Assistive Personnel Research Articles

Enhancing Citizen Health Literacy Through Digital Technology.

Contemporary society faces significant public health challenges with prevalent unhealthy behaviors and environmental risks leading non-communicable diseases. This study assesses health awareness campaigns'to effectiveness in a specific Taiwanese municipality, focusing on the impact of a health care management system. Objectives include enhancing public health literacy and evaluating community health promotion. The proposed system includes a personalized assistant app, personnel education, and events covering topics like hypertension, diabetes, diet, exercise, and chronic disease prevention. In summary, the research advocates for effective public health interventions, integrating digital technologies, personalized health management, and community engagement to promote health literacy and healthier lifestyles.

Physical and psychological status of emergency assistance personnel at major public health events: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundMany personnel respond to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis and frequent public health events like Ebola and COVID-19. However, research on emergency assistance personnel remains limited. This study aims to describe the perceived well-being among responders deployed in isolated or emergency international missions while providing practical references to intervene in developing similar missions.MethodsFor this qualitative phenomenological study, purposive sampling was used following the principle of maximum differentiation to select personnel deployed on an emergency mission for over a year. Data collection continued until data saturation. Phenomenologically semi-structured interviews helped explore the physical and psychological status of the participants with Colaizzi’s method.ResultsEleven personnel were interviewed after the mission, with four major themes being identified: ‘perceived somatic change,’ ‘perceived emotional change,’ ‘behavioral change,’ and ‘coping with perceived change.’ConclusionsThe mental health status of the emergency assistance personnel was affected by multiple factors from external and internal environments. The current study explored the physical and psychological feelings and emotions of emergency assistance personnel during an emergency mission. The study provided a practical reference for health management under similar missions.RegistrationsNot registered.

Experiences with Negative Behavior and Incivility: Perspectives of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and Registered Nurses.

Healthcare professionals experience negative behaviors such as incivility from various sources within the hospital environment. However, little is known regarding the experience of unlicensed assistive personnel with these behaviors. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the research team aimed to examine the presence, sources, and impact of negative behaviors among registered nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel within a US hospital. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative responses. A total of 309 participants completed the survey, and 135 participants responded to three qualitative questions. Most respondents identified inadequate staffing/resources to handle workload (87%) and job stress leading to loss of control over behavior as contributing factors to lateral/vertical aggression in the work environment (71%). Impacts of negative behavior on job performance were related to both personal well-being and the work environment. Demoralization was identified as a common consequence of negative behaviors for individuals and within the work environment. The results suggested that registered nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel, and nursing leadership may benefit from system-wide approaches addressing negative behaviors such as incivility within the clinical environment. Specifically, efforts and policies aimed at aiding clinicians in responding to negative behaviors could potentially improve the clinical environment.

Super-Mentors to Train Multiple Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers: Pros and Cons.

Despite available training programs for neonatal advanced practice providers (Neo APP), including neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants, it is difficult to meet the demand for these providers. There are no publications regarding training models with greater than 1 Neo APP learner per mentor. To create and measure outcomes of a 12-month program to educate Neo APP "Super-Mentors" able to train 2 Neo APP learners simultaneously. Super-Mentors were selected and attended monthly classes to learn mentorship concepts and receive support. Learners received didactic content and support through a Fellowship program. Quantitative data regarding recruitment and retention, as well as Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale (MNPJSS) results were compared pre- and postprogram. Qualitative satisfaction measures via survey from 21 stakeholders were analyzed through a phenomenological approach. Six Super-Mentors trained 14 Neo APPs, as compared to 7 in the previous year. One Neo APP left after training. Summative preprogram MNPJSS scores were better (5.1±0.37) than postprogram (4.7±0.47) ( P <.001). The most important preprogram subscale item was "vacation" versus "quality of assistive personnel" postprogram. Both pre- and postprogram scores reflected positive job satisfaction so differences may not be clinically significant. Qualitative program benefits included faster and increased onboarding, stronger relationships, and dedicated time. Challenges included role clarity among other stakeholders, learning culture, and spacial/technological logistics. Super-Mentors can train twice the number of Neo APP learners, with optimal preparation and support of all stakeholders, adequate space, and appropriate technology.

Analisis Kinerja Pendampingan Pada Program Pembangunan Dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa Di Kabupaten Lebong

Village development based on community empowerment is the desired objective of the P3MD programme, in which the state participates by providing human resources for assistance, known as Technical Assistance Personnel (TPP). TPP, as a transformation of village facilitation, carry out community empowerment activities by assisting, organising, guiding and facilitating villages to develop community self-reliance and welfare by improving knowledge, attitudes and skills. This study aims to describe the performance of local village facilitators in achieving the objectives of the P3MD programme in Lebong Regency. This research is descriptive, combining quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The data analysis method used involves organising and sorting the collected data by dividing the research variables into several frequencies and percentages, then analysing and interpreting the obtained data by explaining it in easily understandable sentences. The results show that the majority of local village facilitators have performed their duties well, actively participating in various stages of village development and successfully mobilising community participation. However, some local village facilitators still face challenges such as the lack of clear work plans and inconsistencies in the execution of tasks. It was found that most local village facilitators have a high frequency of visits according to their work plans, but there are still some who are not yet providing optimal support.

Safe Administration of Medication in School: Policy Statement.

Many youth with acute and chronic health conditions require medication to be administered during the school day. This policy statement offers guidance to school physicians, community prescribers, school nurses, other school health professionals, and groups providing oversight to school health activities and ensures patient safety and equity lenses are applied to administration of medications during school and for school-related activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports a robust collaborative model that allows all those involved in student health, including the student and family, to communicate, participate in effective medication management, inform delegated medication responsibilities, and promote safe medication storage and administration. School medication administration protocols are developed to help prevent medication administration errors specific to potential risks in the school setting and are responsive to the maturing students' evolving understanding of their health needs, growing autonomy, and responsibility. All protocols involving school nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel, and prescribers must be consistent with state and federal regulations on scope of practice, student privacy laws, and professional nursing organization guidelines. Consistent policies and messaging on safety of the patient and the entire school community enable school health teams to ensure equitable treatment of students prescribed therapeutic agents newly regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, over-the-counter medications, or products that are currently not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

KOMITE MADRASAH DALAM PENGELOLAAN SARANA DAN PRASARANA DI MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH MABDAUL ULUM ROWOSARI

This journal aims to describe the role of madrasah committees in the procurement, distribution and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure.This research uses a qualitative research approach with a descriptive case study type. The results of this research are 1) the role of the madrasah committee in providing facilities and infrastructure, its role has been carried out well. Such as giving consideration in the form of suggestions, input and participating in deciding what facilities will be provided. Providing support in the form of fundraising from the community. As controller, supervises madrasa activities. As a mediator or liaison, collaborate with the community so that they can contribute to the procurement process carried out by the madrasah, convey aspirations, ideas and demands submitted by the community to the madrasah. 2) the role of the committee in the distribution of facilities and infrastructure, namely: a. Preparing the allocation of goods, as a consideration provider by providing input and suggestions when determining the recipient according to the goods to be distributed. B. Delivery of goods, providing support in the form of personnel assistance by participating in the delivery process. C. Delivery of goods, as controller supervises the process of handing over goods according to procedures, and checks the completeness of documents supporting distribution. 3) the role of the committee in maintaining facilities and infrastructure, as a mediator (liaison). The committee invites students and the community to take part in caring for, looking after and maintaining the facilities at the madrasah, so that the facilities and infrastructure can last longer and are not easily damaged

Implementation of Food is Medicine Programs in Healthcare Settings: A Narrative Review.

Food is Medicine (FIM) programs to improve the accessibility of fruits and vegetables (FVs) or other healthy foods among patients with low income and diet-related chronic diseases are promising to improve food and nutrition security in the United States (US). However, FIM programs are relatively new and implementation guidance for healthcare settings using an implementation science lens is lacking. We used a narrative review to describe the evidence base on barriers and facilitators to FIM program integration in US healthcare settings following the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework. Evidence surrounding the EPIS Inner Context was a focus, including constructs Leadership, Organizational Characteristics, Quality and Fidelity Monitoring and Support, Organizational Staffing Processes, and Individual Characteristics. Peer-reviewed and grey literature about barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were of interest, defined as programs that screen and refer eligible patients with diet-related chronic disease experiencing food insecurity to healthy, unprepared foods. Thirty-one sources were included in the narrative review, including 22 peer-reviewed articles, four reports, four toolkits, and one thesis. Twenty-eight sources (90%) described EPIS Inner Context facilitators and 26 sources (84%) described FIM program barriers. The most common barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were regarding Quality and Fidelity Monitoring and Support (e.g., use of electronic medical records for tracking and evaluation, strategies to support implementation) and Organizational Staffing Processes (e.g., clear delineation of staff roles and capacity); although, barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were identified among all EPIS Inner Context constructs. We synthesized barriers and facilitators to create an EPIS-informed implementation checklist for healthcare settings for use among healthcare organizations/providers, partner organizations, and technical assistance personnel. We discuss future directions to align FIM efforts with implementation science terminology and theories, models, and frameworks to improve the implementation evidence base and support FIM researchers and practitioners.

Estigma hacia habitantes de calle, consumo de drogas y género. Consecuencias en derechos humanos y salud pública

Objective: comprehend the stigmatization of the homeless population, its relationship with drug use, gender and its consequences from the perspective of the assistance personnel in Medellin. Methods: qualitative research with a descriptive-interpretative scope. Data were generated through focus groups. The information was analyzed with grounded theory techniques and contrasted with the scientific literature on the subject. Results: two conceptions of the homeless person emerged: disposable and citizen. About gender, the multiple stigmas towards women and the LGBTI population living on the streets were highlighted, and the consequences of stigmatization were described. Conclusion: Living on the street and having a lifestyle contrary to the dominant values, makes homeless people to be discriminated, dehumanized and corrected by society, which is worse when belong to non-hegemonic genders, this situation limits the guarantee of fundamental human rights, especially the right to health.

Enabling Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses, and Assistive Personnel to Practice to Their Fullest Extent.

Enabling Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses, and Assistive Personnel to Practice to Their Fullest Extent.

Optimizing delegation to maximize nurses’ time: Results of a time study in an acute care setting

Nurses are asked to respond to numerous demands that affect their ability to provide efficient and effective patient care. Many activities can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel. Nurse leaders from an acute care unit identified nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel activities that could be observed over four 24-hour periods in a week. Results from the time study demonstrated that many opportunities exist to optimize delegation practices. While nurses spend time on patient care, time is also spent on activities that can be delegated. These activities can be more appropriately aligned with unlicensed assistive personnel workflows which can help alleviate increased nursing workloads and allow nurses to maximize time spent on patient care.

Guidelines for assistive technology service provision – A scoping review

Purpose: Despite the high unmet need for effective AT provision, multiple service delivery models across different countries, and a shortage of personnel trained in this field, no widely useable and accepted Assistive Technology (AT) service provision guidelines currently exist. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding AT service provision guidelines to inform the development of globally useable AT provision guidance, aligned with contemporary global initiatives to improve access to AT. Materials and Methods: The rapid scoping review method used a two-tiered approach to identifying relevant publications: (1) systematic search of academic databases (Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar); (2) consultation with international AT organisations and experts. The search was conducted in March 2023 with no date limitations. Analysis was guided by the TIDE-funded HEART research on quality AT provision and service delivery processes in Europe, as well as the WHO-GATE 5 P framework for strengthening access to AT. Results: 35 publications were identified from various countries, and directed at differing assistive products, personnel, and provision contexts. No established guidelines for AT service provision currently exist. However, despite the variety in contexts, the range of assistive products and the range of stakeholders to whom guidelines are directed, several key service delivery steps were identified that may form part of such guidelines. Conclusions: This review offers a strong starting point for developing guidance for AT provision to meet global needs. Careful consideration of vocabulary, process, and application to the diversity of assistive products is recommended in systematizing globally applicable guidance.

Improving the Recruitment and Retention of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

With increasing demands for unlicensed assistive personnel, strategies for optimizing recruitment and retention are paramount. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase the recruitment and retention of unlicensed assistive personnel in a nonprofit healthcare organization. Initiatives included expanding academic affiliations enhancing pipeline, developing a tailored onboarding program, and introducing a clinical ladder. Results indicate increases in numbers of academic affiliations and hiring, with unlicensed assistive personnel turnover rates below national averages.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental healthcare workers - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mounting evidence supports an association between the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the risk of infection from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in dental healthcare workers (DCW). However, the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the setting of dental care remains poorly characterized. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published prior to Mai 2023 providing epidemiological data for the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in DCW was performed. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The associated factors were narratively evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Twenty-nine eligible studies were identified including a total of 85,274 DCW at risk; 27 studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. Among the included DCW, the overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 11.8% (13,155/85,274; 95%CI, 7.5%-17%), whereby the degree of heterogeneity between the studies was considerable (I2=99.7%). The pooled prevalence rate for dentists and dental hygienists alone was 12.7% (1943/20,860; 95%CI, 8.0%-18.0%), showing significantly increased odds of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to dental assistant personnel, the prevalence rate for which was less than half, at 5.2% (613/15,066; OR=2.42; 95% CI, 2.2-2.7). In the subgroup of 17 studies from countries with high income there was a significantly lower prevalence rate of 7.3% (95% CI, 5%-10%) in DCW compared to the prevalence rate in low- and middle-income countries, which came to 20.8% (95% CI, 14%-29%; p<0.001). In 19 out of the 29 studies (65.5%), specific information on the use of and adherence to PPE was absent while in the reports with concrete figures the wearing of N95 (or at least surgical masks) by DCW appeared to be associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence rates. DCW were, depending in each case on their proximity to patients, at particular risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Until a significant level of vaccination protection against newer SARS-CoV-2 variants can be built up in the population, dental healthcare facilities should further maintain their focus on using PPE according to current guidelines.

Analysis of the Health Examination Service Process Using Service Blueprint: Focus on the Older Adult Patient in South Korea.

As the older adult population grows, the paradigm of aging is shifting from simply living longer to living longer while maintaining health. This shift has led to a transformation in healthcare from passive to proactive approaches, emphasizing disease prevention. Health examination services have seen significant growth as they transition from being solely diagnostic processes to crucial tools for disease prevention. This study focuses on the health examination service industry, particularly in the context of the older adult population, and aims to develop a service blueprint to identify challenges and solutions in utilizing these services. The research employs the service blueprint methodology to map out the health examination service process comprehensively. The distinction is made between customer interactions and internal procedures that are observable and those that are not. Through a comprehensive analysis of the service process, it is possible to identify potential instances of customer unhappiness. These instances primarily occur during the initial interaction between older clients and the service, as well as when they receive their examination findings. There are several factors that contribute to discontent among individuals, namely the insufficient comprehension of the needs of the aged by service providers and the provision of substandard facilities. The study suggests strategies to improve customer satisfaction, such as dedicated personnel for older adult assistance, specialized education for staff, and better facilities tailored for older adult patients. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of effectively addressing both areas of critical discontent and elements that enhance satisfaction in the process of service design. This research provides a detailed analysis of health examination services for the older adult, highlighting opportunities for improvement through enhanced customer experiences and specialized services.

A Novel Approach for Improving Gait Speed Estimation Using a Single Inertial Measurement Unit Embedded in a Smartphone: Validity and Reliability Study.

Gait speed is a valuable biomarker for mobility and overall health assessment. Existing methods to measure gait speed require expensive equipment or personnel assistance, limiting their use in unsupervised, daily-life conditions. The availability of smartphones equipped with a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) presents a viable and convenient method for measuring gait speed outside of laboratory and clinical settings. Previous works have used the inverted pendulum model to estimate gait speed using a non-smartphone-based IMU attached to the trunk. However, it is unclear whether and how this approach can estimate gait speed using the IMU embedded in a smartphone while being carried in a pants pocket during walking, especially under various walking conditions. This study aimed to validate and test the reliability of a smartphone IMU-based gait speed measurement placed in the user's front pants pocket in both healthy young and older adults while walking quietly (ie, normal walking) and walking while conducting a cognitive task (ie, dual-task walking). A custom-developed smartphone application (app) was used to record gait data from 12 young adults and 12 older adults during normal and dual-task walking. The validity and reliability of gait speed and step length estimations from the smartphone were compared with the gold standard GAITRite mat. A coefficient-based adjustment based upon a coefficient relative to the original estimation of step length was applied to improve the accuracy of gait speed estimation. The magnitude of error (ie, bias and limits of agreement) between the gait data from the smartphone and the GAITRite mat was calculated for each stride. The Passing-Bablok orthogonal regression model was used to provide agreement (ie, slopes and intercepts) between the smartphone and the GAITRite mat. The gait speed measured by the smartphone was valid when compared to the GAITRite mat. The original limits of agreement were 0.50 m/s (an ideal value of 0 m/s), and the orthogonal regression analysis indicated a slope of 1.68 (an ideal value of 1) and an intercept of -0.70 (an ideal value of 0). After adjustment, the accuracy of the smartphone-derived gait speed estimation improved, with limits of agreement reduced to 0.34 m/s. The adjusted slope improved to 1.00, with an intercept of 0.03. The test-retest reliability of smartphone-derived gait speed was good to excellent within supervised laboratory settings and unsupervised home conditions. The adjustment coefficients were applicable to a wide range of step lengths and gait speeds. The inverted pendulum approach is a valid and reliable method for estimating gait speed from a smartphone IMU placed in the pockets of younger and older adults. Adjusting step length by a coefficient derived from the original estimation of step length successfully removed bias and improved the accuracy of gait speed estimation. This novel method has potential applications in various settings and populations, though fine-tuning may be necessary for specific data sets.

Relation of the work ability index to fitness for work in healthcare and public employees in a region of Northeastern Italy

PurposeWork ability indicates an individual’s capacity to match job demands according to his/her physical and mental conditions and work circumstances. Occupational physicians should take into consideration the global health status of a worker in order to correctly assess if he/she is fit for the job. The aim of this study was to verify the association between fitness for work evaluation and Work Ability Index scores, as well as individual factors (age, gender, and anthropometric characteristics) and work-related variables (job type, years of working duration).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted within the occupational health surveillance of health and public employers in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (2018–2022). The participants voluntarily agreed to answer the standard Work Ability Index questionnaire. Data were investigated by univariable as well as multivariable regression analysis.ResultsThe Work Ability Index of the workers included in the study (N = 6893) resulted negatively associated with age, female sex, and body mass index. It was averagely lower in nurses and assistive personnel, and the highest in medical doctors and public employers. The fitness for work assessments was also statistically related to WAI scores. The results obtained from the univariable and the multivariable analysis were consistent.ConclusionsThe Work Ability Index is an efficient tool to measure an individual’s capability to sustain job demands, and can be taken into account to produce a correct fitness for work evaluation and consequently preserve workers’ health status.

PERAN PUSAT PELAYANAN TERPADU PEMBERDAYAAN PEREMPUAN DAN ANAK DALAM PENANGANAN KASUS KEKERASAN BAGI ANAK KORBAN, PELAKU DAN SAKSI (Studi Kasus Di Kabupaten Pohuwato)

This study examines the role of the Integrated Service Center for Women and Children Empowerment (ISCWCE) in handling cases of child violence. The research method used is empirical, using primary data in the form of interviews and primary legal data, secondary legal data and tertiary legal data. The results showed that in carrying out its role, ISCWCE experienced several obstacles, including the lack of assistance personnel in the field which impacted the effectiveness of the services provided and the unavailability of shelter facilities for victims of child violence

Nurses and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel's Practices in Caring for Patients With Delirium in Acute Care Settings: Protocol for the PRACTICE Study

Introduction: Few studies have investigated nursing practice in relation to delirium in acute care settings, and no studies have investigated the care of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) in this context. As a result, it becomes challenging to support the delivery of optimal care and thereby improve delirium-related patient outcomes. Objective: This manuscript reports on the development of two survey tools and a study protocol that aims to (1) describe the current practices of nurses and UAPs in the context of nursing care in delirium and to (2) highlight the barriers and facilitators to the delivery of optimal delirium care. Methods: This multi-method study aims to recruit nurses and UAPs. During an initial quantitative phase, participants will answer two survey tools designed respectively for nurses and UAPs. These tools were developed using a modified Delphi technique and a guide based on Burns et al. (2008) and Eysenbach (2004). They examine delirium knowledge, practice, collaboration, confidence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice relatively to delirium. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses will be performed on this data. The qualitative phase will include focus groups and interviews with nurses and UAPs to explore topics from the survey tools more in-depth. Thematic analysis will be performed on the transcripts. Data from both phases will answer the two study aims. Discussion and Research Spin-offs: This study will be the first to report on the delirium care offered by UAPs. The survey tools developed can identify nurses’ and UAPs’ practices, and the barriers and facilitators to optimum nursing care for people with delirium.

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Visitor Restrictions on the Attitudes of Emergency Department Staff

IntroductionDuring the first 2 years of the pandemic, visitors for patients with COVID-19 were prohibited from emergency departments in the United States with few exceptions, leaving patients without their caregivers and advocates. Little is known about emergency nurses and nursing assistive personnel beliefs regarding this issue. Therefore, this study’s purpose was to describe and assess relationships among emergency nursing and assistive personnel attitudes and perceptions regarding emergency department “no-visitor policies” for patients with COVID-19. MethodsThis institutional review board-approved observational study was conducted in a health care system in the Southwestern United States. Nursing personnel (n = 180; 21.74% response rate) working in 11 emergency departments completed the survey during the fall of 2021. Bivariate correlations and multivariable linear regression modeling were performed to explore relationships among survey questions. ResultsMost participants (61%) strongly/very strongly believed that restriction of visitors for patients with COVID-19 was necessary for the protection of staff and patients. In addition, 65% reported strongly/very strongly agreeing that it was unethical and 75% felt upset when these patients died alone. Most (81%) strongly/very strongly agreed that exemptions to the policy should be made in some cases, including imminent death. Respondents’ recognition of patients’ displeasure with visitor policy, recognition that a lack of visitors affected efficiency, and feeling upset when these patients died alone negatively predicted agreement that restriction was necessary. ConclusionAlthough most participants favored visitation restrictions for patients with coronavirus disease 2019, their beliefs were complex. Navigating stringent visitation policies and vulnerable patients’ needs can result in moral distress for ED personnel.