Awareness Of Healthcare Providers Research Articles

Optimising healthcare transition of adolescents and young adults to adult care: a perspective statement of the Italian Society of Obesity

The transition to adult health care (HCT, Health Care Transition), is the purposeful, planned movement of patients from paediatric to adult services. For the adolescent living with obesity (ALwO), the HCT represents a crucial window for effective intervention that can help improve body weight, adiposopathy, and metabolic complications. Nevertheless, no transition guidelines, models, and tools have been developed for these patients. The present statement of the Italian Society of Obesity examines the critical transition of ALwO from paediatric to adult healthcare. It synthesises current knowledge and identifies gaps in HCT of ALwO. Drawing on successful practices and evidence-based interventions worldwide, the paper explores challenges, including disparities and barriers, while advocating for patient and family involvement. Additionally, it discusses barriers and perspectives within the Italian health care scenario. The need for specialised training for healthcare providers and the impact of transition on healthcare policies are also addressed. The conclusions underscore the significance of well-managed transitions. The SIO recognises that without proper support during this transition, ALwOs risk facing a gap in healthcare delivery, exacerbating their condition, and increasing the likelihood of complications. Addressing this gap requires concerted efforts to develop effective transition models, enhance healthcare provider awareness, and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals affected by obesity. The document concludes by outlining avenues for future research and improvement.

A Systematic Review of Healthcare Providers Awareness of Medication Switching for Polypharmacy Patients in Saudi Arabia

Background: Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications by an individual, presents challenges in medication management, patient safety, and healthcare outcomes, particularly among older adults. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of polypharmacy is increasing due to the aging population and the burden of chronic diseases. Understanding healthcare providers' awareness and practices regarding medication switching is crucial for optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes. Study Aim: This systematic review aims to synthesize and analyze existing literature on healthcare providers' awareness of medication switching for polypharmacy patients in Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on pharmacists and physicians, exploring their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medication management, deprescribing, pharmacovigilance, and Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using predefined search terms related to polypharmacy, medication switching, healthcare providers' awareness, and Saudi Arabia. Eligible studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, including study design, setting, participants, and relevance to the study aim. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to analyze key findings and themes related to healthcare providers' awareness of medication switching. Results: Six eligible studies were included in the systematic review, encompassing survey-based investigations, cross-sectional studies, and qualitative studies conducted in various healthcare settings across Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed gaps in pharmacists' and physicians' knowledge regarding Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs), Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs), pharmacovigilance practices, and deprescribing strategies. Recommendations for improving pharmacists' education, enhancing pharmacovigilance practices, and promoting collaborative care models were highlighted. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia demonstrate varying levels of awareness and practices regarding medication switching for polypharmacy patients. There is a need for targeted educational interventions, standardized pharmacovigilance practices, and collaborative efforts among healthcare providers to optimize medication use, reduce polypharmacy-related risks, and improve patient outcomes.

Disparities in Osteoporosis Prevention and Care: Understanding Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Dynamics.

Osteoporosis, the most prevalent metabolic bone disease, significantly impacts global public health by increasing fracture risks, particularly among post-menopausal women and the elderly. Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to enhanced fragility. The disease is predominantly diagnosed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and is significantly influenced by demographic factors such as age and hormonal changes. This chapter delves into the condition's complex nature, emphasizing the pervasive gender and racial disparities in its screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Recent findings highlight a substantial gap in the management of osteoporosis, with many individuals remaining under-screened and under-treated. Factors contributing to this include the asymptomatic early stages of the disease, lack of awareness, economic barriers, and inconsistent screening practices, especially in under-resourced areas. These challenges are compounded by disparities that affect different genders and races unevenly, influencing both the prevalence of the disease and the likelihood of receiving adequate healthcare services. The summary of this chapter underscores the urgent need for targeted strategies to overcome these barriers and improve health equity in osteoporosis care. Proposed strategies include enhancing public and healthcare provider awareness of osteoporosis, broadening access to diagnostic screenings, and integrating personalized treatment approaches. These efforts aim to align with global health objectives to mitigate the impacts of osteoporosis and ensure equitable health outcomes across all demographic groups.

Impact of the Relational, Built, Community, and Policy/Political Environments on Immigrant Child Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract Purpose of Review We summarize recent evidence describing how the health of first-generation immigrant children (FGIC) is influenced by the relational, built, community, and policy/political environments after migration to the United States. Recent Findings FGIC health is promoted and strengthened by family values, cultural ties, and positive peer relationships, while prior trauma, stressors in family relationships and discrimination detract from physical and mental health. While individual circumstances vary, some FGIC experience substandard built environments associated with poverty, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and toxin exposures. Within community environments, FGIC receive support from their cultural communities, but may face challenges in navigating complex education and health systems. The policy/political environment often negatively impacts FGIC’s mental health and their ability to access medical and social services. Summary Healthcare provider awareness about health promoting and detracting factors for FGIC across multiple environments after migration can help inform comprehensive, trauma-informed care.

A Qualitative Assessment of Factors in the Uptake of Midwifery Among Diverse Populations in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Introduction: Although the uptake of midwifery in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is above the provincial average, it is well below the World Health Organization–suggested level. Midwifery is especially underutilized by Indigenous women and by recent immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women. Objective: To explore factors shaping birth-attendant choices and decisions of diverse women in northwestern Ontario. Methods: Drawing on data from a larger pilot study, this paper discusses factors in choosing midwifery for Indigenous, Euro-Canadian, and visible-minority (VM) women in Thunder Bay. Using in-depth interviews, we explored where the women obtained information regarding birth-attendant options, how and why they chose their caregiver, and their perceptions of the quality of their maternal care experiences. Results: Participating women’s birth-attendant choices and experiences were influenced by (1) health care provider and/or social network awareness of (and attitudes towards) midwifery; (2) personal knowledge; (3) access to midwifery; and (4) understanding of the pregnancy as being on a medical risk continuum or as a normal, healthy process. Additional influences for VM women include a lack of formally educated midwives and social status gained through having a physician in their country of origin. Additional influences for Indigenous women were the effects of colonization, discrimination, and racism. Conclusion: Women (particularly VM and Indigenous women), their families, and health care providers in northwestern Ontario need more and easier access to midwives and to knowledge about their services and scope of practice. Also, increased focus on antiracist and culturally safe practice in health care provider curricula would help improve care for Indigenous women. This article has been peer reviewed.

Enhancing Healthcare Provider Awareness and Early Detection of Adolescent Eating Disorder

Enhancing Healthcare Provider Awareness and Early Detection of Adolescent Eating Disorder

Alpha-gal syndrome: exploring the link between tick bites and red meat allergy

Introduction: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) arises from tick bites, triggering excessive IgE antibodies to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). Symptoms vary, often appearing post-α-Gal ingestion, ranging from mild to severe, including urticaria, angioedema and respiratory issues. Delayed symptom onset complicates diagnosis, posing challenges for patients. AGS can also result from contact with medical animal-derived products, such as bovine-derived heart valves, necessitating heightened healthcare provider awareness, especially in tick-exposed regions. Management involves allergen avoidance and emergency medications like epinephrine. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Purpose: Through literature review and clinical presentation description, we aim to raise awareness and enhance understanding of alpha-gal syndrome. Description of the state of knowledge: AGS, an emerging atypical food allergy, stems from immune reactions to α-Gal oligosaccharide in mammalian meat and other animal products. Avoiding medical items containing alpha-gal is crucial to prevent iatrogenesis. Summary: Understanding AGS etiology and symptoms is vital for diagnosis and management. Healthcare providers' lack of awareness may lead to underdiagnosis, inadequate patient care, and underestimation of affected individuals.

Intimate Partner Violence, Loss of Control, and Adolescent Perception of Birth

This secondary analysis used cross-sectional baseline data from a previous longitudinal study exploring the mental health of 303 postpartum adolescents to examine associations and predictors reflecting the perception of the birth experience among three race–ethnic groups. Analysis of two key variables, partner violence and loss of control (LOC) during labor, revealed no association. Race–ethnic differences were noted for demographic variables (marital status, birth mode, and stress level) and perception of the birth experience. Black ethnicity, multiparity, LOC, and vaginal birth were found to predict a negative perception of the birth experience. Health-care provider awareness of risk factors can guide perinatal assessments and supportive and educational interventions to promote a positive perception of birth.

Association Between Harsh Disciplinary Methods and Child Functioning in Children Aged 7-14 Years in Punjab, Pakistan.

Despite having adverse physical and mental health outcomes, harsh disciplinary methods are commonly practiced all over the world. This study aims to measure the harsh disciplinary actions taken by parents and their association with child functioning in children, aged 7 to 14 years in Punjab, Pakistan. This study is based on secondary data obtained from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF's) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, conducted in the Punjab province from 2017 to 2018. Parents/caregivers of 19,721 children were included in the analysis. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted, and the data collection form included sociodemographic information, questions on different "Methods of Child Discipline" and the "Child functioning module." The data was analyzed using STATA 15.0. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and 95% CI exploring the association between harsh disciplinary methods and child functioning. More than 50% of children were exposed to severe physical, psychological, and emotional disciplinary methods. Exposure to severe physical aggression was associated with increased difficulty in learning (2.60 [1.27, 5.31]), remembering (2.83 [1.47, 5.44]), controlling behavior (1.63 [1.21, 2.18]), anxiety (1.98 [1.25, 3.13]), depression (2.57 [1.57, 4.22]) and making friends (1.94 [1.01, 3.79]). Whereas moderate physical aggression and psychological aggression were associated with (1.48 [1.19, 1.84]) and 1.5 times (1.20, 1.84) increase in difficulty in controlling behavior, respectively. Nonviolent actions were associated with protective odds for self-care (0.33 [0.17, 0.65]), communication (0.51 [0.27, 0.96]), learning (0.56 [0.33, 0.95]), remembering (0.62 [0.39, 0.90]), concentration (0.50 [0.31, 0.80]), anxiety (0.60 [0.46, 0.79]) and depression (0.67 [0.49, 0.92]). Severe disciplinary methods are detrimental to the child's personal care, mental, social, emotional, and psychological well-being, whereas nonviolent actions are associated with positive child functioning. In a third-world country such as Pakistan, this topic is widely undiscovered and understudied, thus emphasizing the need for awareness and education of parents and healthcare providers.

Maternal GBS vaccination for preventing group B streptococcus disease in newborns: A mini review of current evidence.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) poses a significant threat to neonates, leading to morbidity and mortality. Intrapartum antibiotics, although effective, have limitations, prompting the exploration of maternal vaccination. This study reviews the current evidence for maternal GBS vaccination in the prevention of early-onset GBS disease in newborns. A search on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus identified studies assessing the impact of maternal GBS vaccination on early-onset GBS disease. Inclusion criteria comprised English-language clinical trials or observational studies. Data extraction included study details, immunogenicity profiles, effectiveness, safety outcomes, and relevant findings. Qualitative synthesis was employed for data analysis. Five studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Maternal GBS vaccines demonstrated efficacy with sustained immunogenicity. Adverse events, although documented, were predominantly non-severe. Variability in immune responses and maternal-to-infant antibody ratios show the need for tailored vaccination approaches. Long-term follow up and surveillance are essential to assess persistence and identify unintended effects. Positive outcomes in vaccine efficacy support GBS vaccination integration into maternal health programs. Implementation challenges in diverse healthcare infrastructures require tailored approaches, especially in resource-limited settings. Overcoming cultural barriers and ensuring healthcare provider awareness are crucial for successful vaccination.

Assessing Medical Ethics Knowledge and Practice Among Healthcare Professionals in Al Majma'ah, Saudi Arabia.

Background The healthcare system is increasingly confronted with ethical challenges, necessitating a thorough exploration of healthcare providers' ethical knowledge and attitudes. This study aims to evaluate the ethical awareness and attitudes of healthcare providers in the Al Majma'ah region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Aim This research focuses on assessing the level of knowledge and practice regarding medical ethics among healthcare providers in a community hospital in Majmaah, KSA. Methods A comprehensive cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Majmaah governorate of Saudi Arabia. Data collection involved distributing a meticulously designed questionnaire to healthcare providers and faculty members affiliated with the College of Medicine. Subsequently, the acquired dataset underwent analysis utilizing SPSS software. Results A total of 183 participants were included in the study. The findings revealed that only 77 respondents (42.1%) considered ethical issues in their profession as extremely important. Moreover, 104 participants (56.8%) were aware of the existence of an ethics committee in their institution. A total of 113 respondents (61.7%) disagreed with the notion that ethical conduct is primarily important to avoid legal consequences, and 120 participants (65.6%) believed in the significance of in-service training on medical ethics for doctors. The study also highlighted that 100 participants (54.6%) believed that healthcare providers' opinions supersede patient preferences. However, a majority, 163 participants (89.1%), agreed that patients should be informed of any wrongdoing, contrasting with only 20 (10.9%) who disagreed. When asked about adhering to patients' wishes despite doctors' opinions, 112 (61.2%) responded affirmatively, while 71 (38.3%) disagreed. There was also a disparity in opinions regarding the necessity of obtaining consent, with 81 (44.3%) agreeing that consent is required not only for surgical procedures but also for medications or investigations. Furthermore, 137 participants (74.9%) recognized the importance of discussing ethical, social, and legal issues during clinical rounds alongside clinical aspects of patient care, while 46 (25.1%) disagreed. Conclusion Although medical ethics were introduced into the Saudi healthcare system more than a decade ago, this study underscores the ethical necessity of obtaining comprehensive informed consent prior to invasive and other medical procedures. It also highlights the significance of engaging patients in the decision-making process regarding their treatment. Well-informed patients typically exhibit higher satisfaction levels and are less inclined to pursue legal action.

Preeclampsia's Cardiovascular Aftermath: A Comprehensive Review of Consequences for Mother and Offspring.

Preeclampsia (PE), a multisystem hypertensive disorder affecting 2-8% of pregnancies, has emerged as a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in affected mothers and in their offspring. Between 10 and 15 years following gestation, women with a history of PE have double the risk of CVD, nearly 4 times the risk of hypertension, and increased all-cause mortality. Offspring exposed to PE in utero carry an increased risk of CVD and congenital heart defects. Due to the multifactorial nature of both PE and CVD, a clear dependency has been difficult to establish. The interplay between CVD and PE is an area of active investigation, likely involving placental, genetic, and epigenetic factors resulting in enduring endothelial, vascular, and immune dysfunction. Fetal developmental programming induced by adverse intrauterine environments, epigenetic changes triggered by oxidative stress, and underlying genetic predisposition play pivotal roles in the development of CVD in offspring exposed to PE. Though the literature has discussed the cardiovascular outcomes associated with PE for nearly a decade, patient risk perception and health care provider awareness remain low, representing a substantial missed opportunity for early intervention in this vulnerable population. This review article will discuss the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, its intersection with CVD, and the long-term cardiovascular consequences for affected mothers and their offspring. Our objective is to increase health care provider awareness and garner greater research interest in this important topic.

The Burden of Chagas Disease in the Contemporary World: The RAISE Study.

Chagas disease (ChD), a Neglected Tropical Disease, has witnessed a transformative epidemiological landscape characterized by a trend of reduction in prevalence, shifting modes of transmission, urbanization, and globalization. Historically a vector-borne disease in rural areas of Latin America, effective control measures have reduced the incidence in many countries, leading to a demographic shift where most affected individuals are now adults. However, challenges persist in regions like the Gran Chaco, and emerging oral transmission in the Amazon basin adds complexity. Urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas and to non-endemic countries, especially in Europe and the US, have redefined the disease's reach. These changing patterns contribute to uncertainties in estimating ChD prevalence, exacerbated by the lack of recent data, scarcity of surveys, and reliance on outdated models. Besides, ChD's lifelong natural history, marked by acute and chronic phases, introduces complexities in diagnosis, particularly in non-endemic regions where healthcare provider awareness is low. The temporal dissociation of infection and clinical manifestations, coupled with underreporting, has rendered ChD invisible in health statistics. Deaths attributed to ChD cardiomyopathy often go unrecognized, camouflaged under alternative causes. Understanding these challenges, the RAISE project aims to reassess the burden of ChD and ChD cardiomyopathy. The project is a collaborative effort of the World Heart Federation, Novartis Global Health, the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and a team of specialists coordinated by Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais. Employing a multidimensional strategy, the project seeks to refine estimates of ChD-related deaths, conduct systematic reviews on seroprevalence and prevalence of clinical forms, enhance existing modeling frameworks, and calculate the global economic burden, considering healthcare expenditures and service access. The RAISE project aspires to bridge knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and inform evidence-based health policies and research initiatives, positioning ChD prominently on the global health agenda.

Mapping the Common Barriers to Optimal COPD Care in High and Middle-Income Countries: Qualitative Perspectives from Clinicians.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses a significant global health burden despite being largely preventable and treatable. Despite the availability of guidelines, COPD care remains suboptimal in many settings, including high-income countries (HICs) and upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), with varied approaches to diagnosis and management. This study aimed to identify common and unique barriers to COPD care across six countries (Australia, Spain, Taiwan, Argentina, Mexico, and Russia) to inform global policy initiatives for improved care. COPD care pathways were mapped for each country and supplemented with epidemiological, health-economic, and clinical data from a targeted literature review. Semi-structured interviews with 17 respiratory care clinicians were used to further validate the pathways and identify key barriers. Thematic content analysis was used to generate the themes. Six themes were common in most HICs and UMICs: "Challenges in COPD diagnosis", "Strengthening the role of primary care", "Fragmented healthcare systems and coordination challenges", "Inadequate management of COPD exacerbations", "Limited access to specialized care" and, "Impact of underfinanced and overloaded healthcare systems". One theme, "Insurance coverage and reimbursement challenges", was more relevant for UMICs. HICs and UMICs differ in patient and healthcare provider awareness, primary care involvement, spirometry access, and availability of specialized care. Both face issues with healthcare fragmentation, guideline adherence, and COPD exacerbation management. In addition, UMICs also grapple with resource limitations and healthcare infrastructure challenges. Many challenges to COPD care are the same in both HICs and UMICs, underscoring the pervasive nature of these issues. While country-specific issues require customized solutions, there are untapped possibilities for implementing global respiratory strategies that support countries to manage COPD effectively. In addition to healthcare system-level initiatives, there is a crucial need for political prioritization of COPD to allocate the essential resources it requires.

Mapping evidence on barriers to and facilitators of diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in low- and middle-income countries in Africa: A scoping review.

To map the evidence on the barriers to and facilitators of diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. Noncommunicable diseases are increasing among people living with HIV. Thus, strengthened and sustained diagnosis of noncommunicable diseases through integrated noncommunicable diseases and HIV care is needed to improve patient outcomes. However, there is paucity of evidence on the barriers and facilitators diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. The Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework was used. A comprehensive systematic search of academic databases (MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, CAB, and Health Source/Nursing) was performed via EBSCO search and PubMed. The articles were reviewed independently by three reviewers. The results were structured using Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior model and Theoretical Domains Framework. A total of 152 articles were retrieved for full-text review. Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. The identified barriers were relevant to all the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior constructs and 14 Theoretical Domains Framework domains. A lack of knowledge and awareness of noncommunicable diseases, fear of stigma, financial problems and out-of-pocket payments were the most cited patient-level barriers. Healthcare providers (knowledge and awareness gaps, skill and competence deficiencies, unwillingness, burnout, low motivation, and apathy) were frequently cited. Lack of equipment, noncommunicable disease medications and supply chain challenges, lack of integrated noncommunicable disease and HIV care, and shortage of trained healthcare providers were identified as health-system-level barriers. This scoping review is the first to identify barriers and facilitators using a theoretical framework. The most cited barriers include a lack of integrated HIV and noncommunicable disease care, equipment and logistics chain challenges for noncommunicable diseases, patients' and healthcare providers' lack of knowledge and awareness of noncommunicable diseases, and healthcare provider's skill and competency deficiencies. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare providers and health systems.

Assessment and mitigation of sleep disturbances in Egyptian acute care settings

BackgroundSleep disturbances in acute care settings pose challenges to patient recovery and well-being. Acute care facilities provide a unique context to explore these issues due to their diverse patient populations. Understanding the prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances is crucial for developing effective interventions tailored to the acute care setting. AimAssess and mitigate of sleep disturbances in Egyptian Acute Care Settings among patients. MethodsA cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 158 adult patients aged 18 and above with various medical conditions. Sleep assessments utilized the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were conducted using SPSS 26. ResultsThe study, encompassed 158 patients, revealed several key findings: heightened sleep latency (p = 0.042) and a substantial increase in the Global PSQI Score (p = 0.018), indicated compromised overall sleep quality. Daytime sleepiness escalated across activities (p < 0.01), hinted at potential sleep-related issues. Additionally, occurrences of snoring, witnessed apnoea's, and daytime sleepiness significantly rose (p < 0.05), suggested the possibility of sleep-disordered breathing. Results from the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) underscored challenges across various sleep aspects (p < 0.01), highlighted the overall severity of insomnia symptoms (p = 0.001). These findings emphasized the necessity for targeted interventions to address these sleep disturbances ConclusionThe study underscored the significant impact of sleep disturbances on patients within Egyptian Acute Care Settings. With heightened sleep latency, compromised overall sleep quality, and increased daytime sleepiness observed among the patient cohort, there is a pressing need for tailored interventions to mitigate these issues. RecommendationsDevelop interventions tailored to address sleep disturbances, enhance healthcare provider awareness, and incorporate regular sleep assessments into patient care routines. Additionally, future research should evaluate the efficacy of these interventions within acute care environments.

Improving equitable access to publicly funded bariatric surgery in Queensland, Australia.

BackgroundPeople living in regional Queensland, Australia, have less access to health care than their metropolitan neighbours; a gap that is wider if they are also of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethnicity. The Bariatric Surgery Initiative (BSI) aims to provide metabolic bariatric surgery as a public service accessible to all Queenslanders for patients with morbid obesity according to need, regardless of location or ethnicity.MethodsWe investigated the BSI's progress in closing the metro-regional gap by comparing the distribution of referrals for surgery with the geographic and ethnic spread of obesity across Queensland in 2017-2019.ResultsRegional Queensland is home to 59.8% of Queensland's individuals with obesity, whereas 40.2% live in metropolitan Brisbane. In contrast, 47.8% of referrals were from regional areas, with 52.2% received from Brisbane. We found that more patients from metropolitan than regional areas underwent metabolic bariatric surgery, probably due to a paucity of referrals from regional locations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were able to access the service and all patients realised significant health benefits after surgery.ConclusionsThe BSI improved access to this service, and inequities in metro-regional access may depend on patient choice and healthcare provider awareness of the BSI.Trial registrationThis initiative was a quality improvement study focused on providing access to care rather than a clinical trial; as such it was not registered as a clinical trial.

Assessment of Health Care Providers Attitudes and Practices Concerning Medication Errors in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Medication errors are one of the leading causes of patients’ morbidity and mortality in health care settings&#x0D; Objective: Assess awareness, attitude and practices of health care providers toward medication errors in Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methodology: Cross-sectional study design was used in the period of three months, from 01 July to 30th November, 2023. participants were selected randomly. 329 health care providers including physicians, pharmacists and nurses working in different hospitals, primary health care centers and private clinics in different regions of Saudi Arabia, participated in the study. Dat was analyzed using Microsoft excel program.&#x0D; Results: The mean score of good knowledge about medication errors among respondents was 77%, average score of good attitudes toward medication errors among respondents was 72%. 74% of respondents were willing to inform supervisor if they had noticed a medication error. The causes for not reporting medication error were fear of any legal consequences (41%), self-management (23%), busy with work (15%) and did not know whom to inform (21%). Less than half (48%) of study subjects had previously filled an adverse drug reaction form.&#x0D; Conclusion: Medication errors play a significant role role in the quality of health of our patients. Health care providers in Saudi Arabia have good knowledge and positive attitude toward medication errors. However, medication error reporting is still not sufficiently done.

Improving utilization of rotavirus vaccination among children in Kuwait: an intervention study

Vaccination against rotavirus is an effective strategy to overcome the consequences of rotavirus infection. This study aims to raise the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of both parents or caregivers and healthcare providers towards the rotavirus vaccination. The design of the study was an interventional pre-test and post-test. The type of intervention used in this study is an educational intervention. The intervention consisted of a health education message delivered to the participants including both parents or caregivers and healthcare providers. It included three phases, the first one was carried out to assess the KAP of mothers and caregivers before the intervention, the second phase involved the evaluation of participants’ post-intervention, and the third phase involved the assessment of healthcare providers. The study used a survey to assess the demographics, KAP of the participants. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS program. The overall KAP among mothers were high (11.6%). After the intervention, the level of KAP of mothers toward the rotavirus vaccine was improved significantly (p=0.0001). Also, after the health education message, the level of KAP of the healthcare providers was significantly improved (p=0.0001). The levels of KAP of mothers and healthcare providers were improved after the educational intervention and the health educational message, reflecting the important role of educational intervention in raising the awareness of both mothers and healthcare providers.

Diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in shift workers, with patient informed solutions to improve health services research and practice

BackgroundThe combination of shift work and an unmanaged sleep disorder carries health and safety risks. Yet, diagnosis rates for sleep disorders are low in shift workers. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment in shift workers, and consider patient informed solutions to improve access to health services. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Australian shift workers with a diagnosed sleep disorder. Patient journey mapping and reflexive thematic analysis were used to understand diagnosis and management experiences. ResultsThere were highly variable experiences with diagnosis and management, often taking >5 years to seek help from a health care provider (HCP) after noticing symptoms of a sleep disorder. Three themes were constructed, including ‘the cause of the problem’, ‘prioritising work’, and ‘(dis)satisfaction and (dis)connection’. Extent of patient and HCP awareness of sleep disorders, and a prevailing attitude of shift work being ‘the problem’ impacted diagnosis, as did organisational needs (including rostering, which had both positive and negative influences on help seeking). Relationships with HCPs were important, and living on non-standard time was both a barrier and an enabler to sleep disorder care. Participants identified the need for education and awareness, prompts and easy access to screening and referral pathways, and tailored models of care. ConclusionEducation and awareness initiatives for shift workers, their employers and HCPs, together with development of a model of care for shift workers with sleep disorders may address some of the unique barriers to diagnosis and management.