Spatio-Temporal Avoidance of Predicted Occupancy in Human-Robot Collaboration

This paper addresses human-robot collaboration (HRC) challenges of integrating predictions of human activity to provide a proactive-n-reactive response capability for the robot. Prior works that consider current or predicted human poses as static obstacles are too nearsighted or too conservative in planning, potentially causing delayed robot paths. Alternatively, time-varying prediction of human poses would enable robot paths that avoid anticipated human poses, synchronized dynamically in time and space. Herein, a proactive path planning method, denoted STAP, is presented that uses spatiotemporal human occupancy maps to find robot trajectories that anticipate human movements, allowing robot passage without stopping. In addition, STAP anticipates delays from robot speed restrictions required by ISO/TS 15066 speed and separation monitoring (SSM). STAP also proposes a sampling-based planning algorithm based on RRT* to solve the spatio-temporal motion planning problem and find paths of minimum expected duration. Experimental results show STAP generates paths of shorter duration and greater average robot-human separation distance throughout tasks. Additionally, STAP more accurately estimates robot trajectory durations in HRC, which are useful in arriving at proactive-n-reactive robot sequencing.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures. Accepted at IEEE ROMAN 202

Mass media and communication interventions to increase HIV testing among gay and other men who have sex with Men:Social marketing and visual design component analysis

Mass media and communication interventions can play a role in increasing HIV testing among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Despite the key role of social marketing principles and visual design within intervention development of this type, evidence is limited regarding interventions’ social marketing mix or visual design. As part of a systematic review, intervention content was assessed using social marketing theory and social semiotics. Data were extracted on the nature of the intervention, mode of delivery, use of imagery, content and tone and the eight key characteristics of social marketing. Data were synthesised narratively. Across the 19 included studies, reference to social marketing principles was often superficial. Common design features were identified across the interventions, regardless of effectiveness, including: the use of actors inferred to be GBMSM; use of ‘naked’ and sexually explicit imagery; and the use of text framed as statements or instructions. Our results suggest that effective interventions tended to use multiple modes of delivery, indicating high social marketing complexity. However, this is only part of intervention development, and social marketing principles are key to driving the development process. We identified consistent aspects of intervention design, but were unable to determine whether this is based on evidence of effectiveness or a lack of originality in intervention design. An openness to novel ideas in design and delivery is key to ensuring that evidence-informed interventions are effective for target populations

Improving HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and initiation: process evaluation and recommendation development from a national PrEP programme

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is key to HIV transmission elimination but implementation is challenging and under-researched. We undertook a process evaluation of the first 2years of a national PrEP program to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation and to develop recommendations to improve implementation, focusing on PrEP uptake and initiation. Stage 1 involved semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups (September 2018-July 2019) with geographically and demographically diverse patients seeking/using/declining/stopping PrEP (n =39), sexual healthcare professionals (n =54), community-based organisation service users (n =9) and staff (n =15) across Scotland. We used deductive thematic analysis, to derive and then map key barriers and facilitators to priority areas that experts agreed would enhance uptake and initiation. In Stage 2, we used analytic tools from implementation science to systematically generate evidence-based, theoretically-informed recommendations to enhance uptake and initiation of PrEP. Barriers and facilitators were multi-levelled and interdependent. Barriers included the rapid pace of implementation without additional resource, and a lack of familiarity with PrEP prescribing. Facilitators included opportunities for acquisition of practice-based knowledge and normalisation of initiation activities. We refined our 68 'long-list' recommendations to 41 using expert input and the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) criteria. Examples include: provision of PrEP in diverse settings to reach all in need; co-produced, culturally sensitive training resources for healthcare professionals, with focused content on non-daily dosing; meaningful collaborative working across all stakeholders. These evidence-based, theory informed recommendations provide a robust framework for optimising PrEP uptake and initiation in diverse settings to ensure PrEP reaches all who may benefit

Improving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and initiation: process evaluation and recommendation development from a national PrEP program

BACKGROUND: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is key to HIV transmission elimination but implementation is challenging and under-researched. We undertook a process evaluation of the first 2 years of a national PrEP program to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation and to develop recommendations to improve implementation, focusing on PrEP uptake and initiation. METHODS: Stage 1 involved semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups (September 2018–July 2019) with geographically and demographically diverse patients seeking/using/declining/stopping PrEP (n = 39), sexual healthcare professionals (n = 54), community-based organisation service users (n = 9) and staff (n = 15) across Scotland. We used deductive thematic analysis, to derive and then map key barriers and facilitators to priority areas that experts agreed would enhance uptake and initiation. In Stage 2, we used analytic tools from implementation science to systematically generate evidence-based, theoretically-informed recommendations to enhance uptake and initiation of PrEP. RESULTS: Barriers and facilitators were multi-levelled and interdependent. Barriers included the rapid pace of implementation without additional resource, and a lack of familiarity with PrEP prescribing. Facilitators included opportunities for acquisition of practice-based knowledge and normalisation of initiation activities. We refined our 68 ‘long-list’ recommendations to 41 using expert input and the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) criteria. Examples include: provision of PrEP in diverse settings to reach all in need; co-produced, culturally sensitive training resources for healthcare professionals, with focused content on non-daily dosing; meaningful collaborative working across all stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based, theory informed recommendations provide a robust framework for optimising PrEP uptake and initiation in diverse settings to ensure PrEP reaches all who may benefit

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health and social care workers during mass vaccination in Scotland

Health and social care workers (HSCWs) have an essential role in the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is an emotionally charged issue and perceptions of risk associated with COVID19 can contribute towards vaccine hesitancy (VH). The aim of this study was to explore the role of emotion and risk perception associated with HSCWs' uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine during the initial mass roll-out of the vaccine in Scotland. A cross-sectional online survey with a correlational design was used. An online survey was conducted with HSCWs (N = 1189) aged 18 to 67 years (M = 44.09 yrs, SD = 11.48) working in Scotland during the third lockdown period (December 26th – March 31st 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey collected data relating to sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine uptake and VH, emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and risk perception. Open-ended free text data were also collected on HSCWs’ main reasons for VH. Most participants (83.96%) felt positively about the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, stating it would be beneficial for themselves and others to receive it. Nonetheless, 16.04% of HSCWs expressed VH. Occupational group, age, gender and risk perceptions did not affect variance in VH, but positive emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine and years of experience did. We emphasise the importance of future interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by enhancing positive emotions and reducing ambivalent emotions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine particularly among less experienced HSCWs

The effectiveness of social marketing interventions to improve HIV testing among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: A systematic review

HIV testing is central to biomedical HIV prevention, but testing among men who have sex with men remains suboptimal. We evaluated effectiveness of mass media and communication interventions to increase HIV testing and explored patterns between study type, internal validity and intervention effectiveness for the first time. Five databases were searched for articles published between 2009 and 2016 using standard MeSH terms. Eligible studies were quality appraised using standard checklists for risk of bias. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria; 11 were cross-sectional/non-comparative studies, four were pre/post or interrupted time series, three were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one was a case study. Risk of bias was high. Five cross-sectional (two graded as high internal validity, one medium and two low) and one RCT (medium validity) reported increased HIV testing. Further work is required to develop and evaluate interventions to increase frequency and maintenance of HIV testing

Mental illness self-stigma in young people : a scoping review protocol

Background Self-stigma (the internalisation of negative stereotypes) is known to reduce help-seeking behaviours and treatment adherence in people who have a mental illness, resulting in worsening health outcomes. Moreover, self-stigma diminishes self-esteem and self-efficacy, and leads to higher levels of depression. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness have manifested by the age of 14, and therefore young people are vulnerable to the negative impact of suffering mental illness self-stigma. While literature in this field has been flourishing in recent years, mental illness self-stigma remains poorly understood in youth. It is important that we seek to understand what is currently known about mental illness self-stigma in young people, and subsequently use this information to guide future research to advance knowledge of this topic. To date, a scoping review which maps the available literature on mental illness self-stigma in young people has yet to be conducted. Here, we outline the protocol for a scoping review on mental illness self-stigma in young people. Methods This protocol outlines the process of conducting a scoping review of primary research concerning mental illness self-stigma in young people. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidance on best practice for conducting a scoping review will utilised throughout. A systematic search of appropriate databases will be conducted which will allow for a two-step screening process and data charting. Inclusion criteria for this review dictates that eligible studies will i) include a population within the age range of 10-35 (or mean age within this range), ii) include the term 'self-stigma' or 'internalised stigma' relating to mental health/illness/disorder, iii) be primary research, iv) be published post-2009 (following the seminal study by Moses, 2009) and v) be published in English. Discussion The findings of the scoping review outlined in this protocol will be used to inform future research which aims to explore self-stigmatising attitudes and beliefs of young people experiencing mental illness. This research will result in co-produced, impactful resources for young people on the topic of mental illness self-stigma with the aim of raising awareness and stigma reduction

Frontline experiences of delivering remote mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland : innovations, insights and lessons learned from mental health workers

COVID-19 restrictions drove rapid adaptations to service delivery and new ways of working within Scotland’s mental health sector. This study explores mental health workers’ (MHWs’) experiences of delivering their services remotely. Twenty participants, who had worked in mental health professions in the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, took part in online semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed then analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Two major themes are reported: (1) ‘Improved Flexibility for both MHWs and Service Users’ and (2) ‘Teletherapies Challenge Therapeutic Boundaries’. In relation to (1) virtual platforms were seen as vital in maintaining patient care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and a valuable resource for service users (SUs) who had previously struggled with mobility or social anxieties when accessing face-to-face services. Some MHWs’ also noted benefits for their productivity and comfort. Regarding (2) MHWs highlighted that whilst conducting teletherapies from home, work-life boundaries became blurred and, in some instances, typically comforting spaces became associated with the traumatic content discussed by SUs. These stressors seemed to be compounded by MHWs’ isolation, as they were less able to draw upon their colleagues for support. Further, confidentiality could not be assured, as MHWs and SUs alike had to accommodate their family members. These findings highlight important insights from MHWs in adapting to rapid changes in mental health working practices, particularly in relation to the challenges of delivering quality, safe and equitable services and the increased use of teletherapies. Such insights are vital in informing service developments and supporting future pandemic preparedness across a range of healthcare contexts and countries seeking to adopt hybrid models of mental health service delivery

What have we learned about what works in sustaining mental health care and support services during a pandemic? Transferable insights from the COVID-19 response

Efforts have been made to adapt the delivery of mental health care and support services to the demands of COVID-19. Here we detail the perspectives and experiences of mental health workers (MHWs), in relation to what they found helpful when adapting mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to its demands. We were interested in exploring what has helped to support MHWs' own health and wellbeing given that staff wellbeing is central to sustaining the delivery of quality mental health services moving forward. Individual interviews were conducted with MHWs (n = 30) during the third COVID-19 lockdown. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and managed using NVIVO. Qualitative data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Three major themes were created, which emphasized the importance of: (1) 'self-care and peer support (checking in with each other)', (2) 'team cohesion and collaboration' and (3) 'visible and supportive management and leadership (new ways of working)'. Our findings emphasize the importance of individual, team and systems-based support in helping MHWs maintain their own wellbeing, whilst adapting and responding to the challenges in providing mental health care and support during this pandemic. Guidance and direction from management, with adaptive leadership in providing sustained, efficient, and equitable delivery of mental healthcare, is essential. Our findings support future policy, research and mental health practice developments through sharing important salutogenic lessons learned and transferable insights which may help with preparedness for future pandemic