Experiences Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Izmir Earthquake Experience of Healthcare Professionals During Pandemics: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: During the period where the effects of Covid-19 pandemics have been intensively experienced, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off İzmir province, resulting in devastating consequences. The earthquake during pandemics cause to increase work overload to healthcare professionals, leading to additional challenges in the management of the process. Aim: This is phenomenological research conducted to depict experiences and practices of healthcare professionals who experienced an earthquake together with pandemics. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 11 healthcare professionals working in the emergency department of a private healthcare facility in İZMİR. The data were collected using a semi-structured, online interview. Results: Overall, 3 primary and 18 sub-themes were revealed regarding the experiences and practices of the nurses. Most participants experienced emotions such as fear, shock, panic, and sadness at the time of the earthquake and when faced with earthquake victims. They experienced shortness in resources, safety concerns for themselves and their families as well as health issues and their management. Conclusion and suggestions:Participants reported that knowledge regarding competence in the profession, communication skills, ingenuity, and innovation in providing care due to shortness of resources, professional, triage, to provide psychological care, and follow-up skills are required in this challenging. Highlights: During disasters, healthcare professionals work in difficult conditions with limited resources and face problems and difficulties more than those experienced during their daily practice. This study presents very important information about health professionals' need to support not only the organization but also psychological support when is been living more than one disaster.

Parenting Perceptions and Experiences of Healthcare Professionals Employed in Contact Tracing Teams

The pandemic has mandated some healthcare workers to provide contact tracing services. The present study aimed to discuss the parenting perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals assigned to contact tracing teams. We carried out this phenomenological study with 29 mothers and 26 fathers selected using the purposive sampling techniques. We collected the data using a demographic information form and a parent interview form and analyzed them using the content analysis method. The results revealed that the parents attempted to balance between the risks of their tasks and their parenting roles. Also, their perception of protecting their families was the basis of their efforts to protect themselves. Moreover, the social distance to family members revealed longing and intimacy expectation among the participants. The pandemic has significantly impacted families, which is exponentially dramatic for contact tracing teams as health workers. Therefore, it seems significant to carry out counseling works with such families.

Non-pharmacological management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: health-care professional perspectives and experiences

Purpose To understand experiences and perceptions on non-pharmacological treatment of vertebral fractures and virtual-care from the perspective of care professionals’ (HCPs) Design and setting We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 HCPs within Canada (7 F, 6 M, aged 46 ± 12 years) and performed a thematic and content analysis from a post-positivism perspective. Results Two themes were identified: acuity matters when selecting appropriate interventions; and roadblocks to receiving non-pharmacological interventions. We found that treatment options were dependent on the acuity/stability of fracture and were individualized accordingly. Pain medication was perceived as important, but non-pharmacological strategies were also considered helpful in supporting recovery. Participants discussed barriers related to the timely identification of fracture, referral to physiotherapy, and lack of knowledge among HCPs on how to manage osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. HCPs reported positive use of virtual-care, but had concerns related to patient access, cost, and comprehensive assessments. Conclusion HCPs used and perceived non-pharmacological interventions as helpful and selected specific treatments based on the recency of fracture and patient symptoms. HCPs’ also believed that virtual-care that included an educational component, an assessment by a physiotherapist, and an exercise group was a feasible alternative, but concerns exist and may require further evaluation. Implications for Rehabilitation Non-pharmacological strategies in combination with pain medication may be a more effective strategy to support recovery than pain medication alone but should be informed by fracture acuity and patient symptoms. To improve access to physiotherapy and other non-pharmacological treatment options during the acute or chronic management of vertebral fractures, it may be worthwhile to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of virtual-care.

Exploring protective psychological factors of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 in Singapore: A qualitative study

This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychological impact of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on frontline healthcare professionals (HCPs) both in primary care and hospital emergency departments in Singapore, to understand (1) the experience of HCPs during the outbreak, the new challenges faced on the job, how they were affected psycho-socially, (2) the support received, and (3) the protective factors of psychological distress. Purposive sampling was used to identify frontline HCPs, and those in managerial positions leading clinical teams. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 39 participants from June to November 2020 via a video-conferencing platform, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was conducted to elicit themes. We identified themes related to (i) the psychological impact they experienced, and (ii) the protective factors during this challenging period. In terms of psychological impact, work-related stressors such as physical burnout, loss of control and fear of infecting family were common themes. HCPs also experienced increased stress at home due to distancing measures they adhered to in order to protect their family. Themes related to psychological protective factors were also identified, such as resilience, team spirit, social support from peers, family and the public, and psychological readiness for the pandemic.

General practice as a place to receive help for domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study in England and Wales.

General practice is an important place for patients experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence and abuse (DVA), and for their children to seek and receive help. While the incidence of DVA may have increased during the COVID- 19 pandemic, there has been a reduction in DVA identifications and referrals to specialist services from general practice. Concurrently there has been the imposition of lockdown measures and a shift to remote care in general practices in the UK. To understand the patient perspective of seeking and receiving help for DVA in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was then compared with experiences of general practice healthcare professionals. A qualitative interview study in seven urban general practices in England and Wales, as part of a feasibility study of IRIS+, an integrated primary care DVA system-level training and support intervention. Semi-structured interviews with 21 patients affected by DVA and 13 general practice healthcare professionals who had received IRIS+ training. Analysis involved a Framework approach. Patients recounted positive experiences of seeking help for DVA in general practice during the pandemic. However, there have been perceived problems with the availability of general practice and a strong preference for face-to-face consultations, over remote consultations, for the opportunities of non- verbal communication. There were also concerns from healthcare professionals regarding the invisibility of children affected by DVA. Perspectives of patients and their families affected by DVA should be prioritised in general practice service planning, including during periods of transition and change.

Evaluating possible improvements in indwelling urinary catheter insertion from nurses' point of view: A pilot comparative study of simulated insertion between the novel T‐Control® and a Foley‐type catheter

AbstractThe aims of this study are to simulate the insertion of the new T‐Control® urinary catheter with experienced healthcare professionals in bladder catheterisation and evaluate the usability and functionality of the new catheter compared to conventional Foley‐type catheter open and closed systems. A small‐scale quantitative study was conducted with 11 professionals who had a minimum of 3 years of professional experience, and 1 year of experience in bladder catheterisation. To test the advantages of the new T‐Control® urinary catheter, a Living Lab, which is an instrument designed to test innovative solutions in real‐life environments with users, was performed. The catheters used in the simulation were: a conventional Foley‐type catheter in an open system, a conventional Foley‐type catheter in a closed system, and the new T‐Control® catheter. The participants evaluated the insertions through a satisfaction questionnaire and by a nurse expert utilizing a usability questionnaire after the complete visualization of the Living Lab was recorded. T‐Control® reduced by 27.3% the contamination of the urine collection bag and the contamination of the urine collection bag connector. Accidental spillages when connecting the urine collection bag were also reduced by 54.5% using the T‐Control® catheter, reducing the workload and reducing occupational accidents before connecting the urine bag. The trainer considered satisfactory 9/12 T‐Control® insertions performed, improving the number of satisfactory insertions observed with the Foley‐type catheter open and closed systems (with 3/12 and 7/12 results respectively). T‐Control® was the best‐rated product by the participants, requiring less time, and physical and mental effort. Fifty percent of the nurses would exclusively recommend T‐Control® in their units, while the other half would recommend it in combination with others. The insertion of T‐Control® makes the bladder catheterisation procedure easier and safer. The preparation of the sterile field requires less material since it does not include the urine collection bag while the fluid‐controlling system favours the reduction of contamination and accidental spillages. Based on the nurses’ evaluation, T‐Control® with its integrated urine‐controlling system could bring additional benefits to the healthcare staff for catheterisation.

Managing diabetes and dementia, a challenging duo: a scoping review

Abstract This paper aims to describe experiences and challenges when managing diabetes along with dementia from the perspectives of those living with these conditions, their informal carers and health care professionals.The scoping review included studies published within the last 10 years (2012–2022) from EBSCO Research Databases: CINAHL, Health Business, Soc Index, ERIC, Medline, Information Science & Technology Abstracts and a review of reference lists. Three hundred and fifty‐six papers were identified of which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria that focused on the experiences of managing the comorbidities of diabetes and dementia.Six papers focused on the implications of those individuals diagnosed with both conditions, four on implications for their informal carers (unpaid), two included both the individuals and their informal carers. There was one study that reported experiences of health care professionals. Individuals faced extraordinary challenges managing both conditions to perform activities of self‐care such as taking medications, monitoring glucose levels, healthy eating, exercising and attending appointments. Informal carers reported that caring for both conditions was burdensome, sometimes overwhelming and they wanted more support from family and patients’ health care providers.This scoping review revealed that many individuals and their informal carers were struggling with the impact of these comorbid conditions. Challenges such as lack of information and support were evident but there were few examples of solutions to improve diabetes management in those with dementia. To provide holistic care we need to integrate knowledge and skills from the areas of diabetes, mental health and social care. There is very little information relating to the experiences of health care professionals who work with those living with these conditions. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.

Lived-in experiences of health care professionals affected with COVID-19.

Healthcare providers (HCPs) were vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare providers affected by COVID-19 underwent various life changing events while continuing their profession during the pandemic. This study is aimed to explore the lived-in experiences of HCPs affected by COVID-19 at a tertiary care Mental Health Institute in India. The sampling method was purposive. Twenty two HCPs (eight nursing educators, seven nursing officers, five contractual cleaning workers, and two laboratory technicians) participated in the interviews conducted by the researchers to obtain the lived-in experiences of HCPs who have recovered from COVID-19. Researchers used a sociodemographic form and an interview guide to collect the data. Interviews were audio recorded and analyzed by using Atlas-ti-9 software. All the participants were female, and they revealed various physical, psychological, and social issues faced by HCPs while balancing home and workplace. Thematic data analysis resulted in the emergence of two themes and 11 subthemes related to life changing events. The findings concluded that although the healthcare providers had working experience in the field of mental health, they too experienced mild psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and fear of death because of this pandemic situation.

How and why educational interventions work to increase knowledge of delirium among healthcare professionals in nursing homes: a protocol for a realist review

BackgroundDelirium is a neuropathological condition that impairs cognitive performance, attention and consciousness and can be potentially life-threatening. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to developing delirium, but research thus far...

Student-led approaches to mental health support

Mental health issues amongst university students are rife. Increasing mental health literacy and an emphasis on wellbeing have revealed the importance of having a plethora of resources available to students surrounding mental health support. The Welfare Hub is a student-led project created at the University of Nottingham Medical School to destigmatise mental health discussion, enhance mental health education, and share experiences of healthcare professionals regarding their mental health and university support. In this paper, we incorporate discussion around improvements the Welfare Hub can make regarding its content and how to best support future students. This project identified that the Welfare Hub's Instagram account was closely associated with mental health awareness and education, and that the best performing posts were those that offered positive connotations of support relevant to medical students and those that detailed lived medical student's experiences and advice. The Welfare Hub has had a positive impact on committee members and allowed them to fulfil their desires regarding destigmatising and discussing mental health. Future development following these findings aim to produce more educational and supportive content, develop connections of the Welfare Hub within the University and other institutions, and host events for the well-being of medical students.

Neonatal Healthcare Professionals' Experiences When Implementing a Simulation and Debriefing Program in Neonatal Intensive Care Settings: A Qualitative Analysis.

Simulation-based training (SBT) and debriefing have increased in healthcare as a method to conduct interprofessional team training in a realistic environment. This qualitative study aimed to describe the experiences of neonatal healthcare professionals when implementing a patient safety simulation and debriefing program in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Fourteen NICUs in California and Oregon participated in a 15-month quality improvement collaborative with the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. Participating sites completed 3 months of preimplementation work, followed by 12 months of active implementation of the simulation and debriefing program. Focus group interviews were conducted with each site 2 times during the collaborative. Content analysis found emerging implementation themes. There were 234 participants in the 2 focus group interviews. Six implementation themes emerged: (1) receptive context; (2) leadership support; (3) culture change; (4) simulation scenarios; (5) debriefing methodology; and (6) sustainability. Primary barriers and facilitators with implementation of SBT centered around having a receptive context at the unit level (eg, availability of resources and time) and multidisciplinary leadership support. NICUs have varying environmental (context) factors and consideration of unit-level context factors and support from leadership are integral aspects of enhancing the successful implementation of a simulation and debriefing program for neonatal resuscitation. Additional research regarding implementation methods for overcoming barriers for both leaders and participants, as well as determining the optimal frequency of SBT for clinicians, is needed. A knowledge gap remains regarding improvements in patient outcomes with SBT.

Reconfigured professional purpose in times of crisis: Experiences of frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

How is professional purpose impacted in the context of a crisis? Building on discussions about professional purpose and identity, the paper explores how the understanding that professionals have about the framing, scope of functioning and aims of their profession is impacted during a time of crisis. The paper draws on interviews with 41 kinesiologists working at an accidents & emergencies (A&E) hospital in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper shows professional purpose as a fluid, situated notion that gets re-shaped in light of contextual features. In the face of new and changing demands during times of crisis, professionals reconfigure their professional purpose to take advantage of the opportunities available. This reconfiguration takes place in response to the external context of the profession (its positioning in the public domain) and the internal relational context of the profession (its positioning with other professionals). The paper suggests a research agenda to develop a processual, situated approach to the interrogation of professional purpose to embed contextual features in scholarship in this area.

How to get back on track? Experiences of patients and healthcare professionals regarding weight recurrence and needs for an intervention after bariatric-metabolic surgery

BackgroundMultidisciplinary lifestyle interventions are recommended as a first step in treating weight recurrence after bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS). However, little is known about the experience of patients and healthcare professionals (HCP) with these interventions and how they should be tailored to the patients’ needs. The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the experiences and needs of patients and HCP regarding weight recurrence after BMS and an intervention to get Back on Track. In addition, attitudes towards integrating e-Health into the care program were explored. MethodsA qualitative process evaluation of an intervention for weight recurrence, the Back on Track (BoT), was conducted by means of in-depth interviews and focus groups with 19 stakeholders, including patients and HCP involved in BoT. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. ResultsPatients and HCP reported a wide array of causes of weight recurrence. Patients found it difficult to decide when weight recurrence is problematic and when they should ask for help. Patients reported feeling like the exception and ashamed, therefore experiencing a high threshold to seek help. E-Health was seen as a promising way to improve tailoring, screening, autonomy for the patient, and accessible contact. ConclusionPatients should be adequately counselled on weight recurrence after BMS and the importance of intervening early. It is important to lower the threshold for seeking help. For example by offering more long-term standard care or by adding e-Health to the intervention.

Young persons and healthcare professionals experience of virtual gastroenterology consultations: a multicentre survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveTo explore Young Persons (YP) and healthcare professionals (HCP) experiences of virtual consultations (VC) and establish whether developmentally appropriate healthcare can be delivered virtually.MethodYP and HCP questionnaire surveys were designed...

Beneath, Beyond Burnout: Solving for Causes.

This article offers a different perspective of the current crisis in health care-burnout that is causing medical errors, disengagement, and economic chaos and forcing talented, experienced health care professionals to leave their institutions or their chosen professions altogether. The lack of meaningful impact lies in the focus on treating problems observed rather than on system issues underlying the more overt symptoms of burnout and attrition. The system within which health care workers perform impacts their capacity to consistently deliver high-quality care. Existing systems and structures often yield undesirable results, and harm individual workers. The authors explore strategies that focus on understanding and responding to the causes impacting staff and organizational performance. Lack of application of continually evolving evidence from numerous intersecting fields of neuroscience leads to the design of work systems that cause trauma and moral injury or that exacerbate original early life trauma, reducing the capability to operate successfully in the complex environments in which we work and live. It also leads to incomplete, insufficient, and, at times, outmoded systems of support for the well-being of all within the system. Too often, burnout results. In contrast to problem-solving, cause-solving requires holistic approaches to understanding interactions of system components. The authors will put forth a road map for creating components of a healing ecosystem that support trauma-informed and system-wide transformation. Recognition leads to commitment to systemic transformation toward a more healing system for all. Long-term, system performance cannot be sustained, nor organizational needs met, when people in the system are distressed.

Real-time Remote Expert-guided Echocardiography by Medical Students

BackgroundEchocardiography is a highly specialised examination performed by experienced healthcare professionals. These experienced healthcare professionals may not be available to patients during all hours in rural healthcare facilities. Remote-guided echocardiography could improve the availability of specialised care for patients living in rural areas. This study examined the feasibility of real-time remote guidance for medical students to perform an echocardiographic assessment of the left side of the heart. Thirteen healthy volunteers were recruited for remote-guided echocardiography, which was performed by 13 medical students. Student examinations/images were compared to reference echocardiography. Measurements of left ventricular fractional shortening and mitral valve blood flow velocity were also compared. Furthermore, guidance through a smartphone videoconference was compared to designated remote guidance software.ResultsTwo-thirds of the images acquired by students were rated as medium or good quality and usable to evaluate two thirds of the cardiac structures. No significant bias was found for left ventricular fractional shortening. The measurements from the students’ exams had a variation coefficient of 14.8% compared to the reference. The calculated deviation of the insonation angle was above 25° for both E and A-wave mitral valve blood flow velocity measurements. Images acquired by guidance through smartphone videoconference were of lower quality than those obtained using the designated remote guidance software.ConclusionReal-time remote-guided echocardiography performed by medical students has limited value for clinical screening but could be useful for educational purposes.Graphical

Patient involvement in decisions about discharge from the emergency department: A qualitative interview study of the healthcare professionals’ experiences

BackgroundPatients in the emergency department are less involved in making decisions than they would like to be. Involving patients improves health-related outcomes, but success depends on the healthcare professional’s ability to act in a patient-involving manner, and therefore more knowledge is needed about the healthcare professional’s perspective of involving patients in the decisions. AimTo explore what challenges healthcare professionals experience in their daily practice regarding patient involvement in decisions when planning discharge from the emergency department. MethodFive focus group interviews were conducted with nurses and physicians. The data were analyzed using content analysis. FindingsThe healthcare professionals described how they experienced that there is no choice to offer the patients in the clinical practice. First, they had to manage the department’s routines, which directed them to focus on acute needs and avoid overcrowding. Second, it was too difficult to navigate the diversity of patients with different characteristics. Third, they wanted to guard the patient from a lack of genuine options. ConclusionThe healthcare professionals experienced patient involvement as incompatible with professionalism. If patient involvement is to be practiced, then new initiatives are needed to improve the conversation with the individual patient about decisions regarding their discharge.

Internship Model 'Freedom Learns Independent Campus' for Nursing Students in the Digital Era of Industry 4.0

This research aims to develop and apply the Internship Model 'Freedom Learns Independent Campus' (MBKM) specifically for nursing students in the digital era of Industry 4.0. This study acknowledges that the role of technology in nursing is increasingly important and that the use of technology in nursing student internships will increase their understanding of patient-centered health care. This study used a mixed approach involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. The research sample consisted of nursing students who are currently undergoing higher education programs and have access to digital technology. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews, which will be analyzed using statistical approaches and thematic analysis. The MBKM Internship Model will include the use of technology such as simulation, electronic data management, telemedicine, and mobile applications in the clinical practice of nursing students. Students will be given training in the use of these technologies and will have the opportunity to apply them in simulated and hands-on nursing situations. During the internship period, nursing students will work with clinical mentors who are experienced in integrating technology into patient care. They will be involved in the collection and analysis of clinical data using electronic data management systems, as well as conducting telemedicine consultations for guidance and feedback from experienced healthcare professionals. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide insight into the effectiveness of the MBKM Internship Model in preparing nursing students to face the challenges and opportunities offered by the digital era of Industry 4.0. In addition, the results of this study can become the basis for the development of curricula and nursing education programs that are more up-to-date and relevant to technological developments.

Shifting the narrative from living at risk to living with risk: validating and pilot-testing a clinical decision support tool: a mixed methods study

BackgroundWhen there are safety concerns, healthcare professionals (HCPs) may disregard older adults’ wishes to return or remain at home. A paradigm shift is needed for HCPs to move from labelling older adults as living at risk to helping them live with risk. The Living with Risk: Decision Support Tool (LwR:DST) was developed to support older adults and HCPs with difficult decision-making regarding living with risk. The study objectives were to: (1) validate, and (2) pilot-test the LwR:DST in hospital and community settings.MethodsThe study was conducted across Canada during the pandemic. The LwR:DST’s content was validated with quantitative and qualitative data by: (1) 71 HCPs from hospital and community settings using the Delphi method, and (2) 17 older adults and caregivers using focus groups. HCPs provided feedback on the LwR:DST’s content, format and instruction manual while older adults provided feedback on the LwR:DST’s communication step. The revised LwR:DST was pilot-tested by 14 HCPs in one hospital and one community setting, and 17 older adults and caregivers described their experience of HCPs using this approach with them. Descriptive and thematic analysis were performed.ResultsThe LwR:DST underwent two iterations incorporating qualitative and quantitative data provided by HCPs, older adults and caregivers. The quantitative Delphi method data validated the content and the process of the LwR:DST, while the qualitative data provided practical improvements. The pilot-testing results suggest that using the LwR:DST broadens HCPs’ clinical thinking, structures their decision-making, improves their communication and increases their competence and comfort with risk assessment and management. Our findings also suggest that the LwR:DST improves older adults’ healthcare experience by feeling heard, understood and involved.ConclusionsThis revised LwR:DST should help HCPs systematically identify frail older adults’ risks when they remain at or return home and find acceptable ways to mitigate these risks. The LwR:DST induces a paradigm shift by acknowledging that risks are inherent in everyday living and that risk-taking has positive and negative consequences. The challenges involved in integrating the LwR:DST into practice, i.e., when, how and with whom to use it, will be addressed in future research.

Examining subjective understandings of autistic burnout using Q methodology: A study protocol.

Early research indicates that autistic burnout is a chronic, debilitating condition experienced by many autistic people across the lifespan that can have severe consequences for their mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life. To date, studies have focused on the lived experiences of autistic adults, and findings suggest that a lack of support, understanding, and acceptance by others can contribute to the risk of autistic burnout. The study outlined in this protocol will investigate how autistic people with and without experience of autistic burnout, their families, friends, healthcare professionals and non-autistic people understand the construct of autistic burnout to identify commonalities and gaps in knowledge. Q methodology will be used to investigate participants' subjective understandings of autistic burnout. Q methodology is a mixed-methods design that is well-suited to exploratory research and can elucidate a holistic and comprehensive representation of multiple perspectives about a topic. Participants will complete a card sorting activity to rank how strongly they agree or disagree with a set of statements about autistic burnout and participate in a semi-structured interview to discuss their responses. A first-order factor analysis will be conducted for each participant group, followed by second-order factor analysis to compare the groups' viewpoints. The interview data will provide additional insights into the factors. Q methodology has not previously been used to examine autistic and non-autistic people's perspectives about autistic burnout. Projected study outcomes include enhanced understanding of the characteristics, risks, and protective factors of autistic burnout. The findings will have practical implications for improving detection of autistic burnout and identifying strategies to support autistic adults with prevention and recovery. The results may also inform the development of a screening protocol and identify potential avenues for future research.