Building Family Interventions for Scalability and Impact

Family nursing researchers are charged with addressing the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of family research when developing family-focused interventions. Step-by-step guidance is needed that integrates current science of intervention development with family science and helps researchers progress from foundational work to experimental work with policy integration. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide pragmatic, evidence-based guidance for advancing family intervention research from foundational work through efficacy testing. Guidance regarding the development of family interventions is presented using the first three of Sidani’s five-stage method: (a) foundational work to understand the problem targeted for change; (b) intervention development and assessment of acceptability and feasibility; and (c) efficacy testing. Each stage of family intervention development is described in terms of process, design considerations, and policy and practice implications. Examples are included to emphasize the family lens. This manuscript provides guidance to family scientists for intervention development and implementation to advance family nursing science and inform policy

Professional soccer players perceptions of the English Football Association 4 corner model in supporting first team transitions.

The English Football Association (FA from hereon in) 4 Corner Model is a multidisciplinary framework that aims to enhance player talent identification and development, and is characterised by physical, social, technical/tactical and psychological components. Despite the framework being prominent within English football development pathways, player insights into the effectiveness of the framework in supporting academy to first team transitions are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore established first team professional footballer's perceptions of the FA 4 Corner Model, in relation to the attributes that they perceived to facilitate the successful transition to a professional first team environment. Twelve current (n = 8) and ex (n = 4) professional players who had successfully transitioned from a youth academy, and subsequently became an established first team player, were interviewed for the study. Interpretations across the qualitative data set highlighted the importance of players adapting to physical and tactical demands, while also dealing with different psychosocial factors when entering a first team setting. The study highlights that disparities can exist between players, coaches, practitioners, and sport scientists perceived development needs, a situation that could hinder players progression through the player pathway

CommEmorating the Last Event: calling time on the end of treatment Bell following RAdioThErapy? The CELEBRATE study

Introduction In the UK it is commonplace for patients completing radiotherapy to be invited to ring a bell as a form of celebration. The project aimed to explore the experiences of the end of treatment (EoT) bell from the perspective of patients who had received treatment for cancer, and therapeutic radiographers who treat patients. The study also aimed to consider possible alternative methods of commemorating the EoT, considering the needs of patients, family members and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods Online focus groups were held with patients (n = 5) and therapeutic radiographers (n = 4) in December 2020; a joint online event (n = 6) was held in March 2022. They were all facilitated by two members of the research team. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results Participants’ views and experiences were mixed; however, there was a consensus that alternative forms of commemoration should be available to meet patients’ diverse needs. Features of a specification were considered and suggestions made for alternative practices, with a focus upon patients’ transition needs after radiotherapy has ended. Conclusion The results indicate that departments should consider the harms as well as the benefits conferred by the EoT bell and explore alternative ways to mark an episode of treatment. Implications for practice A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate in relation to marking the end of an episode of treatment

The Development of a Multi-Modal Cancer Rehabilitation (Including Prehabilitation) Service in Sheffield, UK: Designing the Active Together Service

Cancer patients undergoing major interventions face numerous challenges, including the adverse effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Cancer rehabilitation is vital in ensuring cancer patients have the support they need to maximise treatment outcomes and minimise treatment-related side effects and symptoms. The Active Together service is a multi-modal rehabilitation service designed to address critical support gaps for cancer patients. The service is located and provided in Sheffield, UK, an area with higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than the national average. The service aligns with local and regional cancer care objectives and aims to improve the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of cancer patients by using lifestyle behaviour-change techniques to address their physical, nutritional, and psychological needs. This paper describes the design and initial implementation of the Active Together service, highlighting its potential to support and benefit cancer patients

Who cares about the voluntary sector? Lessons for the new Labour government

This paper examines the direction of public policy in the UK towards the voluntary sector since 1997. It does this by asking what lessons the new Labour government of Keir Starmer can learn from the period of New Labour government (1997-2010) and the Conservative Party led majority or coalition governments (2010-2024). We look at each period through four lenses: what was the dominant political rhetoric towards the voluntary sector, what key policies the government enacted, which major government funding decisions impacted on the voluntary sector, and how different governments engaged the sector in periods of crisis (such as the financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic). The incoming Labour government of 2024 has been almost silent on how it sees its relationship with the voluntary sector, except for announcements about partnership working and the common refrain of engaging communities. This is in sharp contrast to 1997 and 2010: the incoming parties on both occasions had relatively wellformed programmes for government. In part this may reflect the decline in programmatic government and a period of incredible turbulence in British politics. However, the paper concludes that this is a significant risk. Whilst there are lessons from previous governments, the new Labour government of 2024 faces far greater challenges and risks of multiple crises than its predecessors. Identifying a genuine partnership and vision with the diversity of the voluntary sector is one of many pressing issues it faces

Micro Computed Tomography Analysis of Barley During the First 24 Hours of Germination

Background Grains make up a large proportion of both human and animal diets. With threats to food production, such as climate change, growing sustainable and successful crops is essential to food security in the future. Germination is one of the most important stages in a plant’s lifecycle and is key to the success of the resulting plant as the grain undergoes morphological changes and the development of specific organs. Micro-computed tomography is a non-destructive imaging technique based on the differing x-ray attenuations of materials which we have applied for the accurate analysis of grain morphology during the germination phase. Results Micro Computed Tomography conditions and parameters were tested to establish an optimal protocol for the 3-dimensional analysis of barley grains. When comparing optimal scanning conditions, it was established that no filter, 0.4 degrees rotation step, 5 average frames, and 2016 x 1344 camera binning is optimal for imaging germinating grains. It was determined that the optimal protocol for scanning during the germination timeline was to scan individual grains at 0 hours after imbibition (HAI) and then the same grain again at set time points (1, 3, 6, 24 HAI) to avoid any negative effects from X-ray radiation or disruption to growing conditions. Conclusion Here we sought to develop a method for the accurate analysis of grain morphology without the negative effects of possible radiation exposure. Several factors have been considered, such as the scanning conditions, reconstruction, and possible effects of X-ray radiation on the growth rate of the grains. The parameters chosen in this study give-effective and reliable results for the 3-dimensional analysis of macro structures within barley grains while causing minimal disruption to grain development.</p

Perceptions and Practices of Accredited Tennis Coaches When Teaching Foundational Grip Development

This study aimed to understand how tennis coaches perceive and approach the development of grip positions, a foundational skill in tennis. Professionally accredited coaches, classed as less (n = 140) or more (n = 86) experienced, participated in an online survey where they provided their perspectives on the importance of developing grip positions and their opinions on using physically constraining tools for coaching. Irrespective of coach experience level, the findings revealed that technique development and grip position training were ranked as the two most important components in foundational tennis skill development. The Semi-western grip for forehand (less: 68%; more: 65%), a combination of Continental and Eastern grips for double-handed backhand (less: 59%; more: 48.8%), and the Continental grip for serves (both: 94%) were identified as the most commonly taught positions for different shots. Perceived barriers to developing grip positions were out of habit (less: 62%; more: 56%), discomfort (less: 58%; more: 50%), and lack of confidence (less: 44%; more: 21%). Notably, 65% of coaches expressed an openness to incorporating physically constraining tools to enhance grip-specific skill development. Overall, this study serves as a foundational resource, guiding coaches in optimising their strategies for foundational tennis development, prompting further research in this area

Implementing creative dance activities for primary school children to improve health and wellbeing: a qualitative study in the North East England

Aims Evidence suggests that group arts activities with children build resilience and positive mental wellbeing. However, insufficient attention has been paid to how such activities can be implemented in practice across different contexts, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Therefore, we explored the implementation of a dance-based intervention in two primary schools situated in an area of high economic deprivation in North East England. Methods Our study explored Year 1 (age 5-6) and Year 5 (age 9-10) children, their parents, teachers, and dance artists’ views of a creative dance intervention (South Tees Arts project) in two schools in North East England, using interviews and focus groups, combined with innovative data capture activities (i.e., movement activities, graffiti walls, songs, and Vox Pops). Results Children felt that STAR contributed positively to their emotional wellbeing and physical health. Teachers noticed improved confidence, engagement, literacy, social and motor skills and less disruptive behaviour in class. Benefits continued beyond school, with children exercising at home to practice their dance moves. Several implementation barriers were identified ranging from limited time, large classes, dealing with challenging behaviours, the impact of COVID-19, stigma and anxiety. In response to these challenges, several solutions were developed during project delivery, such as artists and children working in pairs and role modelling by teachers and dance artists. Conclusions We found three underlying mechanisms for successful implementation: 1) constant communication between teachers, dance artists and parents was essential to managing challenging behaviours, building personal relationships with children, and helping parents to get involved and support their children at home. 2) Linking dance activities to the school curriculum (using narratives from existing reading schemes) helped to support skill gaps. 3) A strong ethos of partnership between school, dance and arts providers and researchers ensured the adaptability and flexibility of projects</p