Experiences Of Health Professionals Research Articles

‘The role of encourager’: Exploring the experiences of mental health professionals working with older adults with hoarding disorder

Hoarding disorder affects 2–5 per cent of the population, with older adults making up a substantial proportion of that due to the chronic nature of hoarding behaviours and consequent clutter. Multiagency hoarding frameworks are being developed all over the UK, with mental health services working alongside other agencies to support an individual with hoarding difficulties holistically. Mental health clinicians have previously reported finding their role in this difficult. Therefore, this study recruited 30 clinicians working in an older adult mental health team and explored their experiences through a questionnaire. Thematic analysis identified six key themes detailing the clinicians experiences of working with hoarding: (1) contextual factors (time constraints, scale of clutter, previous negative experiences influencing current treatment, lack of skills); (2) assessment (risk, life story, beliefs and motives, MDT); (3) formulation (co-creation, motives and beliefs, helping staff understanding); (4) treatment (values based, support systems, discarding, meaningful activity, monitoring progress); (5) therapeutic relationship (trust, making the time, reinforcement); (6) multiagency working (skill profile, differing perspectives, coordination). The data highlighted the need for staff training and support, providing the necessary tools to deliver evidence-based assessment, formulation, and intervention. The challenges described suggest better links between different agencies is required. Meaningful interactions and success stories were linked to developing trusting relationships, introducing values and needs based approaches, and making use of the skill mix with the mental health team. Keywords: Hoarding; Older Adults; Multidisciplinary team; Multiagency working.

Empathy for the health professional in online asynchronous graduate education: an initial design thinking approach to program improvement

IntroductionHealth professionals engage in continuous professional development through higher education. As traditional university learning environments pose a challenge to working health professionals, distance education allows these learners to engage in higher education in alignment with their learning preferences and needs. Literature on health professional learners’ experiences in online learning environments report findings at the course level and/or focus on a singular aspect of the online learning experience.ObjectivesIn this initial study, we aim to understand the health professional learner’s perspective in a distance graduate education program and make normative recommendations to improve the health professional learner experience in an online environment.MethodsWithin the context of the Empathy arm of Deitte and Omary’s (Deitte and Omary in Acad Radiol 26:1417–1420, 2019) Design Thinking methodology, we conducted a two-part sequential explanatory qualitative study. Part 1 involved focus groups with stakeholders (n = 14) of the Health Science Education (HSED) Graduate Program at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada). Part 2 entailed semi-structured interviews with learners (n = 11) in the HSED Program. An unconstrained approach to directed content analysis was used to analyze the data and construct themes.ResultsAn overarching theme of ‘the learner experience is an autonomous-supportive online learning environment’ was constructed, with two sub-themes: learner autonomy and building community.ConclusionLearners valued an autonomous-supportive online learning environment wherein they could tailor their educational experiences while also fostering a sense of community in the online environment. Future research should consider how a balance between maintaining autonomy in pacing learning and building community can be achieved to enhance the health professional learner experience in an online environment.

"No one size fits all" A Multi-Method Survey of Oncology Allied Health Professionals Experiences with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Queer Questioning Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients with Cancer and Reproductive and Sexual Health".

Objectives: To assess training needs for providers who care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/queer questioning (LGBTQ) cancer patients, we conducted a mixed-method survey. During their cancer care experience, AYA cancer patients experience physical, psychosocial, and reproductive health challenges. In addition to these challenges, AYA LGBTQ individuals are a diverse and medically underserved population who experience unique challenges and disparities in medical care. Methods: Health care providers (n = 351) who participated in our reproductive health in cancer training program completed a survey with 28 quantitative items and 4 open-ended items assessing knowledge, confidence discussing reproductive health, and confidence in knowledge specific to reproductive needs and general health needs among AYA LGBTQ patients. Results: Confidence discussing and confidence in knowledge of reproductive and general health needs are lower regarding transgender and nonbinary patients. Nearly half of providers (45%) demonstrated low knowledge, while 38% and 17% demonstrated moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Open comments indicated providers desired more training around the needs of Trans and nonbinary patients, and creating welcoming environments. Conclusions: The majority of our participants demonstrate low or moderate knowledge regarding factors that can influence AYA LGBTQ patient care, suggesting that this is a key area for improvement. Furthermore, improving provider knowledge may subsequently improve confidence in general and reproductive needs of LGBTQ patients, resulting in improved patient-centered care. Improving provider knowledge and confidence may then ultimately help reduce disparities in cancer care among this patient population.

Experiences of health professionals in screening for postpartum depressive symptoms: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

This review will assess and synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the experiences of health professionals in screening for postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a significant public health problem. Clinical screening is essential to develop appropriate interventions to meet the needs of women and their families. The findings of this review will have important implications for decision-making and policy development for continuous professional development programs that promote evidence-based postpartum depression screening. This review will consider studies that explore the experiences of health professionals who screen for postpartum depression in any geographic location at any health care level (primary, secondary, or tertiary). The review will focus on qualitative data, including methods such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. The review will follow a 3-step search strategy, in line with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The databases to be searched will include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Index Psi Periódicos, and PePsic. Unpublished studies will be searched for in Google Scholar, Cybertesis, Dart-E, EthOS, and OATD. Two independent reviewers will evaluate the included studies for methodological quality and extract data using the JBI data extraction and synthesis tools. There will be no language or date limitations. PROSPERO CRD42021253792.

P137 ReSPECT – Experiences of health professionals in a UK Hospital

P137 ReSPECT – Experiences of health professionals in a UK Hospital

Psychosocial experiences of frontline health professionals working in hospitals during the covid-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe covid-19 pandemic exerts severe pressure on health systems worldwide and creates stressful working conditions for healthcare workers.ObjectivesThe aim of this study, which used the focus group method, was to investigate the psychosocial experiences of the healthcare personnel working in covid-19 wards.MethodsAn interview guide was specially designed and the sample consisted of twelve frontline healthcare workers. Data analysis was based on the empirically grounded theory and thematic analysis was used as a method.ResultsOne overarching theme called “Threat” and three main themes were identified: a) Nature of the disease, b) Interpersonal relationships at the hospital, and c) Challenges-Interventions. The concept of “Threat” is dominant throughout the discussion and transcends every issue of the analysis. The first main theme “Nature of the disease” refers to the fear of infection and spread of the virus in the professionals’ environment, the existential concerns brought to the surface by the fear of death, as well as the stigma experienced by health professionals as “potential carriers” of the coronavirus. The second main theme “Interpersonal relationships at the hospital” concerns the relationships developed both among health staff and between health professionals and patients in response to the challenges of the epidemic. The third main theme concerns the obstacles that health professionals face in carrying out their work, the strategies they adopt to deal with stressful situations, but also the type of institutional support they need.ConclusionsHospital staff training on the biomedical developments about covid-19 as well as face-to-face self-help groups are recommended.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The Balint Group Experience for Forensic Mental Health Professionals

AimsBalint groups were initially set up to meet the needs of GPs in better understanding the emotional aspects of complex doctor-patient relationships. They have since been taken up in the training of psychiatrists, GPs, and medical students, having been shown to improve communication skills and sensitise participants to their own psychological processes. Working as a Care Coordinator in a Forensic Community team is a highly challenging role where, by definition, there is the spectre of risk of harm to others. There is very little published data on the use of Balint groups in nursing populations, even less so in the Forensic mental health setting. The aim of this project was to evaluate a longitudinal Balint group for mental health professionals in the Forensic service of Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, and to report on the perceived benefits to attending in terms of personal and professional development.MethodsThe evaluation used a standardised mixed methods approach, with the sample consisting of members of the Forensic South Community Service Balint group n = 5. For the evaluation period the job roles were solely clinical nurse specialists, taking a snapshot of the group between September 2020 and January 2022. The group met monthly for one hour virtually, led by Dr Arends, a specialist registrar in psychiatry with appropriate training in Balint leadership. The format in sessions was in keeping with the Balint method, as per The Balint Society, emphasising confidentiality. Data were gathered via survey tool, adapted from the literature using Likert scales and white space questions to identify barriers and facilitators.ResultsParticipants scored the group highly across the board in terms of acceptability, clinical impact, and fidelity measures. Notably 60% strongly agreed and 40% agreed the group was a safe place to express and process anxieties and frustrations about their work. All participants either agreed or strongly agreed the group had changed the way they think and practice, and that they felt able to consider their clinical encounters in a new light.ConclusionFacilitators identified were of increased team working through cohesion and notably of increased appreciation for the functional and symbolic elements of the symptoms their patients presented with, suggesting that the value of the group existed in its providing of space to metabolise the often intense demands of Forensic patients, together and as a team. The main theme within barriers to the group processes were external in terms of other clinical demands requiring prioritisation.

The difficult symbolic construction of physicians’ and nurses’ experiences working in COVID-19 intensive care units: A qualitative study on reports at a university public hospital in Southeastern Brazil

IntroductionHumanistic studies that explore symbolic aspects of the experience of working on the COVID-19 frontline are necessary. Do these professionals have psychic time to symbolize such acute experiences? We expect these preliminary findings of this research provide subsidies for discussing psychological management in groups with these professionals.ObjectivesTo interpret emotional meanings reported by physicians and nurses on their experiences of working at COVID-19 intensive care units.MethodsClinical-qualitative design. Data collection with semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions in-depth applied to a sample of six professionals, closed by theoretical information saturation, in a Brazilian university general hospital. Trigger question: “Talk about psychological meanings of your experience in face of management of patients with COVID-19 at ICU”. Data treatment by the Seven Steps of the Clinical-Qualitative Content Analysis. Theoretical framework of Medical Psychology using Balintian concepts.ResultsWe raised 3 categories. (1) Psychic time and absence of symbolization in face of the pandemic; (2) Denial as a defense or psychosocial adaptation mechanisms; (3) Tensions and family support: triggers of ambivalent emotional experiences.ConclusionsRaw experience of COVID-19 pandemic did not allow for realization of symbolization. Psychological defenses are manifested, either to maintain balance or to deny the existence of dangers related to mental health. Presence of families and health team confirm that the feeling of loneliness is avoided. Anxieties related to the fear of contamination are recurrent. There is dual relationship regarding the emotional experiences of health professionals, but the data point to importance of looking at how these individuals perceive and experience the pandemic.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Between Sympathy, Fascination, and Powerlessness. The Experiences of Health Professionals During the Medical Monitoring of a Hunger Strike Among Undocumented Migrants.

In 2014, a group of undocumented migrants started a hunger strike in Brussels. The medical monitoring was mainly done by young, committed health professionals with no prior experience of medical monitoring of people on hunger strike. Following the hunger strike, two focus groups were organized to assess the experiences of the health professionals during the medical monitoring of the hunger strike. Their main motivation for assisting was wanting to help the people on hunger strike but they were also curious about the living conditions among undocumented migrants and the reasons behind starting the strike. They were puzzled by the paradox of hunger strikers putting their life at risk in order to get a better life and obtain a residence permit. They felt conflicted about their own role as a caregiver: they did not know how to deal with patients who did not comply with medical advice, they struggled to build a relationship of mutual trust and feared that they would end up being instrumentalized by the hunger strikers or their environment. Afterwards, some of the health professionals were deeply touched by the experience and there were reports of symptoms of secondary traumatic stress such as re-experiencing and avoidance. During the focus group's discussions, the respondents made suggestions on how to improve the medical monitoring in the event of any future hunger strikes.

Satisfaction of industrial health care managers regarding the work of industrial hygiene engineers: a cross-sectional study.

A group health service is a system that delegates workplace health management to an entrusted institution. There have been various studies on group health services to date, but recent changes, such as an increase in foreign workers, are rapidly changing industry characteristics. Satisfaction was assessed using a 27-question survey distributed among 203 workplaces employing health professionals. The survey items consisted of general characteristics, comprehensive satisfaction, requirements for health professionals' work, and satisfaction with work environment management, ergonomic management, and healthcare management. Multiple regression and frequency analyses were performed. The comprehensive satisfaction was 4.08 points on average, out of 5. The comprehensive satisfaction of health professionals in the industry was positively correlated with each factor. Hazardous materials and chemical management (material safety data sheets, MSDSs) were the most common requirements. A low level of satisfaction with work environment management indicates high demand for healthcare management. The working environment should be improved by identifying characteristics of the workplace, examining harmful substances, inspecting equipment, and enhancing worker methods. The shorter the work experience of health professionals, the more dependent they are on group health services. The variables affecting comprehensive satisfaction were the period of work, healthcare management satisfaction, and work environment management satisfaction. Most of the requirements of health professionals in the workplace were practical improvement case presentations, MSDSs, and legal document management.

Bringing disability experiences front stage: Research-based theatre as a teaching approach to promote inclusive health education

BackgroundDespite efforts to promote inclusion of people living with disabilities in health and human service education and professions, students and clinicians living with disabilities continue to face powerful barriers, arising most notably from the stigma and negative attitudes of their peers. Increased awareness of these lived experiences are needed to affect attitudinal changes and reduce barriers to participation in those professions. To achieve this, information (stories) must be presented to learners in a way that promotes emotional engagement and highlights these issues from multiple perspectives. The following study measures the impact of a Research based Theatre play, based on the collected experiences of people living with disabilities in health and human service professions, as a teaching approach for knowledge and attitudinal change among audiences. MethodThis mixed-methods study (pre and post surveys, groups and individual interviews) aimed at measuring the impact (knowledge and attitudinal change) incurred among audience members. In total, a 174 students, faculty, staff, and clinicians in health and human service professions across two major Canadian cities completed the surveys before and after witnessing the play. Of these, 20 participants also participated in follow-up interviews. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the pre and post surveys while thematic content analysis was used for the interviews. ResultsTwo main themes emerged from combined analysis of both the quantitative and qualitative data. First, quantitative data revealed a significant change in participants' attitudes towards people living with disabilities which was corroborated by interview participants who expressed more comfort in their interactions with students and clinicians living with disabilities. Second, learners also reported meaningful and statistically significant change in their knowledge about the experiences of health and human service professionals living with disabilities. ConclusionsThe results of this study support applying Research-based Theatre as a teaching approach that can promote knowledge and attitudinal change among audiences and increase the inclusion and equity of people living with disabilities in health and human service education. Future research in this area might investigate Research-based Theatre's pedagogical impact using a randomized control design and measuring longer term impact.

The Barriers and Enhancers to Trust in a Just Culture in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare workers wanting to report errors often encounter a culture of fear or blame. A just culture can improve patient safety by promoting safe and open communication, trust is hereby essential. We defined trust in a just culture when healthcare professionals believe that error communication is honest, safe, and reliable. In this study, we investigated barriers and enhancers to trust in error reporting in a just culture. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Emcare, and Web of Science database were searched on June 21, 2021. Several factors were found to influence trust in error reporting in a just culture, namely, organizational factors, team factors, and experience. Trust depends on the management style, open information about error handling, a focus on patient safety instead of blaming an individual, a well-executed walk-round, a code of professionalism, and a departmental incident reporting system (organizational factors). A close relationship between employee and primary supervisor, with discussion of the nature of an error and ascribing clear roles to physicians in care teams, can be enhancers of trust in error reporting. Moreover, creating a mutual understanding of the challenges faced by professionals can enhance trust (team factors). Trust in error reporting is also influenced by a health professional's experience and training in patient safety. Factors such as a lack of confidence in clinical skills, more fear of shame/blame by less experienced workers, and knowledge of the existing error reporting system will influence a person's trust in error reporting (experience). This systematic review identified barriers and enhancers to trust in error reporting in a just culture. The barriers and enhancers can be divided into 3 main themes: organizational factors, team factors, and experience. Findings show that trust can be learned and created based on practical principles.

Promoting safety and role clarity among health professionals on Canada's First Alongside Midwifery Unit (AMU): A mixed-methods evaluation

ObjectiveGlobally, midwife-led units are associated with improved clinical outcomes and childbirth satisfaction, but little is known about the impact of the model on health professionals themselves and interprofessional collaboration. The aim of this research was to describe the experiences of health professionals providing care in Canada's first Alongside Midwifery Unit. DesignA mixed-methods evaluation exploring healthcare provider's experiences using an online survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups. SettingCanada's first Alongside Midwifery Unit, opened at X in 2018. In the Ontario context, the model reorganizes the way in which midwifery services are integrated in the hospital. ParticipantsMidwives, obstetricians, nurses, pediatricians, anesthetists, and other healthcare providers participated. Measurements & findings82 online surveys, 17 semi-structured interviews and one focus group were completed. Providers agreed that they perceived the Alongside Midwifery Unit was a success (89%) and perceived satisfaction among those receiving care on the unit(93%). The majority of providers were satisfied working on the unit (82%) and reported greater role clarity in the new model (85%) compared to the traditional model of midwifery services. Four main themes emerged from the health professionals' perspectives regarding how the unit impacted care: promoting safety, clarifying roles, facilitating collaboration, and managing change. Implications for practiceOverall, healthcare professionals had positive experiences working on the AMU, including improved role clarity and interprofessional relationships, and they perceived high levels of satisfaction among those giving birth on the unit. Our findings indicate the Alongside Midwifery Unit model can be beneficial for health professionals, women and birthing people.

Prevalence of Health Misinformation on Social Media-Challenges and Mitigation Before, During, and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Literature Review.

This scoping review accompanies our research study "The Experience of Health Professionals With Misinformation and Its Impact on Their Job Practice: Qualitative Interview Study." It surveys online health misinformation and is intended to provide an understanding of the communication context in which health professionals must operate. Our objective was to illustrate the impact of social media in introducing additional sources of misinformation that impact health practitioners' ability to communicate effectively with their patients. In addition, we considered how the level of knowledge of practitioners mitigated the effect of misinformation and additional stress factors associated with dealing with outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that affect communication with patients. This study used a 5-step scoping review methodology following Arksey and O'Malley's methodology to map relevant literature published in English between January 2012 and March 2024, focusing on health misinformation on social media platforms. We defined health misinformation as a false or misleading health-related claim that is not based on valid evidence or scientific knowledge. Electronic searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We included studies on the extent and impact of health misinformation in social media, mitigation strategies, and health practitioners' experiences of confronting health misinformation. Our independent reviewers identified relevant articles for data extraction. Our review synthesized findings from 70 sources on online health misinformation. It revealed a consensus regarding the significant problem of health misinformation disseminated on social network platforms. While users seek trustworthy sources of health information, they often lack adequate health and digital literacies, which is exacerbated by social and economic inequalities. Cultural contexts influence the reception of such misinformation, and health practitioners may be vulnerable, too. The effectiveness of online mitigation strategies like user correction and automatic detection are complicated by malicious actors and politicization. The role of health practitioners in this context is a challenging one. Although they are still best placed to combat health misinformation, this review identified stressors that create barriers to their abilities to do this well. Investment in health information management at local and global levels could enhance their capacity for effective communication with patients. This scoping review underscores the significance of addressing online health misinformation, particularly in the postpandemic era. It highlights the necessity for a collaborative global interdisciplinary effort to ensure equitable access to accurate health information, thereby empowering health practitioners to effectively combat the impact of online health misinformation. Academic research will need to be disseminated into the public domain in a way that is accessible to the public. Without equipping populations with health and digital literacies, the prevalence of online health misinformation will continue to pose a threat to global public health efforts.

A pulmonary rehabilitation shared decision-making intervention for patients living with COPD: PReSent: protocol for a feasibility study.

BackgroundDespite the variety of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes for patients living with COPD, uptake remains low. To improve this, it is recommended that health professionals engage patients in informed decisions about pulmonary rehabilitation. Shared decision-making (SDM) facilitates informed and value-based decision-making between patients and health professionals. This protocol describes the development and evaluation of a complex SDM intervention for patients living with COPD, who are referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, and their pulmonary rehabilitation health professional.Methods and analysisWe are developing a complex SDM intervention involving a patient decision aid (PtDA) and a decision coaching workshop. Prior to patient recruitment, pulmonary rehabilitation health professionals will attend the workshop. Upon referral to pulmonary rehabilitation, patients will receive the PtDA to support their decision-making prior to and during their pulmonary rehabilitation assessment with a health professional. The intervention will be evaluated in a one-arm exploratory study to investigate its feasibility and acceptability for patients and health professionals, with an integrated fidelity assessment. The primary outcome is recruitment feasibility, data collection feasibility and intervention fidelity. Secondary outcomes include routine pulmonary rehabilitation data, decisional conflict, patient activation, intervention attendance/attrition and patient and pulmonary rehabilitation health professional experience of the intervention. Quantitative outcomes will be evaluated using the most appropriate statistical test, dependent on the sample distribution. Qualitative outcomes will be evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis. Fidelity will be assessed using the Observer OPTION 5 scale.ConclusionThis intervention will provide structure for an informed and values-based decision-making consultation between a patient with COPD and a pulmonary rehabilitation health professional with the potential for optimising pulmonary rehabilitation decision-making.

Introducing genetic testing with case finding for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care: qualitative study of patient and health professional experience.

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common inherited condition causing elevated cholesterol, premature heart disease, and early death. Although FH can be effectively treated, over 80% of people with FH remain undetected.AimTo explore patient and health professional experiences of introducing genetic testing with case finding for FH in primary care.Design and settingQualitative study in UK general practice.MethodSemi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 41 participants (24 patients and 17 health professionals) from eight practices, using an electronic case-finding tool (FAMCAT) to identify patients with higher likelihood of having FH and who were then offered diagnostic genetic testing in primary care. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsWhile prior awareness of FH was low, patients were unsurprised to be identified as being at risk, and positive about being offered genetic testing by their practice. Patients not found to have FH were relieved, although some felt frustrated that their high cholesterol lacked a clear cause. Those confirmed to have FH largely expected and accepted this outcome. Practitioners saw detection of FH as an important new opportunity for preventive care. They found the case-finding tool easy to apply and noted patients’ high uptake of genetic testing. While they were comfortable referring appropriate patients for further specialist management, GPs sought clearer definition about responsibility for identification and long- term care of FH in future care pathways.ConclusionIntroducing genetic testing with electronic case finding for FH in primary care was positively experienced by patients and practitioners. Further development of this approach could help improve detection of FH in the general population.

The experience of coronaphobia among health professionals and their family members during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

BackgroundCoronaphobia is an excessive fear of becoming infected by the COVID-19 virus. Situations of coronaphobia against health professionals have been identified. Therefore, there is a need to develop studies to understand family impact and experience of COVID-19 pandemic and coronaphobia. AimTo describe the coronaphobia experience of health professionals and of one of their family members during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsExploratory qualitative study using narrative inquiry was used. This study was guided by the concept of coronaphobia and Family Systems Nursing as conceptual frameworks. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted from September to November 2020 with 14 health professionals, including nurses and physicians and one of their family members (n = 14). FindingsThree descriptive themes were identified which highlight professional-family dyads’ experience of coronaphobia as a reciprocal and relational process. Coronaphobia was demonstrated by unknown or close people, in a disguised or explicit way, and generated suffering in the dyads and in the family unit. Consequently, individual and/or family strategies were developed to allow for the protection of the family system and the maintenance of its functioning. DiscussionThis study describes how the dyads of health professionals and their family members identify the experiences of coronaphobia. In addition, it was possible to analyze the repercussions of coronaphobia on the dyad and the strategies they used to deal with it. ConclusionsThis study extends understanding about the relationships between the experience of coronaphobia among health professionals and one of their family members and the experience of physical, cognitive and emotional suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experiences of health professionals treating women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy and proposals for service improvement

ObjectiveTo examine the experiences, needs, and perceptions of health professionals(HPs) treating women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy(gestational cancer, GC). MethodsInterviews were undertaken with Australian HPs who had treated women diagnosed with GC over the previous five years. HPs were recruited via social media, and professional and community networks. Questions focussed upon HPs’ confidence caring for these women, whether current guidelines/training met their needs, psychological impacts of care provision, and service gaps. Interview data were analysed thematically. ResultsTwenty-seven HPs were interviewed; most were oncology HPs(22/27) with experience caring for women with gestational breast cancer and 13 had a breast-specific clinical focus (e.g. breast surgeon). Many were currently treating women with GC(48%) or had in the last 6–12 months(29.6%). Four themes were identified: A clinically complex case, Managing multi-disciplinary care, Centralised resources for health professionals, and Liaison, information and shared experiences for women. HPs found this population personally challenging to treat. They reported initial uncertainty regarding treatment due to infrequent exposure to GC, limited resources/information, and the need to collaborate with services with which they did not usually engage. Solutions offered include centralised resources, clinical liaison/care coordinators, and connecting women with GC with peer support. ConclusionsHPs perceived women with GC as a vulnerable, complex population and experienced challenges providing comprehensive care; particularly when treatment was delivered at geographically separated hospitals. Systemic changes are needed to optimise comprehensive care for these women. Their insights can guide the development of more integrated cancer and obstetric care, and better HP support.

Experiences of health professionals diagnosed with COVID-19 in coping with the disease.

AimThis study evaluates the experiences of health professionals diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in coping with the disease.BackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, health professionals faced various physical and psychological difficulties. Many of them were also infected with COVID‐19.MethodsThis study used a descriptive phenomenological approach and was conducted between May and June 2020. The participants were 24 health professionals who were diagnosed with COVID‐19. Data were collected by phone using semistructured and in‐depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven‐step method with the support of MAXQDA software.ResultsAfter the data analysis, the primary codes were extracted, and subthemes were created by categorizing these codes. The subthemes were organized, and themes were created. From the perspective of the participants, four main themes emerged: effects of the disease process on the participants, feelings of the disease process, differences in being infected with COVID‐19 as a health professional, and ways to cope with the disease.ConclusionThe reactions of the people around them, their feelings and experiences, and their environmental and institutional support systems affected the ways health professionals coped with COVID‐19.Implications for health policy and nursingHealth managers should provide medical, psychosocial, and legal resources as soon as possible so that health professionals diagnosed with COVID‐19 can receive the treatment and care that they need. COVID‐19 should be considered an occupational disease by health professionals all over the world.

A Preliminary Italian Cross-Sectional Study on the Level of Digital Psychiatry Training, Knowledge, Beliefs and Experiences among Medical Students, Psychiatry Trainees and Professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of digital psychiatry (DP), resulting in the need for a new skilled healthcare workforce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of training, knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of young mental health professionals and medical students in DP. An ad hoc cross-sectional survey was administered and descriptive analyses, Student’s t and ANOVA tests were conducted, together with an exploratory factor analysis, bivariate correlations and linear regression. Most of the sample (N = 239) declared that DP was never discussed within their academic training (89.1%), mainly revealing an overall lack of knowledge on the issue. Nevertheless, subjects mostly declared that DP represents a valuable therapeutic tool in mental health (80%) and that their training should include this topic (54.4%). Moreover, most subjects declared that digital interventions are less effective than face-to-face ones (73.2%), despite the emerging evidence that being trained in DP is significantly associated with the belief that digital and in-person interventions are comparable in their effectiveness (p ≤ 0.05). Strong positive correlations were found between the knowledge score (KS) and perceived significance index (PSI) (r = 0.148, p < 0.001), and KS and Digital Psychiatry Opinion (DPO) index (r = 0.193, p < 0.001). PSI scores statistically significantly predicted KS total scores (F(1, 237) = 5.283, R2 = 0.022, p = 0.022). KS scores statistically significantly predicted DPO total scores (F(1, 237) = 9.136, R2 = 0.037, p = 0.003). During the current pandemic, DP represented an ideal response to the forced physical distancing by ensuring the advantage of greater access to care. However, this kind of intervention is still uncommon, and mental health professionals still prove to be skeptical. The lack of formal training on DP during the academic years could be a limiting factor.