City University London

About: City University London is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 5735 authors who have published 17285 publications receiving 453290 citations.

How Should Children with Speech Sound Disorders be Classified? A Review and Critical Evaluation of Current Classification Systems.

Abstract: Background Children with speech sound disorders (SSD) form a heterogeneous group who differ in terms of the severity of their condition, underlying cause, speech errors, involvement of other aspects of the linguistic system and treatment response. To date there is no universal and agreed-upon classification system. Instead, a number of theoretically differing classification systems have been proposed based on either an aetiological (medical) approach, a descriptive–linguistic approach or a processing approach. Aims To describe and review the supporting evidence, and to provide a critical evaluation of the current childhood SSD classification systems. Methods & Procedures Descriptions of the major specific approaches to classification are reviewed and research papers supporting the reliability and validity of the systems are evaluated. Main Contribution Three specific paediatric SSD classification systems; the aetiologic-based Speech Disorders Classification System, the descriptive–linguistic Differential Diagnosis system, and the processing-based Psycholinguistic Framework are identified as potentially useful in classifying children with SSD into homogeneous subgroups. The Differential Diagnosis system has a growing body of empirical support from clinical population studies, across language error pattern studies and treatment efficacy studies. The Speech Disorders Classification System is currently a research tool with eight proposed subgroups. The Psycholinguistic Framework is a potential bridge to linking cause and surface level speech errors. Conclusions & Implications There is a need for a universally agreed-upon classification system that is useful to clinicians and researchers. The resulting classification system needs to be robust, reliable and valid. A universal classification system would allow for improved tailoring of treatments to subgroups of SSD which may, in turn, lead to improved treatment efficacy.

Patient and public involvement in the design of clinical trials: An overview of systematic reviews

Abstract: Background Funders encourage lay-volunteer inclusion in research but this is not without controversy or resistance, given concerns of role confusion, exploratory methods and limited evidence about what value this brings to research. This overview explores these elements. Methods Eleven databases and gray literature were searched without date or language restrictions for systematic reviews of public involvement in clinical trials design. This systematic overview of patient and public involvement (PPI) included 27 reviews from which areas of good and bad practice were identified. PPI strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were explored through use of meta-narrative analysis. Results Inclusion criteria was met by 27 reviews. Confidence in the findings was assessed using Cerqual, Nice-H, CASP for qualitative research and CASP systematic reviews. Quality ranged from high (n=7), medium (n=14) to low (n=6) in the reviews. Four reviews report the risk of bias. Public involvement roles were primarily in agenda setting, steering committees, ethical review, protocol development, and piloting. Research summaries, follow-up, and dissemination contained PPI, with lesser involvement in data collection, analysis, or manuscript authoring. Trialists report difficulty in finding, retaining, and reimbursing volunteers. Respectful inclusion, role recognition, mutual flexibility, advance planning and sound methods were reported as facilitating public involvement in research. Public involvement was reported to have increased the quantity and quality of patient relevant priorities and outcomes, enrollment, funding, design, implementation and dissemination. Challenges identified include lack of clarity within common language, roles and research boundaries; while logistical needs include extra time, training and funding, Researchers report struggling to report involvement and avoid tokenism. Conclusions Involving patients and the public in clinical trials design, can be beneficial but requires resources, preparation, training, flexibility and time. Issues to address include reporting deficits in the areas of risk of bias, study quality and conflicts of interests. There is a need for improved dissemination strategies to increase public involvement and health literacy. Improvements in funding, training, and reporting of PPI are needed to facilitate meaningful and effective PPI.

The all-loop integrable spin-chain for strings on AdS3 × S 3 × T 4: The massive sector

Abstract: We bootstrap the all-loop dynamic S-matrix for the homogeneous psu (1, 1|2)2 spin-chain believed to correspond to the discretization of the massive modes of string theory on AdS3 × S 3 × T 4. The S-matrix is the tensor product of two copies of the su (1|1)2 invariant S-matrix constructed recently for the d (2, 1; α)2 chain, and depends on two anti-symmetric dressing phases. We write down the crossing equations that these phases have to satisfy. Furthermore, we present the corresponding Bethe Ansatz, which differs from the one previously conjectured, and discuss how our construction matches several recent perturbative calculations.

Nurses’ perception of shift handovers in Europe – results from the European Nurses’ Early Exit Study

Abstract: Aim. This paper reports a study exploring nurses’ perceptions of the shift handover and the possible reasons for reported dissatisfaction in 10 European countries. Background. The nursing handover fulfils a number of purposes and has important consequences for the continuity of patient care and nurses’ satisfaction with the quality of care they are able to provide. However, the performance and function of shift handovers in health care is a widely neglected topic in practice and research. Method. The Nurses’ Early Exit Study (http://www.next-study.net) investigates the working conditions of nurses and variables influencing nursing retention. The data for this analysis were collected between 2002 and 2003 by self-report questionnaires in 10 European countries. Findings. The percentage of nurses dissatisfied with shift handovers ranged from 22% in England to 61% in France. In most countries the main reason for dissatisfaction with shift handovers was ‘too many disturbances’, followed by ‘lack of time’. Most countries showed similar associations of dissatisfaction with qualification level and occupational seniority, but not with position and type of shift. ‘Poor quality of leadership’ and ‘poor support from colleagues’, were strongly associated with dissatisfaction. Conclusions. In several (but not all) European countries, shift handovers may be a frequent cause for nurses’ irritation. The underlying causes appear to be of an organizational nature. The findings have implications for solutions. Further debate and research should clarify the different purposes of shift handovers and relate them to handover style and to the quality of patient care.