Experiences Of Healthcare Providers Research Articles

Development of a Novel Neurological Score Combining GCS and FOUR Scales for Assessment of Neurosurgical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: GCS-FOUR Scale

Consciousness assessment is crucial for patients with traumatic brain injury. In this study, we developed a novel scoring system combining the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and the full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) and evaluated its association with the intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, mortality, and functional outcome. We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to the neurosurgical ICU of our institution during a 2-year period. The eye and motor components of the GCS and the brainstem reflex component of the FOUR were used to compute the GCS-FOUR. We performed statistical analysis to demonstrate the association between the GCS, FOUR, and GCS-FOUR and the ICU length of stay, mortality, the development of a persistent vegetative state, and desirable recovery. A total of 140 patients were included. The mean age was 30.6 years, and 89.3% were male. All 3 scores were associated with the ICU length of stay, mortality, a persistent vegetative state, and good recovery. In terms of predicting mortality, the GCS score exhibited a slight superiority compared with the other indexes, and the GCS-FOUR score showed a slight superiority over the other indexes in predicting for good recovery. The GCS-FOUR is a novel scoring system comparable to the GCS and FOUR regarding its association with functional status after injury, ICU length of stay, and mortality. The GCS-FOUR score provides greater neurological detail than the GCS due to the inclusion of brainstem reflexes, in addition to using the experience of healthcare providers with the GCS score compared with the FOUR in most settings.

Experience and perceptions of healthcare providers on clinical management and care of near-miss infants: a qualitative content analysis

IntroductionNeonatal Near Miss (NNM) refers to neonates with severe complications who almost died but survived immediately after birth. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of NNM has been assessed using a validated Neonatal Near-Miss Assessment Scale. However, understanding the experiences and perceptions of healthcare providers in the clinical management and care of NNM infants remains unexplored. The aim was to investigate the determinants contributing to the survival of neonatal near-miss babies and to identify any barriers encountered, as reported by the experiences of healthcare providers in public hospitals of Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsSemi structured interviews were used to collect data from 25 midwives, nurses, and pediatricians with at least six months of prior experience in one of the labor wards or neonatal intensive care units at one of the four public health hospitals in the Amhara Regional state of northwest Ethiopia included in a large intervention study assessing a NNM scale. Purposeful sampling was used, selecting participants based on their experiences related to the aim of this study. The participants had a varying level of education and years of experience to care for NNM infants. The average age of the healthcare providers was 31 years, with 7 years of work experience. The transcripts of the interviews with the healthcare providers were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe experience and perceptions of healthcare providers was described in the main category “A sense of hopelessness when caring for the baby” capturing a broader emotional and professional aspect, while the subcategories “Unclear responsibilities discharging one’s mission”, “Provision of kangaroo mother care” and “Quick action required at birth” are more specific and practical. Healthcare providers perceived a sense of hopelessness when caring for the NNM infant, particularly providing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and quick actions when required at birth to save the life of the infant.ConclusionUnclear responsibilities and a sense of hopelessness could have acted as barriers, hindering the ability of healthcare providers to fulfill their mission of taking swift actions and providing KMC to NNM infants, thus impacting their ability to save the lives of these infants. Healthcare providers’ and parents’ attitudes must be changed towards hope rather than hopelessness when caring for NNM infants.

Canadian Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Working with Older Homeless Adults in Outreach Settings.

Service providers have a unique understanding of older homeless adults' challenges and service needs. However, research on the experiences of health care providers (HCPs) who work with this population is limited. We aimed to gain a better understanding of the experiences (roles, challenges, and rewards) of HCPs who work with older homeless adults (age 50 and over) in outreach settings. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 10 HCPs who worked in these roles. Four themes emerged: (a) the client-provider relationship as an essential building block to HCPs' work; (b) progression of care that acknowledges the "whole person"; (c) collaboration as integral to providers' work; and (d) the importance of system navigation. Providers found their work personally and professionally fulfilling but were frustrated by system-level challenges. Findings can be used to identify strategies on how to further support providers in their roles and enhance service provision for older homeless individuals.

From pervasive chaos to evolutionary transition: The experience of healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic confronted healthcare providers, especially physicians and nurses, with many unprecedented changes and physical and psychological pressures. This study aimed to explore the healthcare providers' experiences providing healthcare services for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in "Golestan, Northeast Iran". Qualitative, conventional content analysis. A total of 13 eligible participants were recruited through the purposeful sampling method. Data were gathered using semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive content analysis based on the Elo and Kyngas model. The COREQ checklist was used to prepare the manuscript. The analysis of the data in this study led to the development of 16 subthemes and 5 themes emerged as follows pervasive chaos, imposed difficulties, paradoxical perceptions, committed efforts, and constructive transition. The experience of HCPs during the COVID pandemic in "Iran" showed that despite the physical, mental, emotional, and social consequences, a kind of constructive evolution and transition has also taken place in personal, professional, and organizational dimensions. It is suggested that managers while strengthening and protecting the capabilities and skills that have emerged, to reduce the tensions of HCPs, have developed programs for comprehensive support from them in physical, psychological, social, and financial dimensions. It is necessary to improve inter-professional cooperation, empathy, teamwork, professional commitment, and continuous learning in crises.

A qualitative study of the comfort care experience from the perceptions of health care providers providing care for terminally ill infants in neonatal intensive care unit at the end of life

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe the comfort care experiences of health care providers at the NICU at end of life. Designand Method: The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach, to collect data from 20 health care providers (nurses and physicians) who were selected purposively from the NICUs settings in three Jordanian hospitals utilizing semi-structured interviews. The data was recorded and analyzed thematically. ResultsFour distinct themes captured the comfort care experiences of health care providers: (1) Reality vs. Hope, (2) Beliefs and Emotions, (3) Provision of Comfort Care, (4) Passion of Attachment. ConclusionThe finding of the study indicated that the experience of the health care providers was very stressful and challenging. There was a lack of prior education on comfort care and a lack of comfort care policies to provide quality comfort care. This study supports need for adjustments in staffing to meet the complex needs of terminally ill infants at the NICU.

Health care provider and client experiences of counselling on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous (DMPA-SC) for self-injection in Malawi.

Since the introduction of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in 2018, Malawi has achieved national coverage of trained providers in the public sector and steady increases in uptake of DMPA-SC. However, the rate of clients opting to self-inject DMPA-SC has remained lower than early acceptability studies suggested. Providers play an instrumental role in building client confidence to self-inject through counselling/training. This cross-sectional qualitative study explored the perspectives of providers and injectable clients on the integration of self-injection into contraceptive counselling, to identify best practices and potential gaps. The study was conducted at public sector sites in three districts (Nkhotakota, Mzimba South, Zomba) in Malawi. In-depth interviews were conducted with provider-administered injectable clients, self-injecting clients, and DMPA-SC trained providers. All providers interviewed reported successfully integrating self-injection into their approach. During group health education sessions, some providers reported focusing on benefits of self-injection to spark interest in the method, and then follow that up with more in-depth information during individual counselling. Due to time pressures, a minority of providers reported replacing individual counselling with small-group counselling and limited use of elements such as visualizations and demonstrations. Most providers skipped client practice on inanimate objects, feeling this was either not necessary or inappropriate given stock constraints. Self-injection clients tended to credit their decision to take up SI to receiving lengthy, comprehensive counselling/training, often inclusive of reassuring messages, visualizations, demonstrations and sometimes repeated trainings over time. Provider-administered clients tended to credit their lack of uptake of self-injection to fear and lack of confidence, often blaming themselves instead of the quality of their counselling/training-even while many felt their counselling/training had been rushed or incomplete. Providers should be supported to overcome time- and resource-pressures to invest in counselling/training best practices, to ensure sufficient support is provided to clients interested in self-injection.

Prenatal ultrasound screening and pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women in Germany: results from a retrospective single-center study at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) in women living with HIV (WLWH) in a tertiary care institution. Furthermore, we aimed to assess prenatal ultrasound screening for fetal anomalies and outcomes in high-risk pregnancies due to maternal HIV infection." In this single-center study, retrospective data related to pregnancy and childbirth were collected from 420 WLWH. All data were evaluated descriptively. From January 2014 to December 2020, a total number of 420 pregnant WLWH delivered 428 newborns. 415 (98.8%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 88.8% had a viral load of < 50 cop/ml prior delivery. 46 (11%) of the newborns were born prematurely. Low birth weight < 2500g occurred in 38 (9.1%) of the children. 219 (52.1%) caesarean sections (CS) were performed. The most frequent indication for an elective CS was a previous CS (70.2%). 8 severe malformations were detected using first and second trimester ultrasound. In one child, MTCT was detected postpartum, resulting in an HIV transmission rate of 0.2% in the presented cohort. The low rate of vertical HIV-transmission in our cohort of 0.2% is the result of interdisciplinary prenatal care and high experience of healthcare providers in treatment of WLWH. Despite high ART coverage and adherence, good maternal immune system and very low vertical HIV transmission rate, maternal HIV infection remains a challenge in obstetric care. First and second ultrasound screening should be a part of prenatal care for HIV-infected women and should also be offered to HIV-negative women. A reduction of the rate of unnecessary elective caesarean deliveries in WLWH is necessary to reduce complications in subsequent pregnancies.

'There is no other option': Exploring health care providers' experiences implementing regional multisite midwifery model of care in South Australia.

In the past 30 years, 60% of South Australia's rural maternity units have closed. Evidence demonstrates midwifery models of care offer regional Australia sustainable birthing services. Five birthing sites within the York and Northern Region of South Australia, designed in collaboration with key stakeholders, offered a new all-risk midwifery continuity of care model (MMoC). All pregnant women in the region were allocated to a known midwife once pregnancy was confirmed. In July 2019, the pilot program was implemented and an evaluation undertaken. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of the new midwifery model of care from the perspective of health care providers. The evaluation utilised a mixed methods design using focus groups and surveys to explore experiences of health care providers impacted by the implementation of the MMoC. This paper reports on midwives, doctors and nurses experiences at different time points, to gain insight into the model of care from the care providers impacted by the change to services. The first round of focus groups included 14 midwives, 6 hospital nurses/midwives and 5 doctors with the overarching theme that the 'MMoC was working well.' The second round of focus groups were undertaken across the five sites with 10 midwives, 9 hospital nurses/midwives and 5 doctors. The overarching theme captured all participants commitment to the MMoC, with agreement that 'there is no other option - it has to work'. All participants reported positive outcomes and a strong commitment to navigate the changes required to implement the new model of care. Collaboration and communication was expressed as key elements for success. Specific challenges and complexities were evident including a need to clarify expectations and the workload for midwives, and for nurses who were accustomed to having midwives 24 hours a day in hospitals. This innovative model responds to challenges in providing rural maternity care and offers a sustainable model for maternity services and workforce. There is an overwhelming commitment and consensus that there is 'no other option-it has to work'.

Exploring Delivery of Adolescent Preventive Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions and Experiences Shared by Healthcare Professionals

Abstract Background While unmitigated vaccine hesitancy was already growing before the emergence of COVID-19, the global pandemic has introduced additional challenges to the immunization sector. Despite the benefits, routine preventive care was forestalled by challenges related to pandemic lockdowns/quarantine, parental reluctance to seek preventative services, poor access to healthcare, loss of income and/or health insurance, and the inability of children under 12 to be immunized against the coronavirus. Considering the potential impacts caused by the pandemic’s disruption of adolescent preventative care services, we explored the experiences of adolescent healthcare providers in Tennessee and Georgia in providing care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A series of in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between December 2020 and May 2021 via the video conferencing platform, Zoom, among a diverse group of adolescent healthcare providers (n=16) representing 5 healthcare practices located within the southeastern states of Georgia and Tennessee. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis framework, guided by the grounded theory and inductive approach. Results Preventive adolescent services were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at all participating practices. Participants highlighted an initial decrease in patients due to the pandemic, despite the implementation of protective measures such as an increase in sanitation measures, hand washing, separation of sick and wellness visits, mask mandates, and telehealth/video conferencing opportunities. While practices continued to distribute educational materials, many removed material from their waiting rooms due to sanitary concerns related to COVID-19. Participants reported that patient-provider communications; effective use of presumptive languaging; periodic reminders/recall messages; provider’s personal recommendation on vaccine safety/efficacy; early initiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series at 9 years; community partnerships with health navigators/vaccine champions/vaccine advocates; use of standardized forms/prewritten scripts/standard operating protocols for patient-provider interactions; and vaccine promotion through social media, brochures/posters/pamphlets, as well as outreach to schools and churches, served as facilitators to adolescent HPV vaccine uptake. Conclusions By exploring the perceptions and experiences of adolescent healthcare providers, our research identified key factors influencing adolescent vaccination uptake and its relatedness to the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue our findings support and encourage the development of personalized patient-provider communications, trusting relationships, effective use of presumptive languaging, and counteraction of misinformation as solutions to suboptimal preventative services and vaccination coverage rates. Implementation of these comprehensive strategies could not only ameliorate routine adolescent vaccination uptake but could also aid in the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance on a sizable scale.

"It's complicated…": Exploring second stage caesarean sections and reasons for non-performance of assisted vaginal births in Kenya: A mixed methods study.

Unnecessary Caesarean Section (CS) can have adverse effects on women and their newborns. Assisted vaginal birth/delivery (AVB/AVD) using a suction device or obstetric forceps is a potential alternative when delays or complications occur in the second stage of labour. Unlike CS, AVB using a suction device does not require regional or general anaesthesia, can often be performed by midwives, and does not scar the uterus, lowering the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, in this and subsequent pregnancies. This study examined the appropriateness and outcomes of second stage CS (SSCS), and reasons for low levels of AVB use, in Kenya. Using a mixed methods study design, we reviewed case notes from women having SSCS births and AVB, and conducted key informant interviews with healthcare providers, from 8 purposively selected hospitals in Kenya. Randomly selected SSCS and all AVB case notes were reviewed by a panel of four experienced obstetricians, and appropriateness of the procedure assessed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with obstetricians, medical officers and midwives, and analysed using a thematic approach. Review of 67 SSCS case notes showed 10% might have been conducted as AVBs, with a further 58% unable to be classified due to inadequate/inconsistent record keeping or excessive delay following initial CS decision. Outcomes following SSCS showed perinatal mortality rate of 89.6/1,000 births, with 11% of infants and 9% of mothers experiencing complications. Non-referred cases of AVB showed good outcomes. The findings of the 20 interviews explored the experience and confidence of healthcare providers in performing AVBs, and adequacy of the training they received. Key reasons for non-performance included lack of functioning equipment, lack of trained staff or their rotation to other departments. Reasons for non-performance of AVB were complex and often multiple. Any solutions to these problems will need to address various local, regional and national issues.

A qualitative study of infection prevention and control practices in the maternal units of two Ghanaian hospitals

IntroductionHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a common challenge in healthcare delivery, with a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries. Preventing HAIs has gained enormous attention from policy makers and healthcare managers and providers, especially in resource-limited settings. Despite policies to enforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to prevent HAIs, IPC compliance remains a challenge in hospital settings. In this study, we explore the experiences of healthcare providers and women in the post-natal phase and investigate factors influencing IPC practices in two hospitals in Ghana.MethodsThe study used a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations among healthcare providers and women in the postnatal phase in two maternity units from January 2019 to June 2019. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. The data sets were uploaded into the qualitative software NVivo 12 to facilitate coding and analysis.FindingsHealthcare providers were driven by the responsibility to provide medical care for their patients and at the same time, protect themselves from infections. IPC facilitators include leadership commitment and support, IPC training and education. Women were informed about IPC in educational talks during antenatal care visits, and their practices were also shaped by their background and their communities. IPC barriers include the poor documentation or ‘invisibility’ of HAIs, low prioritization of IPC tasks, lack of clear IPC goals and resources, discretionary use of guidelines, and communication-related challenges. The findings demonstrate the need for relevant power holders to position themselves as key drivers of IPC and develop clear goals for IPC. Hospital managers need to take up the responsibility of providing the needed resources and leadership support to facilitate IPC. Patient engagement should be more strategic both within the hospital and at the community level.

The lived experiences of hematology healthcare providers during and beyond the COVID‐19 crisis: A qualitative study

AbstractObjectiveAmid the COVID‐19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) of hematology patients face unique challenges due to the vulnerability of their patients. This study explores the lived experiences of these providers during and beyond the crisis.MethodsTwenty‐one Australian HCPs caring for hematology patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their experiences and needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, adequacy of support and information provided by healthcare organizations, impact on hematology patients, and the benefits and challenges of telehealth care. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were identified: (1) Managing an initial state of flux (unsettling uncertainty and fear, unique needs of hematology patients, getting on with the job together); (2) Concerns about care provision (questioning care efficacy, burden of compassion); (3) Disconnect between HCP needs and system‐level responses (burnout, isolation, and poor work‐life balance, broadcast fatigue, protecting mental health), and; (4) Reflecting on the future (ongoing challenges for hematology patients, higher staff turnover and heavier workloads, innovation in the healthcare field).ConclusionThis study sheds light on the challenges that hematology HCPs face during and beyond the COVID‐19 crisis, impacting their wellbeing. Addressing these challenges is paramount for the healthcare system at large. Provider‐led peer support programs may be beneficial for addressing moral distress and building resilience. Additionally, specific consideration for the ongoing vulnerability of hematology patients could have positive impacts on providers' professional satisfaction.

Co-production of a structured integrated post pulmonary embolism care model (Attend-PE)

Abstract Background More than half of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) develop persistent functional limitation and experience lower quality of life (1). To mitigate long-term complications, the European Society of Cardiology clinical guidelines on PE management recommends an integrated model for patient care after PE. However, there is currently no consensus on what such an optimal follow-up strategy should include, and high-quality evidence to provide guidance is lacking (1,2). Purpose To describe the co-production of a structured model for PE follow-up. Methods This study is part of the project - A structured Integrated post PE care model (Attend-PE) aimed at developing and testing the effectiveness of a structured, integrated and patient-centred follow-up care model for patients with PE in Denmark. The co-production of the Attend-PE model was conducted from October 2021 till June 2022, featuring user-centred and participatory design techniques. This methodology was combined with a structural stepwise approach based on Intervention Mapping, to ensure the developed model was founded on evidence and theory (3). Results In accordance with the Intervention Mapping protocol, a national panel of stakeholders was formed, and a needs assessment was conducted. The needs assessment comprised a mapping of PE follow-up at all main sites treating PE in Denmark (18 hospitals), based on a co-design process with patients and health care professionals inspired by the patient journey method. To supplement this, a literature search was conducted to identify further knowledge concerning the follow-up care needs and preferences of patients with PE, as well as the optimal clinical management of PE follow-up. Based on this, the overall goal and performance objectives of a structured follow-up care model were formulated, laying the foundation for co-production workshops. In two full-day workshops, patient representatives and healthcare professionals, as well as experts in the field of PE, developed the components, scope, and sequence of the Attend-PE model. Subsequently, the structure and organization of the follow-up model were refined during online workshops, and a working group produced patient education material. The Attend-PE model (Figure 1), outlines a systematic strategy for post-PE in-hospital follow-up, involving patient education, the content and frequency of individual follow-up consultations, and the application of patient reported outcome measures to actively assess physical and psychological well-being. This model supports an individualized post-hospitalization follow-up care plan tailored to the patient's specific needs. Conclusion(s) The co-production process was successful in developing a structured follow-up model for patients with PE which was based on patients’ needs and preferences, as well as the clinical experience and perspectives of healthcare providers, and was in line with current clinical guidelines.Attend-PE model

Healthcare provider experiences interacting with survivors of intimate partner violence: a qualitative study to inform survivor-centered approaches

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive form of gender-based violence (GBV) that is largely undisclosed, especially among women seeking healthcare services in Uganda. Prioritizing survivor needs may improve IPV disclosure. This study explores healthcare worker experiences from provider-patient interactions with survivors seeking antenatal care services (ANC) in Uganda.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted among twenty-eight experienced healthcare providers in a rural and an urban-based ANC clinic in Eastern and Central Uganda. Providers were asked what they viewed as the needs and fears of women identified as having experienced any form of IPV. Iterative, inductive/deductive thematic analysis was conducted to discover themes regarding perceived needs, fears, and normalizing violence experienced by IPV survivors.ResultsAccording to healthcare providers, IPV survivors are unaware of available support services, and have need for support services. Providers reported that some survivors were afraid of the consequences of IPV disclosure namely, community stigma, worries about personal and their children’s safety, retaliatory abuse, fear of losing their marriage, and partners’ financial support. Women survivors also blamed themselves for IPV. Contextual factors underlying survivor concerns included the socio-economic environment that ‘normalizes’ violence, namely, some cultural norms condoning violence, and survivors’ unawareness of their human rights due to self-blame and shame for abuse.ConclusionsWe underscore a need to empower IPV survivors by prioritizing their needs. Results highlight opportunities to create a responsive healthcare environment that fosters IPV disclosure while addressing survivors’ immediate medical and psychosocial needs, and safety concerns. Our findings will inform GBV prevention and response strategies that integrate survivor-centered approaches in Uganda.

The Provision of Abortion Care via Telehealth in the United States: A Rapid Review.

The recent Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health that has overruled Roe v. Wade has resulted in severe limitations of abortion access throughout the United States. Telehealth has been put forth as one solution for improving access for reproductive health care, including abortion services. Telehealth has demonstrated safety and efficacy in several health care disciplines; however, its use for abortion care and services has not been explored and synthesized. As part of a larger review on telehealth and general reproductive health, our team identified a moderate amount of literature on telehealth and abortion care. We conducted a rapid review searching for eligible studies in MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL. Information was extracted from each included study to explore 4 key areas of inquiry: (1) clinical effectiveness, (2) patient and provider experiences, (3) barriers and facilitators, and (4) the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Twenty-five studies on the use of telehealth for providing abortion services published between 2011 and 2022 were included. Telehealth for medical abortion increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and was found to be safe and clinically effective, with high patient satisfaction. Overall, telehealth improved access and removed barriers for patients including lack of transportation. Legal restrictions in certain states were cited as the primary barriers. Studies contained limited information on the perspectives and experiences of health care providers and diverse patient populations. Abortion care via telehealth is safe and effective with high satisfaction and may also remove barriers to care including transportation and fear. Removing restrictions on telehealth for the provision of abortion services may further improve access to care and promote greater health equity.

Patient and healthcare providers experience of access to menopause-related information and menopause-care provision across the UK: Results from a nationwide survey

Patient and healthcare providers experience of access to menopause-related information and menopause-care provision across the UK: Results from a nationwide survey

Filling the evidence void: exploration of coach and healthcare provider experiences working with pregnant and postpartum elite athletes – a qualitative study

ObjectiveRecent research grounded in the experiences of elite female athletes has shed light on the complex challenges of navigating sport environments that do not support or value pregnant or postpartum...

Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting: Healthcare Providers' Experiences from Southern Highland Tanzania.

This exploratory qualitative study aimed to analyze the experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) in pharmacovigilance (PV) and ADR reporting in the southern highland zone of Tanzania. In 2022, an exploratory qualitative case study using in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted to explore the experiences of PV and ADR reporting among HCPs (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists). The study was carried out in a zonal referral hospital and a regional referral hospital of the Tanzanian southern highlands zone. Inductive-deductive thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis. Participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of PV and its related activities including ADR reporting. Knowing the interactions and wrong medication dosage as sources of ADR, signs, and symptoms, stopping the drug, and treating the symptoms following ADR emerged as subthemes linked with adequate knowledge in identifying and managing ADR. Participants perceived reporting ADR as laborious, posing a subjective burden and that not all ADRs needed to be reported. The latter contributed to limited participation in ADR reporting despite that participants were conversant with both physical and online ADR reporting platforms. Although HCPs are well informed about PV and ADR reporting including the benefits to public health, their involvement in ADR reporting is low. In addition to the ongoing on-the-job training and regular supportive supervision for HCPs to improve the ADR practice, there is still a need to explore other strategies to be used as motives for HCPs to report ADR regularly.

Primary healthcare provider experience of knowledge brokering interventions for mood management

ABSTRACT Background Knowledge brokering is a knowledge translation strategy used in healthcare settings to facilitate the implementation of evidence into practice. How healthcare providers perceive and respond to various knowledge translation approaches is not well understood. This qualitative study used the Theoretical Domains Framework to examine healthcare providers’ experiences with receiving one of two knowledge translation strategies: a remote knowledge broker (rKB); or monthly emails, for encouraging delivery of mood management interventions to patients enrolled in a smoking cessation program. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare providers recruited from primary care teams. We used stratified purposeful sampling to recruit participants who were allocated to receive either the rKB, or a monthly email-based knowledge translation strategy as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Interviews were structured around domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore determinants influencing practice change. Data were coded into relevant domains. Results Both knowledge translation strategies were considered helpful prompts to remind participants to deliver mood interventions to patients presenting depressive symptoms. Neither strategy appeared to have influenced the health care providers on the domains we probed. The domains pertaining to knowledge and professional identity were perceived as facilitators to implementation, while domains related to beliefs about consequences, emotion, and environmental context acted as barriers and/or facilitators to healthcare providers implementing mood management interventions. Conclusion Both strategies served as reminders and reinforced providers’ knowledge regarding the connection between smoking and depressed mood. The TDF can help researchers better understand the influence of specific knowledge translation strategies on healthcare provider behavior change, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to implementation of evidence-informed interventions. Environmental context should be considered to address challenges and facilitate the movement of knowledge into clinical practice.

Explaining the Experiences of Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: Healthcare providers in different countries have different experiences during epidemic conditions based on their nursing resources and healthcare systems and the cultural norms of the community. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 36 medical personnel from eastern Guilan in the north of Iran. The participants were selected via purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews continued until data saturation. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis, simultaneous with data collection. Results: Data analysis revealed three main categories and 10 subcategories: peaceful coexistence (scientific-professional development, enhanced emotional proximity, and resilience in critical situations), the outburst of despair (exhaustion in clinical settings, annoying obsessions, ambivalent decision making, and excessive fear), and in the shadow of sorrow (the shadow of depression, painful public rejection, and in financial distress). Conclusion: An analysis of the participants’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed three main themes: peaceful coexistence, the outburst of despair, and in the shadow of sorrow. Paying attention to the physical, psycho-social, emotional, and financial challenges and needs of healthcare providers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is an undeniable necessity and requires the full attention and support of the authorities and the community.