Staff Groups Research Articles

Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on personal protective equipment and environmental surfaces in nonpatient entry area of a Fangcang shelter hospital.

To determine the extent of contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) and surfaces by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the nonpatient entry area of a Fangcang shelter hospital, the medical staff accommodation area, and the staff transport bus. We collected 816 samples from the nonpatient entry area and floors in a Fangcang shelter hospital, medical staff accommodation area, and scheduled bus, and the five major types of PPE used from April 13 to May 18, 2022. SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 22.2% of PPE samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Boot covers and gowns were the most contaminated types of PPE. The positive PPE contamination rate of staff collecting respiratory specimens was significantly higher than that of the general-treatment staff group (35.8% vs. 12.2%) and cleaner group (35.8% vs. 26.4%), p < 0.01. In total, 27 of 265 (10.2%) environmental surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The contamination-positive rates were 26.8% (22/82), 5.4% (4/74), and 0.9% (1/109) for contaminated, potentially contaminated, and clean zones, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was frequently detected on objects such as mobile phones, tables, computer keyboards and mice, and door handles. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was widely distributed on high-touch surfaces and on PPE in the contaminated zone of the Fangcang shelter hospital, implying a potentially high infection risk for healthcare workers. Our findings emphasize the need to ensure adequate environmental cleaning, improve hand hygiene, and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, prevention of self-contamination during PPE donning and doffing is complex and needs more research.

A 'train the trainers' approach to infection prevention and control training in pandemic conditions.

The first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic in early 2020 required a rapid roll-out of infection prevention and control (IPC) training for healthcare workers (HCW), including use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Education about respiratory droplet and aerosol transmission was of paramount importance to ensure safe working practices and improve confidence. A joint working group of Infectious Diseases and IPC staff developed a 'train the trainers' programme, to be rapidly deployed over a three-week period. This model utilised a snowballing approach, training selected staff with the intention that they would train their teams, facilitating swift cascading of information. Targeted invitations prompted staff from diverse departments of the hospital to attend. Pre- and post-session questionnaires evaluated staff confidence with regard to appropriate PPE use. The programme trained 130 HCW over a three week period, was well received and led to increased confidence with PPE use amongst staff. Real-time evaluation ensured content could be adapted to the specific needs of HCW involved. We highlight perceived gaps in training despite existing and enhanced training structures. Provision of face-to-face training in transmission-based precautions, including PPE use, is required to maintain confidence in safe and appropriate IPC amongst hospital staff. We highlight the importance of including non-clinical staff in PPE educational programmes, recognising that these roles are vital for patient care and are frequently patient-facing. We recommend adopting the train the trainers model to facilitate rapid dissemination of education, with interactive multidisciplinary training in future outbreaks to improve HCW confidence and effective IPC.

What do healthcare staff think about the quality and safety of care provided to children and young people with an intellectual disability? A qualitative study using the framework method of analysis

ObjectiveTo elicit patient safety issues pertaining to children and young people with intellectual disability in hospital from healthcare staff perspectives. This follows a previous paper of parent interviews of patient...

Teaching suturing skill to emergency physicians: the experience of a hands-on practical training in a laboratory simulation-based setting

Both specialists and trainees in emergency medicine are often unaware of the principles of good suturing. Hands-on training course was proposed to both members of the staff (group A) and trainees (group B) of the emergency department of our hospital. Familiarity with all aspects of the operation, pre-course 0%, postcourse 79% (group A) and 85.71% (group B) - p&lt;0.000); clear economy of movement and maximum efficiency, pre-course 0%, post-course 73.8% (group A) and 89.80% (group B) - p&lt;0.000; fluid moves with instruments and no awkwardness, pre-course 0%, post-course 73.8% (group A) and 89.80% (group B) - p&lt;0.000; obviously planned course of operation with effortless flow from one move to the next, pre-course 0%, post-course 79% (group A) and 89,80% (group B) - p&lt;0.000; strategically used assistants to the best advantage of all time, pre-course 0%, post-course 73,8% (group A) and 89,80% (group B) - p&lt;0.000; improvement in dexterity, 79.5% of students post-course). The course was judged very useful by 94.8% of students. Attending suturing skill courses could be very useful for both trainees and specialists in emergency medicine.

Healthcare staff mental health trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the COVID-19 Staff Wellbeing Survey.

Cross-sectional studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare staff. However, it is less well understood how working over the long term in successive COVID-19 waves affects staff well-being. To identify subpopulations within the health and social care staff workforce with differentiated trajectories of mental health symptoms during phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Staff Wellbeing Survey assessed health and social care staff well-being within an area of the UK at four time points, separated by 3-month intervals, spanning November 2020 to August 2021. Growth mixture models were performed on the depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder longitudinal data. Two class solutions provided the best fit for all models. The vast majority of the workforce were best represented by the low-symptom class trajectory, where by symptoms were consistently below the clinical cut-off for moderate-to-severe symptoms. A sizable minority (13-16%) were categorised as being in the high-symptom class, a group who had symptom levels in the moderate-to-severe range throughout the peaks and troughs of the pandemic. In the depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder models, the high-symptom class perceived communication from their organisation to be less effective than the low-symptom class. This research identified a group of health service staff who reported persistently high mental health symptoms during the pandemic. This group of staff may well have particular needs in terms of the provision of well-being support services.

Lessons learned from pandemic response to COVID-19 in Bangladesh: NGO-based emergency response framework for low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundResponse to COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was led by the Government of Bangladesh aided by Non-Government Organisations (NGO) among others. The aim of the study was to explore the activities of such an NGO to understand the philosophy, aspiration and strategy to plan and implement an effective response to COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.MethodsA case study of a Bangladeshi NGO called SAJIDA Foundation (SF) is presented. From September to November 2021, using document review, field observation and in-depth interviews, four aspects of their COVID-19 pandemic related activities was explored – a) why and how SF initiated their COVID response; b) what adaptations were made to their usual programmes; c) how SF’s response to COVID-19 were designed and what were the anticipated challenges including overcoming measures; and d) perception of the staff about SF’s activities related to COVID-19. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with three groups of SF staff: frontliners, managers and leaders.ResultThe impact of COVID-19 has been beyond health emergencies and posed multidimensional challenges. SF took a two-pronged approach – aid the government to respond to the emergency and adopt an all-inclusive plan to address diverse challenges related to overall well-being of the population. The underlying strategy of their response has been to: define the challenge of COVID-19 and identify required expertise and resources, ensure people’s health and social wellbeing, adjust existing organisational processes, ensure functional partnership with other organisations for effective resource and task sharing, and safeguard health and wellbeing of the organisation’s own employees.ConclusionThe findings suggest a ‘4C framework’ including four components as the basis of a comprehensive response to emergencies by NGOs: 1. Capability assessment to identify who are in need and what is needed; 2. Collaboration with stakeholders to pool resources and expertise; 3. Compassionate leadership to ensure health and social safety of the employees which ensures their dedication in managing the emergency; and 4. Communication for quick and effective decision making, decentralisation, monitoring and coordination. It is expected that this ‘4C framework’ can help NGOs to embark on a comprehensive response to manage emergencies in resource constrained low- and middle-income countries.

Using a collaborative working group model to develop an ADHD resource for school staff

AbstractInclusive education for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents challenges for school staff and professional development is lacking. Training is not always available when needed, strategies suggested by external experts can be impractical and staff lack autonomy in choosing the best way of being resourced. Additionally, the experience and knowledge of the range of school staff is not utilised. A collaborative working group of school staff and a researcher explored an alternative method of ADHD resourcing. Co‐construction of knowledge defines how the group discursively identified actionable knowledge from the different perspectives and knowledge brought by individual group members. A systemic framework was used to critically reflect on the collaboration. The framework enabled reflection on four areas to understand how and why the collaboration led to a published web‐based school staff ADHD resource. Firstly, starting conditions and assumptions were considered to identify and articulate the rationale for the resource. Secondly, the context and system dynamics enabled consideration of the socio‐cultural and political landscape of the project and the impact of COVID‐19. Thirdly, the different voices of participants and power dynamics were reflected on. Finally, emergence was a frame in which to elucidate knowledge production and changes in practice. The collaborative working group addressed the research–practice gap and the need for diversity of voices to be heard across the school. Knowledge co‐construction positions staff as knowledge bearers and, together with different forms of knowledge, they can be empowered to create new, contextualised evidence‐based knowledge.

Research Services and Spaces as Expressions of the Scholarly Information Seeking Habits and Behavior of University Faculty

A group of faculty and staff of the Missouri State University (MSU) Libraries, assisted by an anthropologist, conducted a survey and then an ethnographic study using direct observation and semi-structured interviews of a broad sample of MSU faculty members to explore faculty scholarly information seeking habits and behavior. Research questions explored where faculty researched, what they used, and whom they consulted for assistance. Building upon background and findings concerning content in an introductory article, this companion article will discuss findings related to services and spaces used or desired by faculty.

Военный опыт государственных лидеров и конфликтный потенциал авторитарных режимов (На примере Африки)

In the last decade, the International Political Science has witnessed an emergent trend to put an individual back to the focus of research. A growing number of researchers acknowledge that in order to understand the behavior of the state, it is necessary to take into account attitudes and behavior of state leaders. They assume that such a view angle will help to defy a cliché perception, according to which conflict situations arise solely due to the influence of exogenous factors, and if a certain event occurred, it only happened because it was determined by the external environment. The article attempts to analyze the influence of the military experience of state leaders on their countries’ participation in armed conflicts using the case of the authoritarian regimes in Africa. Employing the method of regression analysis, the author traces how the past military experience is reflected in the proneness of a state leader to conflict actions in the foreign policy sphere. He focuses on three types of such experience: (1) military service without participation in military actions (mainly staff work); (2) personal participation in military actions; (3) participation in rebel formations. The conducted research proves that military experience has a significant and robust influence on the subsequent behavior of leaders. If a state leader used to serve in the military as a staff group member, the probability that he will initiate an armed conflict is 2.7 times higher than in the absence of such experience. Participation in rebel groups increases the likelihood of initiating military actions as well. In contrast, combat experience in the military has the opposite effect: leaders with combat experience are only half as likely to initiate military conflicts as leaders who have not been to the battlefield.

Detecting the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among Iraqi People

Background: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health issue worldwide and remains a vital etiology of long-term hepatitis. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of HCV infection among Iraqi people. This research was proposed to detect the frequency of HCV infection in renal failure patients, thalassemia patients, blood donors, and Iraqi medical staff. Such prevalence potentially could assist in the development of a preventive program for this infection and orient future studies. Methods and Results: Cross-sectional research was conducted in Thi-Qar Province (Iraq). The enrolled 1650 individuals (1180 males and 470 females, age range of 1-85 years) were classified into four study groups. Group 1 included 120 patients with renal failure, Group 2 included 220 patients suffering from thalassemia, Group 3 included 1259 blood donor subjects, and Group 4 included 51 subjects from the medical staff. Serum anti-HCV-IgG-Abs were detected qualitatively by a human HCV-IgG-ELISA Kit (MyBioSource, USA). The findings revealed that out of 1650 subjects, only 53(3.2%) were infected with HCV. The highest prevalence was reported among thalassemia patients 34/220(15.45%), followed by renal failure patients 8/120(6.66%) and then the medical staff group 3/51(5.88%), whereas the lowest prevalence was reported among the blood donor group 8/1259(0.64%). The total infection rate of HCV was higher among males [33/53(62.3%)] than females [20/53(37.7%)], with significant differences (P&lt;0.05). We found a significant difference in HCV infection rate according to the age range of the study subjects (P&lt;0.05). The higher infection percentages of 29/53(54.7%) and 15/53(28.3%) were found in age groups of 1-20 years and 21-40 years, respectively, followed by the age group of 41-60 years, which had infection percentages of 7/53(13.2%), while the lowest infection rate was reported in the age group of more than 60 years, which was 2/53(3.8%). Conclusion: The frequency rate of HCV infection among Iraqi people is similar to those in most Asian and non-Asian studied populations, and the infection rate was higher in males and inversely correlated with the age of the subjects. The main routes of HCV infection were blood transfusions, renal dialysis, and HCWs. Thalassemic and hemodialysis patients were potentially vulnerable to HCV infection. Effective screening methods and blood donor screening protocols are likely required to prevent the spread of HCV infection.

‘They could not see our eyes, they cannot see our faces, they do not know who we are and that is hard’: a qualitative interview study with staff caring for children and families in a UK specialist children’s hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesDespite lower rates of illness, morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children during the COVID-19 pandemic, their health and well-being has been significantly impacted. Emerging evidence indicates that...

Resident Research Mentoring Teams: A Support Program to Increase Resident Research Productivity.

Scholarly activity is a requirement for most graduate medical education training programs. However, barriers exist for residents to accomplish projects. To evaluate the correlation between a resident research mentoring team (RRMT) program and meeting presentations and publications of resident research projects. We further plan to report feasibility of the RRMT. We performed a before-and-after study of meeting presentations and/or publication of resident research projects before institution of the RRMT (2004-2011) and post-RRMT implementation (2016-2019). The RRMT is a diverse group of faculty, statisticians, and research staff who meet regularly with residents to provide guidance for their research studies. It is part of overall research support from the department, which also includes biostatistics, database and regulatory help, travel funds, and project budget funds. Data on meeting presentations and publications were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and the IUPUI ScholarWorks institutional repository, using resident and faculty names and titles of projects. Comparisons of pre- and post-RRMT groups were made. Seventy-four residents were in the pre-RRMT group and 40 were in the post-RRMT group. Post-RRMT residents published, presented, and combined published or presented their projects more frequently than those in pre-RRMT group (57.5% vs 28.4%, P=.002; 50% vs 16.2%, P=.001; 67.5% vs 37.8%, P=.002). Controlling for winning a Research Day award and pursuing a fellowship, being in the post-RRMT group was independently associated with presentation or publication of the resident research project (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.57-8.83). Support of resident scholarly activity, such as thorough implementation of a program like the RRMT, is associated with increased presentations and publications of research projects.

Alignment of Goals for Personal Interpretation Among Staff Groups in a Park Agency

Goal alignment among staff members helps an agency perform well. This study examines goal alignment for park staff regarding their priorities for interpretation and perceptions of what helps and hinders achievement of those goals. We surveyed 86 staff from Alberta Parks, who rated potential goals for personal interpretation and expressed views on the catalysts and constraints that affected the achievement of those goals. There was alignment in interpretation goals among staff groups (i.e., planners/managers, interpretive supervisors, and frontline interpreters). Staff thought that all goals were important, but ranked the goals of positive memories, enjoyment, and connections to place higher than the goals of behavior change, positive attitudes, and learning. Factors supporting success were supportive supervisors, hiring and retaining excellent staff, and training, whereas factors hindering success were resource deficits, bureaucracy, and lack of common goals. To promote goal alignment, agencies can improve communication, planning, staff engagement, training, and research.

Improving communications in PPE: a solution for ‘landline’ telephone communication

BackgroundEmergency care staff wearing elastomeric respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) report difficulties in communicating by telephone. We developed and tested an affordable technological solution aimed at improving telephone call intelligibility...

(017) Use of Knowledge Translation Methodology to Incorporate Research Results into Clinical Practice: Bringing Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy into a local prostate cancer program

Abstract Introduction There is an unmet need for psychological therapies that address sex-related distress in couples after prostate cancer (PCa) beyond pharmaceuticals and device aids. We recently completed a clinical trial that found both mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) improved couples’ sexual health after prostate cancer (PCa). Given the benefits of these therapies to patients yet the poor translation of research into routine clinical care, we sought to use evidence-informed methods of knowledge translation to make this transition. Objective This was a knowledge translation (KT) and implementation science project. We aimed to share information about the efficacy of these therapies to PCa patients and their partners in a local prostate cancer program by creating and implementing KT tools in a format that was accessible, affirming, and effective. Methods We utilized two KT frameworks: the Knowledge to Action (KTA) cycle and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and collaborated with knowledge partners (prostate cancer program clinical leader partnerships, patient partner consultations, and a focus group of the program staff analyzed using the CFIR framework) to guide implementation. Results We used the first four stages of the KTA cycle, informed by our knowledge partners, to create our KT tools. The first stage involved clarifying the knowledge gap. We then included the evidence-based mindfulness and CBT approaches to various existing time points of patient education in the local program's context. Next, we conducted our focus group to identify potential barriers and facilitators to implementation, and modified our implementation plan accordingly. We created an information card that explained CBT and mindfulness using terminology appropriate for the patient population. The card contained a link to a patient education video we created that instructed patients on how to practice these skills at home. This link was hosted on a webpage with external CBT and mindfulness resource links. Implementation is currently underway. Eligible patients receive the information card at clinical appointments with a registered sexual health nurse and access the education video, which then guides them on how to practice these therapies at home. A questionnaire has been developed to evaluate patient use of these tools, ease of use of the tools, and whether the tools were helpful with respect to improving sexual intimacy and mental health. Data collection is in progress. Conclusions By creating three KT tools to implement mindfulness and CBT patient education materials, we incorporated research findings into routine clinic flow of a local prostate cancer program. These tools have large implications for the current patient population: we filled a gap of a lack of psychosocial education for sexual intimacy for couples after prostate cancer to practice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use KTA methodology to apply results from a clinical trial directly into clinical practice. This methodology should be incorporated into research funding mechanisms in order to encourage more widespread adoption of bringing research findings into practice. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific, Coloplast, Sustained Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Astellas, Genetech, Lantheus Merck, Sharp &amp; Dohme, Myovant, Menarini, Tolmar, Vaccitech, Verity

Growing stronger together: Implementing the Strengthening Families Program with Indigenous communities

BackgroundChild welfare agencies commonly seek to use evidence-based programs (EBPs) for their demonstrated results. Challenges remain in adapting programs to fit for Indigenous populations. We suggest that relationality holds promise as a guide in the implementation of EBPs with Indigenous families and children. ObjectiveWe provide the story of a culturally integrated implementation of the EBP, Strengthening Families Program (SFP), with Indigenous families. Participants and settingInsights from the staff who implemented SFP, project leadership and a community steering committee were brought together to create the collective implementation story. MethodsA relational approach was used in thematic analysis with a focus on the three Rs - responsibility, respect, and reciprocity- that support Indigenous knowledge organization. ResultsFindings offer insight into cultural integrations in the implementation of SFP. The program centered Indigenous and community identities through meals, gifts, parenting practice examples and discussions tailored by each group of families and staff. Practices related to responsibility, respect and reciprocity each proved to be essential concepts in the relationship building among caregivers, children, SFP staff, project leadership, and community supporters that led to program success. ConclusionCultural integration created a space that reflected Indigenous knowledge relationality. It respected the uniqueness among groups of families who participated in the evidence-based SFP. Our story supports the importance of having Indigenous staff and group leaders to guide cultural integration in relationship with tribal communities.

‘It seems my enemy is about having malaria’

Abstract This study seeks to characterise the form of verbal irony common among Nigerians by identifying its motivation, inherent properties, and communicative value. Data for this study comprised detailed field notes taken within the last five years in contexts in which utterances occurred naturally. These were then tested among informants from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds at the University of Benin to determine the prevalence and motivation of the ironic utterances. In addition, 500 questionnaires were administered to a group of students and staff in the same institution. These were analysed using frequency tables and simple percentages. Results support the claim that irony in this context is governed by a single cultural principle: “You hurt yourself by admitting a negative situation.” Although the study draws heavily from the relevance-theoretic echoic account, it seeks to reevaluate this account by suggesting that positive attitudes in negative situations are salient cultural notions that underlie the echoic account in this context.

STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION AND GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM (Case Study In a Family Firm)

This research aims to examine the implementation of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) and the implementation of the company's Internal Control System. Data analysis used the positivism philosophy method in a family business company engaged in the manufacturing industry since 1946. Informants were determined by purposive sampling, namely, taken from the top management, middle management, and staff groups. Data analysis techniques in this study used a case study approach through interviews. Research results: GCG implementation is not following best practices by this family business company, and Internal Control System implementation has not become aware by management.

Research Content as an Expression of the Scholarly Information Seeking Habits and Behavior of University Faculty

A group of faculty and staff of the Missouri State University (MSU) Libraries, assisted by an anthropologist, conducted a survey and then an ethnographic study using direct observation and semi-structured interviews of a broad sample of MSU faculty members to explore faculty scholarly information seeking habits and behavior. Research questions explored where faculty researched, what they used, and whom they consulted for assistance. This article will discuss the methodologies of the study, as well as its findings on content used by faculty, to be followed by a companion article discussing findings on services and spaces.

‘It’s tough. It is hard’: A qualitative interview study of staff and volunteers caring for hospice in-patients with delirium

Background: Delirium is a distressing condition often experienced by hospice in-patients. Increased understanding of current multidisciplinary care of delirium is needed to develop interventions in this setting. Aim(s): To explore hospice staff and volunteers’ practice, its influences and what may need to change to improve hospice delirium care. Design: Qualitative interview study using behaviour change theory from a critical realist stance. Setting/participants: Thirty-seven staff, including different professional groups and roles, and volunteers were purposively sampled from two in-patient hospices. Results: We found that participants’ practice focus was on managing hyperactive symptoms of delirium, through medication use and non-pharmacological strategies. Delirium prevention, early recognition and hypoactive delirium received less attention. Our theoretically-informed analysis identified this focus was influenced by staff and volunteers’ emotional responses to the distress associated with hyperactive symptoms of delirium as well as understanding of delirium prevention, recognition and care, which varied between staff groups. Non-pharmacological delirium management was supported by adequate staffing levels, supportive team working and a culture of person-centred and family-centred care, although behaviours that disrupted the calm hospice environment challenged this. Conclusions: Our findings can inform hospice-tailored behaviour change interventions that develop a shared team understanding and engage staff’s emotional responses to improve delirium care. Reflective learning opportunities are needed that increase understanding of the potential to reduce patient distress through prevention and early recognition of delirium, as well as person-centred management. Organisational support for adequate, flexible staffing levels and supportive team working is required to support person-centred delirium care.