Hi
I know it has been a while since I last updated my blog, but in my defence I have been extremely busy with the thesis and changes to be made and just running around like a headless chicken. I guess it is that time in the course of a PhD process to start panicking at the slightest thing to be done or changed. I mean you would think after 3 years of doing this I would be a bit more relaxed, but no it just gets more stressul with the nearing of submission, and dont get me started on the viva. I have decided I am not going to even think about that otherwise my whole time will be spent biting my nails and a consequence of that - no work done (because my fingers will be in my mouth instead of on the keyboard) and lets not even talk about the sleepless nights.
I have been slacking with my supervision notes although I have been writing them. Its just that because most of the meetings are a discussion of the chapters, most of the notes are stuck on the hardcopy of the chapters so that I dont forget waht to amend etc.
Anyway I will try to popo in more often now. At the moment I am working on a chapter that I am contributing with another colleague in Netherlands and I am also working on amendments of the chapters in order to develop a complete draft. I should get this done by the 17th of August and hopefully get feedback ob the 25th so that I can start working on the final draft of what should be in or out of the thesis. Well at least thats what we discussed in the last meeting, so I have to go because the more time I spend here the less I do on my thesis - ah yes and the conference paper for September - forgot all about that. Now I really have to go.
Bye and take care see you soon.
P/S Read the pallimed blog, its brilliant
Monday, 27 July 2009
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 28th of April 2009 at 11am at Beaconside
Present: SM, and NN.
1) We discussed the themes for the second study and the categories derived from the data.
2) SM suggested reviewing all the categories and making a better description/explanation of the tables and also to justify the categories. A better, clearer and appropriate sense of data audit trail is necessary for readers to understand how the themes emerge from the data and the process I used.
3) We agreed that I would need a tree diagram that showed how I got from the data to the codes that led to the categories used to build the themes.
4) We then discussed the content of the themes, and we agreed that the themes should be linked to ones from the previous study. I should include the theme about research and show that it is a recurrent theme from the previous study.
5) An interesting category I identified within the data is the use or non-use of new technologies by elderly people. Although one person mentioned this it will be interesting to explore this as I have interpreted that it as an explanation to the answers in the previous study of old people not using technology.
6) SM advised to refer to the cultural lag literature and look at the history of technology and backward compatibility. Some useful references are Jenny Preece, and Shirley Turkell
7) With the discussion I get add another sub section of other points and discuss interesting points that have come up within the study.
8) SM advised to do a trend analysis of the blog contents for the LIWC as I would have to explain and justify why I have decided to use only two blog posts (1st and last) for analysis and results.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to do a trend analysis of the blog post LIWC results
2) PK and SM will decide and bring some names for examiners
Present: SM, and NN.
1) We discussed the themes for the second study and the categories derived from the data.
2) SM suggested reviewing all the categories and making a better description/explanation of the tables and also to justify the categories. A better, clearer and appropriate sense of data audit trail is necessary for readers to understand how the themes emerge from the data and the process I used.
3) We agreed that I would need a tree diagram that showed how I got from the data to the codes that led to the categories used to build the themes.
4) We then discussed the content of the themes, and we agreed that the themes should be linked to ones from the previous study. I should include the theme about research and show that it is a recurrent theme from the previous study.
5) An interesting category I identified within the data is the use or non-use of new technologies by elderly people. Although one person mentioned this it will be interesting to explore this as I have interpreted that it as an explanation to the answers in the previous study of old people not using technology.
6) SM advised to refer to the cultural lag literature and look at the history of technology and backward compatibility. Some useful references are Jenny Preece, and Shirley Turkell
7) With the discussion I get add another sub section of other points and discuss interesting points that have come up within the study.
8) SM advised to do a trend analysis of the blog contents for the LIWC as I would have to explain and justify why I have decided to use only two blog posts (1st and last) for analysis and results.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to do a trend analysis of the blog post LIWC results
2) PK and SM will decide and bring some names for examiners
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Spervision Meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 7th of April 2009 at 15:00pm in Paul’s Office, BL167.
Present: PK, SM, and NN.
1) I submitted Chapter 6 of the thesis which is the study of the hospice officers.
2) We briefly discussed the contents of this chapter and how it links with all the other chapters.
3) PK and SM advised on the layout of the thesis and also advised on the importance of chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8 is the synthesis chapter which brings together the three studies and also builds the framework developed within the thesis. Chapter 9 is the conclusion which should review the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis.
4) We all agreed I would continue to work on the analysis of the next study, which is about the online participants.
5) We discussed the time schedule and tentative deadlines for the chapters (about 6 weeks each) and the complete draft of the thesis (August).
6) PK said if I had not completed by the end of my funding there was a possibility (not guarantee) of getting a part-time extension for 2 or 3 months.
7) I have also decided to look for and possible apply for jobs with a start date after September. SM, and PK advised not to lose focus on the thesis but we all agreed it would be okay to do so.
8) We had a brief discussion about examiners, but PK and SM will make the decisions.
9) Next supervision meeting will be Tuesday 28th of April at 10am.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to complete the preliminary analysis for the 2nd study and send to supervisors for approval before completing the chapter
2) PK and SM will try to bring feedback of Chapter 6.
Present: PK, SM, and NN.
1) I submitted Chapter 6 of the thesis which is the study of the hospice officers.
2) We briefly discussed the contents of this chapter and how it links with all the other chapters.
3) PK and SM advised on the layout of the thesis and also advised on the importance of chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8 is the synthesis chapter which brings together the three studies and also builds the framework developed within the thesis. Chapter 9 is the conclusion which should review the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis.
4) We all agreed I would continue to work on the analysis of the next study, which is about the online participants.
5) We discussed the time schedule and tentative deadlines for the chapters (about 6 weeks each) and the complete draft of the thesis (August).
6) PK said if I had not completed by the end of my funding there was a possibility (not guarantee) of getting a part-time extension for 2 or 3 months.
7) I have also decided to look for and possible apply for jobs with a start date after September. SM, and PK advised not to lose focus on the thesis but we all agreed it would be okay to do so.
8) We had a brief discussion about examiners, but PK and SM will make the decisions.
9) Next supervision meeting will be Tuesday 28th of April at 10am.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to complete the preliminary analysis for the 2nd study and send to supervisors for approval before completing the chapter
2) PK and SM will try to bring feedback of Chapter 6.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Monday, 2 March 2009
Work, work, work
I know I havent written in long long while. I have been very busy so far but I just got some time to jot a short message just to say I am still alive for those who might have been worried (not that there will be many who would have been worried but anyway....)
I have finished data collection and analysis for Study 1 and am trying to write up the chapter now. I am a bit behind, (well not just a bit) with my schedule, so I am trying to catch up on the work. I have just about completed data collection for the 2nd study and have to do the analysis of the blogs and decide which stats if any to use. For the next two weeks I will just concentrate on writing up the Chapter and then I have the interviews for study 3 and then writing, writing ,writing and more writing. I am hoping to get a complete 1st draft by June and after that just work on editing. Well when I put it like that I can see a light at the end o the tunnel and maybe this is doable after all. well it should because if I have to do this for another year I just might.... who knows what I might do.
I have actually enjoyed doing the interviews with the online paticipants. It did get a bit stressful because of lack of technology and one or two of the interviews we had to resrt to e-mail as the internet phone would not log on and 2 of the interviews had to be done via landline as the internet service was down, and I was running around like a headless chicken all stressed out, but hey hooo cest la vie.
I am thinking of putting up my current schedule, and where I am so that I can keep a check on myself and get my head down and do the work. I will also post up my supervision meeting minutes so that I can remind mself what was discussed.
I have finished data collection and analysis for Study 1 and am trying to write up the chapter now. I am a bit behind, (well not just a bit) with my schedule, so I am trying to catch up on the work. I have just about completed data collection for the 2nd study and have to do the analysis of the blogs and decide which stats if any to use. For the next two weeks I will just concentrate on writing up the Chapter and then I have the interviews for study 3 and then writing, writing ,writing and more writing. I am hoping to get a complete 1st draft by June and after that just work on editing. Well when I put it like that I can see a light at the end o the tunnel and maybe this is doable after all. well it should because if I have to do this for another year I just might.... who knows what I might do.
I have actually enjoyed doing the interviews with the online paticipants. It did get a bit stressful because of lack of technology and one or two of the interviews we had to resrt to e-mail as the internet phone would not log on and 2 of the interviews had to be done via landline as the internet service was down, and I was running around like a headless chicken all stressed out, but hey hooo cest la vie.
I am thinking of putting up my current schedule, and where I am so that I can keep a check on myself and get my head down and do the work. I will also post up my supervision meeting minutes so that I can remind mself what was discussed.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 29th of January 2008 at 3:30pm in BL167.
Present: NN, SM and Nardia Corp observing
1) We had a brief discussion on the guidelines I have done so far. Stella advised to look at the user profiles in more depth and match their needs to the guidelines.
2) We looked at the templates that are used on blogger.com. We decided it would be better to select the templates that are in sync with the guidelines. Participants would then be advised to use the selected templates.
3) We also discussed on the use of colours for the website. I will need to research into colours and their associative emotions for the design guidelines.
4) Next meeting will be on Monday 11th of February at 10:00am
Things to do by next meeting
1) Read on safety critical systems for interface design.
2) Research into cognitive load and computer use
3) Design the website prototype
Present: NN, SM and Nardia Corp observing
1) We had a brief discussion on the guidelines I have done so far. Stella advised to look at the user profiles in more depth and match their needs to the guidelines.
2) We looked at the templates that are used on blogger.com. We decided it would be better to select the templates that are in sync with the guidelines. Participants would then be advised to use the selected templates.
3) We also discussed on the use of colours for the website. I will need to research into colours and their associative emotions for the design guidelines.
4) Next meeting will be on Monday 11th of February at 10:00am
Things to do by next meeting
1) Read on safety critical systems for interface design.
2) Research into cognitive load and computer use
3) Design the website prototype
Friday, 9 January 2009
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 9th of January 2009 at 14:30pm in Paul’s Office, BL167.
Present: NN, SM, PK, and NLM
1) We discussed feedback on the Methodology chapter. PK advised to give careful attention to the titles and headings of sections.
2) We all agreed that I should work on the layout of the chapter and rearrange the ethical section to include research ethics and how their impact on internet research
3) PK advised on how to make the chapter flow better by always telling the reader what they will read and where to find specific information within the chapter or thesis.
4) We also agreed that the chapter was too dense and needed some diagrammatical and pictorial illustrations to break up the text and make it less boring. The chapter should include a table or flowchart with justifications of my chosen methodologies and paradigm.
5) We then discussed the preliminary analysis of the first study from the hospices on the response rate. A clearer table is needed to indicate the source and the interviewee and the frequency of the codes.
6) NN to condense the categories into the themes and its sub categories which will then be confirmed and validated by both supervisors and Nick before I start writing up
7) We also briefly discussed on the time schedule and career progression.
8) We decided to continue this discussion of job applications at a later date when I have finished data collection and completed the first complete draft of the thesis.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to condense the categories into the themes and its sub categories on a tree diagram
Present: NN, SM, PK, and NLM
1) We discussed feedback on the Methodology chapter. PK advised to give careful attention to the titles and headings of sections.
2) We all agreed that I should work on the layout of the chapter and rearrange the ethical section to include research ethics and how their impact on internet research
3) PK advised on how to make the chapter flow better by always telling the reader what they will read and where to find specific information within the chapter or thesis.
4) We also agreed that the chapter was too dense and needed some diagrammatical and pictorial illustrations to break up the text and make it less boring. The chapter should include a table or flowchart with justifications of my chosen methodologies and paradigm.
5) We then discussed the preliminary analysis of the first study from the hospices on the response rate. A clearer table is needed to indicate the source and the interviewee and the frequency of the codes.
6) NN to condense the categories into the themes and its sub categories which will then be confirmed and validated by both supervisors and Nick before I start writing up
7) We also briefly discussed on the time schedule and career progression.
8) We decided to continue this discussion of job applications at a later date when I have finished data collection and completed the first complete draft of the thesis.
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to condense the categories into the themes and its sub categories on a tree diagram
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 11th of December 2008 at 11:30am in Paul’s Office.
Present: NN, SM, and PK
1) We discussed the outcome and feedback from the RDC2 MPhil to PhD upgrade which included the following:
a. Include references in the literature review and also include in depth research into palliative care
b. Amend the document to include the revised sample and sample size after ethical approval – (including the online sample)
c. The document to be revised to include current stage, timescale of the project and plans for writing up and submission.
d. Review the aims and objectives of the project in light of the revisions and changes made to the studies. Instead of developing ‘policy recommendations’, the project is most likely to develop ‘recommendations’ for practice rather than for policy.
2) NN to work on the changes and submit before Christmas break. The PhD has a conditional transfer and confirmation of the transfer will be given by the Chair of the transfer after successful completion of the conditions.
3) We had a discussion on the Austria conference and possible collaborations and publications.
4) We discussed the recruitment stage for the hospice participants and the interviews on the response rate from the hospice CEOs. End of the recruitment phase will be on Monday the 15th of December 2008 in …….. The last interview for the response rate will be on the 23rd of December with Dr …….
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to submit the methodology Chapter
Present: NN, SM, and PK
1) We discussed the outcome and feedback from the RDC2 MPhil to PhD upgrade which included the following:
a. Include references in the literature review and also include in depth research into palliative care
b. Amend the document to include the revised sample and sample size after ethical approval – (including the online sample)
c. The document to be revised to include current stage, timescale of the project and plans for writing up and submission.
d. Review the aims and objectives of the project in light of the revisions and changes made to the studies. Instead of developing ‘policy recommendations’, the project is most likely to develop ‘recommendations’ for practice rather than for policy.
2) NN to work on the changes and submit before Christmas break. The PhD has a conditional transfer and confirmation of the transfer will be given by the Chair of the transfer after successful completion of the conditions.
3) We had a discussion on the Austria conference and possible collaborations and publications.
4) We discussed the recruitment stage for the hospice participants and the interviews on the response rate from the hospice CEOs. End of the recruitment phase will be on Monday the 15th of December 2008 in …….. The last interview for the response rate will be on the 23rd of December with Dr …….
Things to do by next meeting
1) NN to submit the methodology Chapter
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Has been a while
I know it has been a while since I last updated my blog, but in excuse I have been very very busy, not that I am saying you out there reasing this blog are not busy, but you know an excuse is an excuse.
I am well at the moment, I just went through my MPhil upgrade a few weeks back and got a few knockbacks and so have been licking my wounds (Jokes it wasnt that bad). I have a few amendedments to do and then the upgrade will pass and then back to the field.
I have started doing some interviews within the hospices but at this stage it is mostly with the professionals within the hospice just to clarify a few points like research in palliative care and gatekeeping. I have had some interesting views and I cant wait to muck it and start working with the data. I am hoping to start doing the online interviews soon as well. I think this weekend will be spent following and chasing up participants online and asking them to take part in the interviews and looking into e-consent.
I will log back soon to let you know how it all went and how its all going. I finish this session of interviews on the 5th of December and thats all the data for study 3, which reminds me I have to look at the layout of my thesis again.
I have had a good response from some people online which is really good and I am pleased about it all.
I am well at the moment, I just went through my MPhil upgrade a few weeks back and got a few knockbacks and so have been licking my wounds (Jokes it wasnt that bad). I have a few amendedments to do and then the upgrade will pass and then back to the field.
I have started doing some interviews within the hospices but at this stage it is mostly with the professionals within the hospice just to clarify a few points like research in palliative care and gatekeeping. I have had some interesting views and I cant wait to muck it and start working with the data. I am hoping to start doing the online interviews soon as well. I think this weekend will be spent following and chasing up participants online and asking them to take part in the interviews and looking into e-consent.
I will log back soon to let you know how it all went and how its all going. I finish this session of interviews on the 5th of December and thats all the data for study 3, which reminds me I have to look at the layout of my thesis again.
I have had a good response from some people online which is really good and I am pleased about it all.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 17th of October 2008 at 2:00pm in K352.
Present: NN, SM
1) We discussed the layout and content of the thesis. We tentatively agreed that the thesis would have 2 studies on a large scale. The 1st study would be using the online recruits and would report on whether the blogs are therapeutic and an observation of the emerging themes.
2) The 2nd study would be using hospice participants. The conclusion will then be used to develop a theoretical framework on the usage (how, when, what for) of blogs within an end of life context. The studies are measuring the wellbeing of participants after blogging through positive and negative emotions. The theoretical framework would be further used to inform and develop general practice guidelines on the use of weblogs in palliative care.
3) We had a discussion on the original contribution of the PhD in preparation for the RDC 2 transfer viva on Monday the 27th of October at 11am. SM contacted the chair of the transfer viva to confirm on the content of the interview.
4) SM advised on potential information to revise for the interview.
5) We also had a brief discussion on the presentation of the Austria conference (3rd – 5th of November) Paper. Mock run of the presentation will be held on Thursday the 30th of October at Blackheath Lane. Rob Merchant and Stella will be present.
Present: NN, SM
1) We discussed the layout and content of the thesis. We tentatively agreed that the thesis would have 2 studies on a large scale. The 1st study would be using the online recruits and would report on whether the blogs are therapeutic and an observation of the emerging themes.
2) The 2nd study would be using hospice participants. The conclusion will then be used to develop a theoretical framework on the usage (how, when, what for) of blogs within an end of life context. The studies are measuring the wellbeing of participants after blogging through positive and negative emotions. The theoretical framework would be further used to inform and develop general practice guidelines on the use of weblogs in palliative care.
3) We had a discussion on the original contribution of the PhD in preparation for the RDC 2 transfer viva on Monday the 27th of October at 11am. SM contacted the chair of the transfer viva to confirm on the content of the interview.
4) SM advised on potential information to revise for the interview.
5) We also had a brief discussion on the presentation of the Austria conference (3rd – 5th of November) Paper. Mock run of the presentation will be held on Thursday the 30th of October at Blackheath Lane. Rob Merchant and Stella will be present.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 29th of September 2008 at 12:00pm in K352.
Present: NN, SM
1) We discussed the ethics application details and how to contact the online users for the Austria paper. SM called Professor David Clark Carter who confirmed that the ethics application had been approved and advised on how to inform the participants that their blogs would be used in a conference paper.
2) SM advised that I should go and draft an e-mail to be sent to all the online bloggers.
3) We discussed the draft paper for the Austria conference and statistics that would be appropriate for the paper. We both decided and agreed that only descriptive statistics would be relevant to the abstract submitted and a discussion of the results from the LIWC programme.
4) We agreed that I should write a cover letter to the Chair of the Faculty research degrees committee to update on the methodological changes of the project and the new ethical approval gained. This letter would also be sent to the examiners of the RDC 2 upgrade interview.
5) The next meeting will be on Friday the 17th of October at 2pm.
Things to do by next meeting, NN:
1) Send letter to Chair of the Research degrees committee with the latest amendments of the project.
2) E-mail the online bloggers and inform them about the Austria conference paper.
3) Submit the draft paper for the Austria conference paper to SM for feedback.
Present: NN, SM
1) We discussed the ethics application details and how to contact the online users for the Austria paper. SM called Professor David Clark Carter who confirmed that the ethics application had been approved and advised on how to inform the participants that their blogs would be used in a conference paper.
2) SM advised that I should go and draft an e-mail to be sent to all the online bloggers.
3) We discussed the draft paper for the Austria conference and statistics that would be appropriate for the paper. We both decided and agreed that only descriptive statistics would be relevant to the abstract submitted and a discussion of the results from the LIWC programme.
4) We agreed that I should write a cover letter to the Chair of the Faculty research degrees committee to update on the methodological changes of the project and the new ethical approval gained. This letter would also be sent to the examiners of the RDC 2 upgrade interview.
5) The next meeting will be on Friday the 17th of October at 2pm.
Things to do by next meeting, NN:
1) Send letter to Chair of the Research degrees committee with the latest amendments of the project.
2) E-mail the online bloggers and inform them about the Austria conference paper.
3) Submit the draft paper for the Austria conference paper to SM for feedback.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 11th of September 2008 at 16:00pm in BL167.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We discussed the recruitment situation and all agreed that it would be useful and helpful to include existing blogs written by terminally ill patients. A letter will be sent by NN to David Clarke-Carter to request ethical approval for the changes being made to the methodology of the project.
2) Stella brought feedback on Chapter 4 but we decided to postpone the discussion to a later date due to the changing focus of the project
3) The date for a meeting with ……at…..hospice was set for Monday the 22nd of September at 3:15pm.
4) ………….. Hospice are not happy to have a presentation day for their patients as they feel this might put the patients under pressure to participate. At the moment we have not received any interest from the patients at the hospice, awaiting response from the carers and staff. The hospice is happy for NN to interview some of their staff as to why there is so little interest in the project. Paul suggested that it would be good to try and interview the C.E.O. at every hospice and to have one-to-one interviews rather than focus groups with the nurses.
5) We discussed the paper for the Austria conference. 5 blogs have been selected written by terminally ill patients who are all based in America. The data from these blogs will be used for the Austria paper and the thesis.
6) The next meeting will be on Monday the 29th of September at 12pm
Things to do by next meeting, NN:
1) Work on the ethics application for the amendments to the project.
2) To do some form of statistical analysis of the blogs NN will be using with information such as frequency of posts, length of posts.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We discussed the recruitment situation and all agreed that it would be useful and helpful to include existing blogs written by terminally ill patients. A letter will be sent by NN to David Clarke-Carter to request ethical approval for the changes being made to the methodology of the project.
2) Stella brought feedback on Chapter 4 but we decided to postpone the discussion to a later date due to the changing focus of the project
3) The date for a meeting with ……at…..hospice was set for Monday the 22nd of September at 3:15pm.
4) ………….. Hospice are not happy to have a presentation day for their patients as they feel this might put the patients under pressure to participate. At the moment we have not received any interest from the patients at the hospice, awaiting response from the carers and staff. The hospice is happy for NN to interview some of their staff as to why there is so little interest in the project. Paul suggested that it would be good to try and interview the C.E.O. at every hospice and to have one-to-one interviews rather than focus groups with the nurses.
5) We discussed the paper for the Austria conference. 5 blogs have been selected written by terminally ill patients who are all based in America. The data from these blogs will be used for the Austria paper and the thesis.
6) The next meeting will be on Monday the 29th of September at 12pm
Things to do by next meeting, NN:
1) Work on the ethics application for the amendments to the project.
2) To do some form of statistical analysis of the blogs NN will be using with information such as frequency of posts, length of posts.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Lit Review Chapter 3
I guess all I can say for now is I am busy trying to complete my Literature review. I have so many other things going on, but I have to finish this in order to concentrate on my other work.
I am going to Barnsley hospice on Thursday and hopefully I will have some good news after that. Although most of the hospices were enthusiastic about the research, the response is still very slow and does not look promising at all, I am thinking of changing the study to incorporate existing blogs. At least that way I can catch up on the time I lost dealing with NHS ethics and get on with the field research. I will wait till end of August and then review to see if the change is necessary. I will not remove the hospices completely because if I do get participants then it would still be useful data that I can use to compare with people who are already blogging on their own initiative.
Anyway I have to head home now, I will write soon.
I am going to Barnsley hospice on Thursday and hopefully I will have some good news after that. Although most of the hospices were enthusiastic about the research, the response is still very slow and does not look promising at all, I am thinking of changing the study to incorporate existing blogs. At least that way I can catch up on the time I lost dealing with NHS ethics and get on with the field research. I will wait till end of August and then review to see if the change is necessary. I will not remove the hospices completely because if I do get participants then it would still be useful data that I can use to compare with people who are already blogging on their own initiative.
Anyway I have to head home now, I will write soon.
Friday, 6 June 2008
Monday, 2 June 2008
Supervision Meeting 20
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 2nd of June 2008 at 9:00am in BL167.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We discussed and I gave feedback on the meeting that Stella and I attended at …… Hospice on the 24th of April. We presented the amended documents with suggestions that were given at …… Hospice. A few suggestions were made as follows:
· Change the wording on the mental capacity inclusion of participants, and suggest that if there is any change in their circumstances, their participation can be renegotiated after discussion.
· Inform the participants that if they have problems emotional or otherwise due to blogging they can speak to any member of the hospice team.
2) We also confirmed the meeting date for ……. Hospice which is on the 9th of June 2008 at 2pm. We agreed that Stella would meet us at the Centre for Ageing and Mental Health and we will then travel together, leaving at 12:30pm.
3) I shared information on the PhD day conference that I attended at Nottingham University. I also shared my concerns on the sample size of my project and issue of the recruiting time. I suggested searching the internet for blogs of terminally ill patients, carers and staff members. I could then include the analysis of these blogs in my thesis, and would be good to also use the LIWC for practice.
4) We discussed how to move forward with the thesis. I have done the drafts for Chapter 2 and 4. I now have to complete Chapter 3 draft which I have started. I will submit to Stella by the end of June and work on the revisions of Chapter 2.
5) I need to submit my RDC2 transfer application by the 20th of June. I will work on the progress report and the contents of the report will be discussed in the next meeting.
6) The next meeting was set up for Monday the 16th of June at 12:00pm.
Things to do by next meeting
1) Complete the first draft of Chapter 3 of the thesis.
2) Make the necessary changes suggested at …….. Hospice.
3) Work on the RDC2 progress report.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We discussed and I gave feedback on the meeting that Stella and I attended at …… Hospice on the 24th of April. We presented the amended documents with suggestions that were given at …… Hospice. A few suggestions were made as follows:
· Change the wording on the mental capacity inclusion of participants, and suggest that if there is any change in their circumstances, their participation can be renegotiated after discussion.
· Inform the participants that if they have problems emotional or otherwise due to blogging they can speak to any member of the hospice team.
2) We also confirmed the meeting date for ……. Hospice which is on the 9th of June 2008 at 2pm. We agreed that Stella would meet us at the Centre for Ageing and Mental Health and we will then travel together, leaving at 12:30pm.
3) I shared information on the PhD day conference that I attended at Nottingham University. I also shared my concerns on the sample size of my project and issue of the recruiting time. I suggested searching the internet for blogs of terminally ill patients, carers and staff members. I could then include the analysis of these blogs in my thesis, and would be good to also use the LIWC for practice.
4) We discussed how to move forward with the thesis. I have done the drafts for Chapter 2 and 4. I now have to complete Chapter 3 draft which I have started. I will submit to Stella by the end of June and work on the revisions of Chapter 2.
5) I need to submit my RDC2 transfer application by the 20th of June. I will work on the progress report and the contents of the report will be discussed in the next meeting.
6) The next meeting was set up for Monday the 16th of June at 12:00pm.
Things to do by next meeting
1) Complete the first draft of Chapter 3 of the thesis.
2) Make the necessary changes suggested at …….. Hospice.
3) Work on the RDC2 progress report.
Friday, 16 May 2008
Summary of my Research at the moment
USAGE OF WEB LOGS IN HOSPICE SETTINGS
My name is Nothando B Ngwenya, I am a PhD student at Staffordshire University and I am conducting research and hoping to develop studies to explore the different forms of usages of weblogs in hospice settings. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions in my research. I have drawn up a summary of the main objectives and rationale behind my research.
Key Questions:
- How can technology improve the quality of care for patients in palliative settings?
- How effective and efficient can weblogs be in hospice settings?
- In what ways can hospice blogs be used in end of life care e.g. communication, therapeutic writing, management tool etc
There has been an increase in research on the use of Information Technology to enhance palliative care. Information systems technologies have been built for various reasons within the healthcare industry and these systems could be extended to hospice settings. Some of these could include symptom management, data collecting and therapeutic writing (Kuziemsky, 2004).
The emergence of online communities has seen a rise in the use of blogs. A web log is defined here as "a frequently updated webpage consisting of brief posts presented and archived in reverse-chronological order" (Schiano, Nardi, Gumbrecht and Swartz, 2004) mainly used as an online journal and can contain text, images, and media objects. Different people use them for different purposes mostly linking to things that interest them personally and engaging in conversation. Web logs vary in content as much as they do in use enabling people to manipulate blogs for their personal use. Other sectors (education, journalism, and business) have seen and experienced success in the use of weblogs which could also3 be experienced in palliative care as well whether for the benefit of the patient or the improvement of the service and care offered.
Some uses and benefits predicted on the use of weblogs would be:
- To help patients get more involved with their care and put them in control as palliative care should be person-centred.
- Patients, family members, staff and carers can write therapeutically (Pennebaker, 1986) and possible curb emotional isolation and increase social interaction/networking.
- The weblogs could be used as a symptom management tool with patients self-reporting pain and staff documenting medication use.
- Weblogs can be a source of information for family members and friends where by they can read about the patients' care and treatment process and professionals can post new research.
- Weblogs can give access to palliative care, information and support to people in remote/rural communities.
- By reading what other carers post/write, web logs could offer a transfer of knowledge between staff.
Confidentiality of the patients and staff will be observed at all times. All research will be conducted within NHS Ethical guidelines.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Please send any questions, comments or suggestions to Nothando B Ngwenya at Staffordshire University on 01785353742, or email: n.ngwenya@staffs.ac.uk. You can also contact my supervisors Prof Paul Kingston (p.kingston@staffs.ac.uk) and Prof Stella Mills (s.f.mills@staffs.ac.uk). You can view my weblog on http://weblogsastherapy.blogspot.com
Abstract for conference on the 13th of May 2008
Can Weblogs be a Complementary Therapy in Palliative Care?
There is increasing interest and a growing body of literature that connects creative therapies and well-being. Different schools of thought from both the arts and sciences have tried to explain the connection between creative writing and health benefits with many theories being postulated. There is no single theory that convincingly explains why and how creative writing benefits health, but what is important is the effect on patients' health and sense of well-being, whether self-reported or clinically observed. This research is interested in exploring creative writing within the ever-growing technological era in hospice setting. Technological advances have had a huge impact on people's lifestyles, changing the way individuals communicate. There has been an increasing demand on the use of the internet and computer-mediated communication (CMC) for health benefits giving a rise to a new field known as cyber therapy. We have seen the success of computer-mediated communication in different settings within the health service. We have also seen the positive role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in palliative care. The imperative question within this research is whether web logs can be used as cyber therapy within the CAM framework in palliative care.
Sue Ryder Care Centre for Palliative and End of Life Studies, School of Nursing
PhD Day – Tuesday May 13th 2008
Venue: Coates Building, A7, University Park Campus, Nottingham
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Supervision meeting
Supervision Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 17th of April 2008 at 4:15pm in Paul Kingston’s Office.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We had a discussion and gave feedback on the meeting that Stella and I attended at ….. Hospice on the 9th of April 2008. Feedback that we received at …… Hospice is as follows:
· Remove the bold and underlining of text within the information and consent sheet as this gives the impression that some information is more important than other.
· Add the amount of blogging time that will be required of the participants (3 months).
· Change the wording on the mental capacity inclusion of participants, to give them the option to either continue or withdraw
· Inform the participants that the supervisors will have access to the weblogs and might see the content.
· We also implemented a procedure of reporting distressing information or when it is necessary to breach confidentiality
2) We briefly discussed how we would recruit carers as there are limited support activities were I might contact them. We agreed that we would decide that when I start recruiting patients as their carers may be potential participants.
3) The way forward at …….. would be to attend a meeting with the day hospice team and decide on a recruiting strategy.
4) We all are in agreement on recruiting people who might be blogging already, and to include bereaved carers as they are involved in palliative care.
5) We briefly discussed attending the Life before death exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London.
6) We agreed on that I would complete the first draft of Chapter 2 and submit it to Paul whilst Stella works on my Chapter 4 Revisions. To submit Chapter 2 on the 18th of April 2008.
7) Meeting at …….. Hospice will be on Thursday the 24th of April 2008 at 3pm.
Things to do by next meeting
1) Complete the first draft of Chapter 2 of the thesis.
2) Make the necessary changes suggested at …… Hospice and discussed during the meeting.
3) Chase up on appointment dates with …… and ……. Hospices.
Present: PK, NN, SM
1) We had a discussion and gave feedback on the meeting that Stella and I attended at ….. Hospice on the 9th of April 2008. Feedback that we received at …… Hospice is as follows:
· Remove the bold and underlining of text within the information and consent sheet as this gives the impression that some information is more important than other.
· Add the amount of blogging time that will be required of the participants (3 months).
· Change the wording on the mental capacity inclusion of participants, to give them the option to either continue or withdraw
· Inform the participants that the supervisors will have access to the weblogs and might see the content.
· We also implemented a procedure of reporting distressing information or when it is necessary to breach confidentiality
2) We briefly discussed how we would recruit carers as there are limited support activities were I might contact them. We agreed that we would decide that when I start recruiting patients as their carers may be potential participants.
3) The way forward at …….. would be to attend a meeting with the day hospice team and decide on a recruiting strategy.
4) We all are in agreement on recruiting people who might be blogging already, and to include bereaved carers as they are involved in palliative care.
5) We briefly discussed attending the Life before death exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London.
6) We agreed on that I would complete the first draft of Chapter 2 and submit it to Paul whilst Stella works on my Chapter 4 Revisions. To submit Chapter 2 on the 18th of April 2008.
7) Meeting at …….. Hospice will be on Thursday the 24th of April 2008 at 3pm.
Things to do by next meeting
1) Complete the first draft of Chapter 2 of the thesis.
2) Make the necessary changes suggested at …… Hospice and discussed during the meeting.
3) Chase up on appointment dates with …… and ……. Hospices.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Project status
I know its been a while. I am quite happy with the progress of the project. Everything seems to be going well and coming closer to the real research work. At the moment I am working on my literature review. I thought it ight be easier as I had already read some parts but I am really finding it hard to be critical in my analysis. My style of writing is more descriptive and I know I have to be more critical and so I am working on that. The chapter I am doing now is more confusing that the last one. Some parts have a lot of litearure whereas some areas little has been written so far and I am finding it hard to get up to date articles. It doesnt help that the library's journal subscription is very limited and it costs £5 for a dpcument delivery request and sometimes by the time you get the article a lot of time has been wasted. Let me stop complaning because it can be worse, at least I have access to the Keele health library although if only I could have access to their online material.
Well with the project I have just been in celebratory mode since I got ethics approval. Anyway we went to St Giles on Wednesday the 9th to discuss the progress of the project. The meeting went quite well and Peter (CEO) is always ever so helpful and enthusiastic about the whole project its actually motivating. We discussed the information sheet and consent sheet and a few minor changes are required. We still have to meet the other hospices. Katharine House hospice meeting is on the 24th and hopefully Barnsley and Severn will follow soon after so that the project can start rolling.
I have laso had the opportunity to meet with a palliative care consultant Alison, who has been very very helpful and had me thinking of new ideas and given me a better awareness of ethical issues within my research. I will be meeting with her again to discuss further how she can be involved and assist within the project so I have to just keep looking up and up.
Oh yes bad news, my car. As I was driving to work on Monday mmh dodgy cars and mechanics. The wheel on my car was loose and it was coming off. It was just held in place by 2 nuts, I just cant bear to think what might have happened if I hadnt stopped. Anyway listening to my better conscious I stopped to have it checked at a garage by the road and well the guy told me what the problem was and that he would fix it, and bear in mind today is Friday and my car is still in the garage. Yep, its was just a tyre and you wont believe it. I ring the mechanic Monday end of the day and well he informs me that my brake pads need replacing and well I say go ahead coz really I didnt think much of it. I call on Tuesday to ask when I can collect the car only to be told that well, the master cylinder had to be replaced, otherwise the brakes wouldnt work. Okay so this work went on without my knowledge, and what can I say, its not as if I could just go and ick up the car as it was taken apart. I call on Wednesday and guess what, the servo needs to be replaced because the brakes are not responding. What can I say, work went on with my go-ahead again. I call Thursday and yep you guessed it, the brake discs need to be replaced. This time I just thought nonooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, just stop doing anything to the car otherwise by the end of next week I would need to replace the whole thing, and yes you guessed it again my bill £367. I am so upset I am on theverge of depression and I am so skint, coz that was all my rainy day money and more. I could cut a chicken's head off now.
Bye
Well with the project I have just been in celebratory mode since I got ethics approval. Anyway we went to St Giles on Wednesday the 9th to discuss the progress of the project. The meeting went quite well and Peter (CEO) is always ever so helpful and enthusiastic about the whole project its actually motivating. We discussed the information sheet and consent sheet and a few minor changes are required. We still have to meet the other hospices. Katharine House hospice meeting is on the 24th and hopefully Barnsley and Severn will follow soon after so that the project can start rolling.
I have laso had the opportunity to meet with a palliative care consultant Alison, who has been very very helpful and had me thinking of new ideas and given me a better awareness of ethical issues within my research. I will be meeting with her again to discuss further how she can be involved and assist within the project so I have to just keep looking up and up.
Oh yes bad news, my car. As I was driving to work on Monday mmh dodgy cars and mechanics. The wheel on my car was loose and it was coming off. It was just held in place by 2 nuts, I just cant bear to think what might have happened if I hadnt stopped. Anyway listening to my better conscious I stopped to have it checked at a garage by the road and well the guy told me what the problem was and that he would fix it, and bear in mind today is Friday and my car is still in the garage. Yep, its was just a tyre and you wont believe it. I ring the mechanic Monday end of the day and well he informs me that my brake pads need replacing and well I say go ahead coz really I didnt think much of it. I call on Tuesday to ask when I can collect the car only to be told that well, the master cylinder had to be replaced, otherwise the brakes wouldnt work. Okay so this work went on without my knowledge, and what can I say, its not as if I could just go and ick up the car as it was taken apart. I call on Wednesday and guess what, the servo needs to be replaced because the brakes are not responding. What can I say, work went on with my go-ahead again. I call Thursday and yep you guessed it, the brake discs need to be replaced. This time I just thought nonooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, just stop doing anything to the car otherwise by the end of next week I would need to replace the whole thing, and yes you guessed it again my bill £367. I am so upset I am on theverge of depression and I am so skint, coz that was all my rainy day money and more. I could cut a chicken's head off now.
Bye
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)