted for 78.8% of the variance in CVI. Based on the findings, several practical recommendations for improving COVID-19 vaccination rates were discussed.

Determining the validity of the visual field principle for designing control/display arrangements

The Visual Field (VF) principle has been found to apply in many situations, but has not been tested under many possible conditions of operator posture with different display and control locations. In this research we used four display locations, four control locations relative to a seated operator and tested the strength of population stereotype for six different types of controls with linear displays moving either horizontally or vertically and circular displays with a neutral indicator at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions. Apart from several minor differences in operator responses, the VF principle held up well under all these different display/control relationships. By designing the display/control arrangement to have high stereotype strength, the direction of control movement for a given direction of indicator movement can be selected to comply with the VF principle for producing fewest errors in movement direction.

Health monitoring through wearable technologies for older adults: Smart wearables acceptance model

In the context of a fast aging population, ubiquitous usage of smart wearable systems can alleviate the social burden caused by the increasing need of older adults for healthcare and assistance. To facilitate and encourage the use of smart wearable systems among older adults, this study investigated the factors that contribute to the acceptance of such systems, and smart wearables acceptance model for older adults was developed using structural equation modeling. The model was validated using 146 survey samples collected from adults aged 60 years and above. The results indicated that perceived usefulness, compatibility, facilitating conditions, and self-reported health status significantly and positively affect older adults' intention to use such technologies. Useful implications and insights were provided to future researchers and practitioners to enhance older adults' acceptance of smart wearable systems.

Uses and abuses of paediatric electroencephalography

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether requests for standard paediatric electroencephalograms accord with guideline recommendations, subsequent changes in clinical management according to reported results, and extent to which the service meets waiting time targets.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Regional hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

All patients aged less than 18 years who underwent electroencephalography between December 2009 and February 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Appropriateness of the electroencephalogram request and the impact of its findings on clinical management.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients were recruited, but requests for standard electroencephalograms were considered 'inappropriate' with respect to guidelines in 44% of the patients, of which 50% were made to diagnose 'funny turns'. The standard electroencephalogram contributed to the diagnosis or management in only 28% of patients. In all of the latter, the request for an electroencephalogram had been appropriate. Nonspecialists made referrals for 86% of the patients. Inadequate information was provided in 66% of the requests. Standard electroencephalograms were performed within guideline targets, the wait being less than 4 weeks in 95% of requests.

CONCLUSION

An effective electroencephalogram service was being provided, though abuses were common. These were mainly because of misconceptions regarding the role and limitations of standard electroencephalograms. Through an educative, non-confrontational approach, and with time to explain guideline recommendations to clinicians, sustainable change in practice could be achieved so as to benefit patients, clinicians, and service provision.