Gina Domínguez Armengol graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Barcelona in 2018 and later completed a Master’s in Global Health Research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2021. She gained experience working in public health at the Epidemiological Surveillance Service of the Barcelonés Nord i Maresme region. Currently, she serves as a research technician at IDIAP Jordi Gol in Girona, where, in addition to participating in research projects, she is also involved in coordinating the implementation of projects related to cardiovascular health, such as the HELENA Project (a cardiovascular disease prevention program based on risk screening with the Ankle-Brachial Index).

What was the purpose of your visit?

We are currently developing a shared decision-making tool (HATDC) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as part of the HELENA Project. We are in the initial phase of exploring the needs of people with PAD and from the perspective of healthcare professionals. The purpose of the visit was to conduct a preliminary thematic qualitative analysis of the interviews and to determine how to translate this information for the development of the HATDC. Additionally, we aimed to define the publications that could arise from this initial phase.

Why did you choose SESCS?

I chose SESCS because we were already collaborating on the HELENA-HATDC project due to the group’s expertise in the development of HATDC and patient-centered research, as well as their extensive experience with qualitative research studies.

How will the activities conducted in collaboration with SESCS be useful in your current professional work?

The activities we carried out in recent days with the SESCS group, particularly with Analía Abt Sacks, will equip me with the necessary skills to conduct a thematic analysis during this initial phase of the HELENA-HATDC Project. Additionally, it will boost my confidence and experience in this type of analysis, allowing me to apply it to other qualitative projects my team is developing. Furthermore, the insights provided by my expert colleagues in HATDC development will be crucial in advancing this project.

Were your expectations met during this visit?

Absolutely. Besides giving me a clear understanding of how to conduct the study and develop the HATDC, they also prompted me to reflect on certain aspects of the project design. This includes identifying areas where we need to gather more information or considering additional studies, such as the cost-effectiveness analysis of the HATDC. These reflections are key to developing this project and ensuring its quality.

Comments or suggestions:

I want to express how much I enjoyed my time at SESCS. It has been a true pleasure to meet almost the entire team. I felt incredibly welcomed and enjoyed every moment of my stay. I want to extend a special thanks to Analía for her dedication over these past days. Thank you for answering all my questions and for motivating me to reflect and acquire new knowledge. Your support has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate it.