title: CSCW in New Zealand: a snapshot

authors: Blackett, Colin

subjects: Computer Science

abstract: This report has been produced as one of the outputs of the FORST funded project "Improved Computer Supported Collaborative Work Systems" which is currently running in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Waikato. Its aim is to give a snapshot of the uses of and possibilities for Computer Supported Collaborative (also Co-operative) Work (also Working) (CSCW) within New Zealand.

text: CSCW in New Zealand: a snapshot This report has been produced as one of the outputs of the FORST funded project "Improved Computer Supported Collaborative Work Systems" which is currently running in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Waikato. Its aim is to give a snapshot of the uses of and possibilities for Computer Supported Collaborative (also Co-operative) Work (also Working) (CSCW) within New Zealand.

year: 1996-07

title: Development and validation of the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using Rasch approach

authors: Sutton, Anna

subjects: Mindfulness

abstract: ABSTRACT
Objectives: Awareness is a key component of concepts related to well-being, such as mindfulness and authenticity. Similarly, interventions to enhance mindfulness and well-being often focus on developing awareness. But measuring the effect of awareness development represents a challenge due to the lack of reliable and valid measures focused specifically on awareness outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using modern Rasch methodology. 
Method: The measure was developed from Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ) items, drawn from previous research with awareness-development experts. A partial credit Rasch model was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the AOM with a combined sample of 713 participants from three English-speaking countries. 
Results: The 21-item AOM met expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. It is a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument, invariant across sex, country, and age, designed to measure the outcomes of awareness development. Person-item thresholds demonstrated excellent coverage of awareness outcomes, and we developed an algorithm for ordinal-to-interval transformations presented in a table to further enhance precision of the AOM. 
Conclusions: In this study, we have developed and validated the AOM, providing researchers and practitioners with a robust measure of awareness outcomes that is suitable for use in a range of populations.

text: Development and validation of the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using Rasch approach ABSTRACT
Objectives: Awareness is a key component of concepts related to well-being, such as mindfulness and authenticity. Similarly, interventions to enhance mindfulness and well-being often focus on developing awareness. But measuring the effect of awareness development represents a challenge due to the lack of reliable and valid measures focused specifically on awareness outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using modern Rasch methodology. 
Method: The measure was developed from Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ) items, drawn from previous research with awareness-development experts. A partial credit Rasch model was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the AOM with a combined sample of 713 participants from three English-speaking countries. 
Results: The 21-item AOM met expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. It is a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument, invariant across sex, country, and age, designed to measure the outcomes of awareness development. Person-item thresholds demonstrated excellent coverage of awareness outcomes, and we developed an algorithm for ordinal-to-interval transformations presented in a table to further enhance precision of the AOM. 
Conclusions: In this study, we have developed and validated the AOM, providing researchers and practitioners with a robust measure of awareness outcomes that is suitable for use in a range of populations.

year: 2023-01-24

title: How do colorectal cancer patients rate their GP: a mixed methods study

authors: Blackmore, Tania Louise

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Background: New Zealand (NZ) has a high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and low rates of early diagnosis. With screening not yet nationwide, the majority of CRC is diagnosed through general practice. A good patient-general practitioner (GP) relationship can facilitate prompt diagnosis, but when there is a breakdown in this relationship, delays can occur. Delayed diagnosis of CRC in NZ receives a disproportionally high number of complaints directed against GPs, suggesting deficits in the patient-GP connection. We aimed to investigate patient-reported confidence and ratings of their GP following the diagnostic process. 
Methods: This study is a mixed methods analysis of responses to a structured questionnaire and free text comments from patients newly diagnosed with CRC in the Midland region of NZ. A total of 195 patients responded to the structured questionnaire, and 113 patients provided additional free text comments. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and chi square analysis determined the statistical significance of factors possibly linked to delay. Free text comments were analysed using a thematic framework. 
Results: Most participants rated their GP as ‘Very good/Good’ at communication with patients about their health conditions and involving them in decisions about their care, and 6.7% of participants rated their overall level of confidence and trust in their GP as ‘Not at all’. Age, gender, ethnicity and a longer diagnostic interval were associated with lower confidence and trust. Free text comments were grouped in to three themes: 1. GP Interpersonal skills; (communication, listening, taking patient symptoms seriously), 2. Technical competence; (speed of referral, misdiagnoses, lack of physical examination), and 3. Organisation of general practice care; (appointment length, getting an appointment, continuity of care). 
Conclusions: Māori, females, and younger participants were more likely to report low confidence and trust in their GP. Participants associate a poor diagnostic experience with deficits in the interpersonal and technical skills of their GP, and health system factors within general practice. Short appointment times, access to appointments and poor GP continuity are important components of how patients assess their experience and are particularly important to ensure equal access for Māori patients.

text: How do colorectal cancer patients rate their GP: a mixed methods study Background: New Zealand (NZ) has a high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and low rates of early diagnosis. With screening not yet nationwide, the majority of CRC is diagnosed through general practice. A good patient-general practitioner (GP) relationship can facilitate prompt diagnosis, but when there is a breakdown in this relationship, delays can occur. Delayed diagnosis of CRC in NZ receives a disproportionally high number of complaints directed against GPs, suggesting deficits in the patient-GP connection. We aimed to investigate patient-reported confidence and ratings of their GP following the diagnostic process. 
Methods: This study is a mixed methods analysis of responses to a structured questionnaire and free text comments from patients newly diagnosed with CRC in the Midland region of NZ. A total of 195 patients responded to the structured questionnaire, and 113 patients provided additional free text comments. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and chi square analysis determined the statistical significance of factors possibly linked to delay. Free text comments were analysed using a thematic framework. 
Results: Most participants rated their GP as ‘Very good/Good’ at communication with patients about their health conditions and involving them in decisions about their care, and 6.7% of participants rated their overall level of confidence and trust in their GP as ‘Not at all’. Age, gender, ethnicity and a longer diagnostic interval were associated with lower confidence and trust. Free text comments were grouped in to three themes: 1. GP Interpersonal skills; (communication, listening, taking patient symptoms seriously), 2. Technical competence; (speed of referral, misdiagnoses, lack of physical examination), and 3. Organisation of general practice care; (appointment length, getting an appointment, continuity of care). 
Conclusions: Māori, females, and younger participants were more likely to report low confidence and trust in their GP. Participants associate a poor diagnostic experience with deficits in the interpersonal and technical skills of their GP, and health system factors within general practice. Short appointment times, access to appointments and poor GP continuity are important components of how patients assess their experience and are particularly important to ensure equal access for Māori patients.

year: 2021-04-08