Implementation considerations for Big Data Analytics (BDA) : a benefit dependency network approach

The benefits of Big Data Analytics (BDA) are substantial in instances where organisations manage to successfully implement analytical capabilities. These benefits include improved, data driven decision-making, which can lead to deeper insight into business operations and as a result better performing organisations. Not surprisingly, an increased number of organisations are researching best implementation practices for BDA projects. Similar to software projects, research has shown that many BDA projects fail or do not deliver the business value as promised. To address this issue, the main objective of this research is to identify BDA implementation considerations for new BDA endeavors that will help organisations to align their BDA efforts with their overall business strategy to maximize business value. Based on a Benefit Dependency Network (BDN) model as main theoretical underpinning, a structured literature review was conducted focusing on investment objectives, business benefits, enabling changes and IT enablers when implementing BDA. A BDA implementation requires a holistic approach by considering aspects such as the skills of people which will have an impact on the structure of the organisation, business processes and technology changes to deliver benefits and investment objectives. Each of the domains of the BDN should be considered prior to BDA implementations. The research offers a guideline to organisations implementing BDA, based on the foundation of BDN.http://link.springer.combookseries/558hj2021Informatic

Innovative solutions to enhance safe and green environments for ageing well using co-design through Patient and Public Involvement.

Background: There is a need to develop innovative solutions to enhance safe and green physical environments, which optimise health, wellbeing and community participation among older adults. In order to develop solutions that meet the needs of a diverse ageing population, an interdisciplinary approach is needed. Our aim was to identify the needs of older people in relation to ageing well in the environment by bringing together knowledge from different perspectives using Patient and Public Involvement. Methods: An international consortium (Retrofit living For ageing well through Understanding and Redesign of Built environments consortium: ReFURB) was established in April 2018, including ten core members, to (i) explore cutting-edge solutions to safe living for ageing populations and (ii) develop innovative approaches to everyday physical environments, which bring about health benefits. We used a co-design, interdisciplinary framework involving older adults, carers, physiotherapists, geriatricians, engineers, human movement experts, geographers and psychologists from the UK and Australia. This engaged people in a one day workshop that comprised a series of presentations from international speakers on urban design, social connectedness, hazards and injury prevention, and the physical environment. Small group discussions (facilitated by consortium members) followed presentations to consider the opportunities, challenges and barriers encountered with ageing, which included the use of creative engagement activities (LEGO® Serious Play, mind maps, poster gallery walk), to help participants share personal stories and reflect on the issues raised. Thematic coding was used to synthesise the outputs of the small group work. Results: Five themes were identified across the workshops, comprising: access and transport; involvement of the whole community; restoration rather than redesign; assistive and digital technology; and intergenerational approaches. These dimensions related to the physical, social and nature-based qualities of everyday environments, as they pertain to ageing well. Conclusions: Co-design was a valuable tool that helped understand the perceptions of participants and essential to develop effective interventions and solutions. Participants highlighted several issues affecting people as they age and key environmental considerations to promote wellbeing, activity, and participation. The consortium identified gaps in the existing evidence base and are now planning activities to further develop research ideas in collaboration with our co-design participants

Qualidade de vida e fatores associados em idosos de um Centro de Referência à Pessoa Idosa

Resumo Estudos têm avaliado a qualidade de vida (QV) em grupos diversos, entretanto, relatos em usuários de Centro de Referência à Pessoa Idosa são escassos. A pesquisa visou identificar fatores associados à boa QV de idosos de um Centro de Referência, em Belo Horizonte, MG. Estudo transversal com 257 idosos, usuários do Centro de Referência. Adotou-se o instrumento World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment versão breve (WHOQOL-bref) para avaliação da QV dos idosos. A análise foi racionalizada por meio da definição de dois grupos em relação à percepção da QV e satisfação com a saúde. Análise de regressão logística foi realizada para avaliar a direção e a magnitude das associações de cada variável independente com a QV. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria (63,4%) dos idosos consideravam sua QV boa e encontravam-se satisfeitos com sua saúde. O domínio ambiental obteve pior escore (média = 14,4). Idade avançada, ser natural do interior de MG, atividade física, diabetes melito, doenças osteomusculares, hipertensão arterial e depressão permaneceram independentemente associados à QV e à satisfação com a saúde após ajuste do modelo. Os dados obtidos permitem orientar estratégias de cuidado aos idosos mais vulneráveis, com especial atenção às questões que interferem no meio ambiente