Delivery Of Health Care Services Research Articles

Calculated Kindness? The Voices of Women Refugee Claimants: Accessing Pre- and Postnatal Health Care Services in Toronto, Ontario

In Canada, refugee claimants are given temporary immigration status, making access to health care services challenging. While the federal government determines the entitlements granted to refugee claimants, provinces are responsible for delivering health care services. This qualitative study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight refugee claimants and six service providers in Toronto, Ontario. An intersectional theoretical framework was employed to examine the experiences of women refugee claimants and their complicated and often incomplete access to prenatal and postnatal health care services. Findings revealed that delivery of health care services in Ontario created barriers to access and under-utilization of services resulting from intersections of health coverage, immigration status, gender, class, and discrimination.

An Evidence-Based Guide for Delivering Mental Healthcare Services in Farming Communities: A Qualitative Study of Providers’ Perspectives

Individuals living in rural areas often face challenges in accessing healthcare, increasing their risk of poor health outcomes. Farmers, a sub-population in rural areas, are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide, yet they exhibit low rates of help-seeking behavior. The aim of our study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the issues influencing mental help-seeking among farmers living in rural areas from the perspectives of healthcare providers, as well as to explore the strategies providers use to navigate through these issues to effectively engage with this vulnerable population. Methods: We used a descriptive phenomenological approach to understand healthcare providers’ perspectives, experiences, and approaches to providing mental healthcare to farmer clients in rural areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants practicing in Canada between March and May 2023. Results: Our analysis yielded five thematic areas: (1) ensuring accessibility, (2) establishing relatability, (3) addressing stoicism and stigma, (4) navigating dual roles, and (5) understanding community trauma. Conclusions: Healthcare service delivery for farmers is multifaceted. This study fills a gap in knowledge by translating these data to inform an evidence-based model and a list of recommendations for implementing agriculturally informed practices in rural areas.

Social Interactions and Comprehensive Education Programs: What the Society Related to Parkinson's Disease Wants in the Context of Iran: Content Analysis and Delphi Approach

Background: The physical and psychological symptoms of Parkinson's disease can disrupt patients' social lives, leading them to withdraw from social situations. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to identify the social needs and priorities of patients with Parkinson's disease from the perspectives of patients, family caregivers, and health care providers. Methods: The present study employed a qualitative content analysis method to collect data to identify the needs of patients with Parkinson's disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants using a purposive sampling strategy with maximum diversity in Tehran in 2023. Data analysis was performed using the conventional content analysis approach based on Granheim and Lundman's model. A two-stage Delphi technique was used to identify patients' priorities with 53 participants. Results: The 28 participants included 11 patients (7 male, 4 female, mean age = 66.27), 11 family caregivers (7 daughters, 3 spouses, 1 son, mean age = 43.81), 4 nurses, and 2 physicians. Three main categories and 12 subcategories were extracted. In the category of "Interactionism by leaving unwanted isolation," the subcategories identified were maintaining and promoting social interactions, maintaining aspects of the job and continuing some professional skills, voluntary membership in groups and institutional participation, and participation in social activities. The category "Continuity of healthcare services delivery" included four subcategories: Continued access to movement disorder specialists, access to coordinated multidisciplinary services, access to supporting organizations and associations, and appropriate insurance coverage. The category "Individual-oriented and community-oriented advocacy programs" included four subcategories: Financial support, social belonging and effective communication, self-care, and comprehensive education programs with multiple target groups. The prioritization was completed after two Delphi steps with a high agreement of 86.90% from 16 patients, 14 family caregivers, and 23 health care providers from eight disciplines. Conclusions: The results of the study show that patients with Parkinson's disease experience various social needs. Since the nature of Parkinson's disease affects social interactions, patients and their caregivers view social interactions as the missing link to addressing their social needs. Meanwhile, health care providers prioritize educating patients and families and holding specialized Parkinson's disease courses. Policymakers should consider necessary social support programs for these patients and focus on the specialized training of healthcare providers in the field of Parkinson's disease, in addition to providing appropriate care, support, and social services.

Digital public services: Catalysts for healthcare efficiency

Healthcare systems pose a continuous concern and challenge for countries worldwide. Effective governance plays a pivotal role in managing these systems, ensuring the well-being of current and future generations. In this context, digital transformation emerges as a key catalyst for change. E-government, with its potential to foster integrated policies and public services, holds the promise of driving healthcare transformation and improving healthcare delivery efficiency. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of e-government on healthcare transformation within the context of 27 European Union (EU) countries over the period from 2011 to 2022. Leveraging a Tobit model, the results showed that the development of e-government is a positive determinant for a country's ability to achieve transformative changes in its healthcare system. The findings of this study underscore the pivotal role of digital public services in reshaping healthcare systems and advancing the delivery of healthcare services. As nations strive to meet the evolving needs of their populations and enhance the sustainability of healthcare, e-government emerges as a powerful enabler of change. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of e-government in healthcare systems, promoting the efficient, effective, and equitable delivery of healthcare services. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing digital transformation to drive healthcare improvements, ultimately benefiting both present and future generations.

THE EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC PROCESS ON THE NUMBER OF PATIENT ADMISSIONS, HOSPITALIZATIONS AND REFERRALS IN A SECONDARY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

BACKGROUNDS/PURPOSE In December 2019, the respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus group virus, first seen in Wuhan, China, was named "coronavirus disease" (COVID-19). As a result of various decisions taken around the world to keep the disease under control, to provide healthcare services to diseases other than COVID-19, and to protect healthcare personnel from transmission, there have been some disruptions in healthcare service delivery. In this study, the daily number of patients admitted to the emergency department of a second-level district state hospital during the pandemic period, the number of patients hospitalized and the number of patients referred to another hospital were examined. These data were compared with the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic period. METHODS Applications made between January 01, 2019 and December 31, 2022 were examined retrospectively. The hospital where the study was conducted is a second-tier district state hospital serving a district with a total population of 130 thousand, approximately ten kilometers from the provincial center, and was not declared as a pandemic hospital during the pandemic period, but served both covid patients and patient groups presenting with non-covid complaints. Monthly data were collected on the number of patients admitted to the emergency department, the number of hospitalized patients and the number of patients referred to another institution during the four-year period. The effects of the pandemic period on the total number of admissions, referrals and hospitalizations were compared before and after the pandemic. In addition, the effect of the decisions taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the pandemic on the number of patient applications on a monthly basis, and whether this change, if any, has an effect on the number of patient referrals and hospitalizations were investigated. RESULTS Although the number of patients admitted to the emergency department decreased significantly during the pandemic period, the total number of patients hospitalized and referred from the emergency department did not decrease at a similar rate. Within the framework of this information, we can say that among the patients who applied to the hospital, patients who needed to be hospitalized or who needed to be referred to another institution because treatment was not possible under hospital conditions received the necessary health services both during the pandemic period and before and after the pandemic. CONCLUSION Considering the significant decrease in patient admissions seen with the pandemic, it would be appropriate to examine whether the emergency department is used properly by patients outside the above-mentioned group (without hospitalization or referral) in order to ensure effective and quality health services.

Screening tools for employment in clinical healthcare delivery systems: a content analysis

BackgroundThe relationship between work and health is complex and bidirectional, where work can have both health-harming and health-enhancing effects. Though employment is recognized as a social determinant of health, and clinical healthcare delivery systems are increasingly using screening tools to ask patients about social needs, little research has explored the extent to which employment-related social risk is captured in these screening tools. This study aimed to identify and characterize employment- and work-related questions in social risk screening tools that have been implemented in clinical healthcare delivery systems.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative content analysis of employment-related items in screening tools that have been implemented in clinical healthcare service delivery systems. Three content areas guided data extraction and analysis: Setting, Domain, and Level of Contextualization.ResultsScreening tools that asked employment-related questions were implemented in settings that were diverse in the populations served and the scope of care provided. The intent of employment-related items focused on four domains: Social Risk Factor, Social Need, Employment Exposure, and Legal Need. Most questions were found to have a low Level of Contextualization and were largely focused on identifying an individual’s employment status.ConclusionsSeveral existing screening tools include measures of employment-related social risk, but these items do not have a clear purpose and range widely depending on the setting in which they are implemented. In order to maximize the utility of these tools, clinical healthcare delivery systems should carefully consider what domain(s) they aim to capture and how they anticipate using the screening tools to address social determinants of health.

How do self-motivation and social motivation contribute to consumers’ acceptance of m-health services?

ObjectivesThe study aimed to propose a unified model integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM), social-determination theory (SDT), and social motivation to examine the roles of self-motivation (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, and competency) and social motivation (i.e., social influence and social recognition) in consumer acceptance of m-health services. In addition, the study aimed to explore whether relationships among the antecedent factors and consumer acceptance of m-health services would be moderated by consumers’ demographic characteristics. MethodsPartial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to test the proposed model with data from 614 Chinese m-health users. Multi-group analyses were performed to examine whether the results were different or equivalent across demographic backgrounds. ResultsUsage behavior was significantly influenced by behavioral intention. While self-motivations mostly exerted impacts on behavioral intention through the mediating roles of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, social motivations affected behavioral intention both directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of perceived usefulness. In addition, most of the hypothesized relations remained unchanged across gender, age, and usage experience. ConclusionsThis study reveals the important roles of varied self- and social motivations in developing consumer acceptance of m-health services. To facilitate consumers’ acceptance, m-health services should be designed to meet consumers’ internal requirements on autonomy and relatedness and earn recognition from social perspectives. The findings provide insights into the design and implementation of m-health services in support of consumer acceptance across different demographic backgrounds. Public interest summaryM-health has long been considered as a promising tool to support individuals’ health care activities and achieve improved efficiency and quality in the delivery of health care services. However, the introduction of m-health to consumers has proven difficult, and wide acceptance has not been achieved. We conducted a field survey of 614 Chinese m-health users to identify the roles of self-motivation and social motivation in consumers’ acceptance of m-health services. We found that self-motivation can exert impacts on consumers’ acceptance through the mediating roles of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, while social motivation affected acceptance both directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of perceived usefulness. In addition, these effects mostly remained unchanged across consumers’ gender, age, and usage experience. Based on our findings, we propose implications to design and implement m-health services in support of consumer acceptance across different demographic backgrounds.

Leveraging mobile phones to improve malaria healthcare service delivery in Buhera rural communities: implications for practice and policy

ABSTRACT Malaria remains a public health burden in many sub-Saharan African countries. Integrating mobile phones to reduce the burden is inevitable as they assist in reporting malaria, intensifying information, education and communication, understanding malaria transmission, mapping hotspot areas and predicting malaria seasonal variations. However, the use of mobile phones in tackling malaria remains nascent in rural communities. The study used multistage cluster sampling and purposive sampling to collect qualitative data from healthcare workers in resource-constrained rural areas. The study shows that printed media and community outreach activities are prominent methods used to create awareness of malaria during malaria peak seasons. Voice calls, short message service and mobile applications have been used to capture and report malaria incidences. However, poor network coverage, insufficient infrastructure, digital illiteracy, absence of active e-health policy and insufficient funding hinder the effective use of mobile phones in rural areas. There is a need to establish community networks in rural communities to improve internet access and connectivity, promote public-private partnerships and develop robust strategies for sustainable funding of m-health projects deployed to improve access to care. Mobile phones can aid in reporting, detecting and managing malaria cases, commodities, surveillance, hotspot mapping, awareness and community engagement.

Self-efficacy and Perceived Ease of Use as Factors to Determine Medical Personnel Readiness to Use an Information System Technology

This article uses an empirical investigation to evaluate self-efficacy and perceived ease of use as factors that will determine the successful adoption of the health information system in health institutions, using Nigeria as a case study. The health information system is the application of information technology to enable and promote health care services provision, support and delivery. Utilizing the DeLone and McLean model and a construct from the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), the focus is on self-efficacy and perceived ease of use which are tested with the (intention to) Use to find a correlation, to consider them as determinant factors of the readiness to adopt an information system in the healthcare environment. Results and findings reveal that self-efficacy and perceived ease of use have an effect on the intention to use and actual use of the HIS. Health practitioners should be trained on how to utilize the information system in order to improve their attitudes and perceptions towards it. Doing this will increase their zeal and make it habitual for them to utilize the system, hence better goals will be attained.

Continuing Professional Development Program in Health Facilities in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study on the Perceptions of Health Professionals.

Continuous professional development (CPD) is an important pillar in healthcare service delivery. Health professionals at all levels and disciplines must continuously update their knowledge and skills to cope with increasing professional demands in the context of a continuously changing spectrum of diseases. This study aimed to assess the CPD programs available in healthcare facilities (HFs) in Rwanda. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling. Accordingly, the respondents belonged to different categories of health professionals, namely nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, general practitioners, and specialist doctors. Thirty-five participants from district, provincial, and national referral hospitals were interviewed between September and October 2020. A thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas ti.7.5.18, and the main findings for each theme were reported as a narrative summary. The CPD program was reported to be available, but not for all HPs and HFs, because of either limited access to online CPD programs or limited HF leaders. Where available, CPD programs have sometimes been reported to be irrelevant to health professionals and patients' needs. Furthermore, the planning and implementation of current CPD programs seldom involves beneficiaries. Some HFs do not integrate CPD programs into their daily activities, and current CPD programs do not accommodate mentorship programs. The ideal CPD program should be designed around HPs and service needs and delivered through a user-friendly platform. The motivators for HPs to engage in CPD activities include learning new things that help them improve their healthcare services and license renewal. This study provides an overview of the status and perceptions of the CPD program in HFs in Rwanda and provides HPs' insights on the improvements in designing a standardized and harmonized CPD program in Rwanda.

Evaluation of the use of telehealth in Dietetics’ practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Telehealth, which involves the remote delivery of healthcare services through virtual technologies, has been shown to have benefits such as reducing hospitalisations and length of stay for patients (1,2). The global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the adoption of telehealth among clinical nutritionists. For instance, in the USA, telehealth usage for nutritional care has increased from 37% to 78% among clinical nutritionists (3), while in Italy, the adoption of telenutrition services by Registered Dieticians (RDNs) has risen from 16% to 63% (4). These statistics highlight the rapid integration of telehealth into dietetics practices as a response to the global health crisis, reflecting a growing trend towards virtual care delivery as an effective method for providing nutritional care. While telehealth has made progress in Saudi Arabia (5), there is a research gap regarding its prevalence and effectiveness in dietetics practice. This study aims to evaluate the current implementation of telehealth in dietetics practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.In this cross-sectional, a web-based online survey was used from mid-December 2022 to mid-May 2023. The study was distributed in several Saudi Arabian regions including (central, western, eastern, south, and north) and was completed by 306 clinical Registered Dietitians (RDNs) in public and private healthcare facilities who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The survey consisted of 28 questions divided into four sections, covering sociodemographic information, past or current experiences, obstacles and challenges of telehealth usage, and the future prospects of telehealth. In this study, participants were requested to reflect on their current observations and previous experiences pertaining to the utilisation of telehealth in the field of dietetics. To ensure the validity and relevance of the survey, it was reviewed by a panel of experienced dietitians in Saudi Arabia to obtain their feedback before being used to collect data.Our research findings reveal that 76% of RDNs in Saudi Arabia utilize telehealth in their practice. The most common obstacles reported by RDNs using telehealth include internet connectivity issues (21.9%), patient disengagement and lack of enthusiasm (21.3%), and difficulties in coordinating with patients (21%). Telehealth interventions used by RDNs primarily involve diet recall (33.7%), weight- related measurements (30.6%), lab findings (26%), and only 8% reported using telehealth for vital signs. A majority of participants (69.4%) believed that telehealth could improve patient accessibility and help reduce no-show rates (68.9%). Additionally, over 70% of participants agreed that telehealth offers them flexibility in inpatient consultations.In conclusion, telehealth is widely utilised among RDNs in Saudi Arabia, with potential benefits such as decreased no-show rates. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of telehealth usage among RDNs in Saudi Arabia.

Triple Burden: The Incorrigible Threat of Tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19.

<p>The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) hasn't seen the dawn since its emergence, however waxing and waning has resulted in the emergence of deadly variants. The effects of pandemic have not been limited to its virulence, but have rather conferred multiple collateral effects, especially in developing countries; thereby, designating it as a SYNDEMIC. The same culminated in neglect of non-COVID-19 conditions like tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Besides being the prognostic factor for severe COVID-19, these infections in hidden pockets served as reservoir for emergence of the deadly Omicron. Another significant impact of this juxtaposition was on the delivery of healthcare services for TB and HIV. <p> The unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic turned the path of ongoing progress of elimination programs. Direct consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were pronounced on diagnosis, treatment, and services for patients with TB and HIV. Essential TB services were reallocated to the COVID-19 rapid response task force. However, despite escalating the tribulations, this triple burden has simultaneously taught lessons to escalate the progress of halted programs. The pandemic has catalyzed an unusual level of collaboration among scientists, which can be exploited for TB and HIV. Fast-track diagnostics, digitalization, contact tracing, and vaccine development have enabled world to envision the same for TB/HIV.</p>.

How Informal Carers Support Video Consulting in Physiotherapy, Heart Failure, and Cancer: Qualitative Study Using Linguistic Ethnography.

Informal carers play an important role in the everyday care of patients and the delivery of health care services. They aid patients in transportation to and from appointments, and they provide assistance during the appointments (eg, answering questions on the patient's behalf). Video consultations are often seen as a way of providing patients with easier access to care. However, few studies have considered how this affects the role of informal carers and how they are needed to make video consultations safe and feasible. This study aims to identify how informal carers, usually friends or family who provide unpaid assistance, support patients and clinicians during video consultations. We conducted an in-depth analysis of the communication in a sample of video consultations drawn from 7 clinical settings across 4 National Health Service Trusts in the United Kingdom. The data set consisted of 52 video consultation recordings (of patients with diabetes, gestational diabetes, cancer, heart failure, orthopedic problems, long-term pain, and neuromuscular rehabilitation) and interviews with all participants involved in these consultations. Using Linguistic Ethnography, which embeds detailed analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication in the context of the interaction, we examined the interactional, technological, and clinical work carers did to facilitate video consultations and help patients and clinicians overcome challenges of the remote and video-mediated context. Most patients (40/52, 77%) participated in the video consultation without support from an informal carer. Only 23% (12/52) of the consultations involved an informal carer. In addition to facilitating the clinical interaction (eg, answering questions on behalf of the patient), we identified 3 types of work that informal carers did: facilitating the use of technology; addressing problems when the patient could not hear or understand the clinician; and assisting with physical examinations, acting as the eyes, ears, and hands of the clinician. Carers often stayed in the background, monitoring the consultation to identify situations where they might be needed. In doing so, copresent carers reassured patients and helped them conduct the activities that make up a consultation. However, carers did not necessarily help patients solve all the challenges of a video consultation (eg, aiming the camera while laying hands on the patient during an examination). We compared cases where an informal carer was copresent with cases where the patient was alone, which showed that carers provided an important safety net, particularly for patients who were frail and experienced mobility difficulties. Informal carers play a critical role in making video consultations safe and feasible, particularly for patients with limited technological experience or complex needs. Guidance and research on video consulting need to consider the availability and work done by informal carers and how they can be supported in providing patients access to digital health care services.

Traffic Monitoring and Signal Controlling using RFID for Emegency Vehicles

Abstract: This paper presents the concept, Traffic Monitroting and signal controlling using RFID technology to prioritize ambulance passage during emergencies. Traffic lights are crucial for managing the flow of vehicles on the road. In particular, when there are emergencies, the traffic situation is getting worse. Emergency vehicles find it challenging to cross busy road during periods of traffic congestion. A medical emergency vehicles like ambulances, or victims of accidents must be transferred to it as soon as possible. They could be late for rescue efforts because of traffic signals. Identification of emergency vehicles, control of traffic lights, and provision of a clear path for their travel are the objectives of our paper. The main element of this system that implements the control system is radio frequency Identification (RFID). Through RFID detection, the system identifies the presence of an ambulance approaching any lane and promptly initiates a sequence wherein traffic lights for the ambulance's intended lane turn green, while simultaneously halting traffic flow in other lanes. By integrating RFID technology into the traffic management infrastructure, the prototype ensures swift and efficient response to emergency situations, minimizing delays in medical assistance. The system's intelligent algorithm enables it to override regular traffic light patterns, granting immediate passage to ambulances without compromising safety or causing disruptions to traffic flow in adjacent lanes. This approach enhances emergency response capabilities, optimizing the delivery of critical healthcare services and potentially saving lives in urgent medical situations. The system's ability to dynamically adapt traffic signals based on real time ambulance detection underscores its potential to revolutionize emergency response protocols, contributing to enhanced public safety and well-being in densely populated urban areas. The RFID tag helps to verify that emergency vehicles The emergency vehicle can clear all junctions without wasting time at the traffic signals this keeps happening until the ambulance arrives at its destination.

IoT Based Medical Assessor and Predictor for HealthCare Solutions

Abstract: The introduction of cutting-edge, intelligent medical equipment into the virtual doctor system is orchestrating a remarkable transformation within community healthcare. Research in the healthcare sector has unveiled promising developments in extending human lifespan. However, obtaining healthcare services in remote areas remains a formidable challenge as patients often have to endure long journeys for treatment. The incorporation of IoT technology offers a viable solution by allowing real-time monitoring of vital signs through sensors like heart rate, Spo2, temperature, B.P and ECG sensors, measuring pulse rate, blood oxygen levels, body temperature, and blood pressure, respectively and applying different machine learning algorithms to predict the condition of the patient and suggest some precautions &amp; medications. The reliability of the collected data is assured, and ThingSpeak software transmits this data to the cloud, enabling the delivery of professional healthcare services to those in need. Notably, statistics reveal that in India, the doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:854, underscoring the crucial role of this technology in addressing healthcare requirements in rural communities.

Pharmaceutical serialization dynamics to restrain illicit trade and counterfeiting of drugs

Every individual has a fundamental entitlement to healthcare access. It falls upon governments to guarantee the delivery of high-quality healthcare services and infrastructure to their populace.. Over the past few decades, both governments and healthcare industries have been grappling with the challenge of minimizing the adverse effects on public health caused by counterfeit medicines. The World Health Organization has estimated that 40 % medicines in developing and impoverished countries are either counterfeit or potentially adulterated. The global economy suffers billions of dollars in losses due to counterfeit drugs, which also divert funds away from research and development (R&amp;D) initiatives. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has devised a 10-year roadmap to implement drug traceability measures. The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) has been tasked with mandating the printing of multiple barcodes and human-readable data on product packaging. Additionally, the FDA is actively involved in pilot projects with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers to leverage blockchain technology within interoperable digital networks for secure data transfer and traceability among authorized trading partners. Preventing counterfeit medicines from infiltrating the supply chain remains a significant challenge for governments and regulatory authorities. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on implementing stringent guidelines to deter criminals and counterfeiters from distributing fake medicines in the market. The healthcare industry requires robust regulations and secure technologies to ensure the delivery of safe and authentic drugs to patients.

Hernia repair prevalence by age and gender among the Australian adult population from 2017 to 2021

ABSTRACT Despite of high annual rate of surgery worldwide, few national-level studies have explored the epidemiological aspects of various types of hernia repairs. Our study aims to examine the 5-year prevalence of hernia repairs in Australian adults. The number of hernia repair surgeries for femoral, inguinal, incisional, other abdominal, and epigastric hernias were extracted from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) database from financial year (FY) FY2017 to FY2021. We calculated age-specific prevalence and prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare the prevalence of hernia repairs by age group and sex. The highest prevalence per 100,000 population of hernia repairs was found in inguinal (223), followed by epigastric (111), other abdominal (59), incisional (52), and femoral hernia (10). People over 65 years old had highest PR of hernias. There was a gender-wise variation across types of hernia procedures. Around 89.6% of patients with inguinal hernia repairs were males, while only 10.4% were females. The PR was lower in males for femoral and incisional hernia when compared two genders with corresponding age groups. Women in the pregnancy group (20–39 years) had a high risk of ventral hernia repair when compared to males. Groups of patients who have higher risks of hernia repair should be prioritized for healthcare service delivery, but more research is needed in hernia epidemiology, in Australia and internationally. Also, our study could serve as a national and international reference for other hernia repair studies where healthcare system is comparable.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services Delivery as Perceived by Rural Residents

This study assessed the impact of the CoViD-19 pandemic on primary healthcare services in Barangay Mabua, Surigao City. Employing a quantitative research design, the study profiled participants and investigated the pandemic’s effects on healthcare delivery. Purposive sampling was used, and data was collected through a validated questionnaire. The research objectives included examining variance based on participant profiles and deriving recommendations. The findings revealed a significant impact of the pandemic on primary healthcare services, with preventive and rehabilitative services showing variance across demographics. The study concluded that despite challenges, primary healthcare services continued to cater to the community. The implications of the research were far-reaching, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the community. The recommendations encompassed health literacy campaigns, collaborative efforts, and financial assistance programs to address the identified challenges. The study not only contributes valuable insights to the field but also lays the groundwork for future research endeavors in healthcare service delivery during crises.

AN EVIDENCE-BASED INVESTIGATION OF CERT-IN'S REPORTING ON CYBER-THREATS IN HEALTHCARE SECTOR

The pandemic underscored the significance of a digital health system. Healthcare sector has become one of the most important infrastructures since then. Undoubtedly, the digital health is the ultimate way to ensure accessibility, inclusiveness and delivery of healthcare services in an affordable and efficient manner. However, rising cyber-threat is one of the biggest concerns for healthcare organizations. The data breach incidents on Indian Council of Medical Research and on Covid-19 vaccine database in 2023 highlight the utter need to address the issue. To mitigate such incidents, India has established Computer Emergency and Response Team (CERT-In) which has been endowed with primary responsibility to prevent, treat, respond and report such threats. Although, CERT-In is responsible to report any cyber-incident but there is no information concerning the affected organizations and on frequency and severity of such cyber-incidents. It is doubtful as to how any authority is supposed to respond in lack of data or policy makers formulate a comprehensive framework to deal with the issue. CERT-In faces challenges in accurately reporting cyber incidents and contain discrepancies compared to other organizations' data and lacking detailed incident information. This research aims to analyze government records and secondary sources to understand the cyber-threat landscape, particularly in the healthcare industry. Using normative and comparative methods, it suggests measures which can be adopted by CERT-In based on assessments of U.S. and E.U. reporting practices. Findings stress the need for improved reporting practices and transparency in cybersecurity assessments to enhance data accuracy and completeness, urging policymakers and stakeholders to take action against cyber threats.

Perceived inadequate welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria and its influence on service delivery and patients’ safety

This qualitative study examines the perceived inadequate welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria and its influence on service delivery and patient wellbeing, focusing on Enugu State. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Data were collected from 12 respondents through oral interviews. The health professionals and patients of three government-owned hospitals in Nsukka LGA formed the study population, where 12 respondents were sampled using purposive and availability sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed thematically. According to the analysis, the welfare of healthcare workers in Nigeria is inadequate. This has a far-reaching impact on the quality of healthcare service delivery and patient’s well-being. The study strongly advocates the need for governmental intervention and collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve working conditions. This study also accentuates the role of social workers in advocating for better healthcare systems and patient safety.