Suchergebnisse

A series of immersion experiments has indicated that humans are able to absorb sufficient fresh water from sea water by reverse osmosis through their eccrine sweat glands to remain fully hydrated without drinking anything at all. This unique facility would have enabled our ancestors to survive periods of severe drought.

This article focuses on the interplay between metaphor and metonymy in the construction of organization theory. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the use of metaphor as a way of thinking and a way of being, and the specific metaphors that are produced through this process. It suggests that too much emphasis is often placed on metaphors as abstracted epistemological constructs rather than on understanding the more dynamic and changing role they play in the interactive modes of engagement through which people seek to grasp, concretize and act on their world. Developing the approach and ideas first presented in Images of Organization, this article suggests that a flexible use of metaphor can help us engage and understand the multidimensional and paradoxical nature of organizational life and help us to deal with the emerging issues shaping the contemporary socio-political–technological–organizational landscape. The article suggests that because most current approaches in social science are overly-focused on the study of abstracted metonymical constructs, they will have difficulty dealing with the multidimensional complexity we now face.

Purpose
– This paper has three main elements to it. The first is to present some of the epidemiological considerations of this situation. The second is to describe some of the risk factors and by extension, the interventions that might be helpful. Third, a case study on the Welsh situation will be described.


Design/methodology/approach
– This paper draws from the published literature and combines this with the professional experience of the author in Wales. Epidemiological calculations are presented using readily available data and summarised diagrammatically.


Findings
– Falls and fractures constitute a significant public health challenge due to the number of individuals affected and the seriousness of impacts. Risk factors, such as vitamin D deficiency, are open to modification and interventions such as exercise are also helpful. In Wales, policy could be geared to improving the response to this, such as an expansion of cost saving fracture liaison services.


Originality/value
– This paper draws together a diverse literature to help develop policy in Wales.

PurposeThis paper aims to report on a survey conducted within North Wales regarding the perceptions of older people on dignity in care issues in the services received.Design/methodology/approachThe North Wales Dignity in Care Forum did a survey, driven by the question: What one change today could make a difference to you tomorrow? National Health Service and local authority organisations participated in the survey. In total, 499 responses were received.FindingsSome key themes were identified, particularly relating to keeping independence, individual respect and personal care. National Health Service and local authority responses had some differences.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include an absence of demographic data, an open sampling frame, so a response rate was difficult to measure and an inability to validate or further explore issues raised. This survey shows the value of a rapid and simple method of collecting information from older people accessing services.Originality/valueThe findings of the North Wales survey may help in taking forward new models of working for older people, especially for the most vulnerable.

PurposeThis rapid assessment aims to focus on the perceptions of healthcare staff from Welsh Health Boards on the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was sent by email to key colleagues in each of the seven Health Boards. This was crucial for this rapid assessment and conferred the additional advantage of also allowing for correspondence to be undertaken. Anonymity was crucial to allow colleagues to score their returns honestly.FindingsOverall, the position was equivocal and the impact of the NSF was perceived as too difficult to assess. The most promising element of the NSF appeared to be a perception on the impact on joint health and social care working.Research limitations/implicationsA rapid assessment exercise, using existing networks that are built on trust, can yield valid and useful information which can help policy development.Practical implicationsThe NSF urgently needs to provide evidence of positive impact. The next stage, based on a focussed approach, offers an opportunity to progress this.Originality/valueFor the first time, a rapid assessment has been undertaken on the Welsh NSF. This inexpensive and readily achievable approach has advantages.