Coventry University

About: Coventry University is a education organization based out in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Higher education. The organization has 4964 authors who have published 12700 publications receiving 255898 citations. The organization is also known as: Lanchester Polytechnic & Coventry Polytechnic.

Narrative Inquiry: Theory and Practice

Abstract: This article offers an overview of the method of narrative inquiry and explores competing trends in the use of the approach. It not only examines the theories relating to the method but also offers practical guidance on using narrative inquiry, including an exploration of what might count as a narrative and ways of analysing narrative data. The final section of the article presents two different examples of how narrative inquiry has been used. The first example is the use of narrative inquiry as a reflective learning process for students in an undergraduate curriculum. The second example is a narrative inquiry into staff experiences of role change in problem-based learning. Suggestions are also made as to how narrative inquiry might be adapted for use in geography in higher education.

Measuring Engagement in eHealth and mHealth Behavior Change Interventions: Viewpoint of Methodologies.

Abstract: Engagement in electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) behavior change interventions is thought to be important for intervention effectiveness, though what constitutes engagement and how it enhances efficacy has been somewhat unclear in the literature Recently published detailed definitions and conceptual models of engagement have helped to build consensus around a definition of engagement and improve our understanding of how engagement may influence effectiveness This work has helped to establish a clearer research agenda However, to test the hypotheses generated by the conceptual modules, we need to know how to measure engagement in a valid and reliable way The aim of this viewpoint is to provide an overview of engagement measurement options that can be employed in eHealth and mHealth behavior change intervention evaluations, discuss methodological considerations, and provide direction for future research To identify measures, we used snowball sampling, starting from systematic reviews of engagement research as well as those utilized in studies known to the authors A wide range of methods to measure engagement were identified, including qualitative measures, self-report questionnaires, ecological momentary assessments, system usage data, sensor data, social media data, and psychophysiological measures Each measurement method is appraised and examples are provided to illustrate possible use in eHealth and mHealth behavior change research Recommendations for future research are provided, based on the limitations of current methods and the heavy reliance on system usage data as the sole assessment of engagement The validation and adoption of a wider range of engagement measurements and their thoughtful application to the study of engagement are encouraged

Interventions for bullous pemphigoid

Abstract: Background Bullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune bullous disease in the West. Oral steroids are considered the standard treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of treatments for bullous pemphigoid. Search strategy We searched the Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE to March 2003 and bibliographies from identified studies. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials of treatments for patients with immunofluorescence confirmed bullous pemphigoid. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers evaluated the studies in terms of the inclusion criteria, five extracted data independently; disagreements were resolved by discussion. Statistical pooling of the data was inappropriate because of heterogeneity of treatments. Main results We found seven randomised controlled trials with a total of 634 patients. All studies involved different comparisons, none included a placebo group. Different doses, different formulations of corticosteroids and the addition of azathioprine failed to show significant differences in measures of disease control. However, patients who took azathioprine were able to almost halve the amount of prednisone required for disease control. Plasma exchange plus prednisone achieved significantly better disease control than prednisone alone; this favourable effect was not apparent in another study. The latter study also compared plasma exchange or azathioprine plus prednisone, but failed to show significant differences for disease control or mortality, although total adverse events at six months almost reached statistical significance in favour of plasma exchange plus prednisone. Comparing tetracycline plus nicotinamide with prednisolone, no significant difference for disease response was shown. A very potent topical corticosteroid was compared to oral prednisone in patients with moderate and extensive disease. In patients with extensive disease, the topical steroid group showed significantly better survival and disease control, and less severe complications, while no significant differences for these outcomes were seen in patients with moderate disease. Most of the reported deaths were in patients taking high doses of oral corticosteroids. Reviewer's conclusions Very potent topical steroids are effective and safe treatments for bullous pemphigoid; their use in extensive disease may be limited by side effects and practical factors. Starting doses of prednisolone greater than 0.75 mg/kg/day do not seem to give additional benefit, lower doses may be adequate for disease control; this could reduce the incidence and severity of adverse reactions. The effectiveness of the addition of plasma exchange or azathioprine to corticosteroids has not been established. Combination treatment with tetracycline and nicotinamide may be useful; this needs further validation.