Improving training in spiritual care:a qualitative study exploring patient perceptions of professional educational requirements

Healthcare professionals express difficulties in delivering spiritual care, despite it being a core component of palliative care national policies. The patient perspective on professional training to address difficulties has not previously been sought. The aim of this study is to describe patient suggestions for development of training to deliver spiritual care. Qualitative semi-structured in-depth 'palliative patient' interviews (n = 20) were analysed thematically. Training suggestions encompassed practical care delivery. Patients supported staff who introduced questions about spiritual needs, and they expected opportunities to engage in spiritual care discussions. The 'right' attitude for spiritual care delivery was defined as being non-judgemental, providing integrated care and showing interest in individuals. Training issues included patient perspectives of boundaries between personal and professional roles. This study provides 'palliative patient' perspectives to strengthen recommended models of spiritual care delivery. It shows that user opinions on training can be helpful not only in deciding objectives but also how to achieve them

Mössbauer study of ZnxNi5/3−xFe1Sb1/3O4 spinel ferrite

The antimony substituted nickel ferrite ZnxNi5/3–xFe1Sb1/3O4 with different values ofx are prepared, checked by x-ray and studied with57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy over a wide temperature range. Characteristic spectra of paramagnetic, magnetic and electronic relaxation types for the different compositions have been observed. The interpretation of the spectra allows the cation distribution of the compounds to be deduced. The Mössbauer effect parameters at different temperatures are calculated and their dependence on the substitution of non-magnetic Zn+2 for the magnetic nickel ions are discussed. The temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic fields and the respective Néel temperature points are obtaine

BIM based collaborative and interactive design process using computer game engine for general end-users

Background The emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) / Facility Management (FM) industry promotes life cycle process and collaborative way of working. Currently, many efforts have been contributed for professional integrated design / construction / maintenance process, there are very few practical methods that can enable a professional designer to effectively interact and collaborate with end-users/clients on a functional level. Method This paper tries to address the issue via the utilisation of computer game software combined with Building Information Modelling (BIM). Game-engine technology is used due to its intuitive controls, immersive 3D technology and network capabilities that allow for multiple simultaneous users. BIM has been specified due to the growing trend in industry for the adoption of the design method and the 3D nature of the models, which suit a game engine's capabilities. Results The prototype system created in this paper is based around a designer creating a structure using BIM and this being transferred into the game engine automatically through a two-way data transferring channel. This model is then used in the game engine across a number of network connected client ends to allow end-users to change/add elements to the design, and those changes will be synchronized back to the original design conducted by the professional designer. The system has been tested for its robustness and functionality against the development requirements, and the results showed promising potential to support more collaborative and interactive design process. Conclusion It was concluded that this process of involving the end-user could be very useful in certain circumstances to better elaborate the end user's requirement to design team in real time and in an efficient way