Search

Purpose: Only a few studies have explored how compassion is taught to nursing students. This study aimed to investigate the differences in compassionate flow among nursing students both before and after an educational intervention. Materials and methods: This study employed a cluster randomised controlled trial design in medical schools in Taiwan. We enrolled first- and second-year nursing students. The intervention group underwent dance movement therapy, while the control group received yoga training. Compassionate flow was assessed using the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scale and the Fears of Compassion Scale. Results: A total of 59 participants (31 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group) were included in the final statistical analysis, and an 82 % response rate was recorded. Statistically significant differences were observed in total scores on the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales, along with compassion for self and compassion from other subscales between the experimental and control groups (p

BackgroundResilience is a protective factor in healthy aging, helping to maintain and recover physical and mental functions. The Resilience in Illness Model has proven effective in fostering resilience and well-being. Physical activity is crucial for older adults’ independence and well-being, even as aging causes a progressive decline. Additionally, older adults face challenges such as spousal loss and physical disability, making preventive intervention strategies necessary. ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and evaluate a web-based program to enhance resilience, physical activity, and well-being among community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, we aim to gather feedback on the program’s strengths and limitations. MethodsA 4-week resilience-enhancing program was created, incorporating role-play and talk-in-interaction and focusing on 3 key skills: coping, control belief, and manageability. The program included scenarios such as becoming widowed and suffering a stroke, designed to engage older adults. A pilot test preceded the intervention. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program shifted from in-person to web-based sessions. A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants aged over 65 years were recruited offline and randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. A certified resilience practitioner delivered the program. Outcomes in resilience, physical activity, and well-being were self-assessed at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) after the program. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate feedback. ResultsA web-based participatory program enhancing 3 skills—coping, control belief, and manageability for resilience—was well developed. Among 96 participants, 63 were randomized into the intervention group (n=31) and the control group (n=32). The mean age in the intervention group was 69.27 (SD 3.08) years and 74.84 (SD 6.23) years in the control group. Significant between-group differences at baseline were found in age (t45.6=–4.53, P

Background: As adults age, they eventually experience a decline in physical functioning and various life events. Inadequate physical activity and malnutrition have been recognized as major causes of possible sarcopenia. Many studies have addressed the risks of disability and fall associated with possible sarcopenia. However, information on the subjective life experiences of older adults with possible sarcopenia is insufficient. This study therefore aimed to gain an insight into the feelings and life experiences of older adults with possible sarcopenia in Taiwan. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving 12 Taiwanese older adults with possible sarcopenia. Comprehensive, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants using a phenomenological approach. Results: Three main themes emerged from the participants' description of aging: (1) the impact of aging, (2) developing health care strategies, and (3) mental reorganization. Conclusions: The findings showed that some factors associated with better resilience. Increased personal resilience, social support, and environmental adjustment stimulate the elderly to recover from negative life events more quickly, and reduce the occurrence of injuries. Resilience is a learning process, it can continue impact late life and help them handle daily life stressor. Our study shed light on various physical and mental issues that older adults with possible sarcopenia might not express to health professionals due to limited outpatient time. Our results provided information that can help health professionals develop interventions for this population. The quality of care offered to older adults can be enhanced if their perspectives are taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the present economic trends of globalization, the retailing businesses, along with many other businesses, have extended their operations beyond the national boundaries. Meanwhile, the competition scenario within retailing industry has now evolved from competition between individual companies to that between supply chains. Thus, retailing companies need to consider the relevant factors determining their performance from a holistic view. This paper studies and compares the decision factors related to supply chain network design between international and local retailers in Taiwan. By comparing the different views from local retailers and the international retailers, the authors try to obtain a general understanding of the differences regarding the importance of the factors to the two groups of retailers. This research outcome could be used as a guide by the retailing industry in their supply chain network design in this particular region, and also as a fundament for further research in a wider range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative risk assessment is an evaluation process designed to rank environmental problems based on the severity of potential hazards. The purpose of this paper is to provide an effective statistical approach to analyze perceived environmental risks. Environmental problems, evaluative criteria, and other potential moderator variables need to be determined first, and then the risk perception data collected. Repeated measures analysis is used to first test for interactions between environmental problems and potential moderator variables. If there are no significant interactions, then the risk difference among environmental problems is tested unconditionally; otherwise the risk difference is tested conditionally. Cluster analysis for environmental problems is performed only when the risk difference is significant. The clustering results can be objectively determined by using the simultaneous T[sup2] confidence intervals. Risk-based priority setting is made according to the clusters obtained. To illustrate this approach, an empirical study of comparative socioeconomic risks in Taiwan was conducted. Socioeconomic impacts areas including social security, quality of life, production cost, investment willingness, and economic resources are used as evaluative criteria. Results indicate that selected impact areas do affect relative risk differences among 24 environmental problems, and the difference is significant for each area. Therefore, cluster analysis is conducted separately for each impact area. Risk-based priority settings for clusters of environmental problems are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]