Health-Related Quality of Life for individuals with hepatitis C: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND The assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in hepatitis C (HCV) infected individuals continues to gain importance. However, rarely do reviews of this literature consider quantitative and qualitative accounts of HRQoL collectively, which only allows partial insight into the topic. This narrative review aims to address this gap in the literature. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using seven databases with two separate search strategies, and results assessed for eligibility using specific inclusion/exclusion criteria; a data extraction sheet was used to identify the dominant themes for each research paradigm which were then distilled to key findings to construct the narrative. RESULTS Quantitative investigation reveals a low HRQoL in individuals with HCV due to a complex multifactorial cause. During treatment for HCV, a further transient reduction is observed, followed by improvement if a sustained virological response is achieved. Qualitative data provide a recognisable voice to the everyday challenges experienced by individuals with HCV including insights into diagnosis and stigmatisation, contextualising how a reduced HRQoL is experienced day-to-day. Methodological limitations of these findings are then discussed. Much of the quantitative data has little relevance to current substance users as they are excluded from most trials, and appraisal of the qualitative literature reveals a marked difference in the lived experience of HCV infected current substance users and that of other HCV groups. CONCLUSION Concurrent analysis of quantitative and qualitative paradigms provides a deeper understanding of the true burden of HCV illness on HRQoL. Greater utilisation of qualitative research within international clinical guidelines is likely to be of benefit in identifying relevant HRQoL outcomes for substance users.

The development of entrepreneurial culture in a transition economy: an empirical model discussion.

This conceptual paper will focus on the presentation of the model developed from empirical, qualitative research covering 20 years of analysis on the relationship between culture and entrepreneurship in Poland. It is aimed at proposing a comprehensive framework that describes the development of entrepreneurial culture. In this empirical model culture is understood as a set of values and beliefs held by a social group that endorse and are conducive to entrepreneurial behaviour; while entrepreneurial behaviour is treated as an expected outcome and narrowed down to opening the company. The model proves that the differentiation between entrepreneurship (behaviour) and entrepreneurs (who demonstrate this behaviour) needs to be recognised in future research. The case of Poland offers a historical example, which can shed more light on the process of cultural change and the role of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in the development of entrepreneurial culture. In the case presented, the behaviour of entrepreneurs has been identified as the key factor leading to further development.