BACKGROUND: Previous reports have shown that there are long waiting times to commence therapy in the community-based mental health programme, IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore both causes and potential solutions to alleviate the burden of these waits. METHODS: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Semi-Structured Interviews (SSIs) were conducted to identify causes and effects of these waits. Consequently, meaningful recommendations were made and tested with the aim of improving IAPT’s waiting times. RESULTS: SLR and SSIs revealed high ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) rates and a lack of support between initial appointments as being both a cause and effect of long waits. The identified issues were tackled with the development of an App design. Expert interviews and a mass survey fuelled the iterative process leading to a final prototype. Notable features included: therapist profile page, smart appointment reminders and patient timeline. Positive feedback was received from university students and ICS Digital, with scope to trial the App within Manchester CCG. CONCLUSIONS: In the long run, the App aims to indirectly shorten waiting times by addressing treatment expectations and serving as an IAPT companion along the patient journey, thus reducing anxiety and consequently DNAs.
Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the rich potential for transformative learning, for both supervisees and supervisors, that is embedded in cross-cultural supervision.
Background: Our example is an analysis of experiences from a five-year long cross-cultural supervisory relationship between a Tanzanian PhD student and a Norwegian supervisor.
Methodology: In the research, we followed an action research approach, informed by the following question: “How can we account for and improve our supervising–supervised practice?” We analyzed our supervision experiences with the aim to explore the transformative power of cross-cultural supervision.
Contribution: Studies on supervision collaboration between Scandinavia and Southern Africa are scarce; hence, our study adds insight into the value of collaboration across continents and economic divides. Furthermore, we argue for greater research into the impact of cross-cultural supervision on supervisors as well as supervisees.
Findings: We have identified seven factors as central to mutual transformative learning in cross-cultural supervision: shared unhomeliness, shared uncertainty and trust building, otherness, shared second language, cultural differences relating to hierarchy, being in context together, and finally, flourishing. For the mutual transformative processes to unfold, building trust in openness to differences seems to be a crucial foundation. Hence, we believe that the qualities in the cross-cultural supervision relationship that we highlight can serve as a reminder to become aware of differences as a valuable source for mutual learning and expanded horizons.
Recommendations for Practitioners: Our recommendation to practitioners is that they are receptive to and welcoming of differences, find common ground, and explore the value of learning from and with each other in supervisory relationships.
Recommendation for Researchers: Equally, we recommend that researchers inquire into how differences in gender, race, religion, and professional fields in supervisory and collaborative relationships can hold potential for valuable knowledge creation.
Impact on Society: Academic’s awareness of the value of otherness as addressed in this paper might foster new ideas for dealing with challenges in our turbulent time through transculturation.
Future Research: More studies are needed on the potential for growth and the impact of mutual knowledge creation arising from cross-cultural doctoral supervision.
The study, using a comparative case study design, explored the attitude of local direct beneficiaries concerning the cessation of resources for two donor-funded agriculture-related projects in Tanzania from a Social Cognitive Theory perspective. Using a 5-point Likert Scale, data from 274 respondents were collected and analysed. Before data analysis, validity and reliability tests were performed and determined to be good. Descriptive statistics including percentages and frequencies were done. Additionally, a chi-square test was done to establish the association between variables. The findings show that local beneficiaries with higher self-efficacy and wider outcome expectancies had a positive attitude as opposed to their counterparts. Also, a positive significant relationship existed between self-efficacy and attitude (P<0.01) and between outcome expectancies and attitudes (P<0.05). Equipping local beneficiaries with the competencies needed to solve problems on their own and the continued functioning of VBAAs can aid local beneficiaries in maintaining a positive attitude post-project resources withdrawal. The study recommends that a transition phase is critical for project implementers to solidify benefits and benefit-enhancing behaviours. Also promoting community-based extension services by institutionalising VBAAs within the LGAs should be given a priority for enhancing sustainability.
This study assessed crop farmers' willingness to pay for AESs and identified factors influencing their willingness to pay for AESs. Data were collected from 292 randomly selected crop farmers' households between December 2017 and February 2018 using a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and Tobit regression model. The study found that 92% of the respondents are willing to pay for AESs. It was also found that farmer's age, education attainment, farming experience, distance from farm to the nearest important road, income (both farm and nonfarm) and attitude towards AESs are significant determinants of farmers willingness to pay for AESs. The study recommends that these variables be given proper policy consideration by the government and other stakeholders in the design and the implementation of a workable fashion of privatizing extension services for the expected impact of improving extension services and farmers' productivity hence improved quality of life.
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