The use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool for emotional support of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in South Africa

The majority of adolescents in developing countries own and use cell phones. Given the number of adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS in South Africa; use of mobile phones to monitor their progress; and provide emotional support seems a feasible and cost effective option to provide support. The purpose of the study was to solicit caregivers' views on the use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support to adolescents. Three focus group interviews were conducted among caregivers working in an AIDS Awareness Centre which is visited regularly by adolescents orphaned by AIDS. Contrasting views on the use of mobile technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support were raised by the caregivers. Two major themes emerged: Doubts about the efficacy of using mobile phones for counselling and providing emotional support were expressed based on the fact that there will be a lack of direct physical interaction and communication. The second theme; in direct contrast with the first theme illustrated that the majority of caregivers acknowledged the potential and positive application in supporting adolescents. If appropriately applied; mobile phone technology could be helpful as a supportive tool for adolescents in a primary health care context

The Art of the Delphi Technique : Highlighting its Scientific Merit

The initial use of the Delphi technique was forecasting in order to be able to plan ahead. More recently the Delphi technique has been used as a constructive method in facilitating controlled; rationale group communication to develop knowledge for decision-making. Although the Delphi technique is widely used; its scientific merit is questioned. This article illuminates the application; limitations; value and scientific merit of the Delphi technique. The subsequent articles illustrate the application of the Delphi technique

Opinions on a Strategy to Promote Nurses' Health Research Contribution in South Africa

This is the second article in a series of three articles on a strategy to promote nurses' health research contribution in South Africa. This article describes a Delphi study that was conducted to explore the panel of experts' opinions on nurses' health research contribution and to develop a strategy to promote this contribution. A qualitative and quantitative; descriptive design was used. A Delphi study consisting of three successive rounds was conducted from January 2005 to February 2006. A panel of experts (round one: n=28; round two: n=31; round three: n=18); selected from multiple health-related and health research-related clusters; participated. Professional nurses in academic/educational positions were the main participants. Multi-disciplinary team members; other than nurses; at international as well as national level; also made valuable contributions as part of the panel. Data were gathered by circulating a list of open-ended questions (round one) as well as questionnaires (rounds two and three). Analysis was done using open coding and descriptive statistics. Findings were processed and; in an anonymous way; fed back to panellists to re-assess and change if necessary. In this way; outcomes in the various rounds resulted in a move towards consensus in opinions between the panelists. Elements essential to a strategy to improve research done by nurses; could be identified; name -ly research capacity building; collaboration; dissemination and utilisation of research results; quality of research conducted by nurses; leadership; resources and research priorities. These elements are seen as a framework for a strategy; and this framework was explored further in a subsequent article

Exploring a Strategy to Promote Nurses's Health Research Contribution

This article is the last in a series of three articles on a strategy to promote nurses' health research contribution in South Africa. This article describes research that was conducted in the Southern District of the North-West Province to explore a proposed strategy to promote the research contribution of nurses. The proposed strategy is the product of a Delphi study; as described in the preceding article. The need for such a strategy is evident from the seemingly limited recognition of the significance of research conducted by nurses. The purpose of this research was to validate the proposed strategy and to explore its viability in the mentioned district. A qualitative; explorative and descriptive design was followed. Purposive sampling according to selection criteria was used to select participants from a population of stakeholders in the above-mentioned district who are perceived to influence and to be influenced by research. Data gathering took place by means of 11 focus group interviews; after which data saturation was reached; and open coding was employed to analyse data. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis; and consensus was reached on the results of the research. Results could be categorised into the following : a) opinions that the strategy is necessary but that it should be realistic; b) opinions that there are certain obstacles in the implementation of the strategy and c) suggestions for the implementation of the strategy. The recommendations refer back to the results and conclusions; namely that the latter two aspects describe a refined strategy with suggestions for the implementation of the strategy