Mariette Bengtsson

Bio: Mariette Bengtsson is an academic researcher from Malmö University. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): Irritable bowel syndrome & Visual analogue scale. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 36 publication(s) receiving 2251 citation(s). Previous affiliations of Mariette Bengtsson include Lund University.

How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis

Abstract: This paper describes the research process – from planning to presentation, with the emphasis on credibility throughout the whole process – when the methodology of qualitative content analysis is chosen in a qualitative study. The groundwork for the credibility initiates when the planning of the study begins. External and internal resources have to be identified, and the researcher must consider his or her experience of the phenomenon to be studied in order to minimize any bias of his/her own influence. The purpose of content analysis is to organize and elicit meaning from the data collected and to draw realistic conclusions from it. The researcher must choose whether the analysis should be of a broad surface structure ( a manifest analysis ) or of a deep structure ( a latent analysis). Four distinct main stages are described in this paper: the decontextualisation, the recontextualisation, the categorization, and the compilation. This description of qualitative content analysis offers one approach that shows how the general principles of the method can be used.

Development and psychometric testing of the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (VAS-IBS)

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a short, patient-reported questionnaire to be used in clinical practice for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (VAS-IBS) questionnaire was designed to measure the treatment response of symptoms and well-being in patients suffering from IBS. Methods: The VAS-IBS was psychometrically tested for content and criterion validity, scale acceptability, item-reduction, internal reliability consistency, simplicity, and speed. Two samples were used. One expert panel (five physicians and four registered nurses), who gave their opinion on the content validity, and one of 71 patients with IBS (mean age 38 years SD + 13, range 19-65), who completed the VAS-IBS, as well as the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index for criterion validity. Results: The items in the VAS-IBS capture the main physical concerns women with IBS might present and the psychometric testing confirmed that the VAS-IBS is an acceptable homogeneous patient-reported questionnaire indicated by Cronbach's alpha internal consistency reliability coefficient, with a value of 0.85. All correlations to test the criterion validity performed by using Pearson's correlation test, were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and in the expected directions. The VAS-IBS is easy to complete and unproblematic to calculate. Conclusion: The VAS-IBS appears to be reliable and user-friendly, for patients as well as for health professionals. The final version of the VAS-IBS including nine items needs to be further tested in clinical practice cross-culturally in women as well as in men.

The nursing and medical students motivation to attain knowledge.

Abstract: Summary Objectives The aim was to gather information regarding what students consider important for their motivation to attain knowledge, in order to shape courses that foster this motivation. Method A qualitative design comprising focus groups including 31 nursing and medical students for interviews, semi-structured questions, and content analysis was utilized. Result The students thought it was important to coordinate more superficial knowledge with learning in depth, and to apply the theoretical knowledge in practise. Self-motivation, committed teachers and discussions with other students were considered to be important for learning. The difference between the groups was that the nurses were focused on their assessments because of lack of time, while the medical students were more learning for life. Their greatest problem was to know what of all knowledge they needed to learn and should focus on. Conclusion The motivation must come from the students themselves, but dedicated teachers giving performance feed-back, discussions in different forms and choices of learning and assessment methods enhance enthusiasm and learning. By providing an educational environment that resonates with the students’ needs, teachers may be successful in their teaching.

Effects of long-term treatment with oxytocin in chronic constipation; a double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

Abstract: Background: Oxytocin and its receptor have been found throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it affects gut function. Clinically, we have no- ticed an improvement of bowel habits during lacta- tion in constipated women. The aim of this study was to examine whether oxytocin has an effect on bowel symptoms and psychological well being in women with refractory constipation. Methods: Fifty-nine women with refractory constipa- tion were included in a double blind, multicentre study. After a 2-week run-in period, they were ran- domly allocated to nasal inhalation of either placebo or oxytocin treatment twice daily for 13 weeks, followed by a 2 weeks, posttreatment period. The patients completed a questionnaire every day con- cerning bowel habits, abdominal pain and discomfort, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) and Psychological General Well-being (PGWB) twice during the study; namely, during the baseline period and at the end of the treatment period. Results: Both oxytocin and placebo led to improve- ment of the constipation according to the GSRS and led to improvement in the sensation of incomplete evacuation and anorectal obstruction, without signi- ficant differences between the groups. Abdominal pain and discomfort responded weakly to oxytocin, with no effect of the placebo. In a subgroup of patients with IBS and concomitant depression, a weak improvement in depressed mood was observed after oxytocin administartion. Conclusion: Nasal administration of oxytocin had no significant advantage over placebo concerning an effect on constipation. However, it seems to have a positive effect on abdominal pain and discomfort and depressed mood. These findings should be further explored.

Knowledge and skills needed to improve as preceptor: development of a continuous professional development course - a qualitative study part I.

Abstract: Preceptors are expected to have the skills to be able to form an effective learning environment and facilitate a constructive clinical learning experience for students and new employees. Internationally, access to education for preceptors varies, with preceptors worldwide requesting more education in preceptorship. This article is based on a two-part study focusing on both the development and evaluation of a continuous, credit-bearing professional development course. The aim of this part of the study was to investigate and include preceptors’ requests and educational needs when developing a continuous professional development course on an advanced level. This study used a qualitative research approach. In total, 64 preceptors (62 women and two men) answered one single written, self-administered global question online. The participants were all interested in teaching and had completed an undergraduate training in preceptorship. The collected data was analysed by content analysis inspired by Burnard’s description of the method. The participating preceptors illuminated two main themes: ‘Tools for effective precepting of students and healthcare professionals’ and ‘in-depth knowledge and understanding of preceptorship in an academic setting’. The results suggest that vital components for preceptor preparation could be a) teaching and learning strategies, b) reflective and critical reasoning, c) communication models, d) the role of the preceptor, and e) preceptorship. Using the results from this study as a guide, a continuous professional development course was designed to assist preceptors in deepening their knowledge of preceptorship in regard to planning, leading and implementing educational activities directed at students, healthcare professionals, patients and their families. The course content focuses on skills needed for preceptorship and is based on adult learning principles. A continuous, credit-bearing professional development course must include an exam by which participants are formally assessed and graded; therefore, a written assignment was included as part of the course.

How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis

Abstract: This paper describes the research process – from planning to presentation, with the emphasis on credibility throughout the whole process – when the methodology of qualitative content analysis is chosen in a qualitative study. The groundwork for the credibility initiates when the planning of the study begins. External and internal resources have to be identified, and the researcher must consider his or her experience of the phenomenon to be studied in order to minimize any bias of his/her own influence. The purpose of content analysis is to organize and elicit meaning from the data collected and to draw realistic conclusions from it. The researcher must choose whether the analysis should be of a broad surface structure ( a manifest analysis ) or of a deep structure ( a latent analysis). Four distinct main stages are described in this paper: the decontextualisation, the recontextualisation, the categorization, and the compilation. This description of qualitative content analysis offers one approach that shows how the general principles of the method can be used.

Components of placebo effect: randomised controlled trial in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract: Objective To investigate whether placebo effects can experimentally be separated into the response to three components—assessment and observation, a therapeutic ritual (placebo treatment), and a supportive patient-practitioner relationship—and then progressively combined to produce incremental clinical improvement in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. To assess the relative magnitude of these components. Design A six week single blind three arm randomised controlled trial. Setting Academic medical centre. Participants 262 adults (76% women), mean (SD) age 39 (14), diagnosed by Rome II criteria for and with a score of ≥150 on the symptom severity scale. Interventions For three weeks either waiting list (observation), placebo acupuncture alone (“limited”), or placebo acupuncture with a patient-practitioner relationship augmented by warmth, attention, and confidence (“augmented”). At three weeks, half of the patients were randomly assigned to continue in their originally assigned group for an additional three weeks. Main outcome measures Global improvement scale (range 1-7), adequate relief of symptoms, symptom severity score, and quality of life. Results At three weeks, scores on the global improvement scale were 3.8 (SD 1.0) v 4.3 (SD 1.4) v 5.0 (SD 1.3) for waiting list versus “limited” versus “augmented,” respectively (P v 42 (67) v 82 (89), P v 4.1 (9.4) v 9.3 (14.0), P Conclusion Factors contributing to the placebo effect can be progressively combined in a manner resembling a graded dose escalation of component parts. Non-specific effects can produce statistically and clinically significant outcomes and the patient-practitioner relationship is the most robust component. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT00065403.