A Personal Construct Psychology based investigation into a Product Service System for renting pushchairs to consumers

This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Maurizio Catulli and Nick Reed, ‘A Personal Construct Psychology Based Investigation Into a Product Service System for Renting Pushchairs to Consumers’, Business Strategy and the Environment, Vol. 26(5): 656-671, February 2017, which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1002/bse.1944. Under embargo. Embargo end date: 1 February 2019. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.This paper explores how consumers construe a Product Service System (PSS) for the supply of pushchairs. A PSS is a system of products, services, networks of actors and supporting infrastructure designed to be more sustainable than traditional business models. PSS face an implementation challenge in consumer markets and this case based research explores some reasons for this. The study applies Personal Construct Psychology (in particular, Repertory Grid Technique) which has not previously been used in relation to researching PSS. Results suggest that PSS might be difficult to implement in relation to pushchairs. Renting pre-used equipment may meet resistance because of a perceived risk that acquisition by this means might endanger infants. Participants in the study construed buying new products from specialist infant product shops as being the best way of acquiring them. Accordingly PSS providers may, for instance, have to implement certified quality assurance processes in order to reassure consumers.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Exploring students' experience of training for counselling skills and the impact on practice

Aim The aim of this study was to explore participants’ experience of an accredited counselling skills course and their perception of its impact on practice. Design A qualitative design was used utilizing a mixed-method approach. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and the repertory-grid technique. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis (interviews) and the repertory grids were analysed qualitatively using a four-stage procedure. Sample A convenience sample of six healthcare professionals undertaking a counselling skills course completed both interviews. Results The biggest impact of the course was in the area of selfawareness and skill development. The development of attentive listening, both in terms of objective and subjective findings, was evident. Students perceived that personal qualities, such as warmth and caring, were essential. All participants identified that the group were supportive and that this enhanced learning. The students changed their practice by improving their skills, increasing their awareness and by developing deeper therapeutic relationships with patients and their carers. Conclusion This research adds to the body of knowledge in palliative care. It identifies key elements in the learning of counselling skills and recognizes the impact of these skills on improving the care of palliative care patients and families

Cortisol, DHEAS and aging: Resistance to cortisol suppression in frail institutionalized elderly

Convincing evidences has linked the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HIPA) axis to aging patterns. F excess is implicated in the development of frailty characteristics whereas DHEAS is positively correlated to successful aging. We compared serum F and DHEAS levels of independent community-living (successful group, 19 M and 28 F, 69 to 87 yr) with those of institutionalized elderly (frail group, 20 M and 30 F, 65 to 95 yr). Serum F was determined at 1) baseline (08:00 h, 16:00 h and 23:00 h), 2) after 2 overnight dexamethasone (DEX) suppression tests (DST, using 0.25 and 1.0 mg doses), and 3) 60 min after ACTH stimulation (250 mug i.v. bolus); serum DHEAS was determined at 08:00 h. Basal serum F at 08:00 h, 16:00 h and 23:00 h and serum DHEAS levels were similar in both groups; however F: DHEAS ratio at 08:00 h was higher in the frail, compared to the successful group (mean+/-SD: 0.55+/-0.53 and 0.35+/-0.41, respectively; p=0.04). In response to DST, F suppression was less effective in frail elderly after either 0.25 or 1.0 mg doses (9.0+/-6.0 and 2.0+/-0.9 mug/dl), as compared to the successful group (5.8+/-4.4 and 1.5+/-0.5 mug/dl) (p=0.01). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between post-DEX F levels (both doses) and parameters of cognitive and physical frailty. Normal and similar F levels were observed after ACTH stimulation in both groups. Our data suggest a deficient feedback regulation of the HPA axis in frail institutionalized elderly, as demonstrated by a higher set point for F suppression. This augmented HPA tonus enforces the hypothesis that even milder F excess may be related to characteristics of frailty in the elderly. ((C))2003, Editrice Kurtis.Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Geriatr, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Geriatr, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc