Explore Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Patients' preferences for virtual outpatient consultations and health care professionals' assessment of suitability for their patients: A single-centre survey.

To explore patients' preferences regarding virtual consultations (via telephone or video) and to explore healthcare professionals' assessment of whether virtual consultations can maintain the same clinical quality as in-person consultations for outpatient care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with an in-person consultation at the outpatient clinic for internal medicine and among healthcare professionals who treated the patients. The prevalence of preference was determined using descriptive statistics based on cross-tabulated frequencies. Percentages are presented with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). In total, 218 patients (response rate 67%) completed the questionnaire; 79 patients (36%) preferred a virtual consultation (95%CI: 30%-43%); telephones were the most popular and preferred by 72 patients (33%; 95%CI: 27%-39%) followed by video preferred by 54 patients (25%; 95%CI: 19%-31%). Regarding contextual factors, male gender and previous experiences with telephone or video consultations were statistically significant predictors in favour of virtual consultations. Healthcare professionals estimated that 58 consultations (21%; 95%CI: 17%-26%) could have been conducted virtually with the same professional and clinical quality as the current in-person consultations. Current practice does not fully align with patient preferences for virtual visits in internal medicine outpatient clinics. Patients should be given the choice of virtual consultations whenever they are deemed professionally and clinically possible to enhance patient autonomy and satisfaction, while being mindful of speciality-specific considerations.

Exploring Health Care Professionals' Perspectives on the Use of a Medication and Care Support System and Recommendations for Designing a Similar Tool for Family Caregivers: Interview Study Among Health Care Professionals.

With the aging population on the rise, the demand for effective health care solutions to address adverse drug events is becoming increasingly urgent. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution for strengthening health care delivery in home care settings and mitigating drug errors. Due to the indispensable role of family caregivers in daily patient care, integrating digital health tools has the potential to streamline medication management processes and enhance the overall quality of patient care. This study aims to explore health care professionals' perspectives on the use of a medication and care support system (MCSS) and collect recommendations for designing a similar tool for family caregivers. Fifteen interviews with health care professionals in a home care center were conducted. Thematic analysis was used, and 5 key themes highlighting the importance of using the MCSS tool to improve medication management in home care were identified. All participants emphasized the necessity of direct communication between health care professionals and family caregivers and stated that family caregivers need comprehensive information about medication administration, patient conditions, and symptoms. Furthermore, the health care professionals recommended features and functions customized for family caregivers. This study underscored the importance of clear communication between health care professionals and family caregivers and the provision of comprehensive instructions to promote safe medication practices. By equipping family caregivers with essential information via a tool similar to the MCSS, a proactive approach to preventing errors and improving outcomes is advocated.

Healthcare professionals’ experiences of providing palliative care for patients with diabetes – a qualitative study

BackgroundAt present, there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of diabetes in palliative care in Norway. The aim of this study was therefore to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of providing palliative care to individuals with diabetes in specialist as well as primary care settings.MethodsWe interviewed 12 healthcare professionals from two palliative care units in specialist healthcare, one hospice unit in a nursing home, and one dietary care unit providing counselling in the municipality in the eastern part of Norway. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsOur analysis generated three main themes: 1) “Quality of life is the main focus”, which showed that the healthcare professionals’ main focus was on comforting patients through engagement and communication; 2) “An individualized approach”, emphasizing that the treatment was tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual and considered factors such as life expectancy, difficult blood glucose control, and multidisciplinary collaboration, and 3) “Diabetes in the background”, which highlighted that they had a modest focus on diabetes. Diabetes was seen as another aspect of health that they had to be aware of, but their limited knowledge of diabetes guidelines, technical tools, and treatment choices underscored that attentiveness to the diabetes treatment was not prominent.ConclusionThe findings show that a lack of guidelines allowed for diverse approaches to the treatment of patients with diabetes in palliative care. Attentiveness to diabetes was based on the individual healthcare professionals’ experience and expertise, professional views, and the circumstances of each individual.

Family caregiver involvement in forensic mental health care – A qualitative study of healthcare professionals' perceptions

This qualitative study aims to explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of facilitators and barriers in their collaboration with family caregivers in forensic mental health care (FMHC). A thematic analysis resulted in two interrelated themes: (1): Organizational constraints, with subthemes Resource-driven time and staffing constraints, Duty of confidentiality, and External substance use treatment, and (2) Collaboration with family caregivers, with subthemes Alliance in collaboration, and Overinvolvement. The findings show that HCPs prefer family caregivers to support care and treatment, reflecting a unilateral direction of support. Relevance statementFamily caregivers of service users in forensic mental health care settings are burdened by the service user's mental illness, offense(s) and difficult collaboration with health care professionals, including nurses. However, the involvement and support of family caregivers in mental healthcare is a national and international objective in policy papers and guidelines because it has been documented to foster the recovery process of service users. Healthcare professionals' perceptions regarding facilitators and barriers in relation to the involvement of family caregivers in the care and treatment of the service user, is needed for the healthcare professionals for optimal support of the service user and family caregivers.

“Into the Abyss” – Exploring Healthcare Professionals Experience of Transitions of Care from Stroke Early Supported Discharge Services in Ireland

Abstract Background Early Supported Discharge (ESD) is a key component of the stroke rehabilitation pathway. Evidence suggests that ongoing needs persist for people with stroke at the end of ESD, however little is known about the transition from ESD to other services. As such, the aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences of transitions of care from ESD services, in the Republic of Ireland. This was achieved through the following objectives: 1) Discussion of HCPs experience of transition from ESD, including ongoing needs of people with stroke and referral pathway utilisation; 2) Exploration of barriers and facilitators to ESD transition; 3) Discussion of potential solutions to barriers experienced. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was implemented using semi-structured interviews with HCPs working in ESD. Interviews took place online from November 2023 to January 2024 and were audio and video recorded and transcribed, via Microsoft Teams. Analysis of interview transcripts utilised an inductive coding approach through implementation of Braun and Clarke’s six step approach to thematic analysis. Results Nine HCPs took part in this study. A variety of ongoing needs and current referral pathways were described. Three key themes were identified: 1) “Into the Abyss”: Lack of a coordinated care pathway after ESD, 2) Role of communication and integrated information sharing in transition of care from ESD and 3) Facilitating care transition from ESD: current practices and future solutions. Conclusion This study highlights that at present, services in Ireland appear insufficient to cater to the ongoing needs of people with stroke after ESD. The roll out of community neurorehabilitation teams nationally and developing integrated communication systems are key areas for development, which warrant consideration by relevant stakeholders in order to optimise patient-centred care for this cohort.

Healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering pain science education to adults from ethnically minoritised groups

BackgroundPain Science Education (PSE) seeks to increase patients understanding of their pain, to improve clinical outcomes. It has been primarily developed and tested within western cultures. There is a lack of research exploring its use with people from ethnically minoritised groups. ObjectiveTo explore Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) experiences of delivering PSE to people with persistent pain from ethnically minoritised groups. MethodsIn this qualitative study semi-structured interviews were carried out with a convenience sample of 14 HCPs who routinely deliver PSE to patients from ethnically minoritised groups. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsThree themes were identified: 1) Biomedical model or disengagement, 2) Pain is a taboo topic, and 3) The importance of cultural competence. Participants believed that people from ethnically minoritised groups disengaged with PSE sooner in comparison to non-ethnically minoritised groups and this was rooted in a strong biomedical understanding of pain and preference for biomedical treatments. Addressing patients’ beliefs was deemed difficult as participants felt that pain was considered a taboo amongst some ethnically minoritised groups and HCPs lacked sufficient training in cultural competency to confidently address their pain-related misconceptions. ConclusionsOverall, HCPs found that many people from ethnically minoritised groups held strongly biomedical views and/or a cultural reluctance to discuss pain. These factors made pain discussions challenging leading to disengagement from PSE and a preference for passive care. Cultural competency training and access to culturally competent PSE resources may facilitate engagement with PSE for people from ethnically minoritised background.

Healthcare Professional Perspectives on the Impact of the Physical Health Nurse Consultant.

Early mortality experienced by people living with mental health issues (hereon termed consumers) is largely preventable. Healthcare professionals perceive healthcare system inadequacies such as diagnostic overshadowing, stigma and fragmentation of physical and mental healthcare services can be resolved through effective integration approaches. Service- and individual-level integration approaches involve multidisciplinary teams collaborating and coordinating care to holistically meet consumers' physical and mental health needs. Evidence suggests appropriately trained healthcare professionals can deliver effective integrated treatment without financial or organisational restructuring. Specialist nursing positions such as Physical Health Nurse Consultants can support and integrate physical and mental health care. Consumers report the Physical Health Nurse Consultant as providing dedicated, integrated, coordinated and holistic mental and physical health care. This study aimed to explore the Physical Health Nurse Consultant role from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. A qualitative exploratory study design was used. Fourteen healthcare professionals participated in individual interviews or focus groups. Interview recordings were transcribed, and thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: (i) role functions, including integration of physical and mental health care, (ii) impact on consumer physical health outcomes and (iii) impact on service delivery. Healthcare professionals perceive the Physical Health Nurse Consultant effectively integrates physical and mental health care and subsequently support the continuation and embedding of the role in routine practice. Future research is required to explore healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of how these roles be translated to routine clinical practice. Examining the professional development requirements, service provider constraints and economic implication to achieve these outcomes also warrants attention.

Investigating factors influencing decision-making around use of breastmilk substitutes by health care professionals: a qualitative study

BackgroundBreastfeeding is recognized as the gold standard of infant feeding and nutrition. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of infants for the first 6 months of life. A variety of factors may impact breastfeeding practices in-hospital which may continue after hospital discharge, such as the use of breastmilk substitutes (BMS). The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI), which aims to promote and support breastfeeding practices, established a target rate of 75% for EBF from birth to hospital discharge. Currently, this target is not being met at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), indicating there is room for improvement in EBF rates. The purpose of this study is to explore health care professionals (HCP) decision-making around use of BMS and identify factors that drive the use of BMS with and without medical indications.MethodsIn this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs within TOH from January to June 2022. All participants had experience in maternity or postpartum care and were probed on factors influencing use of BMS at this institution. Interview transcripts were coded using an inductive approach.ResultsA total of 18 HCPs were interviewed including physicians, midwives, lactation consultants, and registered nurses. Multilevel barriers influencing the use of BMS were categorized into patient, HCP, and institution-level factors. Subthemes that emerged ranged from parental preferences, training differences amongst HCPs, to budget and staffing issues. Over half of HCPs were prepared to answer questions on EBF and were familiar with the BFI. Although most were supportive of this institution receiving BFI designation, a few providers raised concerns of its impact on parents who would like to supplement.ConclusionsSeveral modifiable factors influencing decision-making for use of BMS were identified. These findings will be used to inform unit leads, help identify effective strategies to address modifiable barriers, and develop tailored breastfeeding supports to improve EBF rates.

Physicians, pharmacists and take-home naloxone: What practices? The SINFONI study

For several years, both the French Addictovigilance Network and French health authorities have consistently emphasized the need to provide opioid users with take-home naloxone (THN), the specific antidote for opioid overdoses. In March 2022, the French Health Authority recommended systematically assessing the appropriateness of prescribing THN to all opioid users, regardless of the context, and identified 8 high-risk situations. However, at present, THN distribution remains limited, particularly among primary care healthcare professionals. This study, conducted by the Pays de la Loire Centre for Evaluation and Information on Drug Dependence-Addictovigilance and supported by the Regional Health Agency, aims to explore healthcare professionals' practices and perceptions of these high-risk situations. An ad-hoc questionnaire was distributed via mail by the project's regional institutional partners to the target healthcare professionals: pharmacists, general practitioners (GPs), physicians practicing in specialities other than general medicine (SPs: algologists, psychiatrists and addictologists). It was completed online from 20/10/2022 to 30/12/2022. Out of the 355 participants (158 pharmacists, 167 GPs and 30 SPs), nearly all were managing patients on opioids. In total, 47.7% of physicians and 27.8% of pharmacists reported experiencing difficulties in dealing with the risk of overdose when prescribing or dispensing opioids to their patients. In the 12months preceding the study, only 8 pharmacists and 34 physicians had prescribed/dispensed THN, primarily due to a lack of awareness of its existence (52% of pharmacists and 72% of physicians) and challenges in addressing the eight overdose risk situations listed by the HAS (ranging from 54% to 83% for all professionals). The best-trained healthcare professionals were those who prescribed the most THN (P<0.001). The identification of barriers related to THN distribution in the regional SINFONI study, conducted among primary care healthcare professionals managing patients on opioids, highlights the need to develop a training tool specifically tailored for these professionals.

Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on oral health care in acute stroke patients: a qualitative study

BackgroundStroke is a major public health problem, with the disabilities of the patients increasing their risk of poor oral health. Currently, in Ghana and Nigeria, no guideline exists for oral health care in stroke patients, while most of our acute stroke care settings have no documented protocol.AimThis study sought to understand the perspectives of healthcare professionals in Ghana and Nigeria about oral healthcare in acute stroke patients.MethodsA qualitative inductive approach was employed to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives. After obtaining informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted among doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists using semi-structured question guides. Participants’ responses were audiotaped for transcription and analysis. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed thematically to generate themes and sub-themes using an inductive approach.The resultsTwenty-five (25) health care professionals (HCP) aged 25–60 years with a mean age of 36.2 ± 4.2 years were interviewed. There were 15 (60.0%) males and 10 (40.0%) females. HCP included nurse practitioners 14 (56.0%), medical doctors 7 (28.0%), and physiotherapists 4 (16.0%). The HCP demonstrated adequate knowledge of stroke and considered oral health important for esthetic and clinical reasons. They, however, reported being unable to give it the required attention due to inadequate collaboration between the various professional cadres, insufficient equipment, and a skewed focus on other clinical needs of the acute stroke patients.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that HCPs perceived oral health care as very important among patients with acute stroke. However, they reported a lack of collaboration and integration of oral health care in routine stroke care as a major impediment.

Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the contributions of rehabilitation coordinators to patients in Swedish psychiatric care: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundRehabilitation coordinators have gradually been introduced into Swedish psychiatric care to support individuals on sick leave to return-to-work or enter work.AimTo explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the contributions a rehabilitation coordinator can make to patients in psychiatric care.Materials and methodsA descriptive qualitative design was used, and data were collected through interviews. Twelve healthcare professionals in psychiatric care participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsAn overarching theme evolved: “The rehabilitation coordinator promotes security and reduces stress in the vocational rehabilitation process”, based on two themes: (1) “Adaptations and support based on the patient’s needs” and (2) “Rehabilitation coordinator efforts as relevant for care”. The themes, in turn, consist of six subthemes.ConclusionsThis study showed that healthcare professionals perceived employment as important for patients’ health and well-being. Therefore, the rehabilitation coordination efforts were not only seen as beneficial for addressing patients’ challenges and needs in managing the vocational rehabilitation process but also as an integral part of the patient’s care.

Exploring health professionals' knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding gestational diabetes: A cross-sectional Irish national survey.

Gestational diabetes confers short- and long-term risk of mother and offspring health complications. Healthcare professionals such as endocrinologists, diabetes nurses, dietitians, midwives and general practitioners provide gestational diabetes care. We sought to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on gestational diabetes care during pregnancy and postpartum. Healthcare professionals in the Republic of Ireland, whose role included gestational diabetes care were invited to complete an online 20-item survey between June and September 2022. Social media, professional organisations and personal networks were used for recruitment. Questions included guideline use, postpartum diabetes screening and advice practices. Analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software and free text was coded using NVivo. Seventeen healthcare professions across primary and secondary care settings participated (n = 127). No differences were noted between groups (medical, nursing/midwifery, allied health/other); therefore, findings were reported as a single group. Healthcare professionals reported using multiple different guidelines to support gestational diabetes management (n = 14). The most cited were 'Health Service Executive guidelines' (24.5%), 'local guidelines' (13.2%) and National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines (11.3%); 12.3% cited uncertainty, and 27.5% reported not to follow any named guidelines. For postpartum follow-up, 39% felt clear guidelines were available to support practice, 37% felt appropriate systems were in place and 29% reported effective communication between primary and secondary care services. Qualitative findings emphasised a desire for improved communication between systems, participants and providers, clear interdisciplinary guidelines, and adequate resourcing for gestational diabetes management and postpartum diabetes prevention, including comprehensive support and follow-up. System-level challenges and ineffective communication across settings are barriers to optimum postpartum care. Nationally agreed guidelines for best practice gestational diabetes management including postpartum diabetes prevention are needed.

Trauma-Informed Care Practices in a Forensic Setting: Exploring Health Care Professionals’ Perceptions and Experiences

The prevalence of trauma within secure forensic populations is widely acknowledged, yet the implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC) in secure forensic settings (SFS) remains in its infancy. This qualitative study delves into the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) adopting a TIC framework in SFS, examining associated barriers and facilitators. 15 participants engaged in semi-structured interviews, and results underwent thematic analysis, yielding five overarching themes and 15 sub-themes. Themes identified include: 1) understanding the TIC experience in SFS, 2) organizational and personal barriers in TIC implementation, 3) facilitators and reflections on TIC benefits, 4) barriers to specific TIC practices, and 5) practical recommendations. Participants emphasized the prevalent nature of trauma in SFS and underscored the perceived advantages of creating spaces for reflection and emotional well-being. Interviewees explored the impact of organizational culture, the demands of frontline roles and training accessibility. Practice implications highlight the need to involve key stakeholders (staff and SUs) in decision making and in assessing the feasibility of implementing TIC. SFS should prioritize TIC by addressing training needs, allocating time for TIC in supervision, providing specialist support for trauma-informed clinical work, and ensuring dedicated spaces for reflection. While the study highlights the power of incorporating HCP perspectives, limitations arise from findings drawn from a single forensic service, emphasizing the importance of further replication. This research contributes valuable insights into advancing trauma-informed care practices within secure forensic settings.

Healthcare professionals' perceptions and management of obesity & knowledge of glucagon, GLP-1, GIP receptor agonists, and dual agonists.

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) have historically had limited weight-loss efficacy. However, newer glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)-based therapies seem to be more effective, including dual agonists of GLP-1R and the glucagon receptor (GCGR) or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor. To explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experience in obesity treatment and their understanding of agonists of GCGR, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) RA, and GLP-1 RA. This cross-sectional online survey of HCPs prescribing AOMs was conducted in the United States in 2023 with a questionnaire designed to evaluate prescribing behavior and understanding of GCGR, GIP RA, and GLP-1 RA. The 785 respondents (251 primary-care physicians [PCPs], 263 endocrinologists, and 271 advanced practice providers [APPs]) reported 55% of their patients had obesity (body mass index ≥30kg/m2 or ≥27 with weight-related complications) and recommended AOMs to 49% overall, significantly more endocrinologists (57% of patients, p<0.0005) than PCPs (43%) or APPs (46%). The greatest barriers to treatment were medication cost/lack of insurance (mean 4.2 on 1-5 scale [no barrier-extreme barrier]), low patient engagement/adherence (3.3), and inadequate time/staff (3.1). Metformin was the type 2 diabetes (T2D) medication most commonly prescribed to treat obesity in T2D patients (92.5% of respondents). Most HCPs (65%) were very/extremely familiar with GLP-1 RA, but only 30% with GIP RA and 16% with GCGR. Most HCPs expected dual GCGR/GLP-1 RA to benefit many obesity-related conditions; however, only a minority of HCPs perceived that they would benefit non-cardiometabolic complications of obesity. Among HCPs prescribing AOMs, gaps exist in the management of people living with obesity as <50% are prescribed AOMs. Barriers to treatment indicate a need to improve access to AOMs. HCPs were less familiar with GCGR or GIP RA than GLP-1 RA but expect dual GCGR/GLP-1 RA may offer additional benefits, potentially addressing treatment barriers and access. Thus, there is a need for greater education among HCPs regarding the mechanism of action and therapeutic effects of GCGR agonists, and dual GCGR/GLP-1 RA, so that the full range of obesity-related complications can be effectively treated.

Asking about violence and abuse among patients experiencing homelessness: a focus group study with healthcare professionals

BackgroundPeople experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of violence and abuse, however, there is insufficient knowledge about rates of inquiry or readiness of healthcare professionals to address violence and abuse among this population. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of asking about violence and abuse among patients experiencing homelessness.MethodsThis study used a qualitative, interpretive, and exploratory design. We performed focus group discussions with healthcare professionals (n = 22) working at an integrative healthcare unit for people experiencing homelessness. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Findings are reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.ResultsThe overarching theme of the analysis is that addressing violence and abuse is at risk of “falling through the cracks”. The theme is supported by three sub-themes: Hesitance to address violence and abuse, The complex dynamics of violence and abuse in homelessness, and Challenges in addressing violence and abuse amidst competing priorities and collaborative efforts. The normalisation of violence and abuse within the context of homelessness perpetuates a “cycle” where the severity and urgency of addressing violence and abuse are overlooked or minimised, hindering effective interventions. Moreover, healthcare professionals themselves may inadvertently contribute to this normalisation. The hesitance expressed by healthcare professionals in addressing the issue further reinforces the prevailing belief that violence and abuse are inherent aspects of homelessness. This normalisation within the healthcare system adds another layer of complexity to addressing these issues effectively.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and coordinated efforts that not only address the immediate physical needs of people experiencing homelessness but also challenge and reshape the normalised perceptions surrounding violence and abuse. By prioritising awareness, education, and supportive interventions, we can begin to “break the cycle” and provide a safer environment where violence and abuse are not accepted or overlooked.

Healthcare professionals' experiences with the use of antipsychotics in dementia

BackgroundAntipsychotics are commonly administered to nursing home residents with dementia, despite the associated risk of severe adverse events. ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' experiences in caring for nursing home residents with dementia, with a focus on rationales behind the use of antipsychotics. MethodTwelve semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals' from Danish nursing homes were conducted and analyzed using the method Systematic Text Condensation. ResultsNonpharmacological interventions were reported as the primary approach to care and the first-choice treatment for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Use of antipsychotics was considered to serve as a last resort, reserved for residents with severe symptoms. However, most informants preferred a more limited use. The study identified four main barriers to reduce the use of antipsychotics: “Scarcity of resources”, “Perceiving antipsychotic use to provide relieve”, “Reluctance towards deprescribing” and “Limited access to medical counseling”, and three potential enablers: “Updating knowledge and nonpharmacological competencies”, “Management support and clear procedures” and “Regularity in interdisciplinary collaboration”. ConclusionThe treatment and care were reported as primarily following guidelines in BPSD. Several barriers were perceived to challenge the healthcare professionals' preference of limited use of antipsychotics. To further reduce the use, this study highlights the importance of understanding the adverse effects caused by limited resources, enhancing employee knowledge and competencies and ensuring regular interprofessional collaboration for assessing and reassessing the need to use antipsychotics.

Healthcare workers' perspectives on the availability and use of mobile health technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment support in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Considering the usefulness of mobile health (mHealth) technologies in healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana; there is a need to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on the availability and use of mHealth for disease screening and treatment of patients' conditions. The study's main aim is to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives regarding the availability and use of mHealth applications for disease screening and management at point-of-care in Ghana's Ashanti Region. We conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals who use mHealth applications daily between July and September 2020. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select healthcare professionals who have been using mobile health application tools to support healthcare delivery. The researchers conducted 14 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals on the availability and use of mHealth applications to support disease diagnosis and treatment of patients' conditions. Data were transcribed, coded, arranged, and analyzed to determine categories and themes. The study results demonstrated that healthcare workers had positive perceptions towards mHealth applications. Healthcare professionals identified significant challenges concerning mHealth applications: the high cost of data; lack of education or limited awareness; poor mobile networks; unstable internet connectivity; erratic power supply; and unavailability of logistics. Healthcare professionals identified the following prerequisite strategies to strengthen the use and scale-up of mHealth applications: stable internet connectivity; creating awareness; supplying logistics; reducing the cost of data; and developing local mobile apps. The study results revealed the availability of mHealth applications at the individual level for disease screening and treatment support of patients' conditions. The study also showed several significant challenges facing mHealth applications which need to be addressed to guarantee the successful implementation and scaling-up of mHealth activities at all levels of healthcare delivery. Hence, future research should incorporate healthcare professionals' perspectives to completely understand mHealth implementation and scaling-up challenges and measures to inform policy regulations.

Healthcare professionals' experience of teenage pregnancy and motherhood in Haiti.

The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals' experience of pregnant and motherhood in adolescence in Haiti. The methodology for collecting and analyzing qualitative data was based on John Dewey's social survey. The study was conducted in nine health institutions in the North and North-East departments of Haiti from October 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 15 healthcare professionals. All interviews were audio-recorded. The recordings were listened to carefully and transcribed in verbatim form. After checking and validation, the verbatims in Word format were exported to QDA Miner software version 6.0.5 for coding. The data were analyzed using Paillé and Mucchielli thematic analyses. Health professionals such as gynecologists, nurses, midwives, nursing assistants, matrons and health workers took part in the study. These study participants indicate that teenage pregnancy and motherhood are social and public health problems whose negative consequences affect teenage girls, children, healthcare professionals, the healthcare system, and Haitian society in general. The services offered to adolescent girls are medical, educational, psychological, economic, and social in nature. When caring for pregnant adolescents during the transition to motherhood, healthcare professionals face many challenges that are linked to the socio-economic status and physiological reality of adolescents, as well as the healthcare system. Programs involving home care visits should also be set up to offer ongoing support to pregnant or parenting teenagers. The distribution of food aid or materials such as clothing, hygiene products and baby kits should also be considered.

Assisted Dying and Voluntary Euthanasia: Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions in a Tertiary Care Setting in South India

Background: Globally, with the increased focus on palliative care of adding life to years, the need for the right to refuse and dignified death has also commenced. Objective: To explore the perceptions of doctors and nurses about performing assisted dying and voluntary euthanasia. Methods and Material: Participants were selected purposively to include nine health care professionals to attain information saturation. Results: The factors justifying euthanasia were the rights to choose or refuse and exclusive medical conditions. With limited medical insurance coverage, there is a thought that these factors might bring the idea of euthanasia amongst Indian people. Overall, though the healthcare professionals are not willing to perform euthanasia, they agreed to make assisted dying possible in the future but exclusively for terminally ill patients. Conclusion: It would be beneficial to standardise the terminology, have lawmakers re-examine Supreme Court of India rulings and consult medical and relevant experts on the unique situations of defining the terminally ill and what type of euthanasia may be considered.

Unmet Needs in the Process of Chemotherapy Provision in Pancreatic Cancer Patients from the Healthcare Provider Perspective: A Phenomenological Study in Greece.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death overall, with 1.5 years life expectancy and minimal therapeutic progress in the last decades. Despite the burden it causes, there is little research on the needs of this specific population. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' views on providing care and patients' unsatisfied needs. This qualitative descriptive study was carried out at a cancer hospital in Northern Greece. A total of 12 participants (6 physicians and 6 nurses), treating patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, were recruited through purposive sampling and underwent face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through the thematic analysis method in NVivo12 software. The analysis highlighted two themes: "needs of patients with pancreatic cancer" consisted of 6 subthemes ("daily activities", "symptoms management", "psychological support", "information needs", "multidisciplinary care" and "end-of-life care") and "needs of healthcare professionals" had 3 subthemes ("psychological support", "education" and "organizational support"). Several symptoms are identified and affect the daily activities of these patients, and psychological support is important for the majority of them, even at the time of diagnosis. The participants express dissatisfaction with the absence of palliative care structures and services and stated that an interdisciplinary approach would improve the quality of care. Healthcare professionals report a wide range of unsatisfied needs of patients with pancreatic cancer, with the majority expressing their concerns about the complete lack of patient support in the last stages of their lives.