Practice Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Made for or Made by? A Qualitative Investigation into the Diverse Practices and Roles of Medical Congress Participants.

Medical congresses play a pivotal role in the continuing medical education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly in light of the rapid advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Notwithstanding, little is known about the internal dynamics of such events and how they contribute to the learning processes in communities of health professional practice. This study aims to uncover and elucidate what motivates HCPs to participate in medical congresses and how they experience their participation through a qualitative study. Attending six in-person medical congresses in Western Europe in 2023, we collected data through a combination of ethnographic methods including 69 in-situ interviews, 17 in-depth interviews, and extensive participant observations. We analyzed the role of the physical environment, participant motivation, interdisciplinarity, and participant diversity for medical congress attendance, ultimately identifying four types of congress participants: Explorers, Newcomers, Drivers, and Updaters, each characterized by unique patterns of professional experience and engagement within the professional communities. Our findings elucidate the complex motivational landscape of medical congress participants, where the desire for learning is routinely complemented by the pursuit of peer recognition. Our insights and the qualitative typology of medical congress participants introduced have the potential to optimize continuous medical education and shape the structure of future medical congresses by shedding light on the evolving needs of HCPs in diverse medical fields.

Social prescribing initiatives connecting general practice patients with community-based physical activity: A scoping review with expert interviews.

The World Health Organization states that physical inactivity is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for disability and mortality in Europe. Social prescribing holds promise as a possible solution by connecting patients from general practice to community-based physical activity. Although research within social prescribing exists, the process of connecting general practice patients to community-based physical activity is not well investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarise and synthesise knowledge on social prescribing provided by health professionals in general practice towards community-based physical activity. A systematic search for literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportsDiscus and other sources was conducted to identify initiatives connecting general practice to community-based physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with subject-specific national experts. Finally, preliminary findings from the literature and the interviews were used in a co-creation process with experts to synthesise and finalise the results of a thematic analysis across data sources. Based on 19 records, five expert interviews and subsequent co-creation, we identified three themes: (a) barriers and facilitators, (b) organisational perspectives and (c) value-based considerations. This review illuminates the complex nature of social prescribing programmes that connect general practice patients to community-based physical activity in Denmark. It also presents practical and fundamental considerations when applying social prescribing across different settings.

Ways to improve the system of prevention and treatment of environmental diseases

International experience, as well as many Russian research works, prove the necessity to concentrate efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers on development of healthcare technologies for diagnosis, prevention and treatment (including health resort treatment and rehabilitation) of so-called environmental diseases caused by unhealthy environments and adverse environmental factors (physical, chemical, biological, social ones). This paper proposes the integration of research areas in environmental medicine into profiles of various research specialties (Occupational Medicine, Ecology, etc.). It is also proposed to transform the healthcare specialty of Doctor of Occupational Medicine into Doctor of Environmental Medicine. Finding ways to improve the system of prevention and treatment of environmental diseases, discussing the issues of further integration of environmental medicine, public health, ecology, occupational medicine, restorative medicine and other biomedical, preventive and clinical disciplines may improve the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases caused by adverse effects of environmental factors, as well as contribute to the development of preventive strategies. The methods of epidemiologic (including prenosologic) diagnostics based on the assessment of functional reserves of the body should play a key role in scientific research with the implementation of its results in the practice of health professionals of various profiles, including environmental occupational pathologists, in order to improve clinical diagnostics and develop personalized treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients exposed to adverse environmental factors.

Barriers and Facilitators Affecting Access to Health Care for People With Syphilis: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Syphilis is a systemic, preventable, and curable infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Despite being treatable, syphilis continues to have a high incidence, with a resurgence observed even in countries with strong health surveillance systems. This highlights the need to understand the various strategies used globally to improve access to care for individuals with syphilis. This scoping review aims to identify and map the barriers and facilitators affecting access to health care for people with syphilis. This scoping review will follow the methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search will be conducted across several databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, LILACS (Virtual Health Library), and CINAHL (EBSCO). In addition, sources of unpublished studies or gray literature will be explored. Studies focusing on access to health care for individuals with syphilis will be included, regardless of geographic location, country, or language. Two independent reviewers will assess the results, and data will be extracted using a tool specifically developed for this review. The extracted quantitative data will be presented in tables and analyzed using descending hierarchical classification, represented by a class dendrogram. Barriers and facilitators will be categorized into dimensions of access. Database searching began in October 2024. Full-text screening and review are expected to be completed in December 2024. Data extraction and analysis are expected to be completed by February 2025, and the final report will be completed in March 2025. The findings of this scoping review, guided by this protocol, will elucidate the main barriers and facilitators that affect access to syphilis treatment. This study may contribute to the practices of health professionals, managers, and the academic community, and provide relevant information for the population. Open Science Framework Registries osf.io/kpsab; https://osf.io/kpsab. PRR1-10.2196/63561.

The Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) Supplementation on Clinical Manifestations and Inflammatory Parameters in Individuals with Sjögren's Syndrome: A Literature Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes and can lead to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 5-10% of cases after 10 years. Clinical trials have shown that the oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to have a beneficial effect on Sjögren's syndrome. This literature review provides an overview of the effects of PUFA supplementation on clinical manifestations and inflammatory parameters in Sjögren's syndrome. We conducted a literature review using the PubMed, Biomed Central, and Cochrane Library electronic databases and using search terms "Sjögren" AND "omega-3"; and "omega-6" AND "fatty acids" AND "oil". This literature review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized clinical trials in humans with or without a control group using the oral administration of PUFA. From 26 articles found in the databases, a total of 6 articles were included. Of these six trials, five trials showed an effect on clinical manifestations and three trials on inflammatory parameters. Most of the studies did not show a significant effect on the parameters analyzed. One study showed a significant improvement in dry keratoconjunctivitis compared to the control group. The results suggest that PUFAs may improve inflammatory parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. This literature review supports the idea that the oral administration of PUFA may possess a potential effect on clinical manifestations. However, due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of clinical trial methodology, further investigations should be employed. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of PUFAs on clinical biomarkers in Sjögren's syndrome may clarify their importance in clinical practice for health professionals.

‘We are changed yet the same…we can make a difference’: using a critical, creative, collaborative inquiry process to understand and develop professional artistry in nursing

ABSTRACT Professional practice in health and social care is embodied by the practitioners concerned, embedded in practice contexts and creative in nature. It is therefore complex to investigate, understand and develop. Current health and social care contexts can present practitioners with increasingly constraining circumstances and spaces that can feel closed instead of open to exploration and development of practice. The collaborative, critical and creative inquiry methodology presented here was developed among nurses practising in such challenging circumstances. It enables nurses and other health and social care practitioners to reveal, explore and develop their embodied practices, systematically and collaboratively, amid busy daily practice situations. However ‘small’ the space they are in, the process described here can help practitioners to enlarge their space for becoming. The iterative cycle and the use of participatory arts help illuminate otherwise hidden and difficult to articulate aspects of practice, enable the involvement of stakeholders in coming to new understandings and lead to an expanded view of professional practice and its potential for transformation. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to present the methodology, methods and lessons learned during the doctoral study in which this approach was developed. Second, to reveal the professional artistry of facilitating this space for becoming and of supporting professionals to reveal their own and others’ professional artistry. Lastly, to offer inspiration and a guide for others considering similar participative inquiry work and to encourage debate and critique of the approach taken.

The effect of health literacy course on the level of health literacy in medical students

Abstract Health literacy (HL) concerns not only individuals but also health systems and health professionals. Most of the literature on HL has focused on patient factors, with little emphasis on the communication skills and practices of health professionals. Training is needed at all levels to understand the concept of HL and its impact on health inequalities. This study is an intervention study. Data were collected from 29 students taking the third year elective course at the Faculty of Medicine through an online survey. The survey consists of 40 questions aimed at assessing the demographic characteristics of the participants, the TSOY-32 Scale and some factors affecting HL. During the training period, role-play scenarios were played to teach the importance of HL, sample videos were watched to evaluate physician-patient communication, and case studies were conducted. The mean pre-test TSOY-32 scale score of the participants was 32.8±5.8. The mean post-test TSOY-32 scale score was 36.4±7.1. There was a significant difference between pretest and posttest groups in terms of TSOY-32 scale score (p = 0.033). Health professionals often overestimate patients’ HL levels and do not have sufficient competence to effectively manage limited HL. These gaps need to be addressed through the curricula of medical schools and specialties. Key messages • Training on health literacy improves medical students’ communication skills, bridging gaps in patient care. • Addressing health literacy in medical training enhances patient-doctor communication, vital for quality care.

9.Q. Round table: Strengthening public health law for public health professionals

Abstract Law is a tool that public health experts can use to improve population health. Generally, law offers a range of opportunities: it can encourage healthy and safe behaviours; it can change and shape the physical and social environments; influence the social determinants of health, as well as structure the public health system. Law can also compel or restrict, and legal systems can provide accountability and oversight. ‘Public health law’ stands at the intersection of public health and law, and offers a range of powerful tools for improving health (Burris et al, 2018). While public health law is an important field for public health professionals, there is a lack of knowledge about this field, and a lack of interaction between public health professionals and law professionals. There is also a need to understand the ways law might challenge public health goals. For example, law can be used to promote goals which do not improve public health, or public health concerns can be sidelined, and law can be a tool for challenging specific public health interventions. The focus of this roundtable will be on identifying and building necessary capacities for using law by public health professionals. End-goal is to identify new initiatives to consolidate and to strengthen public health law as an important field for public health professionals. To achieve these aims, we have set three practical steps for the roundtable to embark on: 1) strengthening collaboration; 2) identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities; and 3) starting new initiatives: 1) Strengthening the collaboration and building new partnerships: we bring together experts from law and public health to identify the gaps and opportunities when it comes to implementing law by public health professionals. The roundtable will foster new collaborations and partnerships between law and public health professionals. 2) Identifying gaps and opportunities: there is a need to identify deficiencies in health policy research and how to use scientific legal research methods to overcome these problems. Relatedly, to share experiences and best practices when it comes to teaching public health law. Opportunities include the transdisciplinary model and legal epidemiology; a focus on the commercial determinants; and applying a human rights lens. Panelists - in an interaction with the audience - will identify key opportunities and discuss ways to implement them. 3) Starting new initiatives: panelists will be asked to concretize existing initiatives and discuss with the audience how they can be integrated in the field, based on our new partnerships. New collaborations will be identified. This may vary from building a new network, applying for a joint research grant or for strengthening or complementing existing teaching modules. Altogether, this roundtable aims to strengthen our understanding of existing efforts and of the various ways in which public health expertise can be integrated in better law making. Key messages • Drafting of sound laws that improve health is a joint practice of various professionals, including legal and public health professionals. • We need to strengthen existing capacities and build new ones for using law by public health professionals. Speakers/Panelists Timo Clemens Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands Regien Biesma UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands Edward Kirton-Darling University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Scott Burris Temple University, Philadelphia, USA Dominique Mollet Joint Research Council EU, Ispra, Italy

A Good Practice for Learning with Public Health Professionals Globally: Humphrey Fellowship Program

Abstract Background International collaborations are valuable yet often undervalued assets that enhance the quality of public health education and bolster the development of the public health workforce. Objectives The Humphrey Fellowship Program, part of the Fulbright Exchange Program, facilitates mid-career professionals’ visits to US-based host universities for an academic year. Fellows engage in a semi-structured fellowship period to achieve self-defined goals, emphasizing professional development, expanded experience, and intercultural exchange. This study advocates for the program’s contribution to enhancing public health education. Results Currently, two universities host fellows in public health. Over decades, fellows have engaged with faculty and professionals, participated in classes and meetings, visited institutions for development purposes, and completed US-based affiliations, contributing significantly to their own and the public health workforce’s advancement. This interaction-based learning approach aids in navigating social and ethical challenges by fostering a deeper understanding of public and global health issues across countries. Conclusions The Humphrey Fellowship Program in public health stands as a commendable model. Similar initiatives could be beneficially replicated in the European region, leveraging local and global successes to strengthen ties with public health education institutions, student communities, and beyond. Key messages • Programs that facilitate international interactions can enhance public health professionals’ understanding of global perspectives. • The Humphrey Fellowship Program in the US stands as a commendable practice for mid-career public health professionals, contributing significant value to the education at host universities.

Preparedness for Practice of Health Professionals in Papua New Guinea: a Cross-sectional Survey of Nurses and Community Health Workers.

Preparedness for Practice of Health Professionals in Papua New Guinea: a Cross-sectional Survey of Nurses and Community Health Workers.

The Use of Mobile Health Care Among Medical Professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

The emergence and integration of mobile health care technology have fundamentally transformed the health care industry, providing unprecedented opportunities to improve health care services and professional practice. Despite its immense potential, the adoption of mobile health care technology among health care professionals remains uneven, particularly in resource-limited regions. This study aims to explore the use and influencing factors of mobile health care among health care professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China and make recommendations. Convenience sampling was used in a cross-sectional study conducted from November 8 to November 14, 2023, to survey frontline clinical health care professionals at 5 district-level secondary public hospitals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. A web-based questionnaire was used to investigate the use of mobile health care and its influencing factors among the participants. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were used in the study. A total of 550 valid questionnaires were completed. Among the surveyed health care professionals, only 18.7% (103/550) used mobile health care, with a satisfaction rate of only 50.5% (52/103). Around 81.3% (447/550) did not use any form of mobile health care. The age group of 30-39 years was found to be a significant factor influencing the use of mobile health care by health care professionals (P=.03). The main reasons for not using mobile health care among health care professionals were lack of appropriate technical training and support (266/447, 59.5%), lack of suitable management-specific apps (204/447, 45.6%), and concerns about increased workload (180/447, 40.3%). There were significant differences in the single-factor analysis of the reasons for the nonuse of mobile health care among health care professionals from different specialties (P=.04). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age was the only significant factor influencing the use of mobile health care by health care professionals (P=.04). The utilization rate of mobile health care among health care professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region is low. Age is a significant factor that influences whether health care professionals use mobile health care. Providing appropriate technical training and support may help improve the enthusiasm of health care professionals in using mobile health care.

Ill persons and capable workers: Constructing work ability in return-to-work negotiations after sickness absence.

In return-to-work (RTW) negotiations after sickness absence, the work ability of an individual employee becomes a shared interest for the multiple stakeholders representing both the healthcare sector and working life. In practice, the employee, employer and occupational health professionals need to reach a shared understanding of the employee's work ability to enable shared decision-making concerning the plans for sustainable RTW. Drawing on 14 video-recorded RTW negotiations, we used conversation analysis-informed membership categorization analysis to examine how the participants of RTW negotiations discuss the work ability of an employee to pursue a shared understanding of the situation. Work ability was constructed in a very situational way, using illness categories to both explain the work ability of the employee and argue for or against their ability or inability to work. Our study contributes to research on RTW by introducing a new perspective to work ability. We show how work ability is realized during RTW negotiations through interaction, and how participants leverage their cultural understanding of illness and capability when negotiating work ability. We also demonstrate how membership categorization analysis can reveal the situational and consequential aspects of illness and work ability categories.

From classroom to collaboration: how pre-graduation interprofessional learning shapes health professional graduates’ interactions in practice

ABSTRACT Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to prepare health professional students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills required for collaborative healthcare practice. Although positive outcomes have been documented at the completion of university-based IPE experiences, or longitudinally across health care degrees, the literature is unclear on how university-based IPE influences graduate practice. This study therefore explores how health professional graduates experience interprofessional interactions in practice and how these may be connected to their university-based IPE experiences. Interviews with seven health professional graduates who had participated in an 11-week IPE course as part of their pre-licensure degrees were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The participants were able to articulate instances of effective and less effective collaboration from their professional experiences, making sense of these experiences with explicit reference to the themes of role understanding, collaborative working relationships, interprofessional communication, patient-centered care and contextual influences; all ideas introduced in their university-based IPE. They connected their understanding of roles, collaborative working relationships and interprofessional communication explicitly to their prior university-based IPE, identifying these learnings as foundational knowledge. This connection was not as explicit for patient-centered care and contextual issues. These findings highlight the critical importance of IPE in preparing health professionals for high-quality contemporary practice.

The impact of resilience on academic performance with a focus on mature learners

BackgroundResilience is an essential psychological trait that empowers individuals to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Although it is acknowledged that health professionals need to possess high levels of resilience, there has been limited research comparing how different groups of health students, particularly school leaver undergraduates and mature age graduate entry students, develop resilience in their coursework.MethodsThis study combines both objective (academic grades with validated survey results) and subjective data (interviews) to compare how resilience is related to academic coursework performance for two groups of pharmacy students: the mature age graduate entry (GE, N = 64) learners and school leaver undergraduate (UG, N = 208) learners. We employed a sequential explanatory mixed methods design using surveys, academic performance data and semi-structured interviews. The survey tapped constructs related to resilience (burnout, stressors and coping methods) while the interviews elicited a more nuanced understanding of individual and environmental factors.ResultsAlthough there was no statistical difference in burnout experience between the two groups, GE students exhibited more positive resilience attitudes than UG when selecting resilience statements on the survey. Both cohorts indicated in the survey that engaging in distraction activities (physical exercise, sleeping, listening to music, anything other than the stressor) was their most preferred method of relieving stress. Within UG student survey responses, those who indicated support from partners, friends and family had better academic performance, while those who did not report coping methods did worse academically. The three key environmental factors we identified that contributed to both undergraduate and graduate entry resilience were workload, feedback provision and psychosocial support.ConclusionsCurrently, there is still a need for resilience programs geared at academic success to be implemented in higher education. This study provides objective evidence of academic success coupled with exploration into the nuances of resilience amongst different student groups. It not only highlights the differing resilience development strategies and burnout coping mechanisms in emerging health professionals, but showcases the juxtaposition of two different learner groups (UG and GE students) within a discipline. The cross-cohort facilitation of learning as in the discipline-specific strategies identified can help both groups develop resilience and inform future innovations. By comparing mature-age graduate students and younger-in-age undergraduate students, we identified a wider range of strategies and more positive attitudes to burnout in mature-age students. Health and clinical educators in university health degrees, clinical placements and clinical workplaces can develop effective training materials based on findings from this study to 1) assist undergraduate younger-age health students with developing resilience and 2) further refine mature-age health students’ and practicing health professionals’ resilience in today’s fast-paced clinical workplaces.

The what, the when and the how: A qualitative study of allied health decision-maker perspectives on factors influencing the development and implementation of advanced and extended scopes of practice in Australia.

Health workforce supply is critical to ensuring the delivery of essential healthcare and may be enhanced via mechanisms which alter the scopes of practice of health professions. The aim of this paper is to study the collective perspectives of allied health decision-makers on factors which influence their development and implementation of advanced and extended scope of practice initiatives, and how they contribute to scope of practice change. The reasoning for the selection of each factor will also be examined. A grounded-theory, qualitative study of the experiences of allied health directors and senior managers across two Australian State/Territory jurisdictions. Twenty allied health decision-makers participated in the study. Data coding of interview transcripts identified 14 factors specific to scope of practice change, spanning rational (n=8) and non-rational (n=6) decision-making approaches. Leadership, Governance, Needs of organisational leaders, Resourcing, Knowledge, skills & experience - clinical, Supporting resources, Knowledge & skills - change and Sustainability were identified as being rational and enabling in and of themselves, with Leadership seen as being most influential. Comparatively, the non-rational factors of Socio-economic & political environment, Perceived patient need, Organisational environment, Change culture & appetite, Perceived professional territorialism and Actual professional territorialism were more varied, and primarily influenced the timing/catalyst and application of decision-making. The complex interplay between these factors was conceptually represented as a decision-making construct. Allied health decision-makers hold a complex, systems-level understanding of scope of practice change. Whilst rational decision criteria were predominant and seen to enable scope change, non-rational influences reflected greater variation in decision timing/catalyst and application, thus emphasising the human dimensions of decision-making. Further research is required to better understand how decision-makers integrate and weight these decision-making factors to determine their relative importance and to inform the development of structured decision tools.

A longitudinal study of interprofessional education experiences among health professional graduates.

Effective teamwork and collaboration among health professionals is a well-recognized strategy toward enhancing patient outcomes. However, there is a lack of understanding on how to best prepare health professionals for collaborative practice. The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of how graduates of five health professions (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy) perceive and experience interprofessional education for collaborative practice (IPECP) throughout their health professions journey, with a focus on transition to practice. This longitudinal study employed an interpretive, narrative methodology to understand interprofessional identity development of 24 individuals who had recently graduated from a health professions program (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy) at a Canadian university. Participant experiences were analyzed using narrative analysis. Participants' narratives provided insight into the context, factors and curricular experiences needed for interprofessional identity development and preparedness for collaborative practice. Participants identified the importance of socialization and connection with others, collaborative role models and exposure to collaborative experiences and settings for interprofessional practice. Participants expressed some dissatisfaction with their earliest IPECP experiences and most valued their exposure to 'real-life' practice examples and clinical scenarios. Participants desired more authentic experiences of interprofessional collaboration during their programs. Improving health professionals' interprofessional socialization and collaborative experiences within IPECP is critical to improving patient outcomes. Study findings can inform future curricula and IPECP strategies that create conditions to enhance collaborative practice and ensure the preparedness of a future health workforce with a strong collaborative identity.

Analyzing the Relationship between Cultural Identity and Health Professional Perspectives

Having a systematicseize of cultural diversity is necessary for health professionals to present culturally competent treatment, enhance patient satisfaction and recover healthcare outcomes. To better recognize how cultural identity (CI) affects the attitudes, communication preferences and decision-making processes of health professionals, this research looks at how cultural competency is integrated into healthcare education and strategy.This study examines the influence of CI on the perspectives and practices of health professionals and its impact on patient care. People's behaviors and self-perceptions are greatly influenced by their concept of culture, which is defined by shared norms, language, and ethical principles. This research includes 281 health professionals from diverse contexts utilizing the Cultural Competence Assessment Questionnaire (CCAQ). Interpersonal relationships, professional development, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, competence and patient-centered care are all significantly correlated, according to the data. This finding suggests that for improved patient relationship and liberty of health, there should be specialized cultural competency training. Implications for practice: promote continued professional development about cultural sensitivity in health events, and conferences. This article also puts forward the use of CI as one method to guide and support the approach of health professionals and capture the attention of communications and cultural competencies to help develop patient results.

Health professionals’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation capability at emergency departments in tertiary hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022

BackgroundImmediate and efficient Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases both survival rate and post-arrest quality of life. Continual updated knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation were crucial to save lives. In limited resource countries like Ethiopia, there is scarce data describing the basic knowledge and practice of CPR among Healthcare providers (HCP).ObjectivesTo assess health care professionals’ knowledge, practice, and associated factors toward CPR.MethodsInstitutional-based descriptive survey study design was used. The study was conducted from March to April 2022 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, A total of 163 individuals were randomly selected from Tikur Anbesa Hospital. St. Paul’s Hospital and Yekatit 12 Hospital. The data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The descriptive statistics frequency, percentage, median, and range were computed. Inferential statistics Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were analyzed. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Board.ResultOut of 162 respondents, 81(50%) were nurses followed by 59 (36.4%) residents. The participants’ ages ranged from 24 to 49 years, median age of 29 years. More than half, 89(54.9%) of participants were female. Ninety (55.6%) participants had good knowledge of CPR. The majority of 126(79.6%) responded correctly about chest compression. Occupation type (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI 1.193–5.834) and participating in mock (AOR = 8.33, 95% CI 1.53–45.45) were associated with knowledge of health care professionals, Routinely reviewing data (COR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.41–7.82), and time of participating in mock codes (COR = 5.05, 95% CI 1.43–17.85) were associated with practice of health care professionals.ConclusionIn conclusion, the level of knowledge and practice of health professionals towards CPR was suboptimal. Having a higher educational level and participating in mock codes were associated with good knowledge, whereas gender, routinely reviewing the data, and participating in mock codes were associated with good practice. Therefore; healthcare professionals must continuously improve their knowledge and skills in CPR for the sake of professionalism and patient safety.

The interrelationship between women’s help-seeking experiences for vaginismus and their sense of self: a qualitative study and abductive analysis

ABSTRACT Objective There is a lack of research on women’s holistic experiences of vaginismus, also called sexual pain-penetration disorder, from their perspective. To address this gap, an abductive qualitative study aimed to examine women’s help-seeking experiences for vaginismus, and its impact on their sense of self. Methods This study was informed by a feminist approach to the theory of self focused on participants’ negotiation of dis/empowerment when help-seeking for vaginismus. Twenty-one participants aged 19–37 years (mean 27.6 years) and diagnosed with vaginismus in Australia participated in semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed. Results Three themes were developed: Interconnected constructions of womanhood and help-seeking, Elicit agency to move forward, Resilience to surmount challenges with subthemes. Participant’s overall help-seeking experiences, within and outside the healthcare system, shaped their sense of self in ways that drove their approach/es to future help-seeking behaviours. Conclusions Positive help-seeking experiences for vaginismus strengthened participants’ sense of self to persevere with treatment even when it was difficult. Conversely, negative help-seeking experiences led to participants’ weakened sense of self which was often caused by a gap between their ideal and perceived self. This led to negative feelings and responses of demotivation or halting subsequent help-seeking. Recommendations are provided to improve health professional practice to support women help-seeking for vaginismus, and to help close the gap between their ideal and perceived selves. Such insight can help to empower women’s sense of self and motivate them to persevere with help-seeking to experience improvement for their vaginismus and quality of life.

HIV and hepatitis B virus co-infection in Mozambique: Policy review and health professionals' knowledge and practices.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) co-infection is a public health problem affecting 2.7 million worldwide. In Mozambique, the prevalence of this co-infection is 9.1%, calling for specific policies on prevention, diagnosis and adequate management in health facilities caring for HIV patients. This study aimed to review the existing policies and to assess the knowledge and practices of health professionals about HIV/HBV co-infection. A document and literature review to describe the existing policies and guidelines on HIV/HBV co-infection in Mozambique was performed. Key informants were contacted to clarify or add information. Health Professionals who care for HIV-positive patients in four health centers in Maputo City, the capital of Mozambique, responded to a questionnaire on knowledge and practices about this co-infection. Qualitative analysis was done to identify main themes using content analysis. Descriptive statistics of socio-demographic, knowledge and practice variables was presented using the SPSS Program version 20 and bivariate analysis was applied to describe the association between variables. Twenty-one policy documents were found, and five key informants were interviewed. Fifty-two participants answered the questionnaire. Only one policy document explicitly referred to HIV/HBV co-infection treatment. Most Health Professionals (96%) were aware of HIV/HBV co-infection. Although the only existing policy is on the treatment, few (33%) referenced antiretroviral formulations containing Tenofovir and Lamivudine. Only 29% of Health Professionals reported screening HIV patients for HBV and 21% practiced HIV/HBV co-infection counselling. No statistically significant differences were found when relating the socio-demographic variables with knowledge and practices. Policy documents relating to prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of HIV/HBV co-infection were rare or absent. Health Professionals had little knowledge about HIV/HBV co-infection. Defining adequate policies and training of Health Professionals may help increase awareness, increase counselling of patients for disease prevention, diagnosis and proper management of HIV/HBV co-infected patients.