Experiences Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Feasibility and acceptability of facilitated advance care planning in outpatient clinics: A qualitative study of health-care professionals experience.

This study sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a facilitated advance care planning (ACP) intervention implemented in outpatient clinics, as perceived by health-care professionals (HCPs). Data from seven focus groups (n = 27) and nine semi-structured interviews with HCPs recruited as part of a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial (RCT) were analysed using qualitative descriptive methodology. Components of the intervention included HCP education and training, tools to assist HCPs with patient selection, hardcopy information, and ACP documentation, and specialised nurse-facilitators to support HCPs to complete ACP conversations and documentation with patients and caregivers. Health-care professionals working in tertiary outpatient clinics perceived the facilitated ACP intervention as feasible and acceptable. Health-care professionals reported a high level of satisfaction with key elements of the intervention, including the specialised education and training, screening and assessment procedures and ongoing support from the nurse-facilitators. Health-care professionals reported this training and support increased their confidence and ACP knowledge, leading to more frequent ACP discussions with patients and their families. Health-care professionals noted their ability to conduct ACP screening and assessment in clinic was impeded by large clinical caseloads and patient-related factors (e.g., dementia diagnoses, and emotional distress). Additional barriers to ACP implementation identified by HCPs included poor collaboration, constrained time and clinical space, undefined roles and standardised recording procedures for HCPs. Facilitated ACP intervention in outpatient clinics is perceived by HCPs as feasible and acceptable. Addressing barriers and tailoring implementation strategies may improve the delivery of ACP as part of tertiary outpatient care.

An Exploratory Analysis of the Roles of Nurses on a Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit in South Korea Perceived by Pediatric Rehabilitation Professionals.

Rehabilitation addresses not only children's disabilities but also their physical, psychological, social, and cultural impairments. Hence, pediatric rehabilitation adopts a multidisciplinary approach; it encompasses the vital role of not only physicians and rehabilitation therapists, but also of nurses. This study conducts a content analysis of the experiences of healthcare professionals specializing in pediatric rehabilitation to explore the roles nurses working on pediatric rehabilitation units are expected to perform. After analyzing the interviews with 12 experts in pediatric rehabilitation, the roles of pediatric rehabilitation nurses were broadly categorized into five areas (caregivers, team members, counselors, researchers, and educators) with eight sub-groups and 24 specific roles. This study is significant because it provides profound insights into the roles of pediatric rehabilitation nurses in Korea. These insights can serve as foundational data for formulating policies for healthcare personnel in pediatric rehabilitation, and provide evidence for establishing a much-needed system for certified rehabilitation nurses in Korea.

Living with multimorbidity: A qualitative exploration of shared experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in managing symptoms in the United States.

To elicit experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in intermediate care units (IMCUs) in an academic medical centre in Baltimore, MD related to the challenges and intricacies of multimorbidity management to inform development of a multimorbidity symptom management toolkit. Experience-based co-design. Between July and October 2021, patients aged 55 years and older with multimorbidity admitted to IMCUs at an academic medical centre in Baltimore, Maryland, USA were recruited and interviewed in person. Interdisciplinary healthcare professionals working in the IMCU were interviewed virtually. Participants were asked questions about their role in recognizing and treating symptoms, factors affecting the quality of life, symptom burden and trajectory over time, and strategies that have and have not worked for managing symptoms. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used for analysis. Twenty-three interviews were conducted: 9 patients, 2 family caregivers, and 12 healthcare professionals. Patients' mean age was 67.5 (±6.5) years, over half (n = 5) were Black or Hispanic, and the average number of comorbidities was 3.67. Five major themes that affect symptom management emerged: (1) the patient-provider relationship; (2) open and honest communication; (3) accessibility of resources during hospitalization and at discharge; (4) caregiver support, training, and education; and (5) care coordination and follow-up care. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different priorities for multimorbidity management. It is imperative to identify shared priorities and target holistic interventions that consider patient and caregiver experiences to improve outcomes. This paper addresses the paucity of research related to the shared experience of disease trajectory and symptom management for people living with multimorbidity. We found that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different care and communication priorities. Understanding differing priorities will help better design interventions to support symptom management so people with multimorbidity can have the best possible quality of life. We have adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines in our reporting. This study has been designed and implemented with patient and public involvement throughout the process, including community advisory board engagement in the project proposal phase and interview guide development, and member checking in the data collection and analysis phases. The method we chose, experience-based co-design, emphasizes the importance of engaging members of a community to act as experts in their own life challenges. In the coming phases of the study, the public will be involved in developing and testing a new intervention, informed by these qualitative interviews and co-design events, to support symptom management for people with multimorbidity.

MISSION ABC: transforming respiratory care through one-stop multidisciplinary clinics – an observational study

ObjectivesThe Modern Innovative Solutions to Improve Outcomes in Asthma, Breathlessness and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (MABC) service aimed to enhance disease management for chronic respiratory conditions through specialist multidisciplinary...

REFRAMING AGING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS

Abstract As students in health care professions will serve older patients, it is critical to proactively reframe aging in their education, confront implicit biases, and encourage age-inclusivity before they enter the workforce. We developed a training to address the limited focus on aging and later life among undergraduate curricula in health care professional disciplines (e.g., nursing, health sciences). The 1-hour, online training was piloted among current undergraduate nursing students (N=69). The content uses data and real-person interviews to introduce demographic trends in aging, define and deconstruct ageism concepts, illustrate the impact of ageism on individual health and health care, and highlight the diverse experiences of aging. The training also includes communication tools and interactive activities, such as reflection questions and case studies, to engage students in their own aging experience and to garner empathy for others’ aging experiences. Pre- and post-training evaluations revealed that the training impacted students in expressing positive behavioral change towards age-inclusivity and awareness at internal, interpersonal and institutional levels. Evaluation results also showed statically significant evidence that the training increased students’ knowledge about facts versus stereotypes about aging, confidence in understanding ageism and its relevance to health care, and consideration of working with older adults in their career. This pilot research project encourages other higher education institutions to incorporate training and education in their curricula that distinctively focuses on later life and reframing aging in a long-term effort towards improving health care for older people and the experiences of health care professionals who serve them.

“You get tired of remaining in a state of fear“- professionals’ experiences of self-care facing suicidality in psychiatric wards

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to explore mental healthcare professionals (MHCPs) experiences related to own emotions when encountering patients at risk of suicide in psychiatric wards and their family members. Methodology and methods, participants and research context This study has a qualitative explorative design. Data consist of texts from twelve in-depth interviews with MHCPs belonging to six units in two psychiatric wards. Data were interpreted using a hermeneutical approach based on Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics. Findings Through an interpretation process, three themes emerged: Enduring own emotions, Balancing emotional engagement and the need to rest, and Being together in the community of colleagues. Conclusion This study shows the importance of being aware of own anxiety facing suicidality. MHCPs have to work emotionally and cognitively so that care is not guided by anxiety but by collaboration with the patient and his family members. The study highlights the need for a culture in the mental health service in which the MHCP can reflect on own emotional reactions and thoughts in a collegial environment characterized by openness, generosity and collaboration.

Evaluation of the DigiBete App, a Self-Management App for Type 1 Diabetes: Experiences of Young People, Families, and Healthcare Professionals.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a public health issue for children, young people, and families (CYPF) and requires innovative interventions. The DigiBete app is a self-management and educational app to help CYPF and healthcare professionals (HCPs) manage T1DM, featuring educational advice and resources such as guidance, quizzes, and educational and instructional videos on how to manage T1DM. To assess the impact and implementation of the app, the service-level evaluation deployed a mixed-methods design. App data were captured via the DigiBete platform and an online survey with a non-probability sample of HCPs (N = 178) and CYPF (N = 1165) = 1343. Overall, 55.7% (n = 512/919) of app users were female, and 4855 videos were viewed across the participating areas, with an average of 1213 videos per site (range 776-1679) and 4.4 videos per app user. The most popular videos were how to give a glucagon injection and "My Sick Day Rules", which showed what to do when CYPF were unwell due to T1DM. Interviews (n = 63) were undertaken with 38 CYPF and 25 HCPs. The findings indicate that CYPF and HCPs found the app an essential tool in the management of T1DM. CYPF and HCPs felt the app provided a valuable educational resource in a central location that was invaluable in an emergency or unknown situation. The app was a trusted and bona-fide source of information that could be accessed at any time. HCPs validated DigiBete in helping CYPF to manage their T1DM. At the same time, the app saved HCPs' service time and money and helped CYPF take back some of the control in managing their diabetes.

Perceptions and experiences of community-based healthcare professionals in the state of Qatar having do not attempt resuscitation discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The values and attitudes of healthcare professionals influence their handling of "do-not-attempt-resuscitation" (DNAR) orders, as does that of the families they interact with. The aim of this study was to describe attitudes, perceptions, and practices among community-based medical practitioners towards discussing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and DNAR orders with patients and their relatives, and to investigate if the COVID-19 pandemic affected their practice in having these discussions. This is a researcher-developed online survey-based study which aimed to recruit a convenience sample of respondents from a total population of 106 healthcare professionals working for the Mobile Healthcare Service (MHS), Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service in the State of Qatar. 33 family physicians, 38 nurses, and 20 paramedics (n = 91) responded to the questionnaire, of who around 40, 8, and 50%, respectively, had engaged in Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions during their work with MHS. 15% of physicians who had experience with Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions in Qatar felt that the family or patient were not open to having such discussions. 90% of paramedics thought that Do Not Attempt Resuscitation was a taboo topic for their patients in Qatar, and this view was shared by 75% of physicians and 50% of nurses. Per the responses, the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected the likelihood of most of the physicians or nurses (and 50% of the paramedics) identifying patients with whom having a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussion would be clinically appropriate. Overall, for all three groups, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the likelihood of identifying patients with whom a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussion would be clinically appropriate. We found that the greatest barriers in having Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions were perceived to be the religious or cultural beliefs of the patient and/or their family, along with the factor of feeling the staff member did not know the patient or their family well enough. All three groups said they would be more likely to have a conversation about Do Not Attempt Resuscitation if barriers were addressed.

Evaluating the implementation of a person-centred transition programme for adolescents and young adults with long-term conditions: the role of context and organisational behaviour

PurposeDrawing on the experiences of healthcare professionals in one paediatric hospital, this paper explores the influence of context and organisational behaviour on the implementation of a person-centred transition programme for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with long-term conditions.Design/methodology/approachA single embedded qualitative case study design informed by a realist evaluation framework, was used. Participants who had experience of implementing the transition programme were recruited from across seven individual services within the healthcare organisation. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) and analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsImplementation of the transition programme was influenced by the complex interaction of macro, meso and micro processes and contexts. Features of organisational behaviour including routines and habits, culture, organisational readiness for change and professional relationships shaped professional decision-making around programme implementation.Originality/valueThere exists a significant body of research relating to the role of context and its influence on the successful implementation of complex healthcare interventions. However, within the area of healthcare transition there is little published evidence on the role that organisational behaviour and contextual factors play in influencing transition programme implementation. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of how organisational behaviour and contextual factors affect transition programme implementation.

Abstract C114: Indigenizing and ruralizing NCI’s Screen to Save Program: Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching, Science (ROOTS)

Abstract Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching and Science (ROOTS) for Indigenous populations was a virtually adapted colorectal screening program to decrease cancer health disparities while increasing knowledge about culturally tailored screening processes. Indigenous and rural community outreach teams partnered with a community advisory board to provide an Indigenized/ruralized version of the NCI Screen to Save (S2S) program delivered to both Indigenous rural/sub-urban communities. 169 pre/post surveys were obtained from 82 participants. Findings demonstrated participants were able to identify smoking, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity as risk factors for colorectal cancer. Post intervention, participants were more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer and talk with family friends about their colorectal cancer screening experience increase physical activity. Additional adaptions were investigated for Two-Spirit and Native American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual urban populations (n=6 virtual roundtables; n=14 participants). Findings from the overall ROOTS program suggested culturally tailored intervention messaging are an important means for increasing screening and decreasing cancer health disparities among both Indigenous and rural populations. Primary results from Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ adaption included understanding past mindsets and experiences of healthcare professionals; a need for continued lay translations, importance of community marketing beyond health centers; and more information on follow up details including central contact information. Citation Format: Rodney C. Haring, William Maybee, Josie Raphaelito, Corrine Abrams. Indigenizing and ruralizing NCI’s Screen to Save Program: Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching, Science (ROOTS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C114.

Culture‐sensitive dementia diagnostics and care: a best practice for a diverse patient population

AbstractBackgroundThe elderly population in Europe is becoming more diverse. In order to provide effective dementia diagnostics and care, healthcare professionals need to cater more to diversity in terms of culture, language, educational attainment or (health) literacy. Therefore, the implementation of culture‐sensitive diagnostic instruments and a shift in approach to adapt to this group is necessary within memory clinics. We preformed semi‐structured interviews to gather the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals on the topic of culture‐sensitive dementia diagnostics and care. The findings are summarized in a best practice.MethodFor the best practice we used qualitative methods and preformed 14 semi‐structured interviews. We interviewed healthcare professionals that work with a diverse patient population within different memory clinics in the Netherlands. We investigated their definition of culture‐sensitive care, the specific adjustments made in the diagnostic trajectory and discussed organizational aspects related to culture‐sensitive care. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Atlas.ti.ResultSeveral requirements for effective dementia diagnostics have been mentioned, such as working with experienced translators, the use of culture‐sensitive diagnostic instruments, and language specific information material. Other adjustments consider communication between healthcare professionals and patients. First, healthcare professionals put extra effort into estimating the level of (abstract) reasoning of patients. In this way the language used by the healthcare professional is adapted in order to optimize the communication. Second, there is more attention for nonverbal communication if patients have a different cultural background. Lastly, healthcare professionals take more time to provide care for a multicultural patient group.ConclusionLearnings and experiences from healthcare professionals working at memory clinics across the Netherlands give valuable insights. A best practice for culture‐sensitive dementia diagnostics and care may help with accurate dementia diagnosis and provide tools for healthcare professionals to cater to a diverse patient population.

PCR127 Needs and Experiences of Patients and Healthcare Professionals Towards Shared Decision Making in Multiple Myeloma Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study in Europe

PCR127 Needs and Experiences of Patients and Healthcare Professionals Towards Shared Decision Making in Multiple Myeloma Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study in Europe

Cytokine Release Syndrome: The Patient, Caregiver and Healthcare Professional Experience

Background: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a supraphysiologic response to T-cell engaging immunotherapy that can negatively impact the treatment experience of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and other blood cancers. We explored patient, caregiver and healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives on key burdens and unmet needs associated with CRS. Methods: Existing insights from disease-level patient journeys (follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma [MM]) and reports from focus groups with a CRS patient working group from the USA, UK, Canada, and Belgium were assessed to identify key questions. Further interviews were conducted (November 2022-January 2023) in the USA, UK, Germany, and Austria to address these questions with patients, caregivers and HCPs. HCP insights were collected via 60-minute virtual interviews; patient and caregiver insights were collected via video homework tasks and 60-minute virtual interviews. Outputs were validated by the working group, consisting of patients with CRS experience and representatives of patient organizations. Results: A total of 34 HCPs (hemato-oncologists, n=24; nurses, n=10; Tables 1 & 2) with varying degrees of experience of managing CRS were interviewed, along with 9 patients and 3 caregivers (associated diagnoses: NHL, n=6; MM, n=5; acute lymphocytic leukemia, n=1). All patients had experienced CRS (Grade 1-3) as a result of CAR T-cell (n=6) or bispecific antibody (n=3) therapy. Insights were based on five focus areas: 1) patient education and information; 2) CRS diagnosis and management; 3) CRS in different healthcare archetypes; 4) digital literacy and the role of technology in mitigating/monitoring/managing CRS; and 5) the caregiver perspective. CRS education was a primary unmet need, but overall awareness and knowledge of CRS was strong among the patient sample. Patients noted the life-threatening potential of CRS, but preferred to be on active treatment. HCP communication to patients focused on CRS being an expected occurrence rather than a marker of treatment failure, the need for in-patient admission in some cases and/or close monitoring, and the critical role of caregivers. Generally, HCPs were familiar with CRS and the procedures for its monitoring and management, but the variability in time to onset, severity of symptoms, and potential impact on quality of life (QOL) warranted caution. Logistics emerged as a common barrier, with CRS treatment often administered at major hospitals, as local, community-based clinics do not currently have the required capacity/capability to manage CRS; this could be achieved via the provision of training and support. Uncertainty remains regarding the broader roll out of bispecific antibodies, given the variability in CRS treatment between countries. Patients, HCPs and caregivers were aligned on their preferences for remote monitoring for CRS. All three groups expressed the need for simple, easy-to-use solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and do not cause undue concern with false alarms, complex technical set-up and patient user experience. Patients emphasized the need for prompt and assured access to their medical team in case of an emergency. HCPs expressed a range of opinions on the feasibility of adopting such solutions. Some were open to using new tools and saw the potential for alleviating resource challenges. Others had reservations about interoperability and questions around over-informing patients with detailed data. Patients were open to adopting new technologies, if they added tangible benefit to their QOL, avoided additional logistical burden and improved their experience. Conclusions: There is strong awareness among patients, caregivers, and HCPs of the risks associated with CRS and the potential impact on QOL. HCPs with experience in administering cellular immunotherapies are confident in monitoring and managing CRS; however, its unpredictability and logistical burden need to be addressed. There is value in adopting digital solutions for CRS monitoring and management. Concerns remain around interoperability, data stewardship, and integration and validation within current hospital systems. Patients' concerns regarding the useability of such digital solutions and assured data privacy also need to be addressed as part of solution development in the CRS space.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals on the use of Mepitel Film for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer.

Randomized clinical trials support Mepitel Film (MF) as a prophylactic treatment for radiation dermatitis (RD) in patients undergoing breast radiotherapy. Although several studies have canvassed the opinion of patients on using MF, no such studies have been done to investigate the perception of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the perceptions of HCPs on MF as a treatment option for RD. Anonymized responses to a web-based survey sent to HCPs at a single institution managing patients using MF during breast radiotherapy were analyzed. Of the 28 HCPs contacted, 22 completed the survey, including 6 radiation oncologists (ROs), 11 radiation therapists (RTTs), and 5 nurses. Most HCPs reported MF was better at preventing severe RD than the standard of care and improved radiation-induced skin reactions (n = 20/22, 91%, and n = 19/22, 86%, respectively). MF was recommended for mastectomy patients without reconstruction (n = 15/21, 71%). The majority of HCPs believed that patients' families could be trained to apply and remove MF (n = 19/22, 86%). Many HCPs perceived that implementation of MF would be difficult in terms of maintaining patient flow and wide-scale implementation within their institution (n = 11/22, 50%, and n = 10/22, 46%, respectively). Most HCPs perceived that fewer than 50% of their patients could afford MF if priced at $100 CAD (n = 15/20, 75%). These findings provide insights into the possibility of MF to be incorporated into standard practice of care for RD. Although most HCPs were satisfied with MF as a prophylactic treatment for RD, there are concerns about its resource-intensive operationalization and financial accessibility to patients. Future research should focus on ways to improve HCP experience with MF and to improve its implementation into clinical settings as standard of care.

Vegetarianism and eating disorders: The subjective experience of healthcare professionals

Vegetarianism is growing dramatically among adolescents and young adults. Professionals specialized in eating disorders (ED) may routinely face patients adhering to these popular vegetarian practices. This qualitative study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals' subjective experience of vegetarianism in ED patients. Interviews of practitioners specialized in ED, recruited from the French federation of anorexia and bulimia (FFAB), were conducted using a semi-structured guide. We reached data saturation. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyze patterns of meaning in the dataset. Eighteen professionals (dieticians, physician-nutritionists, and a psychiatrist) with private or institutional practices were interviewed. Three meta-themes emerged from our thematic analysis: (1) heterogeneous perceptions of vegetarianism among healthcare professionals, (2) diverse nutritional care practices, (3) factors influencing professionals' nutritional strategies and approaches. This original qualitative and exploratory study reported vegetarianism is a fast-growing phenomenon observed in a majority of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, with various underlying motivations reported. In all cases, the nature of the timing and relation between the vegetarian practices and the ED should be carefully assessed, using specific tools. Because of the ethical dimension of this issue and the risk of professional bias, institutional policy based on specific practice guidelines, to be developed, are strongly encouraged.

The HAIR-QoL measure Part 1: What are the quality of life issues for people with cancer with chemotherapy-induced alopecia?

This paper describes the development of the provisional HAIR-QoL questionnaire on the impact of chemotherapy-induced alopecia on health-related quality of life. A total of 43 items have been developed. IntroductionChemotherapy Induced Alopecia (CIA) is the most visible side effect of chemotherapy treatment, carrying an important psychosocial burden, and negatively affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). No internationally validated instrument for the severity and impact of CIA exists for people with cancer for both sexes, which has hindered research in this area. Therefore, our aim was to develop a patient-reported measure for use in research and patient care. MethodsWe established a list of potential issues based on experiences of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) through a literature review, interviews, and focus groups with 52 patients in various cancer centres from three countries. Thereafter, a total of 51 eligible patients and 11 HCPs from four countries scored these issues on relevance and priority before translating into items for the provisional HAIR-QoL questionnaire. ResultsThe literature search identified 293 issues, and focus groups and interviews another 618 issues. Removing duplicates and general HRQoL issues resulted in 95 pertinent issues across 6 health-related QoL domains: (1) meaning and importance of hair, (2) satisfaction with the received information regarding hair loss and preparedness, (3) impact of hair loss on self, (4) impact of hair loss on others, (5) management of changes/side effects, and (6) regrowth of hair. Differences in relevance scores could be detected between males and females, and were associated with 5 items on the wearing of a wig/head cover (Z = 2.9–3.4, p between 0.001 and 0.004). Also relevance scores for ‘wearing a wig/head cover for my partner/children’ were higher for female patients with breast cancer compared to other cancers (Z = 3.2, p = 0.001). The calculated scores on relevance and priority led to a total of 43 issues that have been translated into items. ConclusionThis study shows that people with cancer with CIA experience important HRQoL issues, not adequately measured by existing HRQoL measures. CIA can affect male people with cancer as much as it can affect females. The provisional HAIR-QoL questionnaire provides an optimal approach for multidisciplinary teams who care for people with cancer in understanding their patients’ concerns and priorities around CIA.

Beyond the bedside: protocol for a scoping review exploring the experiences of non-practicing healthcare professionals within health professions education

BackgroundThe number of healthcare professionals leaving clinical practice and transitioning to alternative careers in health professions education is increasing. Among these non-practicing healthcare professionals, concerns have been reported regarding tensions in relation to identity, role, and credibility in their new field. There are suggestions that this is a particularly pressing issue for minoritised professionals who make this transition. Support is critical to attract and retain diverse talent within health professions education teaching and research. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the career experiences of non-practicing healthcare professionals who work in health professions education internationally.MethodsArksey and O’Malley’s framework has been utilised to guide the design of this scoping review process and will be used throughout the course of the review. A comprehensive search of seven electronic databases and limited search of Google Scholar will be conducted, as well as a hand search of eligible article reference lists. Two reviewers will independently screen all articles based on inclusion criteria, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data from included articles will be charted, collated, and analysed thematically. Meta-data will be summarised quantitatively.DiscussionThis scoping review aims to explore the role and experiences of non-practicing healthcare professionals working within health professions education. The review will follow established scoping review guidelines and will include studies from various regions and languages, provided an English translation is available. The study remit will be broad, including both quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as reviews and opinion papers. Limitations may include the exclusion of non-English articles and potential difficulty of identifying papers which discuss the experiences of non-practicing clinicians. However, the review will provide insight into the current knowledge on what it is like to be a non-practicing clinician working within health professions education and identify gaps for both future research, and future support for those making this career transition.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/485Z3

From fixer to facilitator: an interpretative phenomenological study of diabetes person-centred counselling and empowerment-based education.

The purpose of this study is to explore the professional and personal experiences of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals during and following diabetes counselling and empowerment-based education. Everyone who had participated in a diabetes counselling and empowerment course between 2008-2016 was invited to respond to an online survey and follow-up telephone interview if willing. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The research team used interpretative phenomenology to identify core themes from both the survey and telephone interviews and which captured the impact of empowerment-based education. 22 doctors, nurses, dieticians, and psychologists completed an online questionnaire. 10 subsequently took part in telephone interviews. Empowerment-based education changed them from fixers to facilitators. Their transformation included a sense of becoming authentic, 'being the way I want to be' in clinical practice and becoming more self-reflective. This affected them personally as well as reinvigorating them professionally. The participants described a personal and professional journey of transformation that included discovering their person-centred philosophy. They adopted a consultation structure that empowered people with diabetes to care for themselves. It can be speculated that participants' experience of transformation may also guard against professional burnout.

“It took so much of the humanness away”: Health care professional experiences providing care to dying patients during COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected healthcare in profound and unprecedented ways, distorting the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) alike. One area that has received little attention is how COVID-19 affected HCPs caring for dying patients. The goal of this study was to examine the experiences of HCPs working with dying patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between July 2020–July 2021, we recruited HCPs (N = 25) across Canada. We conducted semi-structured interviews, using a qualitative study design rooted in constructivist grounded theory methodology. The core themes identified were the impact of the pandemic on care utilization, the impact of infection control measures on provision of care, moral distress in the workplace, impact on psychological wellbeing, and adaptive strategies to help HCPs manage emotions and navigate pandemic imposed changes. This is the first Canadian study to qualitatively examine the experiences of HCPs providing care to dying patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications include informing supportive strategies and shaping policies for HCPs providing palliative care.

Accompaniment of minors during health care procedures

In clinical practice, it is not rare to encounter situations in which parents and families are asked to leave the child alone with the health care team in rooms full of devices throughout the performance of procedures, which at times may give rise not only to conflicts but, more importantly, emotional sequelae in children or adolescents.We conducted a narrative review of the literature by searching the digital library of the public health care system of Andalusia for articles concerning the experiences of health care professionals and families with the accompaniment of paediatric patients during health care procedures. We restricted the search to studies published in Spanish or English and conducted in humans.The review evinced the need to humanise care in order to improve care quality. The need to accompany minors is supported by the evidence from works that have analysed the factors involved in the persistence of these behaviours and attitudes in both professionals and parents. We consider it necessary to develop institutional policies and appoint mediators to compile the statements of different national and international societies, taking into account legal aspects but, above all, the pertinent values from a health care ethics perspective, and in pursuit of the best interests of the child.