Allied Health Professionals’ Involvement in the COVID-19 Vaccination Response: A cross-sectional online survey

ObjectivesA multidisciplinary approach is associated with improved survival of paediatric oncology patients.1 The national service specification for children’s cancer services recognises the need for specialist allied health professionals (AHPs) but...

To explore if there is a relationship between allied health professionals' confidence to perform a range of evidence-based practice (EBP) activities and the time since they graduated from their entry-level degree and the presence of postgraduate qualifications. Cross-sectional survey. Allied health professionals from two Australian public metropolitan health services, including acute, subacute, and community settings. Sample of 288 (n=288) allied health professionals from the disciplines of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics/nutrition, and other. Cross-sectional survey including 12 questions measuring respondents' confidence to conduct a range of EBP activities. Allied health professionals begin to lose confidence related to EBP activities within the first 5years of clinical practice, particularly for those activities involving critical analysis of published studies. Respondents with postgraduate qualifications were more likely to report greater confidence with EBP activities, suggesting that higher level qualifications protect against the effect of degradation of EBP skills and confidence over time. Allied health professionals' confidence to perform EBP activities degrades over time, particularly for those individuals with no postgraduate qualifications. Registration and accreditation bodies along with allied health professional employers should explore potential strategies to preserve and enhance EBP skills, confidence, and behaviours.

Communication partner training delivered face-to-face and via telepractice with health professionals, health professional students and people with aphasia

IBS17.01 Undertaking Nursing and Allied Health Research — How to Survive It and Get Published

This study aimed to assess final-year students in speech and language therapy (SLT), physiotherapy and rehabilitation (PT), and occupational therapy (OT) programs on their perceptions of teamwork in neurological rehabilitation, specifically focusing on the role of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the team. The study involved 166 final-year undergraduate students in SLT, PT, and OT programs. A questionnaire consisting of demographics, assessing the participants' experiences and opinions of neurological rehabilitation teams, and exploring the specific role of SLTs with neurological patients provided study data. In this study, the student group that worked the most with neurologically diagnosed patients was found to be PT (%98), followed by SLT (%90.9), and OT (%78.6) students, respectively. The participants were aware of the advantages and disadvantages of teamwork. SLT and OT students emphasized the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team approach in neurological rehabilitation. Most of the participants indicated utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach. They knew the role of SLTs in treating disorders like aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysphagia, but their awareness of other practice areas of SLT was limited. A fundamental aspect of effective teamwork in neurological rehabilitation is understanding the role and contributions of different healthcare professions. It would be beneficial to provide students with further opportunities to gain valuable insights into the significance of teamwork and team members' roles, particularly during their final year of study. What is already known on the subject Providing high-quality and effective neurological rehabilitation services to maximize the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities is only possible by working as a team. In all team-based approaches to neurological rehabilitation, a range of health professionals, including physicians, nurses, speech and language therapists (SLTs), physiotherapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), audiologists, psychologists, and dieticians, are required. It is essential that health professionals possess an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals to facilitate effective teamwork. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study evaluated the knowledge of final-year students enrolled in the SLT, PT, and OT programs regarding teamwork in neurological rehabilitation. In particular, the study focused on the role of SLTs within the neurological rehabilitation team in Türkiye, where speech and language therapy (SLT) education has been provided at the undergraduate level for 12 years. What are the clinical implications of this work? The findings of this study provide a robust basis for advancing interprofessional education at the undergraduate level and suggest developing communication, leadership, and collaboration skills in healthcare students through theoretical and practical courses. These skills can significantly increase the impact of teamwork on patients, particularly in Türkiye.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has harshly burdened the healthcare systems. Health care workers (HCWs) are at substantial risk of infection and confronted several stressors as well leading them to experience burnout. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese health HCWs and to identify its associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted between the first of November and the end of December 2020 among Lebanese HCWs working in all active hospitals operating across the country. Data were collected using an Arabic, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire comprising four sections: (a) basic sociodemographic characteristics, (b) exposure to COVID-19 covariates, (c) occupational factors, and (d) the measurements including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). CBI subscale cut-off score of 50 was used to assess the prevalence of burnout among HCWs. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with the different aspects of burnout.ResultsOut of the 1751 respondents, personal burnout (PB) was detected in its moderate and high-level aspects among 86.3% of Lebanese HCWs. Moderate and high levels of work-related burnout (WB), and client-related burnout (CB) hit 79.2% and 83.3% of HCWs, respectively. HCWs who were females, married, physicians, having a poor health status and specific living conditions (dependent child, elderly at home, family member with comorbidities, and a low income) were more likely to exhibit a high level of PB compared to no/low burnout level. Moreover, frontline HCWs, those infected by COVID-19 or those having a colleague infected by COVID-19, and those exhibiting a high perception of threat were more prone to experience a high-level PB rather than a low/no burnout. Working in a public hospital, extensive working hours, and insufficient sleeping hours were also found positively associated with high PB. However, older age and altruism were negatively associated with high PB compared to no/low PB among HCWs. As for WB, similar factors were found either positively or negatively associated with a high level of WB except health status and living conditions factors (dependent child or family member). As for CB, older age of HCWs (> 30 years) and altruism were negatively associated with high CB compared to no/low burnout level. However, working in the frontline, high threat perception, extensive working hours, insufficient sleeping hours, and low income were positively associated with high CB among HCWs compared to no/low burnout.ConclusionThe prevalence of burnout among Lebanese HCWs during the pandemic was significant and alarming. Enacting and implementing preventive policies and effective interventions are urgently needed to cultivate wellness among HCWs.

Needle-stick or sharp injuries (NSIs) are critical occupational hazards for healthcare workers. Exposure to blood and body fluids through NSIs increases the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens among them. The objectives of this study were to estimate the annual incidence of NSIs and investigate the associated factors of NSIs among the healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and November 2021. A total of 361 healthcare workers participated in the survey from all over Saudi Arabia. The one-year incidence of at least one event of NSIs among the healthcare workers is estimated at 22.2% (95% CI: 18.0, 26.8). More than half of the injury events (53.8%) were not reported to the authority by the healthcare workers. Incidence of NSIs was highest among the physicians (36%) and was followed by nurses (34.8%), dentists (29.2%), and medical technologists (21.1%). The odds of NSIs was higher among the healthcare workers aged 26–30 years compared to the 20–25 years age group (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.04, 6.03), as well as among the workers who directly dealt with needles or other sharp objects while working compared to those who did not (OR: 5.9; 95% CI: 2.69, 12.97). The high incidence and low rate of reporting of NSIs highlights the need of education and awareness raising programs targeting healthcare providers with higher risk of injury.

Cancer pain is a prevalent and debilitating symptom that impacts quality of life. Pain management remains challenging; however, due to various barriers, including stigma associated with opioid use, ambiguous roles of clinicians, and diverse attitudes toward pain management among healthcare professionals, patients, and carers. To explore the attitudes surrounding cancer pain among patients, carers, and health professionals at a tertiary cancer hospital. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The survey included demographic measures and statements assessing attitudes toward cancer pain management. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS 29. Ethics approval was granted by the Peter MacCallum HREC. 308 participants (153 patients and carers, 155 health professionals) completed the survey. The results revealed significant variability in attitudes surrounding cancer pain and its management. Discrepancies in understanding between health professionals and patients/carers were observed. Differing views on the goals of pain management were revealed, with 51.6% of patients/carers expecting pain elimination compared to 20.6% of health professionals. The roles of clinicians in pain management were also perceived differently, highlighting a lack of clarity in responsibilities. Both groups emphasized the need for increased education on cancer pain and its management. The study revealed substantial variability in attitudes toward cancer pain management among patients, carers, and health professionals. Discrepancies emerged in understanding, with many patients and carers uncertain about the nature of cancer pain, contrasting with health professionals' recognition of its complexity. The terminology distinguishing "cancer pain" from "non-cancer pain" may contribute to this confusion, suggesting a need to reconsider these semantics. Divergent views on clinician roles and opioid use underscored uncertainties, especially regarding specialist access and prescribing practices. Both groups emphasized the need for education to bridge these gaps, with clearer communication and revised guidelines potentially improving patient outcomes.

Objective The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to high-quality clinical supervision of the allied health workforce in rural and remote settings. Methods This quantitative study was part of a broader project that used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Participants were 159 allied health professionals from two Australian states. Quantitative data were collected using an online customised survey and the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26). Data were analysed using regression analyses. Results Supervisee's work setting and choice of supervisor were found to have a positive and significant influence on clinical supervision quality. Supervisee profession and time in work role were found to have a negative and significant influence on the quality of clinical supervision. Conclusions High-quality clinical supervision is essential to achieve quality and safety of health care, as well as to support the health workforce. Information on high-quality clinical supervision identified in this study can be applied to clinical supervision practices in rural and remote settings, and to professional support policies and training to enhance the quality of supervision. What is known about the topic? There is mounting evidence on the benefits of clinical supervision to health professionals, organisations and patients. Clinical supervision enhances recruitment and retention of the health workforce. However, there are still gaps regarding the factors that contribute to high-quality clinical supervision, especially for rural and remote health professionals. What does this paper add? This study, the first of its kind, recruited rural and remote health professionals from seven allied health disciplines across two Australian states. It investigated the factors that influence high-quality clinical supervision in this under-resourced group. This paper outlines specific factors that contribute to clinical supervision quality for rural and remote allied health professionals. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective and high-quality clinical supervision of the rural and remote allied health workforce can enhance recruitment and retention in those areas. Healthcare organisations can facilitate effective clinical supervision delivery by using the evidence gathered in this study in clinical supervision policy, training and practice.

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are experiencing tremendous levels of emotional and physical stress. Hospitals are trying to help personnel cope with work-related pressure. The aim of this study was to assess HCWs' awareness and utilization of counseling and support services during the pandemic, HCWs' unmet counseling and support needs, and the type and content of these services. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to June 2021 through the German national research organization Network University Medicine (NUM). All participating hospitals (6 in total) were asked to inform their employees about the study. A total of 1,495 HCWs were included in the analysis. Of these, 42.8% (n = 637) were frontline HCWs (who had contact with COVID-19 patients), 23.1% (n = 344) were second-line HCWs (who only had contact with non-COVID-19 patients) and 34.1% (n = 508) had no contact with any patients. Participating hospitals offer various counseling and support services for their staff. The percentage of respondents who were unaware of available counseling and support services ranged from 5.0 to 42.0%. Depending on the type of counseling and support services, 23.0-53.6% of the respondents indicated that counseling and support services were provided but not used, while 1.7-11.6% indicated that, despite the need for them, such services were not available. HCWs' overall satisfaction with the provided counseling and support services and their unmet support needs differed by patient contact: Frontline HCWs reported more unmet needs for counseling and support than second-line HCWs, while second-line HCWs reported more unmet needs than HCWs without patient contact. The results indicate that hospitals should make more efforts to inform HCWs about available counseling and support services. Hospitals could also create networks where HCWs could share information about the type and content of services and their experiences with various counseling and support services. These steps would enable hospitals to respond more quickly and effectively to the problems facing HCWs during pandemics.

Aerosol generating procedures, dysphagia assessment and COVID-19: A rapid review.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a serious concern among the global medical community and has resulted in an unprecedented psychological impact on health care workers, who were already working under stressful conditions.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate and measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety levels and sleep quality among health care workers in India, as well as to determine how the unavailability of personal protective equipment affects their willingness to provide patient-related care.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional study using piloted, structured questionnaires with self-reported responses from 368 volunteer male and female health care workers in India. Study participants were identified through social networking platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The survey evaluated the participants’ degree of signs and symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality based on the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and single-item Sleep Quality Scale, respectively. Information on the availability of personal protective equipment was collected based on responses to relevant survey questions.ResultsThe majority of health care workers (126/368, 34.2%) were in the age group 45-60 years, and 52.2% (192/368) were doctors. Severe anxiety (ie, GAD-7 score >10) was observed among 7.3% (27/368) health care workers, whereas moderate, mild, and minimal anxiety was observed among 12.5% (46/368), 29.3% (108/368), and 50.8% (187/368) health care workers, respectively. Moreover, 31.5% (116/368) of the health care workers had poor-to-fair sleep quality (ie, scores <6). Univariate analysis showed female gender and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment was significantly associated with higher anxiety levels (P=.01 for both). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with age <30 years (P=.04) and inadequate personal protective equipment (P<.001). Multivariable analysis showed that poorer quality of sleep was associated with higher anxiety levels (P<.001).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has potentially caused significant levels of anxiety and sleep disturbances among health care workers, particularly associated with the female gender, younger age group, and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment. These factors put health care workers at constant risk of contracting the infection themselves or transmitting it to their families. Early identification of at-risk health care workers and implementation of situation-tailored mitigation measures could help alleviate the risk of long-term, serious psychological sequelae as well as reduce current anxiety levels among health care workers.

Is Occupational Therapy Adequately Meeting the Needs of People With Chronic Pain?

To describe: (1) the type and frequency of interventions undertaken by regional cancer specialist Allied Health Professionals (AHPs); and (2) regional generalist AHPs' exposure and confidence in undertaking these interventions. Multiphase, observational study including a prospective study and a cross-sectional survey. Two regional Queensland Hospitals. Cancer specialist AHPs (n=13 in a prospective study; n=7 in a cross-sectional survey) and generalist AHPs (n=36 in a cross-sectional survey), across six disciplines from two regional hospitals and cancer services. Phase 1: Frequency of cancer care AHP occasions of service and interventions. Phase 2: Current practice in cancer care AHP interventions; confidence; access to training, professional development and mentorship; barriers to working in cancer care, among cancer care and generalist AHPs. Over 10-months, cancer care AHPs collectively delivered 12 393 interventions across 8850 occasions of service. Only four cancer care interventions were exclusively or predominantly carried out by cancer care AHPs-laryngectomy pre-operative counselling, laryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy management (speech pathology) and lymphoedema management (physiotherapy). Generalist AHPs reported slightly lower confidence across all tasks if asked to carry out known interventions in a cancer setting compared with familiar settings. The primary perceived barrier to working in cancer care was lack of skills/experience/training reported by most CC AHPs, generalist Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists, but not other generalist AHPs. There was a significant overlap in interventions undertaken in the cancer care and generalist setting for AHPs. Appropriate on-boarding to contextualise interventions to cancer care is recommended to overcome reported lower confidence.

Purpose and relevance. Clinical Governance (CG) has been a major ‘change’ initiative for facilitating quality accountability in health care. Responsibilities of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) within CG have included the application of evidence into practice, risk management, audit, team‐ship and an engagement in the learning underpinning quality‐based care. The purpose of this study was to enlighten change management processes concerning the implementation of CG within AHP practice through: 1) examining the current ‘context of change’ surrounding AHPs and CG; and 2) determining the factors influencing AHP engagement in CG. Methods. A CG questionnaire was devised, peer‐reviewed and piloted in Wales. Subsequently a national survey of 3901 AHPs from 16 Scottish Trusts was undertaken. The sample consisted of a representative grouping of the six largest disciplines (Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy and Podiatry). Analysis. Responses from 1714 participants (RR = 44%) were analysed (SPSS, Version 12). Content Analysis was undertaken on the textural data, analysis of variance to compare responses and Multiple Regression to predict the factors influencing AHP engagement in CG. Results. While AHPs were positive about and partially involved in CG, they did not have the appropriate skill, attitude or support to fully engage or take leadership roles in CG. AHPs experienced barriers to instigating change in practice, sharing and putting evidence into practice and to engaging in CG. Differences in perceptions of CG support and attitudes existed between the professions and grades. Certain professions felt significantly more positive and supported in their practice of CG than others. Levels of engagement, awareness, skill, attitude and perceptions of support for CG increased with grade. Part‐timers and newly qualified AHPs were less aware of CG than their full‐time or longer‐qualified AHP colleagues. Five predictors of engagement in CG were found: 1) perception of support for CG; 2) values and belief towards CG; 3) knowledge and skill in CG; 4) grade; and 5) hours of service. Conclusion. A multifaceted ‘change management’ approach, which would increase levels of CG knowledge and skill, provide support and enable positive attitudinal change among AHPs, would be the most successful strategy to facilitate future engagement of Scottish AHPs in CG. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.