Work Of Health Care Providers Research Articles

Covid-19 Prevention Measures among Refugees: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers Working In Refugee Camps in Rwanda

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that emerged from Wuhan, China in 2019 rapidly spread throughout the globe in less than 6 months. In June 2020, Rwanda was a home of approximately 149,602 refugees. About 92% of the refugees were living in camps including Kiziba, Gihembe, Nyabiheke, Kigeme, Mugombwa, and Mahama. While entire world was in some level of lockdown, people living in refugee camps and other similar settings were more vulnerable to the pandemic than their counterparts who were staying in their homes. Prevention measures such as social distancing, handwashing, and face mask wearing were often difficult to implement in these settings. Current study aimed to assess perspectives of HCPs working in refugee camps on prevention of COVID-19 in camp settings. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study and due to movement restriction from March 14 to November 3, 2020, we collected data remotely by sharing a structured questionnaire, in google form, to HCPs via WhatsApp and email. The questionnaire collected HCPs’ perspectives on the feasibility of COVID-19 prevention measures, the prevalence of COVID-19 comorbidities, and how the pandemic can be prevented in refugee camp settings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of IBM SPSS V.21. Results This study shows that handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks are feasible measures in refugee camp settings, voted by 71 to 100% of the HCPs. However, lockdown or stay home can be hardly applied in such settings, supported by 80.6% of the respondents. Regarding COVID-19 comorbid conditions, pregnant women in their late or recent term and Heart disease like Hypertensive disorders were voted the most common in refugee camps by 56% and 50% of the HCPs, respectively. Steps to COVID-19 prevention in camps include community awareness, preparing and activating the pandemic response task force, stopping non-essential mass gathering activities, and monitoring of COVID-19 prevention measures during essential service delivery. Conclusions All in all, except lockdown or stay home, other COVID-19 prevention measures like social distancing, handwashing, and facemask wearing can be easily applied in refugee camp and other similar settings.

Facing the Post-Pandemic Challenges: The Role of Leadership Effectiveness in Shaping the Affective Well-Being of Healthcare Providers Working in a Hybrid Work Mode.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to the medical industry, including hybrid work, in which specialists can perform some of their duties remotely, in addition to physical contact with patients and their teams. Hybrid work provides opportunities, but also generates difficulties (e.g., accurate long-distance diagnosis); therefore, there is a need to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers, especially in the context of leadership strategies. As there is little research on leadership practices in remote and hybrid medical worker management, this study analyses the relationship between certain behavioural strategies and competencies of leaders and the affective well-being of hybrid employees. The research was conducted among a group of employees (N = 135) from seven countries who provide healthcare in a hybrid model. The correlations between the variables showed the statistical significance of all leadership strategies introduced into the model and focused on building involvement (employee empowerment and team orientation), creating a shared vision, defining clear goals and strategies, promoting adaptability (change management, promotion of organisational learning and patient focus), managing consistency through shared values, agreement and effective coordination, as well as competencies such as communicativeness, credibility, self-development and digital readiness. Despite the significance of all the relationships, the linear regression showed that the variability of affective well-being was explained mainly by the adaptability leadership strategy. The results of the study expand the knowledge on the competencies of healthcare leaders, and shed new light on the management of medical employees performing remote and hybrid work. Because such research into well-being has not been published to date, the analysis begins an important discussion on redefining leadership in the healthcare sector, taking into account the digital transformation.

Cultural Competence Interventions for Health Care Providers Working With Racialized Foreign-born Older Adults: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BackgroundIntegrating culturally competent approaches in the provision of health care services is recognized as a promising strategy for improving health outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations. Person-centered care, which ensures patient values guide care delivery, necessitates cultural competence of health care providers to reduce racial/ethnic health disparities. Previous work has focused on interventions to improve cultural competence among health care workers generally; however, little investigation has been undertaken regarding current practices focused on racialized foreign-born older adults.ObjectiveWe seek to synthesize evidence from existing literature in the field to gain a comprehensive understanding of interventions to improve the cultural competence of health professionals who care for racialized foreign-born older adults. The aim of this paper is to outline a protocol for a systematic review of available published evidence.MethodsOur protocol will follow the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–Protocols) for systematic review protocols. We will conduct a systematic search for relevant studies from four electronic databases that focus on health and social sciences (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Database). After selecting relevant papers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data will be extracted, analyzed, and synthesized to yield recommendations for practice and for future research.ResultsThe systematic review is currently at the search phase where authors are refining the search strings for the selected databases; the search strings will be finalized by July 2022. We anticipate the systematic review to be completed by December 2022.ConclusionsThis study will inform the future development and implementation of interventions to support culturally competent, person-centered care of racialized foreign-born older adults.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42021259979; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259979International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/31691

Moral Distress and Burnout in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

Moral distress (MD) in healthcare providers is widely recognized as a serious issue in critical care contexts. It has the potential to have negative impacts on both personal and professional wellbeing, the quality of care provided and staff turnover. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MD and burnout among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) healthcare professionals and identify the possible factors associated with its occurrence. Participants were asked to complete an online survey, which covered sociodemographic and professional information and included two self-report questionnaires (Italian Moral Distress Scale-Revised and Maslach Burnout Inventory). The sample comprised 115 healthcare providers (nurses and physiotherapists: 66.1%; physicians: 30.4%; healthcare assistants: 3.5%) working in four NICUs located within the province of Turin, Italy. The results revealed overall low levels of MD, with no significant differences between nurses/physiotherapists and physicians. Nurses/physiotherapists showed a statistically significant higher percentage of personal accomplishment burnout (32.9%) compared with physicians (8.6%; p = 0.012). MD was associated with the emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout. Spirituality and/or religiousness was shown to be a moderating variable. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of the correlation between MD and burnout and the role of spirituality and/or religiousness as moderators.

President’s Message

Most of the work of health care providers is highly interactive and face-to-face. We depend on facial expressions and body language to help us deliver the best care to patients. Patients often say one thing (“No, I’m not in any pain”), but their faces and vital signs tell a different story. We all know and apply this axiom: watch what they do, not what they say. The person-to-person exchange of critical patient orders between and among providers literally mean life or death.Face-to-face professional networking and informal learning have taken a huge hit over the past 2 years of COVID-19. It has been particularly difficult for those of us working in smaller yet vitally important subspecialties such as vascular access and infusion therapy. Think about how many pearls of wisdom you received during interactions at AVA annual scientific conferences, lunch-and-learns, and local network and chapter dinner discussions in the prepandemic era.The benefits and positive energy we receive from face-to-face hallway conversations simply cannot be replaced by Zoom meetings and webinars, although these virtual options are certainly valuable. But whether you attend the annual AVA Scientific Meeting (AVASM22) or a meeting of your local AVA network, some of the benefits of face-to-face meetings are improved critical thinking skills, strengthening personal relationships with colleagues, building trust, career enhancement, better focus and learning, and improved communication and understanding.I hope you remember and deeply desire to rekindle your need for face-to-face community and shared learning and experiences. AVASM22 will fulfill those needs, provide you with all the benefits mentioned above, and more; it will be held September 30–October 3, 2022, at the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Convention Center. Premeeting workshops will take place September 29. Please continue to check the AVASM22 website for details and announcements.I am sure many of you are equally excited that most of the local AVA networks are holding face-to-face meetings now. Local networks are invaluable to vascular access and infusion providers because they often provide in-depth information on local nuances of state licensure, scopes of practice, and hospital and employer credentialing. AVA is proud to continue to support the 52 networks with the ongoing joint membership campaign of CARES (Competency-Action-Results-Education-Satisfaction) by AVA and many other activities. AVA typically accredits network meeting continuing education (CE) sessions.At AVASM22, attendees can earn up to 20 nursing CE credits and more if they attend a premeeting workshop. Over the past 2 years, AVA has hosted virtual scientific meetings, and it will continue to do so in 2022. This service is vitally important to people who cannot travel because of work and other commitments. AVA’s virtual conference has opened the door of our vital education sessions to dozens of countries outside North America. Virtual attendees can earn up to 11 CE credits and 10 more if they purchase the Premium CE option. AVA is in the process of gaining accreditation for respiratory therapists, infusion nurses, and physicians. Again, please watch the AVA website and social media for upcoming announcements.I am proud to say that AVA’s blinded selection of sessions and workshops is rigorous and competitive. In 2022, only 54% of sessions and workshops submitted were selected. The call for posters is similarly rigorous. All abstracts must include and are evaluated on the items below by subject matter experts: Purpose or goals statement reflect the presentation;Learning objectives are well stated and reflect the presentation;Content description is concise and comprehensive;Topic or subject is of interest to the AVA audience;Statement of risk of commercial bias is included;Overall submission is cohesive.Then the schedule is developed, taking into account the surveys and evaluations from previous meetings. The AVA D-Team ensures high-quality speakers, while also giving opportunities to new presenters, who address the most important and emerging topics in vascular access and infusion therapy.And finally, the AVA Board of Directors will continually review guidelines from the CDC and Minneapolis to ensure AVASM22 is the safest event we can deliver to our attendees, exhibitors, and staff. Our final list of safety precautions will be available no later than June 20, 2022. Because guidelines for events may change, please be sure to check back here for updates. There is a terrific message from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on the many restaurants and activities in this welcoming and safe city.I hope you agree that AVASM and network meetings are vital to the improvement of services and patient safety. Let’s all show up and be counted at face-to-face events this year: it’s the best way to work together.

Willingness of health care providers to offer HIV self-testing from specialized HIV care services in the northeast of Brazil

BackgroundThe insufficient knowledge regarding the serological status of people affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a concern in Brazil. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proved to have great potential for increasing testing, especially among vulnerable populations. The large-scale distribution of HIVST by the Brazilian public health system has increased in recent years. We aimed to investigate the awareness of HIVST among health care providers (HCP) from specialized HIV/AIDS care services in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Further we investigated HCP acceptability and willingness to offer its use.MethodsA cross-sectional study on HCP from 29 specialized care services (SCS) located in 21 cities in the state of Bahia. HCP working in the service for at least 6 months were included. Sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were carried out. Bivariate, and multivariate analyses estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using logistic regression were conducted.ResultsThe awareness and acceptability of HIVST and the willingness to provide it were 79.8, 55.2, and 47.1%, respectively. Few HCP reported that the SCS where they worked dispensed HIVST (3.6%), and 13.5% received some information or training on HIVST. Factors associated with willingness to offer HIVST were: HIVST acceptability (aOR = 9.45; 95% CI: 4.53–19.71), willingness to use HIVST on themselves (aOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.62–12.24), confidence in offering HIVST to clients (aOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 2.26–12.72), and considering everyone eligible for HIVST (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.25–6.59).ConclusionsAlthough most HCP were aware of HIVST, acceptability and willingness to provide it to the clients was moderate. The scale up of HIVST as a mean for the HIV prevention and control policy in Brazil, requires further training of HCP and better implementation of this program.

Job Performance of Healthcare Providers Working in Public Sector Hospitals in Pakistan

Purpose: This study sought to explore the job performance (JP) of health care providers (HCPs) working in public sector hospitals in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, and Jamshoro, Sir Cowasjee Institute of Psychiatry, Hyderabad, and Shah Bhittai Hospital, Hyderabad. A three-sectioned questionnaire containing the socio-demographic characteristics information regarding the job and an individual work performance questionnaire to measure job performance was used. The relationship between different job-related study variables and job performance was sought by applying a one-way ANOVA test at a p-value of 0.05. Results: Results on the job performance scale revealed that 60.6% of doctors had satisfactory performance, and only 39.4% had an unsatisfactory job performance. Job performance differs significantly by age (F2, 357=3.259, p2, 357=3.583, p1, 358=5.217, p1, 358 =1.819, p>0.05), income (F2, 357=1.642, p>0.05), beds under supervision (F4, 313=1.400, p>0.05), current organizational tenure (F3, 356=1.576, p>0.05), healthcare experience (F3, 356=1.363, p2, 357=0.381, p>0.05), weekly off days (F1, 358=0.421, p>0.05) and dual practice (F1, 358=1.700, p>0.05) have no significant effect on levels of job performance of the employee. Conclusion: Job performance was satisfactory and significantly associated with variables such as age, difficulties faced by respondents at work, and the number of patients treated per day.

Bevor die Diagnose kam … Eine Retrospektive der Trauerversorgung in Deutschland

IntroductionIn Germany, many health care providers work in bereavement care. An epidemiological study of this field of work has not yet been conducted. MethodsIn the initial survey of this three-phase trend study the situation of grief-specific health care in Germany in 2009/2010 is examined, i. e., at the time before the introduction of the new ICD-11 diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Disorder. For this purpose, bereavement care providers at different organizational levels participated in an online survey. Results410 questionnaires were included in the study. Data analysis was descriptive. The most frequent reason for using grief-specific support services was the loss of a partner. In more than half of all cases of bereavement, people experienced a loss that was preceded by an illness and suffering. More than half of those providing bereavement care do not follow a concept of intervention. DiscussionThere is considerable need for further development in German bereavement care, in particular with regard to qualification and the degree of professionalization, designation of the respective interventions, diagnostics, and intervention. ConclusionThis three-phase trend study enables health care providers to derive bereavement care service standards that aim to treat people according to their needs. Whether the diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Disorder has led to changes in bereavement care is currently analyzed in the second survey phase of the study.

Effect of Face Masks on Blood Saturation, Heart Rate, and Well-Being Indicators in Health Care Providers Working in Specialized COVID-19 Center.

This study aims to investigate whether wearing face masks (filtering facepieces, FFP class 2) with personal protective equipment (FPP2/PPE), while working a 12-h shift in a COVID-19 referral center, affects the blood saturation, heart rate (HR), and well-being of health care providers (HCPs). The study included a group of 37 HCPs. To perform continuous recordings of the SpO2 and heart rate (HR) in real time, we used a Nellcor PM10N (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) portable monitoring system. SpO2, HR, and HCP well-being scales were measured during two 3-h shifts, while HCPs worked during a 12-h period. Additionally, each subject completed a questionnaire concerning their well-being. The difference in the SpO2 level between the 1st and 2nd working shifts while wearing an FFP2/PPE was small, with a median decrease in SpO2 of −1%. The scales of the well-being indicators increased within the shift. They were mainly fatigue and thirst with median scores of 2 out of 6 (range 0–4). We assume that during a 12-h period, a work scheme that consists of a 3-h shift in FFP2/PPE and a 3-h rest period (working without FPP2/PPE) is a reliable and safe solution for HCPs working in specialized COVID-19 referral hospitals.

Companions in the Abyss: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of an Online Therapy Group for Healthcare Providers Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction:In the context of the global pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19), healthcare providers (HCPs) have experienced difficult moral and ethical dilemmas. Research is highlighting the importance of moral injury (MI)–a trauma syndrome related to transgressing personal morals and values–in understanding the psychological harm and occupational impairment experienced by HCPs. To date, MI treatments have largely been developed for military personnel and veterans and rely on in-person one-on-one psychotherapy.Purpose:This project aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-informed online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based group therapy for MI in HCPs called “Accepting Moral Pain and Suffering for Healthcare Providers” (AMPS-HCP).Method:This feasibility and acceptability study included three separate phases with the first two phases focused on the development of the psychotherapeutic intervention and the third phase focused on the evaluation of the psychotherapeutic intervention. Eight participants (including registered nurses, practical nurses and respiratory therapists) completed seven 90-min sessions in an online group format. The focus of these sessions included ACT and MI psychoeducation and experientials. Qualitative semi-structured interview data was thematically analyzed while demographic and quantitative self-reported outcome data underwent descriptive analysis and non-parametric testing.Results:Results show that the intervention was highly feasible and acceptable to healthcare providers who worked on the frontline during COVID-19. Feasibility (referrals, eligibility, retention, participation engagement) was strong (8 out of 10 participants; 80% vs. desired >70% eligibility) and overall, 80% of participants completed 71% of the intervention. Data further supported the applicability and acceptability of the intervention. Preliminary data suggests that AMPS-HCP may supports HCPs to address MI.Discussion:This study is the first to report on the development and evaluation of an online MI group intervention for registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and respiratory therapists working during COVID-19. Results showed the use of both the online and group components of the intervention were acceptable and feasible during the third wave of COVID-19.

The Influence of COVID-19 Perceptions and COVID-19 Worries on Individuals' Intentions to Postpone Dental Visits

This study examines the influence of COVID-19 perceptions and COVID-19 worries on individuals’ intentions to postpone dental visits among dental patients in Thailand. The self-administered online questionnaire was developed based on reliable and valid sources. The quantitative approach employed convenience sampling to collect data from respondents (n=308) in Thailand. PLS-SEM results show the significant influence of COVID-19 perceptions and COVID-19 worries on individuals’ intentions to postpone dental visits among Thai dental patients both in the private and public sectors. Dental healthcare providers and strategic planners should consider appropriate strategic management due to changing consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendation is to do further research expanding sampling in other countries. Also, qualitative research could give more insight to explain the psychological factors and consumer behavioral changes among dental patients. The results could apply in both public and private sectors to encourage the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude among patients in any country. The hard work of healthcare providers regarding COVID-19 pandemic severity could be decreased. The cost-saving and healthy population worldwide will incur soon

Collaborative model of intrapartum care: qualitative study on barriers and facilitators to implementation in a private Brazilian hospital

IntroductionA collaborative (midwife-obstetrician) model of intrapartum care (CMIC) is associated with lower caesarean section (CS) rates than physician-led models. In 2019, the largest private maternity hospital in Latin America (14.000...

Emotional Intelligence among the Health Care Providers Working in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to be aware of and control one's emotions and empathize with others. EI is essential for the well-being of a health care provider and their professional practice. A health care provider’s empathy is important in building a strong relationship with the patient which results in enhanced positive service outcomes. Emotional intelligence competence can be acquired through training and implementation in our own life. As every person is unique, he or she needs to learn concepts that will be suitable for him or her. The objective of the study is to assess the emotional intelligence among health care providers working in a tertiary level hospital and also to understand the association of emotional intelligence with demographic variables of work experience and age of health care providers working in a tertiary level hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was conducted in the Tertiary Level Hospital of Kathmandu District, Nepal to assess the emotional intelligence among health care providers. Through convenience non-probability sampling technique 100 health care providers were selected and to assess the status of emotional intelligence Standard Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) was used. Results of the study revealed that the highest forty per cent of the respondents have a low level of emotional intelligence and only thirty-two per cent of respondents have a high level of emotional intelligence. Lower in the level of EI among the health workers may be due to the lack of awareness on EI There was also significant association between the level of emotional intelligence with the respondent’s age (p= 0.003). which shows with the increasing age, individuals have different working exposures that improve in their maturity, which may support increasing the level of EI, and there is no significant association with respondent’s working experience.

Project BESPOKE (Integrated Bio-Behavioral Assessment of HIV and STI Among Young Tertiary Student Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nairobi, Kenya): A Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey Protocol.

Introduction: Globally, men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Among MSM, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, there is a dearth of research and interventions targeting HIV/STI prevention among YMSM. In Kenya, there is paucity of knowledge on the burden of HIV/STI and related factors among YMSM, including tertiary student men who have sex with men (TSMSM). The barriers TSMSM experience in accessing and utilizing health services in their learning institutions have seldom been explored. In the context of healthcare providers (HCP) working in tertiary institutions, little is known about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward providing services to TSMSM.Methods: The aims of the study are to: estimate prevalence and correlates of HIV/STI among TSMSM; estimate population size of TSMSM; explore experiences of TSMSM with access and utilization of health services; and assess HCP knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices in provision of services to TSMSM. A mixed-methods approach will be used in three phases: Phase I—formative qualitative research will be conducted to understand TSMSM social networks, select “seeds”, and explore strategies for implementing a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey. Interviews will be conducted with at least three staff who work in community based/non-governmental organizations (CBO/NGO) that serve MSM and at least 10 TSMSM. Phase II—an integrated bio-behavioral assessment (IBBA) will be conducted, where 200 TSMSM recruited by RDS will be offered HIV/STI testing, complete a behavioral survey, and provide information for population size estimation (PSE). Phase III—in-depth interviews will be held with 20 TSMSM selected from 200 TSMSM in phase II, to explore their experiences with access and utilization of healthcare services. Focus group discussions (FGD) will be conducted with HCP working in tertiary institutions to assess their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices in providing services to TSMSM. Data collection started in September 2020 and is expected to end by September 2021.Discussion: Findings from this study will be useful in informing HIV/STI prevention programming for TSMSM, by policy makers such the Kenyan ministries of health and education, tertiary education institutions, service providers, advocacy groups, and other interested stakeholders.

The Impact of Training in Transgender Care on Healthcare Providers Competence and Confidence: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

All studies to date demonstrate a lack of access to care for transgender people. A few educational efforts in providing care to transgender people have been successful. However, one challenge in administering training is that there is almost no research on the need of healthcare providers (HCP) to acquire knowledge, as well as on the effect of training on their level of competence and confidence in working with transgender people. Results from an online survey of a convenience sample of HCP across four different European countries (N = 810) showed that 52.7% reported experiences with some form of training on transgender people. The mean confidence level for all HCP (with or without training) in working with transgender people was 2.63, with a significant effect of training on confidence. 92.4% of HCP believed that training would raise their competence, and this belief was significantly higher among HCP with training experience, HCP working in Serbia and Sweden and/or among those HCP who belong to a sexual minority group. General practitioners had the lowest confidence levels of all professions involved. The study provided strong support for the use of training in improving healthcare conditions for transgender people, not only to raise awareness among HCP, but also to increase knowledge, competence and confidence levels of HCP in working with transgender people.

Health-Related Associates of Negative Affect among Latinx and Black Adults with Psychiatric Disorders

Negative affect levels (NA) are associated with psychosocial stress and poor behaviors among individuals of Latinx and African heritage (Black) backgrounds. Little is known for potentially modifiable associates of these psychiatric disorders. However, there is a significant association between NA levels, psychosocial stress, and cigarette smoking - as an increase consequence of stress-related smoking. According to Díaz-García et al. (2020), modifiable research for NA indicates health care providers related psychosocial stressors clinical interventions, behaviors, family and work stress to reduce NA levels and improve outcomes for diverse patients. This study aims to establish research as the first NA examination for 95 adult participants diagnosed with psychosocial stress disorders. Additionally, the study will identify adult cigarette smoking among individuals of African heritage (Black) and Latinx background to identify behaviors of adults diagnosed with NA.

Genetic Similarity of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Nose and Mobile Phones of Healthcare Providers Working in the Operating Room and Intensive Care Unit

Purpose : Staphylococcus aureus colonized in the nose of healthcare workers is an important risk factor for the development of hospital-acquired staphylococcal infections. Cross-contamination of this bacterium between the hands of healthcare workers and the surfaces they contact is known. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clonal relationship between eight S. aureus strains isolated from the nose of healthcare providers and five S. aureus strains isolated from mobile phones carried by healthcare providers. Methods: The clonal relationship between the strains and molecular epidemiological status were investigated by the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method. Results : The first and third strains are isolated from the mobile phone and the nose of a healthcare provider working in the intensive care unit were the same. The second and fourth strains were isolated from the mobile phone and nose of another healthcare provider working in the intensive care unit were the same. The fifth strain, which was found to be the same as the second and fourth strains, was isolated from the mobile phone of another healthcare provider working in the intensive care unit. No similarity was observed between the other strains. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. aureus strains colonized in the nose of healthcare workers are also transmitted to other surfaces and that the hospital environment and co-used devices pose a risk for spread. For this reason, training of healthcare workers on the infection control procedure, hand hygiene, environmental disinfection and regular cleaning of mobile phones are important components in order to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

Care Managers and Role Ambiguity: The Challenges of Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Patients with Chronic Conditions.

As U.S. healthcare organizations transition to value-based healthcare, they are increasingly focusing on supporting patients who have difficulties managing chronic care, including mental health, through the growing role of care managers (CMs). CMs communicate with patients, provide access to resources, and coach them toward healthy behaviors. CMs also coordinate patient-related issues internally with healthcare practitioners and externally with community organizations and insurance providers. While there have been many interaction design studies regarding the work of clinical and non-clinical healthcare providers and how best to design support systems for them, we know little about the work of CMs. In this study, we examine the role of CMs, particularly focusing on their work to support patient mental health, through interviews with 11 CMs who are part of a large Midwestern U.S. health system. Workflow observations were conducted to supplement the interview data. We describe the role of CMs and identify challenges that they face in supporting patient mental health. A key challenge is a high degree of role ambiguity in this professional role. We discuss sociotechnical implications to better support care delivery processes and technologies for the delivery of mental health services by CMs.

Indigenous perspectives on breaking bad news: ethical considerations for healthcare providers

Most healthcare providers (HCPs) work from ethical principles based on a Western model of practice that may not adhere to the cultural values intrinsic to Indigenous peoples. Breaking bad news...

Remote monitoring of population health and performance reserves

Design and development of a system for remote monitoring and improvement of health reserves and performance of an individual and the whole population based on the prenosological examination, the numerical assessment of body systems reserves, and implementation of adequate individual health improvement programs. Targeted population survey 2000-2020 with measurement of 18 morphofunctional indices allowed to form a database (760 thousand subjects) and develop the Health Navigator technology with the numerical assessment of health and performance reserves of individuals of different ages. This technology formed the basis for the design of the system of remote monitoring and improvement of population health reserves with results processing, storage, and analysis on local and remote servers. Monitoring of health and performance reserves of the population was developed as a browser-based telemedicine technology consisting of a number of sequential actions (operations) performed by healthcare providers and patients: 1) targeted examination of the patient; 2) computer processing of the results using a software and information complex; 3) presentation to the patient and discussion of a formalized «Health Reserve Profile» and a draft personal wellness program; 4) implementation of 100-150 days health improvement program based on the means of natural therapy. Appraisal of the remote monitoring system in several country regions confirmed its efficiency and the considerable interest of specialists and the population in its use. The developed system allows to accelerate and standardize the work of health care providers, establish continuous cooperation with patients, increasing their health culture and protection from early diseases.