Introduction. This study utilized a systematic method to identify and to categorize practitioner perspectives related to neurofeedback therapy (NFT) for mental health and physiological disorders. We offer the identified themes for utilization in future research on practitioner variables influencing process and outcome variables, which adds to our knowledge and understanding of NFT.Method. Seventy-one practitioners completed online surveys gathering demographic information and responses to open-ended questions about advantages, disadvantages, practitioner characteristics, and essential components of NFT. We utilized Loftland and Loftland's (1984) systematic filing system and Berg's (2004) themes to concepts to analyze our data set, which allowed us to combine similar themes into categorical frameworks.Results. Our results provided five conceptual frameworks: advantages (84 concepts within 6 categories), disadvantages (53 concepts within 5 categories), knowledge (29 concepts in 4 categories), skills (35 concepts within 3 categories), and traits (36 concepts in 5 categories).Conclusion. An extensive number of themes revolved around three major findings. The first finding reported the ongoing NFT effectiveness of improving health conditions through symptom reduction and enhancing quality of life. The second finding emphasized an extensive practitioner commitment to overcoming the complexity of NFT. The final major finding described dissemination and financial issues related to NFT. Within this study, we expand on these issues and discuss the implication for future research and practice. We do not offer the findings within this study as a comprehensive list; rather, we offer this as a potential starting point for expanding the research of variables related to NFT.
BACKGROUND: Although individual placement and support (IPS) is established as an evidence-based model of supported employment, opportunities for improvements abound. Front-line supported employment practitioners are uniquely positioned to provide feedback on implementation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates IPS from a practitioner perspective to illuminate themes in practitioner endorsement, advantages, disadvantages, growth opportunities, ideal practitioner characteristics, sequence of services and methods for promoting self-determination. METHODS: Sixty-seven employment practitioners completed an open-ended survey about IPS implementation. Qualitative results were analyzed using Lofland and Lofland's (1984) systematic filing system and Berg's (2004) themes to combine similar items into categorical frameworks. RESULTS: Three conceptual frameworks are described: Program, Practitioner Characteristics and Practitioner Essential Tasks. Despite general endorsement of IPS, many complexities are discussed. Practitioners emphasized the importance of interpersonal skills in establishing rapport, promoting hope and encouraging self-determination. Highly organized, persistent practitioners who balance client and business needs are seen as most effective. CONCLUSIONS: We offer these frameworks for utilization by IPS practitioners, researchers and stakeholders for the purposes of program development and organizational decision-making.
Our findings indicated incentives for employment may provide a better guide for correlations of and commitment to employment when compared to barriers. We discuss the implications for employment for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
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