Assess Health Care Providers Research Articles

Enhancing Healthcare Providers' Response to Gender-Based Violence: Development and Validation of an Assessment Tool Using the Modified e-Delphi Approach.

Background Effective gender-based violence (GBV) interventions depend on precise tools to assess healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study aimed to develop and validate a culturally appropriate GBV questionnaire on the KAP of healthcare workers in India using a modified e-Delphi method. Methodology The study used a modified e-Delphi approach, conducted online, to validate a GBV questionnaire. The process included the following three rounds: content validation, quantitative validation, and finalization. It began with a literature review and questionnaire drafting in May 2022, followed by validation from September 2022 to December 2023. The expert panel included healthcare professionals, public health experts, and researchers. The questionnaire included the following four sections: demographic information, knowledge of GBV, attitudes toward GBV, and GBV-related practices. Results In Round 1, significant revisions were made to enhance relevance and clarity, including the addition of a "Don't Know" option and revisions to questions on gender roles and societal expectations. The quantitative validation of Round 2 revealed high scores for Importance (4.980), Usefulness (4.965), Relevance (4.965), Clarity (4.955), Simplicity (4.980), and Ambiguity (4.815), with all items retained and no significant modifications. In Round 3, consensus was achieved, finalizing the questionnaire with expert validation certificates, demonstrating strong reliability and contextual appropriateness. Conclusions The validated KAP questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing healthcare providers' capacity to manage GBV. It can be used to inform and enhance interventions aimed at improving GBV management in healthcare settings.

Confronting Adversity: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Receiving Difficult News in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

In neonatal intensive care, the communication of difficult news can have lingering repercussions throughout the lives of those receiving such information. Uncertainty and stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively influence this sensitive yet essential communication process. To analyze the communication of difficult news during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of parents of newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. A qualitative, descriptive research study was completed in a hospital in Brazil. Individual and semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 parents of newborns hospitalized in an intensive care unit and submitted to thematic analysis. Three themes were built: "Tools and strategies to manage difficult news," "What makes difficult news hard to listen," and "The importance of being prepared to receive difficult news." When comparing these findings with prepandemic literature, the COVID-19 period changed communication dynamics, including coping tools and altered family dynamics. Additionally, assessing healthcare providers' positive and negative behaviors by parents could clarify essential skills to support the family's hospitalization process during a crisis. Applying and investing in skills training such as spirituality assessment, providing clear and straightforward information, and empathy can reduce the impact of difficult news and, thus, requires both recognition and action from healthcare professionals. Knowing some of the effects COVID-19 had on the communication process for parents with critically ill infants, healthcare providers can better prepare themselves for communication in several scenarios and establish successful interactions.

Igniting Awareness: Assessing Healthcare Providers' Understanding of Firefighter Cancer Risks

Firefighters are at increased risk for skin cancer from exposure to fireground carcinogens, UV radiation, and other occupational hazards. Despite known risk factors, agencies such as the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) do not include recommendations for routine skin cancer screenings in their general guidelines. Moreover, limited provider understanding of the unique health challenges firefighters encounter has resulted in a lack of awareness in the healthcare community regarding these increased skin cancer threats. This raises concern as providers are crucial in conducting skin cancer screenings and advocating for preventive measures for patients, especially firefighters. To better understand healthcare provider perspectives, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) administered a questionnaire assessing healthcare providers’ knowledge of firefighter cancer, including rates, risks, and policies, to healthcare providers attending the second annual SAFD “Firefighter Cancer Prevention and Wellness Fair” in January and February 2024, sharing de-identified results with the research team. The results indicate a majority of healthcare providers have limited knowledge about skin cancer in firefighters and are unaware of the major risks affecting members of this occupation. Approximately 70 healthcare providers participated in the questionnaire; of those, 4% passed the basic firefighter cancer knowledge quiz (>70% correct answers) and 18% scored higher than 50%. The mean score was 34%. While the SAFD skin cancer screenings revealed a smoldering knowledge gap among providers in understanding firefighter cancer risk, this study underscores the necessity of educating more healthcare professionals about the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping ours safe.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers among women oncofertility in Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn recent years, Iran has witnessed a remarkable increase in the incidence of cancer. This has led to an emerging challenge in the field of oncofertility, which seeks to address the impact of cancer treatments on fertility and endeavors to preserve reproduction. The study assessed healthcare providers’ awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding fertility preservation (FP) in Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oncofertility. An online self-made oncofertility survey of twenty-four items was administered to randomly selected participants from a list of healthcare providers registered with the Medical Council. The data were collected anonymously via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics, including number (n), prevalence (%), mean, and standard deviation, were calculated using SPSS 26.0. Additionally, chi-square tests were used to examine associations between categorical variables. Participants were categorized into oncology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and other specialties.ResultsA total of 423 responses were received and analyzed. Approximately 60% of the participants were obstetrics and gynecology subspecialists, while the remaining participants represented various disciplines such as surgery (9.7%), radiotherapy (6.4%), nuclear medicine (5.2%), and pediatrics (1.4%). More than 30% of the participants had not received any specific education about oncofertility, and more than 20% stated that FP strategies are not part of their routine treatment plan for young cancer patients. Oncologists had more education than those in the Obstetrics & Gynecology group. Half the participants were unaware of insurance coverage, and FP options were infrequently recommended.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the urgent need to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes toward FP in Iran and enable them to provide comprehensive support and guidance to cancer patients.

Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco Product Cessation: A Survey of Healthcare Providers' Opinions on Safety and Recommendation.

Background: This study aimed to: (1) assess healthcare providers' opinions on e-cigarette safety and compare them across professions; (2) evaluate providers' recommendations for e-cigarettes as a tobacco product cessation tool and identify any associations with their safety perceptions. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 760 healthcare professionals (January-March 2020). The survey included eight opinions on e-cigarette safety with five Likert-scale answers and a question on recommending them for tobacco product cessation. Results: Among 760 healthcare providers (173 physicians/dentists, 69 pharmacists, and 518 nurses), only 20% reported prior experience with tobacco product cessation counseling. Providers expressed uncertainty regarding e-cigarette safety (mean ± SD: 2.5 ± 0.7 on a 5-point Likert scale), with no significant differences between professions (p = 0.836). Similarly, e-cigarette recommendations for tobacco product cessation remained low across professions (13%, 85/637), with no significant differences found (p = 0.072). The recommendation of e-cigarettes for tobacco cessation is associated with perceived safety, lower respiratory irritation, lower coughing, a lower risk of cancer, and a lower risk for secondhand smokers when compared to traditional cigarettes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Most healthcare providers were unsure about the safety of e-cigarettes; about 13% of providers suggested using them for tobacco product cessation, with safety perceptions influencing recommendations.

Adherence to Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Guidelines in Endourologic Procedures: Frequency and Related Outcomes.

Background: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP), when used appropriately based on evidence-based guidelines, can reduce the rate of infectious complications following endourologic procedures without compromising patient outcomes. Objectives: To investigate the appropriateness of the current SAP used in endourologic surgeries based on international guidelines and report their associated outcomes (urinary tract infection [UTI] and blood stream infection [BSI]). Design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Methodology: The medical records of patients undergoing endourologic procedures were reviewed to assess healthcare providers' adherence to international guideline recommendations. Assessed parameters included indication, duration, choice, and dose of the antibiotics used in endourologic procedures in two medical centers in Amman/Jordan. Furthermore, patients were asked to conduct laboratory urine tests to determine the rate of infectious complications within one month post-procedure. Results: Three hundred and sixty-one patients were recruited for the study. The adherence rates to guidelines regarding indication, choice, and dose of pre-operative antibiotics were 90.3%, 2.8%, and 77.8%, respectively. The duration was concordant with guidelines in only 3.4% of participants. A total of 41.8% of patients completed follow-up. Among those, 4.6% developed bacterial UTIs, and 0.7% developed BSI. Conclusion: Adherence to SAP guidelines in endourologic procedures was far from optimal. Primary deviations in the implementation of guidelines' recommendations were pinpointed. These results are crucial for planning interventions that optimize SAP utilization.

Health care providers attitude towards safe abortion care and its associated factors in Northwest, Ethiopia, 2021: a health facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundA negative attitude towards abortion among health care providers providing abortion services could be an obstacle even under a law, which permits abortion on request. Healthcare providers are expected to perform and be change agents of abortion services. However, little information is known about the attitude toward safe abortion among healthcare providers in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess health care provider’s attitudes towards safe abortion care and its associated factors at the public health facilities of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed from March 1 to 30/2021 among 416 health-care providers. The data were collected by computer-based generated simple random sampling technique, entered, coded, and cleaned using Epi data version 4.2 and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 25.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with a confidence interval of 95% and a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe response rate of the study was 99.3%, and 70.2% [95% CI: 65.6–74.6] of health-care providers had a favorable attitude towards safe abortion care. Multivariable analysis indicated that health care providers who are found in the age group of 25–29, 30–34, and ≥ 35 years [AOR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.03–10.85], [AOR = 4.58, 95% CI = 1.33- 15.83] and [AOR = 5.30, 95% CI = 1.43–19.66] respectively, male health care providers [AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.55–6.60], midwives [AOR = 6.50, 95% CI = 2.40–17.44], working at hospital [AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 1.53–14.91], ever trained on safe abortion [AOR = 5.09, 95% CI = 2.29–11.32], practicing of an abortion procedure [AOR = 2.52, 95%, CI = 1.13–5.60], knowledge of abortion [AOR = 7.35, 95% CI = 3.23–16.71], awareness on revised abortion law [AOR = 6.44, 95% CI = 3.15–13.17] and need further legalization of abortion law [AOR = 11.78, 95% CI = 5.52–24.26] were associated with a favorable attitude towards safe abortion care.ConclusionsHealthcare providers who had a favorable attitude toward safe abortion care were relatively high compared to the previous studies. Age, sex, profession, workplace, training, knowledge, and practice-related factors were associated with a favorable attitude toward safe abortion. This study indicated that, a need for intervention to help improve the attitude of healthcare providers toward safe abortion care, especially for those working in the maternity care units.

Health professionals’ perspectives on the role of obstetric ultrasonography in maternity care in rural eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative descriptive study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this exploratory study was to assess healthcare providers’ perspectives on maternity care following the introduction of ultrasound services in the area.DesignThe qualitative descriptive study.Study settingThis study was...

The Vaccine Training Barometer: Assessing healthcare providers’ confidence to answer vaccine-related questions and their training needs

Healthcare providers (HCP) are seen by the public as the most trustworthy source of information about vaccination. While HCPs could be a valuable partner to increase vaccine confidence in general, it is not clear whether they feel confident themselves to address questions concerning vaccination. In the context of the EU Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV), the Vaccine Training Barometer, an online survey tool, was developed to assess how frequently HCPs receive questions about vaccination, how confident they feel to answer these questions, and to what extent they are willing to follow extra training. After a pilot test in Flanders, Belgium, the Barometer was launched and completed by 833 HCPs in Flanders and 291 HCPs in the Spanish regions of Catalonia, Navarre and Valencian Community from November 2020 until January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, just before and during the start of the first COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. In both countries, HCPs frequently received questions about vaccination (mostly on a daily or weekly basis), and about two thirds of them indicated that the frequency of questions had increased during the three months prior to completing the survey. Most questions were about the side effects and safety of vaccines. In both countries, a considerable proportion of HCPs did not feel confident to answer vaccine-related questions (31.5% felt confident in Flanders, 21.6% in Spain). A large proportion of HCPs received questions in the last three months before the survey that they could not answer (52.4% of respondents in Flemish sample, 41.5% in Spanish sample). Only 11.4% (Flanders) and 11.3% (Spain) of the respondents felt they gained sufficient knowledge through their standard education to be able to answer questions about vaccination. Almost all respondents were willing to follow extra training on vaccination (Flanders: 95.4%, Spain: 96.6%). The Vaccine Training Barometer is thus a useful tool to monitor HCPs’ confidence to answer questions about vaccination and to capture their training needs.

Validation of preparedness and willingness on early detection of autism spectrum disorder among healthcare providers in Jordan

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the field of early detection and intervention for children with developmental and behavioural disorders, with significant in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It highlights the advantages of early detection, such as reduced long-term costs and positive effects on a child's development. However, it also acknowledges the prevalent barriers to early ASD diagnosis and intervention. This study aims to develop and validate questionnaires on Preparedness and Willingness in early ASD detection among Al-Mafraq City, Jordan, healthcare providers. The research in the Al-Mafraq region of Jordan employed a cross-sectional research design. The study first involved the development of a questionnaire, which underwent rigorous content validation by a panel of experts well-versed in ASD. Face validity was assessed utilizing the Face Validity Index (FVI). A random sample of 130 healthcare providers from one hospital answered the draft questionnaires online for the EFA analysis recommended. It resulted in satisfactory items' factor loadings (r&gt;0.60) and internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha &gt;0.8). Followed by CFA from a random sample of another 202 healthcare providers from another hospital and healthcare centres in Al-Mafraq showed that the instrument effectively met the validation criteria, demonstrating its reliability and validity in assessing healthcare providers' Preparedness and Willingness for early ASD detection. Notably, the participants in the study exhibit differing degrees of Preparedness and Willingness. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical standing of developing a comprehensive instrument to evaluate the limitations associated with early ASD detection among healthcare providers.

Evaluating Adherence to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Guidelines for Gentamicin in Neonatal Care: A Retrospective Study at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah.

In this study, we assess healthcare providers' adherence to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) guidelines for gentamicin in neonates. Conducted at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from July 2020 to July 2022, it retrospectively analyzed the compliance of healthcare workers in managing neonates treated with gentamicin. Covering 410 neonates, primarily diagnosed with respiratory distress (56%) and sepsis (32%), the study revealed that while a majority of trough and peak levels conformed to guidelines, substantial deviations were noted in cases of respiratory distress. This underlines the necessity for targeted TDM strategies, particularly in managing respiratory distress in neonates, to ensure optimal treatment efficacy and safety. The findings urge stringent compliance with TDM guidelines, emphasizing personalized approaches in neonatal gentamicin therapy for improved healthcare outcomes.

Assessment of Skills of Health Care Professionals Posted in Labour Room and Maternity OTs Based on OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Using LaQshya Guidelines

Background: Present study attempts to assess the skills of staff including Doctors and nurses posted in labourroom and maternity OTs based on OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) as mentioned in LaQshyaguidelines in selected areas of Indore and Ujjain district (M.P) regarding the management of normal labour, theactive management of third stage of labour, Newborn Resuscitation, management of PPH due to atonic uterus andmanagement of eclampsia. Even in these parameters many sub-parameters were studied.Materials and Methods: Pre designed semi structured Observation checklist for Health care providers regardingskill assessment of the staff based on OSCE guideline was used to assess Health care providers including Doctors,Staff nurses/ANMs, who are providing MCH services in LR (Labour room) and maternity OT of the selectedhospitals of Indore and Ujjain district.Results: Most of the manoeuvres were better performed by staff nurses posted in CHCs rather than those postedin PHCs. Breathing assessment of baby was lacking among staff nurses of both CHCs and PHCs and needed to betackled with by a reorientation training of paramedical staff in critical care. Decision to transfer (is usually afterConsultation with the in charge, hence it is usually the Medical officers prerogative) and bimanual compression/aortic compression/condom tamponade to control bleeding was done exclusively by MOs.Conclusion: OSCE helped to assess the skills of the staff of maternity wing in a comprehensive manner and waswell appreciated by the staff. Such OSCE modules should be developed and regularly used and updated to assessthe clinical skill of the staff in the maternity wing of any health centre or hospital.

Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Exercise during Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Exercising during pregnancy can provide physical and mental health benefits for expectant mothers. Purpose: To assess healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding exercise during pregnancy in hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample comprised (142) healthcare providers who work in four public hospitals in the southern region of Jordan. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions. Results: The results showed that some of the participants (39.4%) were familiar with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines for exercise during pregnancy, while the majority of participants were knowledgeable about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Healthcare providers’ attitudes were positive. Regarding the level of practice, the findings showed that approximately 50.7% of the participants provided advice about exercise. Demographic characteristics had no significant correlation with healthcare providers’ attitudes. Conclusion: Although healthcare providers' attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy were positive, not everyone knew of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ guidelines. Implications for Nursing: Healthcare Providers should undertake workshops and lectures and then highlight the need to practice exercise during pregnancy, also they should start by making a full and comprehensive assessment of the pregnant woman and then provide appropriate advice as advocated by the WHO and ACOG guidelines. Educational programmes, booklets and pamphlets should be available for free in all the hospitals and maternal healthcare centres to increase awareness among women in the community. Keywords: Attitudes, Exercise, Healthcare providers, Knowledge, Practices, Pregnancy

Assessing Healthcare Providers' Preparedness for Managing COVID-19 Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study

Assessing Healthcare Providers' Preparedness for Managing COVID-19 Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study

Healthcare Providers' Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention and Control Practices in Health Records and Information Management, Ghana.

The impact of contracting coronavirus on healthcare providers (HCPs) affects their ability to combat the infection. The virus can be transmitted through droplets from sneezing, coughing, and yelling, making it essential for HCPs to plan ahead when dealing with patients with respiratory symptoms. The need to assess healthcare providers' perceived adherence to COVID-19 Prevention and Control Practices (PCP) in Health Records and Information Management is vital for optimizing healthcare operations and ensuring the safety of both patients and providers. This study assesses healthcare providers' perceived adherence to COVID-19 PCP in Health Records and Information Management. Subjects and Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 1268 HCPs working in eight randomly selected hospitals across five regions in Ghana. The survey was carried out from May 15, 2022, to August 13, 2022. Simple random sampling was used to choose these eight facilities from a total of 204 hospitals. Within each facility, HCPs from various departments were selected using simple random sampling. The EpiInfo 7 software's StatCalc tool was used to choose a total sample size of 1268 from an estimated 4482 HCP-PR from the eight hospitals. Compliance with COVID-19 PCP was assessed using a 3-point scale, ranging from one (Yes always) to three (No). Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was used to examine the statistical reliability of the variables in the dataset. Cronbach's alpha was 0.73 overall, suggesting strong reliability. Bartlett's test for equal variances was used for comparative analysis of health facility and overall mean COVID-19 PCP in different areas of health facilities. IBM SPSS (version 23) statistical software was used for the data analysis process. A total of 1268 HCP-PR participated in the survey, resulting in a 99.6% response rate. Findings reveal that 760 healthcare professionals who handle patients' records (HCP-PR), constituting 60%, consistently followed COVID-19 protocols in the registration and clinic preparation zones. Another 390 individuals (30.7%) adhered to these protocols occasionally, while 119 (9.4%) failed to comply. Similarly, in the filing area, 739 respondents (58.3%) consistently adhered to COVID-19 protocols, 358 (28.3%) occasionally did so, and 170 (13.4%) did not follow the protocols at all. Regarding handling health records cautiously, 540 participants (42.5%) always did, 448 (35.3%) did so sometimes, and 280 (22.2%) neglected these precautions. Additionally, 520 respondents (41.0%) consistently followed COVID-19 precautions when handling computers and other equipment, 393 (31.0%) did so occasionally, and 355 (28.0%) did not adhere to these precautions. The majority of respondents showed good compliance with COVID-19 protocol in the registration and clinic preparation areas. However, in the filing area, just over four out of every seven respondents consistently adhered to COVID-19 PCP. Additionally, four out of every seven participants did not comply with COVID-19 PCP when handling patients' records. Analysis reveals diverse adherence to COVID-19 PCP, and statistical tests show variable performance, highlighting standout health facilities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting among healthcare providers in two public hospitals in Egypt: A cross-sectional study.

Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is a human rights violation and is still happening to date. Every woman or girl has the right to be protected from this harmful practice. Egypt has adopted a multi-layered strategy to end FGM/C nationwide. Even though considerable progress has been made throughout the country, the practice and inequality still exist. In 2021, The Egyptian Family Health Survey results showed a decrease in the prevalence of circumcision among ever-married women, reaching about 86%, compared to 92% in the latest public estimate of the Demographic Health Survey 2015, where 87% of all women between 15 and 49 years old are circumcised, of which 42.4% reported being circumcised by a healthcare professional (HCP) compared to a reported 47% in 2021. This study aimed to assess healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in two public hospitals in 2 governorates in Egypt using a validated questionnaire conducted among HCPs in Cairo (Urban) and Gharbia (Rural) governorates. A pre-tested questionnaire comprising 38 close-ended questions was used. The study population included 223 HCPs in Cairo and Gharbia governorates, of which 63.7% were women and 36.3% were men, with an average age of 42 years (42±5). 49.8% of the respondents are from an urban area. In the knowledge domain, the highest consequence identified was reduced sexual feelings. In attitudes, almost 63% believed that FGM/C should continue, while 65% agreed that the HCPs have a role in eliminating FGM/C. Almost 4% of our respondents have performed an FGM before, 45% had FGM in their household, and 62% would perform FGM on their daughters. HCPs' integration within the communities allows them to play a crucial role in preventing the practice. It is of utmost importance to compensate for the gap in the curricula of medical schools through informal learning activities and continuing medical education programs for sexual and reproductive health and rights and human rights, as legislation and law enforcement alone cannot eliminate FGM/C from society.

Assessing Healthcare Provider's Skills in the Management of COVID-19 Infection at Busia County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Context: The zoonotic coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by an enveloped Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus from the Coronaviridae family in the Sarbecovirus subgenus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus – 2 (SARS-Cov-2) organism. The index case was believed to have originated and transmitted from animals (bats) to humans in November 2019 at the Wuhan live market in China, and subsequently, transmissions were among the human race through direct and indirect contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person(s) to the vulnerable person(s), while talking, sneezing, or coughing. World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020, while in Kenya, it was on March 20, 2020, and by June 11, 2021, Busia County had 3,982 infected individuals, with a positivity rate of 3.9%, 157 being health care providers across all cadres were infected and two deaths reported. Busia County Referral Hospital contributed 30% of the total infected healthcare providers across the seven sub-counties due to non-adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions as guided by the World Health Organization.&#x0D; Aim: The study assesses the healthcare provider's skills in managing COVID-19 infection at Busia County Referral Hospital in Kenya.&#x0D; Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional study design, using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 153 study subjects stratified per cadre. The data collection tool was adapted from the facility readiness assessment questionnaire for COVID-19 (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) and the risk assessment and management of exposure questionnaire of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19 (World Health Organization).&#x0D; Results: The study reveals that respondents who had worked for shorter duration (1 to 3 years) and were taken through shorter training sessions (1 to 2 days) had higher odds 2.3 and 2.1 (p = 0.03) and p=0.04), respectively to demonstrate good skills in the management of COVID-19, which was statistically significant. Furthermore, knowledge of five moments of hand hygiene had p=0.007, with a higher odds ratio on availability of essential commodities such as gloves 2.5 odds, surgical face masks 3.8 odds, thermos-gun 3.8 odds, designated focal person at triage 6.1 odds and screening checklist 3.2 odds with p-value ≤ 0.05 enhanced good skills required to curb the pandemic.&#x0D; Conclusion: Frequent shorter periods of training of the health care providers and the availability of essential commodities for managing COVID-19 enhanced good skills to curb the pandemic infection. Knowledge of the five moments of hand hygiene influences good skills to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. The study recommended regular drills on appropriate use of personal protective equipment and adherence to five moments of hand hygiene by healthcare providers as key skills in managing COVID-19 infection. It further recommends establishing and disseminating policy on an essential list of health products and technologies required to manage COVID-19. In addition, the study recommends a further in-depth study on the impact of the mitigation strategies put in place to manage the pandemic.

Are Health Care Providers Caring for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Ready to Confront the Perinatal Cannabis Use Challenge?

The purpose of this study was to assess health care providers' knowledge and practices related to cannabis use among pregnant and postpartum women. A survey of health care providers (n = 75 responders) was conducted across four main regions in the state of Virginia to assess knowledge of adverse health effects associated with perinatal cannabis use, screening tools, follow-up for positive screening, barriers to having discussions about cannabis use, and treatment among pregnant and postpartum women. An astonishing 34.7% of the providers surveyed responded as not being aware of the impacts of cannabis use on the health of the mother and infant, and 66.7% of them reported that they would like some training on feeling comfortable with their knowledge about the impact of perinatal cannabis use on the population they are serving. When asked about providing resources and/or patient education related to cannabis use during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, 62.7% reported they did not but they would be interested in providing both resources and education. Over one-third of the providers did not have a follow-up process for positive screening. In addition, numerous barriers to asking/screening and/or discussing cannabis use and potential harm reduction methods for the pregnant and postpartum populations emerged such as inadequate or lack of resources for positive screening, lack of knowledge on the topic, unsure about the policies of reporting a positive screening, etc. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that health care providers caring for pregnant and postpartum women are not equipped to make appropriate recommendations to patients and guide them through decision-making. Health care providers caring for pregnant and postpartum women need to be knowledgeable on how to best support patients with cannabis use for effective counseling and guidance due to health risks. State policies and resources are needed to ensure training for clinicians on perinatal cannabis. · Providers are not knowledgeable about perinatal cannabis.. · Providers lack resources and do not have a follow-up process.. · Providers would like to receive training on the impact of perinatal cannabis on health outcomes..

Measures of Health Care Providers' Knowledge, Clinical Skills, or Prejudice Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Other Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: Assessing health care providers' knowledge, clinical skills, and prejudice toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minority populations (LGBTQIA+) can help identify areas for improvement in health care provider training. The aim of this study was to map the range of studies that report measures of health care providers' knowledge, clinical skills, or prejudice toward LGBTQIA+ populations. Methods: A scoping review adopting the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted. Electronic database searches were conducted in CINAHL via EBSCO Host, Epistemonikos, LILACS via Virtual Health Library Regional Portal, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. The samples of other reviews were screened. Studies that validated, translated, and/or cross-culturally adapted measures of the knowledge, clinical skills, and prejudice of health care providers and students toward LGBTQIA+ individuals were selected. Scholars were consulted to ensure that no relevant studies were missing. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and presented in tabular form along with narrative summaries. Results: This scoping review identified 27 measures that have been validated, translated, and/or adapted with health care providers or students as the target population, distributed across 33 studies. Conclusions: Psychometric studies involving LGBTQIA+ patients and health care professionals have increased in recent years, with North American countries being the most frequent location. However, a growing number of studies are being conducted in Latin American countries such as Brazil and Colombia.

Healthcare professionals’ intention to adopt mobile phone-based SMS and its predictors for adherence support and care of TB patients in a resource-limited setting: a structural equation modelling analysis

ObjectiveTo assess healthcare providers’ intentions and the associated factors to use mobile phone-based short message service (SMS) to support adherence and care of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Oromia region...