Administrative Assistance Research Articles

To Identify and Discuss the Enablers or Facilitators and Barriers to International Medical Graduates Adapting to the United Kingdom National Health Service in a Defined Surgical Trainee Population: A Qualitative Study

Background International medical graduates (IMGs) play a crucial role in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS), yet they encounter significant challenges adapting to the NHS environment. This study aims to identify the enablers and barriers affecting the adaptation of IMGs, specifically focusing on surgical trainees in the Master of Surgery (MCh) program at Edge Hill University. Methods A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing an interpretivist philosophy and descriptive design. Data were collected through focus group discussions with first-year MCh surgical trainees. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract key themes related to adaptation. Results Three focus groups with a total of seven participants revealed several enablers and barriers. Enablers included robust administrative support, effective communication courses, comprehensive mentorship programs, and supportive hospital staff. Barriers identified were limited access to formal teaching, a fast-paced academic environment, language and cultural differences, and variations in medical practice. Conclusions The successful integration of IMGs into the NHS hinges on strong support systems, including administrative assistance, mentorship, and cultural and communication training. Addressing these barriers can facilitate smoother adaptation, enhance retention, and improve patient care. Recommendations To enhance IMG adaptation, the study recommends extensive induction programs, improved mentorship and support networks, cultural competence training, and better access to formal teaching with feedback.

Efficiency Paradox: Introducing Secure Messaging in Outpatient Care

This study explores the uptake of secure messaging technology and the influence it has on the work of three interconnected occupational roles. It was executed in an outpatient clinic, where the administrative staff adopted the new secure messaging tool, expecting it to improve efficiency. The study found that the efficiency-enhancing tool over time introduced new inefficiencies into the work of administrative assistants, nurses, and physicians, and this phenomenon is noted as the efficiency paradox, which is examined and explained throughout the study. This research contributes to health information technology and role reconfiguration literature by highlighting the crucial role of emotions in this emergent and relational process and discussing the implications of that in the context of patient-provider communication.

Ergonomic risk and its association with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants

Introduction: Musculoskeletal symptoms are frequent disorders in the different activities of people, the performance of work activities under ergonomic risk conditions can lead to occupational diseases, work absenteeism and economic losses. Objective: to determine which are the ergonomic risk factors in the performance of work activities and their relationship with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of fifty administrative assistants who allowed their participation by signing the informed consent form. The instruments used were the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and the Rose Method. Results: Hundred percent reported the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, with the neck as the most affected region. Seventy percent of the participants presented a medium to very high level of ergonomic risk, with forced postures related to the use of the chair presenting the highest average. There was a significant relationship between the specific ergonomic risk generated using the telephone and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist and hand, as well as between the specific ergonomic risk generated by the armrest of the chair and the presence of symptoms in the dorsal spine, shoulders, arms, elbows and forearms. Conclusions: the evaluation of ergonomic risk factors is a tool that will allow the generation of specific proposals for prevention and intervention programs, so that the necessary changes can be made to reduce occupational injuries and diseases in work activities.

Evaluating Telehealth Diagnostic Accuracy in Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases: A Comparative Study.

Objectives: This study evaluated the accuracy of diagnosing oral and maxillofacial diseases using telehealth. Methods: We recruited 100 patients from the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia. They were either new patients or existing patients with a condition not previously diagnosed. The patients initially underwent a telehealth consultation without administrative or clinical staff assistance. On the same day, they also received a traditional in-office (face-to-face) consultation with an Oral Medicine registrar and/or consultant. Results: In this study, 70 patients were consulted via telehealth for a mucosal condition, while 30 were consulted for orofacial pain. When comparing telehealth diagnoses to in-person diagnoses, 65.7% of mucosal cases and 70% of orofacial pain cases had the same diagnosis. Furthermore, regarding the diagnoses within the chief complaint's telehealth differential diagnosis list, 87.1% were similar in the mucosal cases, and 96.7% were similar in orofacial pain cases compared to the in-office consultation. Conclusions: Our study's findings demonstrate that telehealth is less reliable than the gold standard in-person consultation for diagnosing oral diseases. However, it shows promise as an adjunctive service for screening, triaging, and monitoring patients. Further studies with guidelines for patients undergoing telehealth consultations to improve the diagnostic accuracy of oral and maxillofacial diseases are necessary.

Administrative and legal protection of personal information in China: disadvantages and solutions

The presented article mainly discussed issues such as insufficient administrative supervision of personal information, improper administrative procedures for processing personal information and an imperfect system of administrative assistance in modern China. Taking into account these problems, the author, in combination with the provisions of the PRC Law on Personal Data Protection, the PRC Law on Cybersecurity and other relevant legal provisions, put forward appropriate proposals for improvement.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Nursing Home Healthcare Workers: A Longitudinal Study in North-Eastern Italy.

During the pandemic, a surveillance program to monitor COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers was established in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (FVG), Italy. The aim of our study was to measure the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection among nursing home employees by job title. From March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2023, a retrospective population-based longitudinal study was conducted in 8880 nursing home employees. For each employee, all swabs up to the first positive result (n = 211.534) were considered. The study period was divided in six phases based on epidemic waves. Generalized estimated equations method for longitudinal binary data was applied with a time lag of a month, in each phase, obtaining an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence limit (95% CI) for each job category. In Phase 1 (1.3.2020-30.6.2020), compared with administrative assistants, jobs with high patient contact were at increased risk of infection: The OR and 95% CI were 3.52 (1.44-8.56) and 2.96 (1.15-7.66) in healthcare elementary occupation and physicians/nurses, respectively. Corresponding associations in Phase 2 (1.7.2020-31.1.2021) were 1.54 (1.18-2.02) and 1.41 (1.04-1.91). On the contrary, in Phase 6 (20.12.2021-31.3.2023) physicians/nurses were at a decreased risk (0.73 [0.58-0.91]). In nursing homes, the risk of COVID-19 infection varied by job title and pandemic phase. Virus higher infectivity, probability of closer contact, and better adherence to infection prevention control may explain part of these differences. Stronger nursing home-specific surveillance in patients and employees should be extended worldwide to control this high global burden of disease communities.

Integrating AI-based administrative assistants in Ophthalmology: a path to enhanced practice efficiency

Integrating AI-based administrative assistants in Ophthalmology: a path to enhanced practice efficiency

인천광역시교육청학교지원단에 대한 교원의 인식 및 요구사항 분석

This study aimed to analyze teachers' perceptions and demands for school support focused on Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education School Support Center. A self-reported survey was conducted among elementary and secondary school educators (principals, vice principals, and teachers) within the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education. A total of 653 participants responded to the survey. The results of this study were as follows. First, 62.56% of respondents prioritized the reduction of unnecessary works commonly assigned to all schools as the primary meaning of school support. Only 21.57% of respondents reported having experience with school support center. Those with experience expressed general satisfaction and positive outcomes from the support received. However, more than half of those (78.43%) without experience in receiving support were unaware of the existence or role of school support center. Second, teachers generally demanded human resource support and administrative assistance from school support center. The desired works varied depending on their position, such as homeroom teachers, department heads, and (vice) principals. Based on these findings, this study suggested policy implications to explore the development of school support center.

Factors Affecting Employees Motivation: An Exploratory study of employees at The General Administration of Education in Jeddah

This research aims to systematically explore the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing employee motivation in the General Administration of Education in Jeddah. Through qualitative methods, the study seeks to identify and understand the impact of career development, leadership styles, organizational culture, work-life balance policies, and external economic factors on motivation(Al Doghan & Albar, 2015).Furthermore, the research aims to investigate and identify the key factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic, that significantly influence employee motivation within the General Administration of Education in Jeddah ,proposing strategies for improvement in educational administration. The significance lies in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical applications, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and administrative efficiency in the region. The study employs an exploratory study with a mono-method design utilizing semi-structured interviews for data collection. Thematic analysis is employed to extract insights from the gathered qualitative data(Delve,Ho,2023).The research sample comprises 15 employees from the general administration of education in Jeddah, including administrative assistants to department heads. The participants consist of 8 males and 7 females, with varying ages ranging from 30 to 55 years old. Years of experience range from 7 to 33 years, with a mix of job titles including administrative roles and managerial positions.The study concluded that job satisfaction and opportunities for personal growth play a crucial role in enhancing employee motivation and productivity. It also showed that a positive work culture and transformational leadership contribute to increasing motivation levels. Additionally, the research emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between work and personal life, and the need to understand and address economic factors to maintain high levels of motivation and commitment.

The convention on tax mutual administrative assistance and divestment: Evidence from China

The convention on tax mutual administrative assistance and divestment: Evidence from China

Leadership in early childhood education: case studies of Indonesian public kindergartens

ABSTRACT Leadership studies in early childhood education (ECE) have increased throughout the world. However, there has been only a limited amount of research conducted on this topic in Southeast Asia. The purpose of the research reported in this article was to examine early childhood leadership at the kindergarten level in Indonesia. This is an exploratory study of multiple cases in Indonesia, involving semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The participants were interviewed online in four regions: the capital (Jakarta), the central part (Bali), the western part (North Sumatra) and the eastern part (South Sulawesi), an example of maximum variation sampling. There were 10 participants in each case study kindergarten, heads, teachers, teaching assistants, administrative assistants, parents and local education officers. The research shows that leadership of ECE in Indonesia is problematic, beginning with the selection process for principals, which is dominated by political considerations. Heads also appeared to be overburdened with administrative duties, such as managing budgets, updating teacher and student data, and managing assets. Therefore, they have less time to engage in other Leadership activities, such as professional leadership and parental involvement. The findings contribute to a better understanding of kindergarten leadership in Indonesia.

Peningkatan Potensi Sektor Ekonomi Melalui Pemberdayaan Lembaga Masyarakat di Desa Betet Melalui KKN-T`K Universitas Bojonegoro

The Bojonegoro University KKN-TK program implemented in Betet Village, Kepohbaru District, Bojonegoro Regency aims to help the village community in overcoming poverty problems in order to achieve prosperity. The preparation of the work program is adjusted to the potential of the village which is focused on empowering community institutions. Based on the results of the village potential analysis, the main work programs were formulated, including (1) Socialization and assistance in financial management and administration of GAPOKTAN; (2) Empowerment of village youth through training in making briquettes from tobacco stem waste; (3) Socialization and training in making liquid organic fertilizer (POC); (4) Empowerment of village women through training in making fried onions. The results of this work program were that GAPOKTAN began to implement good administration and financial management, village youth understood the utilization of tobacco waste, farmers began to apply the use of POC and village women had knowledge about entrepreneurship. By utilizing the potential of the village, this work program can have a sustainable impact.

Management of Records in Support of Prosecution of Cases at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya

Records constitute a critical aspect of the prosecution process and must, therefore, be well organized and cared for to support the successful prosecution of cases. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has continuously encountered a loss of cases in the judicial system due to poor records management, which has negatively impacted the prosecution process. The aim of the study is to investigate the management of records in support of the prosecution of cases at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, with a view to enhancing the management of records for successful prosecution. The objectives of the study were: To examine how records are created, captured, organized and pluralized; To analyze factors that influence the management of records; To establish how records are utilized in the prosecution of cases and assess the risks associated with the management of records and strategies that can be adopted to enhance the management of records. The study was informed by the Records Continuum Model and the Intelligence-Driven Prosecution Model. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, and it employed the exploratory case study design. The study targeted a population of 75 staff, out of which a sample size of 63 respondents was drawn through the use of a purposive sampling technique. The sample size of selected respondents comprised prosecution counsels, records management officers, registry clerical officers, prosecution clerks and administrative assistants based at ODPP headquarters in Nairobi. Data was collected through the use of interview schedules, observation methods and document analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative description. The findings established that the procedures for creating, capturing, organizing and pluralizing records are inadequately documented, with outdated policies governing every stage of the lifecycle. More so, there was the absence of comprehensive records management policies and procedures that govern the management of records. In addition, most records generated and received were predominantly manual, which resulted in loss and misplacement of records. Further, there was a scarcity of adequate knowledge and skills among the staff in the management of records. In sum, the findings established numerous challenges that affected the management of records, which hampered efficient service delivery in the judicial system. The study concluded that records management practices at ODPP are not well-documented and executed, undermining the prosecution of cases in the judicial system. The study recommends that the ODPP document the activities and policies that govern every stage of the lifecycle; develop and implement records management policies and guidelines; conduct training and capacity building for records management staff; avail adequate resources; and integrate ICT in the management of records.

Sustainability Challenges of Universities’ Online Learning Practices

This paper analyses university teachers and students’ experiences of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal and presents post-pandemic implications. Potential ramifications of the findings in a normal setting were suggested by the analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants both during and after the pandemic, as well as through observation of online classes during the period. Findings demonstrate teachers' ability to create online learning, an alternative mode to a physical classroom, during the pandemic while having an inadequate level of ICT understanding. Despite limited access to digital technology and no administrative assistance, teachers and students created an online learning environment. Findings, however, show an increasing digital gap between rural and urban areas. The discontinuation of effective online learning techniques in the post-pandemic circumstances produced by the teachers during the pandemic pointed out the issues of reforming higher education in developing countries such as Nepal.

Legal problems of state regulation economic activities in a special period

The paper reveals the role and problems of determining the peculiarities of solving legal problems of state regulation of economic activity in a special period as one of the conditions for the development of a modern democratic society. A detailed study of this issue was conducted, aspects of the regulatory and legal environment and the problems of Ukrainian business work in such difficult conditions were considered. The last few years, the most difficult in the history of the state, have shown that there is a need to move from direct administrative assistance to the formation of a favorable economic and social environment for the improvement of mechanisms and tools for stimulating the development of business entities. It is the priority of state regulation and support of entrepreneurship in such conditions that will provide an opportunity not only to preserve business, but also to expand it with a simultaneous increase in the number of jobs, which is one of the foundations of the functioning of the welfare state. Any difficulties in economic activity quite often give rise to new opportunities for growth, the economy is being restructured, new niches are opening that can be used for growth, and in the future, filling the state and local budgets. The historical experience of the states that have gone through the war shows that the economic system and business development is a key area of further reform and modernization, and the main goal of this process is to create favorable conditions for economic activity, to activate the investment potential of the country and to create comfortable conditions for the functioning of the capital involved. One of the fundamental elements of creating a favorable business environment in Ukraine is the deregulation of economic activity, that is, the maximum simplification of business and government cooperation, the formation of a free market, a transparent permit system, and partnership relations with state regulatory and supervisory bodies. An important aspect of state regulation of economic activity in a special period of state development is, first of all, the conscious formation by state structures of appropriate direct and indirect business support tools, in particular, the creation of incentives, the use of material, financial and other resources that are attracted to its subjects. Special attention was paid to the need to develop and implement specialized legal acts that would regulate the protection of business activities in such emergency situations.

Pendampingan Penyusunan Administrasi Usaha Peningkatan Pendapatan Keluarga (UP2K) Tim Penggerak Pemberdayaan KeseSjahteraan Keluarga (TP PKK) Desa Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten

The family income improvement business group (UP2K) is one of the Work Programs (POKJA) II of the Village PKK Team to help increase family income. In order for the UP2K program to run properly and correctly, it is necessary to have good and correct administrative bookkeeping as well. As well as professional and trustworthy managers are also the main capital for UP2K development. Therefore, there has been assistance in the preparation of administrative bookkeeping UP2K TP. PKK Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village so that the UP2K program Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village can develop for the better. This administrative bookkeeping assistance was given to the Special Group (Poksus) UP2K POKJA II TP. PKK Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village. This assistance is in the form of training in the preparation of UP2K administration books. The Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village Government hopes that UP2K will be more developed and professionally managed. The existence of the UP2K program in Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village is expected to increase the development of family economic businesses in Tegalrejo Ceper Klaten Village.

Beyond general challenges: exploring physical education teachers' lived experiences and resilience in flexible learning environments

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and adapt to change. Resilience has become an essential skill for students, teachers, and institutions in the context of flexible learning during a pandemic. Unsurprisingly, there are several emotions, reactions, and feelings around the pandemic. During this phenomenon's transitional era, key institutions are experiencing discomfort and disorder. The primary objective of this study is to explore the lived experiences and resilience of physical education teachers during the implementation of the flexible learning approach. The study employed a phenomenological research approach and an inductive approach to develop theories or generalizations based on specific observations or data collected during the research process. The researchers developed a coping mechanism framework for physical education teachers that showed significant forces that distress their coping and adaptation. The study revealed that physical education teachers at Rizal Technological University were able to manage and adapt to the changeover because they embraced change, showed adaptability, and prioritized mental preparedness, collaboration, and administrative assistance. In addition, physical education teachers who increase their computer and technology literacy in preparation for flexible learning, reskilling, and upskilling play a crucial role in adjusting to the new norm. Edpuzzle, Padlet, and Wordwall, as well as other educational platforms, were found to aid educators in engaging their students in conversations. Similarly, social media sites were utilized as instructional resources and assessment instruments.

Automatisering av ekonomiskt bistånd

Standardising the Last Welfare Safety Net? RPA-support in Practical Work with Social Assistance in Sweden In recent years, the use of digital support systems in the administration of Swedish social assistance (SA) has become increasingly widespread. Current surveys show that around 10 percent of Swedish municipalities make use of so-called Robot Process Automation (RPA) in their everyday practice. As key arguments for the use of RPA-support, aspects such as unburdening employees of pure administrative tasks, as well as increased transparency and enhanced legal certainty for applicants, are often highlighted. The present paper presents results from a larger research project addressing the practical use of RPA-support in Swedish Personal Social Services. The analyses are based on cross-sectional quantitative data from 800 cases collected in four medium-sized Swedish municipalities. Half of the cases reflect assessment outcomes before RPA-support was implemented; the other half show outcomes after implementation. The paper aims, first, to describe the character and contents of the different RPA-tools utilised in municipalities. Second, the paper aims to describe and analyse the outcomes of SA decisions before and after the implementation of RPA-support, respectively. Our main findings are as follows: (a) while RPA can partially alleviate the administrative burden on social workers, human involvement remains essential for individual assessments; (b) even though the use of RPA-support does not establish any significant relation to the outcomes of SA eligibility assessments, the assessments are far less generous after the implementation of RPA than before; and (c) the changes in generosity are particularly notable with regard to applications outside of the National Benefit Standard, which is a strong predictor for the rejection of applications.

Digital infrastruktur och socialtjänstens myndighetsutövning i Sverige

Digital infrastructure and the exercise of authority by social services: the case of social assistance in Sweden This article explores how digitalisation impacts the discretionary space and decision-making processes of social workers in the administration of social assistance within social services. In the context of increasing digitalisation and automation in public administration, the study examines the complex dynamics between human and non-human actors, such as social workers, clients, and digital systems like RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and e-application platforms. Drawing on theories such as Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and concepts of digital discretion and professional discretionary space, the article investigates how digital infrastructures and systems shape social workers' practices and their relationships with clients. Utilising a qualitative methodology comprised of document analysis and semi-structured interviews with social workers in three Swedish municipalities, the study maps out "data journeys" – the process by which human activities are converted into, and interact with, digital data flows within case management systems. The results indicate that digital technology both challenges and enriches the practice of social work by transforming traditional work processes and client interactions, while new forms of professionalism and citizen participation emerge. The study highlights both the potential and challenges of integrating digital technology into social work. It underscores the importance of a balanced and critically aware approach to digitalisation, where the role and impact of technology are continually reassessed in light of professional values and clients' needs. Future research should continue to explore the dynamic relationship between digital technology and social work to ensure that digitalisation supports, rather than undermines, the fundamental goals and values of social services.

A systematic review of collaborative robots for nurses: where are we now, and where is the evidence?

Introduction: Robots present an opportunity to enhance healthcare delivery. Rather than targeting complete automation and nurse replacement, collaborative robots, or "cobots", might be designed to allow nurses to focus on high-value caregiving. While many institutions are now investing in these platforms, there is little publicly available data on how cobots are being developed, implemented, and evaluated to determine if and how they support nursing practice in the real world. Methods: This systematic review investigates the current state of cobotic technologies designed to assist nurses in hospital settings, their intended applications, and impacts on nurses and patient care. A comprehensive database search identified 28 relevant peer-reviewed articles published since 2018 which involve real studies with robotic platforms in simulated or actual clinical contexts. Results: Few cobots were explicitly designed to reduce nursing workload through administrative or logistical assistance. Most included studies were designed as patient-centered rather than nurse-centered, but included assistance for tasks like medication delivery, vital monitoring, and social interaction. Most applications emerged from India, with limited evidence from the United States despite commercial availability of nurse-assistive cobots. Robots ranged from proof-of-concept to commercially deployed systems. Discussion: This review highlights the need for further published studies on cobotic development and evaluation. A larger body of evidence is needed to recognize current limitations and pragmatic opportunities to assist nurses and patients using state-of-the-art robotics. Human-centered design can assist in discovering the right opportunities for cobotic assistance. Committed research-practice partnerships and human-centered design are needed to guide the technical development of nurse-centered cobotic solutions.