Core competencies and qualifications of health sciences school managers: a multi-method qualitative study.

Natural disasters and crises persistently affect human societies, often resulting in substantial loss of life and property. A major challenge during such events is the rapid and efficient distribution of relief goods to affected populations. This study aims to develop a Relief Goods Distribution Conceptual Framework (RGDCF) during disasters in Iran. This study was conducted in four phases. In the first phase, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify challenges in the distribution of relief goods and strategies for improvement. The second phase involved semi-structured interviews with national experts and stakeholders to examine the characteristics and requirements of an appropriate distribution framework for relief goods. In the third phase, drawing on the findings from the previous phases and expert panel discussions, an initial RGDCF was developed. Finally, in the fourth phase, the Delphi technique was employed to validate the proposed framework. A review of 18 studies identified key challenges in the distribution of relief goods, including lack of coordination among responsible authorities, needs assessment problems, damage to infrastructure, financial challenges and management of public donations, lack of local community participation, weakness in disaster preparedness, and shortage of trained personnel. The RGDCF was developed, based on four core principles: pre-disaster preparedness, unified command and management, intersectoral coordination, and community engagement, with 15 operational requirements aimed at improving distribution efficiency and equity. The developed framework received an acceptable score in terms of its feasibility, alignment with higher-level documents, stakeholder acceptance, and flexibility. The RGDCF offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges in relief goods distribution, ensuring more efficient and equitable humanitarian response. Its feasibility, alignment with existing policies, and stakeholder acceptance highlight its potential for practical implementation, as well as providing a structured basis for monitoring, evaluating, and improving relief operations in disaster management.

Measuring Return on Investment of an Intensive Faculty Development Program in Medical Education

The aim of this paper is the investigation of the presence of women Faculty Members (w.F.M.) in the academic field of the University of Patras and the detection of their views on their choice of the academic profession and on the difficulties they face in it. 20 women, belonging to the three highest levels, participated in the research, which was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The main results showed that: 1) the presence of w.F.M. is concentrated mainly in the Schools of the Humanities and the Social Sciences and in the School of Health Sciences; 2) the entrance of the w.F.M. into the academic field did not constitute their original professional objective; 3) the difficulties they face in their professional career progress in the academic field are centered on the conflict between their traditional social role and their professional role and the difficulties involved in accumulating scientific capital.

Authors: Rawat,H ;Petzer, S.L. ;Gurayah,T. Ethical Clearance Number: HSS/0199/018H Affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Introduction:Literature regarding the psychosocial sequelae of substance abuse is largely androcentric and limited regarding the negative effects on women's functioning. This study aims to explore the effects of substance abuse on the roles and occupations of women. Methods:This phenomenological qualitative study utilized a purposive snowball sampling strategy to recruit women with a history of substance abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants. Findings:Six main themes emerged. The themes alluded to the participants' neglect of self-care, sleep, and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) responsibilities. They were socially isolated, and their work lives suffered because of their substance abuse. Conclusion:The study concluded that substance abuse negatively affects a woman's ability to engage in her daily occupations and unique roles. Inadequate self-care, debt, neglect of child-rearing roles and work underperformance were some consequences of their abuse. However, it was found that the adoption of new roles associated with advocacy and altruism facilitated the recovery process. The findings can be used to create gender specific interventions for women with substance use disorders.

This study explored the perceptions of academic stress among selected second-year undergraduate students at Bugema University, focusing on the sources of stress, its manifestation in academic lives, and the coping mechanisms employed by students. A phenomenological approach was used, with 15 students purposively selected from the School of Business and Economics, the School of Education and Humanities, and the School of Health Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that academic stress at Bugema University was influenced by factors such as academic demands, financial challenges, interpersonal issues, and program-specific stressors. The impact of stress manifests in mental health challenges, decreased academic performance, and social withdrawal. Students adopted a range of coping mechanisms, including problem-focused strategies, emotional support, and avoidance behaviours. However, maladaptive coping strategies were found to exacerbate stress. The study recommended that universities, particularly Bugema University, implement more comprehensive support systems, including time management workshops, mental health services, and mentorship programs to address students’ academic and emotional needs. The study also suggested providing financial aid and promoting positive faculty-student relationships to reduce academic stress. Future research could expand to a larger sample and explore different academic years or universities to better understand the broader implications of academic stress in higher education

Objective To establish the core competence framework for surgical nurses of traditional Chinese medicine （ TCM） and to promote its development .Methods The study was conducted by a two-round Delphi method based on literature review and semi-structured interview , and finally the indexes were established.Results There were two rounds of Delphi consultation and 24 experts were involved .The effective rate of questionnaire was 100%.The creditability value was 0.896, and the P value of coordination coefficient test was less than 0.01.The framework of the core competence contained 5 primary indexes and 25 secondary indexes , including clinical nursing practice , education advisory capacity , research capacity , management ability and practical ability in legal ethics .Conclusions The framework of the core competence for surgical nurses of TCM is a highly scientific and reasonable index system .It also can provide a theoretical basis for the selection , training and evaluation of surgical nurses of TCM . Key words: Nurses; Core competence; Delphi method; Surgical of traditional Chinese medicine

Background: Telemedicine has been practiced since 1960. The objective of telemedicine was to establish feasible interactive telecommunication for medical diagnosis and treatment of patients at remote sites. Nowadays, with healthcare costs on the rise, telemedicine is increasing­ly being seen as a strategy for healthcare organizations to make cost-saving. This study aimed to explore the opportunity of telemedicine utilization in cost savings to patients and the health care system. Subjects and Method : A systematic review was conducted by searching the published articles from Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases. Keywords for this study were “telemedicine” AND “patient saticfaction”, “telemedicine” AND “cost-utility and cost-effective­ness”, “tele­medicine” AND “systematic review”, and “telemedicine” AND “meta analysis” . The data were analyzed by PRISMA flow diagram. Results: 8 articles were selected for this study. These studies reported that telemedicine utiliza­tion in dermatology, radiology, pediatrics, and intensive care unit (ICU) rooms reduced health cost by 56% and patients travel cost to health care by 94%. Telemedicine advantages for patients were reduced transportation time or cost, eliminated time off of work, on-demand option, and reduced time in the waiting room, so that it can increase patient’s satisfaction. A study reported that telemedicine utilization at the pediatrics department increased hospital’s revenue by USD 101,744 per year. Conclusion: Telemedicine is an alternative health care to generate cost savings for patient and hospital and it can increase patient’s satisfaction. Keywords: Telemedicine, cost effectiveness, patient satisfaction Correspondence: Joko Tri Atmojo. School of Health Sciences Mamba'ul 'Ulum, Surakarta, Jl. Ring Road Utara, Tawangsari, Mojosongo, Jebres, Surakarta, Central Java. Email: jokotriatmojo1@gmail.com. Mobile: 08139331900 Journal of Health Policy and Management (2020), 5(2): 103-107 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpm.2020.05.02.02

Background: Maintaining hospital quality is the most important thing to consider in hospital service indicators. Patient satisfaction is one of the important factors in maintaining hospital quality. This study aimed to analyzed the associated between hospital administration with patient satisfaction. Subjects and Method: This study is a meta-analysis with PICO, population: patients. Intervention: good hospital administration. Comparison: poor hospital administration. Outcome: patients’ satisfaction. The articles used in this study were obtained from three databases, namely Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Science Direct. Keywords to search for articles are “Hospital Administration” OR “Good Administration” OR “Hospital Services” AND “Patient Satisfaction” OR “Satisfaction” AND “Multivariate”. Articles included are full-text English from 2009 to 2021. Articles were selected using a PRISMA flow diagram. Articles were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 application. Results: A total of 7 cross-sectional study articles from Asia (China), Europe (Germany), and Africa (Ethiophia) were reviewed in the meta-analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that good hospital administration has the possibility to increase patient satisfaction 3.58 times compared with poor hospital administration (aOR= 3.58; 95% CI= 2.36 to 5.42; p<0.001) and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Hospital administration associated with patients statisfaction. Keywords: hospital, hospital administration, patient statisfaction, inpatients. Correspondence: Siti Maesaroh. School of Health Sciences Mamba’ul Ulum Surakarta. Jl. Ringroad Utara, Mojosongo, Jebres, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: maesarohsiti70@gmail.com. Mobile: +62 813-9386-7942. Journal of Health Policy and Management (2022), 07(03): 227-334 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpm.2022.07.03.07

Primary brain tumors are among the top ten causes of cancer-related deaths in the US. Malignant gliomas account for approximately 70% of the 22,500 new cases of malignant primary brain tumors diagnosed in adults each year and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite optimal treatment, the prognosis for patients with gliomas remains poor. The use of retinoids (vitamin A and its congeners) in the treatment of certain tumors was originally based on the assumption that these conditions were associated with an underlying deficiency of vitamin A and that supplementation with pharmacological doses would correct the deficiency. Yet the results of retinoid treatment have been only modestly beneficial and usually short-lived. Studies also indicate that vitamin A excess and supplementation have pro-oxidant effects and are associated with increased risks of mortality from cancer and other diseases. The therapeutic role of vitamin A in cancer thus remains uncertain and a new perspective on the facts is needed. The modest and temporary benefits of retinoid treatment could result from a process of feedback inhibition, whereby exogenous retinoid temporarily inhibits the endogenous synthesis of these compounds. In fact, repeated and/or excessive exposure of the tissues to endogenous retinoic acid may contribute to carcinogenesis. Gliomas, in particular, may result from an imbalance in retinoid receptor expression initiated by environmental factors that increase the endogenous production of retinoic acid in glia. At the receptor level, it is proposed that this imbalance is characterized by excessive expression of retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα) and reduced expression of retinoic acid receptor-β (RARβ). This suggests a potential new treatment strategy for gliomas, possibly even at a late stage of the disease, ie, to combine the use of a RARα antagonist and a RARβ agonist. According to this hypothesis, the RARα antagonist would be expected to inhibit RARα-induced gliomas, while the RARβ agonist would suppress tumor growth and possibly contribute to the regeneration of normal glia.

BackgroundSpecialist nurses’ core competencies are crucial for pediatric asthma management, yet no evaluation system exists for these competencies.ObjectiveTo construct a core competency evaluation index system for pediatric asthma specialist nurses.DesignA mixed-method study using semi-structured interview, Delphi method and cross-sectional survey.MethodsLiterature review and semi-structured interviews were performed to developed the initial competencies evaluation index system for pediatric asthma specialist nurses. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted from May 2022 to August 2022, with 21 experts from four provinces in China to rate the importance of each indicator and propose modifications to the evaluation index system. A questionnaire survey with the evaluation indicators was conducted to investigate the level of nurses’ core competency after pediatric asthma specialist training.ResultsThe effective questionnaire recovery rates were 100% and 95% in two rounds of expert consultation, with expert authority coefficients of 0.892 and 0.910, respectively. The core competency evaluation index system for pediatric asthma specialist nurses included 2 definitions, 6 first-level indicators, 16 second-level indicators and 63 third-level indicators. The Kendall’s W coefficients were 0.343 and 0.384 for the first- and second-level indicators in the second round of consultations. Of 80 questionnaires, 69 were valid, wtith Cronbach’s α coefficients of the first-level indicators ranging from 0.896 to 0.968.ConclusionA core competency evaluation index system for pediatric asthma specialist nurses was developed, and demonstrated to be scientific, reliable, and applicable.Statement of implicationsThe core competency index system for pediatric asthma nurses standardizes the assessments, and supports professional development, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

BackgroundIn response to the significant increase in the global aging population, countries have increasingly prioritized Age-Friendly Primary Health Care (AFPHC) to address the unique needs of older adults. This study aims to develop a comprehensive model for assessing the progress of PHC systems in achieving the goals of an elderly-centered services.MethodA qualitative study design was utilized to develop the progress assessment model for AFPHC initiatives. This process involved a literature review (academic databases and manual search), semi-structured interviews, an expert panel discussion, and the Delphi technique for achieving consensus on the final model. Participants in the semi-structured interviews were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which required professionals and stakeholders to have a minimum of two years of experience in care for older adults and active involvement in PHC. Additionally, older adults with a university education who had accessed PHC services in Iran at least three times were included. The expert panel was composed of multidisciplinary professionals who met similar criteria, ensuring a diverse and informed perspective.FindingsAccording to literature review results, 16 main domains and 28 sub-domains were identified. In the next step, through interviews, 7 main domains and 71 indicators were extracted. After summarizing the results of literature reviews, and interviews, and analyzing the results of the Delphi technique, the initial model with 7 main domains, including policymaking and planning processes related to older adults, principles of respect and interaction with older adults, education for older adults, principles of care and provision of services to older adults, access to PHC facilities, physical environment, specialized facilities and equipment, and human resources, was finalized along with the 60 indicators.ConclusionThe developed model for assessing progress of AFPHC Initiatives offers a comprehensive framework by focusing on key domains and indicators tailored to the needs of older adults. This model serves as a practical tool for assessing the progress of AFPHC, facilitating improvements in the quality and accessibility of PHC services for older adults.

Objective To construct a clinical nurse specialism post core competency evaluation index system based on specific nursing group model. Methods In March 2017, we establish a clinical nurse specialism post core competency evaluation index system based on specific position requirements, specific nursing development and demand for comprehensive ability improvement of nurses through literature review, semi-structured interview and Delphi expert consultation. The index weight was confirmed by precedence chart. Results There were 30 letter questionnaires which were sent out in two rounds of expert consultation with 100% for the recovery rate of questionnaire. The authority coefficient (Cr) of consultation expert was 0.851 3. Totals of 8 items of primary indexes and 45 items of secondary indexes were established. The primary indexes included fundamental practice ability, post specific nursing ability, post problem-solving ability, learning and education ability, organization and coordination ability, critical thinking ability, post practice and innovation ability as well as nursing scientific research ability. Conclusions The construction of index system provides a basis and reference for the clinical nurse specialism post core competency based on specific nursing group model and the ways, methods as well as evaluation of training effects of specialized training for nurses in China. Key words: Post management; Nurse specialism; Core competency; Evaluation index; Delphi method

BackgroundPapua New Guinea, a lower middle income country with a population of around 8.5 million, the majority of whom live in rural areas, produces far fewer than the number of medical graduates required to meet the WHO-recommended doctor/population ratio. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences is under pressure to increase its output and ensure the graduates are able to function in rural settings. Through two studies, we aimed to determine the predictors of student performance and their socioeconomic and educational background to assist in determining admission policies and improve completion rates.MethodsA retrospective study analysed data relating to student performance from six annual cohorts. A cross-sectional study among currently enrolled students sought information about their socioeconomic and educational background.ResultsOf the 300 students enrolled in the six cohorts, 176 (59%) completed the programme in the scheduled 4 years. There were no differences in completion rates by gender or route of entry to the programme. Grade point average at medical school entry predicted academic performance. Sixty-four per cent of the students who failed to complete in four years attributed their poor academic performance to social issues. Overall attrition was only 8%. Seventy-six per cent (162/214) of the enrolled students completed the cross-sectional survey. Most (79%) of students’ fathers and 58% of mothers had postsecondary education. Seventy-three per cent of respondents indicated that they had been to preschool or elementary school. Thirty-six per cent had attended primary school in a village or government/mission station. Just over half (53%) of the students indicated that English had been the language most used in primary school. Males were more likely to have made a specific career choice than females. The majority (141/162, 88%) of the students indicated that they had experienced some academic difficulty during the years.ConclusionPrior academic performance predicted timely completion of the MBBS programme. Just over a third of students had attended rural village primary schools. Social and domestic issues were common and adversely affected academic performance.

The construction accidents which had been on the downward trend for the past decades have increased for five consecutive years since 2008. In order to let the increasing trend of construction accident slow growing or switching to decline, various efforts are required of all members in construction industry such as government, employers, construction engineers, safety managers, construction workers, etc. Although the criteria for appointment of safety managers in construction site introduced in 1982 have contributed to prevent construction accident as a forefront for the past 30 years, it has not been a remarkable improvement in the safety manager's status and roles which have been required to change according to the changes of circumstances and environments. In associated with a newly introduced the criteria for appointment of health managers in construction site in the year 2015, the problems such as role, status, number of safety and health managers are needed to be considered comprehensively and improved widely. In this study, we propose several improvement plans which will improve the current criteria for appointment of safety and health managers in construction sites.

Background: There are various educational strategies that promote generic skills development in medical education; hence, there is a need for a valid and reliable instrument to assess them. This study aims to translate and adapt a generic skills self-assessment instrument developed by Groen et al.1 to assess Indonesian medical student’s generic skills in a classroom context.Methods: WHO's guidelines were used for the translation process, which consisted of: 1) forward translation, 2) expert panel review (using the Delphi method), 3) back translation, 4) pre-testing and cognitive interviews, and 5) the final version. Additional measures were employed to improve the translation accuracy, including proofreading (prior to step 2), expert panel review after step 3 and 4, and pilot testing along with psychometric testing after step 5. Backward translation was done by a professional translation service. Ten fourth-year students from Atma Jaya School of Medicine and Health Sciences were involved in step 4; meanwhile, we piloted the translated instrument to 35 other fourth-year students from the same sample pool. We also conducted an internal reliability test using Cronbach's alpha and construct validity test, including corrected total-item correlation and principal component analysis.Results: Steps 1-3 produced an Indonesian version of the generic skills assessment instrument with good face and content validity. Quantitative data analysis showed high internal reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = .955) and acceptable item-total correlation (ranging from .345 to .757).Conclusion: Factor analysis showed 6 domains labelled as analytical skills, teamwork, communication skills, perseverance, social judgment, and global abstraction skills.