Seminar Series for Staff and Students...

...continues on Tuesday 4^th November with a talk from Dr Jack Parker on ‘Stroke patients’ utilisation of extrinsic feedback from computer-based technology in the home: a multiple case study realistic evaluation’ at 12.30-13.30 – Lecture Rooms 1&2, Regent Court.

Background: A key aspect of post − stroke rehabilitation is the provision of appropriate information and feedback to the learner. Advances in information and communications technology (ICT) have allowed for the development of various systems to complement stroke rehabilitation that could be used in the home setting. These systems may provide a learning platform that facilitates long-term self-managed rehabilitation and behaviour change.
Methods: Using the principles of realistic evaluation, this study explored the complex interactions of contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. Methods included focus groups and multi-method case studies (n = 5). Data were analysed and synthesised to answer the question, ‘what works for whom and in what circumstances and respects?’
Results: Data analysis reveals that key elements of computer feedback, such as accuracy, measurability, rewarding feedback, adaptability, and knowledge of results feedback, are required to trigger the theory-driven mechanisms underpinning the intervention. In addition, the pre-existing context and the personal and environmental contexts, such as previous experience of service delivery, personal goals, trust in the technology, and social circumstances may also enable or constrain the underpinning theory-driven mechanisms.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that the theory-driven mechanisms underpinning the utilisation of feedback from computer-based technology are dependent on key elements of computer feedback and the personal and environmental context. The identification of these elements may therefore inform the development of technology; therapy education and the subsequent adoption of technology and a self-management paradigm; long-term self-managed rehabilitation; and importantly, improvements in the physical and psychosocial aspects of recovery.

The Autumn/ Winter Semester will the follow with the talks below:

11^th Nov – Tom Phillips, Kings College London- Measurement and markers for detecting alcohol-related attendances in Emergency Departments

18^th Nov – Matt Dexter, Sheffield Hallam University

Open Design and medical products – enabling participation in design and manufacture

25^th Nov – Louisa Ells, Teeside University - Measuring up obesity from policy to research

2^nd Dec (LT 1&2) – Penny Buykx, ScHARR- Australian alcohol and drug treatment system – patient pathways

9^th Dec – Rachel Elliot, University of Nottingham- An Economic Evaluation to Appraise the New Medicine Service in England: an approach to economic modelling in a cross therapeutic intervention

So far the Seminar has presented work from:-

30^th Sept – Lorna Fraser, University of York Life-limiting conditions in children: the use of routine data

7^th Oct (Trent Rm) – Duncan Gillespie, ScHARR- The health equity and effectiveness of future policy options to reduce dietary salt in England: policy forecast

For any further information about the talks, please contact Louise Newbould at L.newbould@sheffield.ac.uk