Hospital Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Evaluation of Medication Errors in One of the Largest Public Hospital: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundIn hospitals, medication errors still occur, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. However, most incidents can be prevented. ObjectiveTo evaluate medication prescription errors for in and out-patients at hospitals based on pharmacists' reports of medical errors. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out between January and December 2021. Pharmacists analyzed medication error reports based on age, sex, drug name list or quantity recorded, prescription listed in the medication error report, and length of hospital stay.Statistical analysis of drug interaction and the factors affecting potential drug interactions was carried out by using multiple linear regression. ResultsApproximately 338 medication errors from 251,491 prescriptions were recorded by pharmacists across hospital departments in 2021. The age of patients with medication errors ranged from newborn babies to 86 years old, with an average of 40.9 years old (±21.03). The most common types of medication errors were prescribing errors (184, 54.4%). The average length of hospital stay was 11.35 days (±10.36). A total of 557 potential drug interactions were recorded in 182 (53.85%) prescriptions. The risk for potential drug interaction is increased by the number of medications per prescription (COR = 3.361, P < 0.001) and the age (COR = 1.001, P = 0.033). ConclusionsThe number of medication errors reported was 0.13 per 100 prescriptions, and most of these errors did not affect patients and were, therefore, not harmful. However, further research is needed to analyze medication error reports through collaboration with hospital healthcare professionals.

Co-designing a Health Journey Mapping resource for culturally safe health care with and for First Nations people.

Background Many healthcare professionals and services strive to improve cultural safety of care for Australia's First Nations people. However, they work within established systems and structures that do not reliably meet diverse health care needs nor reflect culturally safe paradigms. Journey mapping approaches can improve understanding of patient/client healthcare priorities and care delivery challenges from healthcare professionals' perspectives leading to improved responses that address discriminatory practices and institutional racism. This project aimed to review accessibility and usability of the existing Managing Two Worlds Together (MTWT) patient journey mapping tools and resources, and develop new Health Journey Mapping (HJM) tools and resources. Method Four repeated cycles of collaborative participatory action research were undertaken using repeated cycles of look and listen, think and discuss, take action together. A literature search and survey were conducted to review accessibility and usability of MTWT tools and resources. First Nations patients and families, and First Nations and non-First Nations researchers, hospital and university educators and healthcare professionals (end users), reviewed and tested HJM prototypes, shaping design, format and focus. Results The MTWT tool and resources have been used across multiple health care, research and education settings. However, many users experienced initial difficulty engaging with the tool and offered suggested improvements in design and usability. End user feedback on HJM prototypes identified the need for three distinct mapping tools for three different purposes: clinical care, detailed care planning and strategic mapping, to be accompanied by comprehensive resource materials, instructional guides, videos and case study examples. These were linked to continuous quality improvement and accreditation standards to enhance uptake in healthcare settings. Conclusion The new HJM tools and resources effectively map diverse journeys and assist recognition and application of strengths-based, holistic and culturally safe approaches to health care.

Shining a Light in COVID-19 Darkness

Introduction: The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, resulting in travel restrictions, closure of non-essential shops and services, and the discontinuation of elective healthcare. The escalation of the pandemic impacted on hospital healthcare professionals, who experienced the deaths of colleagues and unprecedented changes in their working conditions. One area that received media attention in the United Kingdom during the pandemic was the role of hospital chaplaincy and spiritual care teams.Methods: An exploratory study advertised via social media, the press and professional bodies resulted in 86 healthcare professionals and 63 chaplains, who had worked clinically in the United Kingdom during the pandemic, completing an open, free text electronic survey. Seven chaplains participated in a follow-up telephone interview, with all the data collected in 2022.Results: The survey demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Free text responses and interviews were subject to thematic analysis. A focus on the support of health professionals was widely reported by all respondents. Two overarching themes were identified: (1) organizational initiatives, with subthemes of structural and virtual support; (2) proactive intervention – “going to the frontline”, with subthemes of emotional and spiritual support, moral support and practical input.Discussion/Conclusion: The overarching finding was that hospital chaplains worked alongside healthcare staff on the clinical frontline. Staff described this as invaluable in its immediacy of support and provision of a valued presence. The chaplain’s role changed to becoming more focused on staff support, which appears to be ongoing, thus impacting on the future role and training for hospital chaplaincy teams.

Experiences of healthcare professionals, patients and families with video calls to stimulate patient- and family-centred care during hospitalization: A scoping review.

To synthesize the literature on the experiences of patients, families and healthcare professionals with video calls during hospital admission. Second, to investigate facilitators and barriers of implementation of video calls in hospital wards. Scoping review. PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched for relevant publications in the period between 2011 and 2023. Publications were selected if they focused on experiences of patients, families or healthcare professionals with video calls between patients and their families; or between families of hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals. Quantitative and qualitative data were summarized in data charting forms. Forty-three studies were included. Patients and families were satisfied with video calls as it facilitated daily communication. Family members felt more engaged and felt they could provide support to their loved ones during admission. Healthcare professionals experienced video calls as an effective way to communicate when in-person visits were not allowed. However, they felt that video calls were emotionally difficult as it was hard to provide support at distance and to use communication skills effectively. Assigning local champions and training of healthcare professionals were identified as facilitators for implementation. Technical issues and increased workload were mentioned as main barriers. Patients, families and healthcare professionals consider video calls as a good alternative when in-person visits are not allowed. Healthcare professionals experience more hesitation towards video calls during admission, as it increases perceived workload. In addition, they are uncertain whether video calls are as effective as in-person conservations. When implementing video calls in hospital wards, policymakers and healthcare professionals should select strategies that address the positive aspects of family involvement at distance and the use of digital communication skills. No patient or public contribution.

Nursing Perceptions of Robotic Technology in Healthcare: A Pretest–Posttest-Survey Analysis Using an Educational Video

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We used a survey to evaluate the perceptions of nurses and nursing students on robotic technology for nursing care before and after reviewing an educational video that included examples of medical, care, and healthcare service robotic technology. We found that the perception of robotic technology was innately favorable and became more favorable after the video. It is beneficial for engineers to incorporate nurses’ frontline knowledge into the design process from the beginning, while functional changes can be implemented since nurses comprise the largest group of healthcare professionals in hospitals and are the end users of technological devices. Educating nurses in state-of-the-art technology specific to what designers are developing can enable them to provide relevant insight. Designers and engineers can use this insight to create user-friendly, effective technology that improves not only patient care but also nurse job satisfaction.

Relationship between Ethical Behavior of a Co-Worker, Ethical Climate, Self-Ethical Behavior, and Job Satisfaction among Critical Care Nurses

The environment of critical care units is a highly stressful situation where nurses face critical decisions and daily confrontations with ethical dilemmas. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the ethical behavior of a co-worker, ethical climate, self-ethical behavior, and job satisfaction among Jordanian critical care nurses. A cross-sectional design was used to perform this study. A convenience sampling method was adopted, and data were collected from 376 registered nurses from two health sectors (government and private) from March to May of 2022. Findings revealed the mean scores of ethical behavior of co-worker, ethical climate, self-ethical behavior, and job satisfaction were as follows: 3.07 (SD = 0.73) out of 4, 3.57 (SD = 0.65) out of 5, 3.45 (SD = 0.49) out of 5, and 3.20 (SD = 0.60) out of 6, respectively. There were positive relationships between job satisfaction and the ethical behavior of co-worker, ethical climate, and self-ethical behavior. Therefore, this study could direct hospital administrators and healthcare professionals to develop proper strategies for promoting job satisfaction among critical care nurses, possibly by focusing on ethical behaviors and climates. Also, healthcare organizations can foster job satisfaction among critical care nurses by creating a more conducive work environment for nurses.

Patterns of Substance Abuse Among Health Care Professionals in Selected Hospitals in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

This study sought to assess the patterns of substance abuse among healthcare professionals in selected hospitals in Asaba, Delta State. The work was guided by six research objectives and three hypotheses. Relevant literature was reviewed under the study’s objectives and research questions. Data was acquired using a research questionnaire distributed to 400 healthcare professionals selected from three different hospitals in Asaba. 360 of the respondents properly filled out and returned their questionnaires, which were used for data analysis. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics. The results, presented in tables, displayed frequencies and percentage distributions. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents (78.1%) believed that alcohol was the most commonly abused substance among healthcare professionals, followed by tobacco (67.5%). The study also found that the reasons healthcare professionals engage in substance abuse include: easy access (62.5%), excessive workloads (56.9%), and stress (51.7%). The results also revealed that age and marital status influenced substance abuse among healthcare professionals, as indicated by 48.1% of respondents. Male healthcare professionals were more likely to abuse substances than their female counterparts, as submitted by 62.5% of respondents. The study also revealed that substance abuse among healthcare professionals significantly impacted their judgment in the hospital, as strongly agreed upon by 51.7% of participants. The hypotheses tested in the study confirmed significant associations between age and substance abuse, gender and substance abuse, as well as marital status and substance abuse among healthcare professionals in hospitals in Asaba, Delta State. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that the government organise community awareness programs aimed at educating healthcare professionals and society as a whole about the detrimental effects of substance abuse.

Comparison of perception of stress and consumption of anxiolytics in hospital and out-hospital conditions: a cross-sectional study.

The workplace is a place where medical workers are exposed to extreme stress, particularly during medical emergencies or events of epidemic or pandemic proportions. Anxiolytic therapy is often used to overcome professional challenges. Deepening knowledge about the prevalence of the use of anxiolytics and the perception of stress among medical workers enables the timely recognition of problems and the preparation of measures to improve the working conditions and quality of life of medical workers. The study's primary objective was to investigate whether there were differences in the usage of anxiolytics among healthcare professionals in and out of the hospital. In addition to the main objective, there are other objectives that have been established: To examine whether there are statistically justified differences in stress perceptions between hospital and outpatient healthcare professionals; 2. To examine the stress factors in the workplace in both hospital and outpatient settings. To compare the frequency of taking anxiolytics with respect to various variables (age, seniority, occupation and level of education); 4. determines the impact of working conditions on stress perception and life satisfaction in healthcare professionals. The design of research: Cross-sectional research. The research involved 159 healthcare professionals in Slavonski Brod: 96 employees of the General Hospital "Dr. Josip Benčević" and 63 employees of the Health Center and the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Brodsko-Posavina County. Respondents were able to participate in the study by filling out questionnaires online. The questionnaire was designed to be voluntary and anonymous and contained 53 questions. Statistically significant differences were shown in the perception of stress, which is greater in hospital staff, than in the difference between stressors in the workplace, where hospital staff showed higher values in all categories, but three factors are more significant differences: "Organization of the workplace and financial issues," "Conflicts and communication at work" and "Professional and intellectual requirements." There are significant differences in the frequency of using anxiolytics with the assistance of a psychiatrist. Working conditions have a much greater impact on the perception of stress and life satisfaction in hospital staff, while in hospital staff only a weak link between the perception of stress and life satisfaction is expressed. Anxiolytics are consumed by 27.10% of hospital workers and 23.80% of outside-the-hospital workers. The consumption of anxiolytic drugs by healthcare professionals in hospital and outpatient conditions does not make a significant difference, but they do have statistically significant differences in their perception of stress.

The level of knowledge about autism spectrum disorders among a university hospital healthcare professionals in Turkey

The level of knowledge about autism spectrum disorders among a university hospital healthcare professionals in Turkey

A questionnaire-based study on the knowledge, attitude, and the practice of ecopharmacology among the healthcare professionals in Amaltas Medical College and Hospital, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Ecopharmacology which deals with the health hazards posed by discarded or used medicinal products in the environment, is a globally emerging issue. There are guidelines for pharmaceutical waste management (like GMP and FDA guidelines) for the manufacturing units, pharmacists and consumers. However, it is uncertain whether consumers are aware of it. Before beginning the process of creating awareness, it is first necessary to assess the existing knowledge of the issue in the community. This study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of ecopharmacology in the medical personnel and students in our institute. Methods: It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional observational study. Study population included MBBS students, nursing students and resident doctors. Total 500 consenting participants were enrolled and subjected to a structured KAP questionnaire and data was expressed in percentage. Questionnaire consisted of 20 questions out of which 3 were open ended and remaining closed ended. Results: Present study result showed that 73% respondents had heard of term ecopharmacology and majority (98%) felt that it was their responsibility to protect environment from pharmaceutical waste. Responses from 83% of participants indicated that they were worried about the excess medicines at their homes. 87% of participants threw it in garbage bin, but (58%) were unsure whether their drug disposing method was safe and 25% knew it was unsafe. Most respondents (94%) felt that there should be guidelines for safe disposal of expired/unused drug and were enthusiastic about participating in campaign for this issue. Medical personnel also suggested some solutions to deal with this problem. Conclusions: Awareness and concern regarding the problem is high however in absence of knowledge of methods of safe disposal of unused drug, it is not transforming into safe disposal practices.

Rural caregivers’ preparedness for detecting and responding to the signs of worsening health conditions in recently hospitalised patients at risk for readmission: a qualitative descriptive study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore informal rural caregivers’ perceived preparedness to detect and respond to the signs of worsening health conditions in patients recently discharged from hospital and at risk...

Quiet quitting among healthcare professionals in hospital environments: a concept analysis and scoping review protocol

IntroductionThe post-COVID-19 pandemic era has seen a rise in ‘quiet quitting’, with employees limiting their efforts to fulfil assigned tasks without going beyond their designated responsibilities. The occurrence of quiet...

Knowledge and information sources of potential drug–drug interactions of healthcare professionals among Buraydah Hospitals

Background and objectiveDrug–drug interactions (DDI) are known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, and adversely affect the patient's quality of life. The study was to assess healthcare professional's (HCP) knowledge of DDIs in general hospitals of Buraydah.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling methods was conducted among 135 healthcare professionals in general hospitals of Buraydah between November and December 2016. The study was carried out after approval and permission from the Regional Research Ethics Committee (November 2016). Respondents were asked to classify 15 drug pairs as 'contraindicated', 'could be used with monitoring', or 'no interaction'. A response option of 'not sure' was also provided. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The descriptive analysis was done using frequency distribution and percentage for demographic data and other responses to questions. Data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 23). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the HCP knowledge, the significant levels were set at p-value < 0.05.ResultsA total of 135 healthcare professionals were included in the study. The percentage of HCPs who correctly classified the drug pairs ranged from 15 (11.1%) for "Allopurinol + Pyrazinamide" to 90 (66.7%) for "acetaminophen with codeine + amoxicillin". The average number of correctly categorized drug pairs was 5. About one-half of the respondents 73 (54.1%) answered correctly. The level of education was found to be an independent predictor of DDI knowledge. The results from the multivariate analysis indicated that a higher potential DDI knowledge level was associated with pharmacists. Pharmacists had 8.27 times higher DDI knowledge tests than nurses, P value = 0.001. Pharmacists 43(31.9%) were the most cited information source.ConclusionsThe present study revealed that health care professional’s DDI knowledge was inadequate. Level of education was significantly associated with healthcare professionals’ DDI knowledge. Pharmacists were the most cited DDI information source. Healthcare professionals should update their DDI knowledge through continuing education and should improve their familiarity with DDI information sources. These updated educations help to provide the appropriate therapeutic outcomes.

Burnout Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Health Care Professionals Working in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia

Burnout is a mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that affects many healthcare workers. However, there is a lack of information in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome and identify the associated risk factors among healthcare professionals in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 251 health workers at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout (MBIHSS). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the potential determinants of burnout syndrome among the participants. A total of 251 healthcare professionals were included in this study making a response rate of 99.2%. The prevalence of burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals was 15.1% (95% CI [10.8, 19.9]). Being male (AOR = 3.22:95% CI [1.17, 8.87]), lack of interest in their profession (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI [1.84, 6.02]), experiencing physical violence (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI [1.32, 9.36]), unsatisfied with their job (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI [1.46, 11.90]) were variables found to be significantly associated with burnout syndrome. Burnout is a major problem among working in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital healthcare professionals. Being male, having no interest in their job, having physical violence, and not being satisfied with their job contributed to burnout syndrome. Interventions to increase interest in there in their job, improve physician-patient relationships, provide safer workplace environments, and increase job satisfaction may be promising strategies to reduce burnout syndrome.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers Toward Deceased Organ Donation Among Health Care Professionals and Medical Students in Southern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Knowledge and attitude of health care professionals and medical students are crucial to promoting positive outcomes of organ donation. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals and medical students on organ donation in Southern Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional study of consented tertiary hospital health care professionals (n = 200) (group A) and medical students (n = 200) (group B) in Southern Saudi Arabia from December 2022 to April 2023. Anonymous questionnaires in aGoogle form were sentto participants via WhatsApp. The study questionnaire consisted of 3 sections: sociodemographic information, knowledge toward organ donation, and attitude toward organ donation. Both groups had adequate knowledge on organ donation and brain death concepts, but this knowledge was not reflected in willingness to donate among the groups. Among people surveyed, 65% of group A and 45% of group B (P < .001) noted willingness to donate their organs, even to relatives. However, only 22% of group A and 14% of group B were registered as donors. The most common reasons for refusal in both groups were lack of knowledge about donation, fear of body disfigurement after death, and religious factor. Among the health care professionals (group A), although consultants knew more about the donation process, residents had more positive attitudes and motivation for donation. For groups A and B, the primary sources of information were the internet and social media. Attitudes of medical students and health care personnel toward organ donation were positive, although they were generally reluctantto donate their organs. This study repeats the need for education interventions that should stress the importance of donation, brain death irreversibility, national legal regulations for organ donation, the compatibility of organ donation with religious values, and the explanation of inaccurate beliefs.

The Effectiveness of Interventions on Improving the Mental Health Literacy of Health Care Professionals in General Hospitals: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Suboptimal mental health literacy levels among general hospital health care professionals negatively impact the care coordination of patients with physical-mental comorbidity. This review is to examine the evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the mental health literacy of general hospital health care professionals. A systematic search of literature was conducted in 13 electronic databases with manual searching of reference lists from 1980 to 2021. Studies were screened by pre-set eligibility criteria, that is, participants who were general hospital health care professionals taking care of adult patients, the interventions aimed at improving any components of participants' mental health literacy, comparisons were alternative active intervention or no intervention, and the primary outcomes were any aspects of mental health literacy. Eight randomized controlled trials (N = 1,732 participants) were included in this review. Evidence indicated that mental health literacy interventions with educational components can improve components of the health care professionals' mental health literacy, in terms of mental health knowledge and mental illness-related attitudes/stigma. In addition, few studies evaluated all components of participants' mental health literacy. Based on the available evidence, educational interventions had a positive effect on components of general hospital health care professionals' mental health literacy. Health care organizations should provide educational programs to enhance general hospital health care professionals' mental health literacy. Further studies are needed to explore interventions that target all components of general hospital staff's mental health literacy and to evaluate its impact on the psychiatric consultation-liaison service utilization in general hospitals, as well as patient outcomes.

Study of institute of medical sciences, BHU and Sir Sunder Lal Hospital staff regarding their attitudes and experiences of domestic violence

: Domestic violence is a social evil prevalent across all cultures and societies. It refers to any form of physical or mental abuse suffered by a person from a relative or member of their domestic circle. The majority of the world is patriarchal and women are most affected. The present study was done to evaluate the attitudes and experiences of domestic violence amongst staff of SSH and IMS. A total of 392 staff were questioned regarding their attitudes and experiences of Domestic Violence victims. The study was a cross observational study and questionnaires were distributed via Google Forms and were filled anonymously. The responses collected were categorized on the basis of the student and qualified staff members of SSH and IMS. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software.: Qualified healthcare professionals (53%) had more exposure to domestic violence victims than students (28%) and were aware (51%) that inquiring about DV was essential in their job. However, they were more concerned (33%) about potential impacts on patient relationships than students (32%). Both groups preferred seeking help from friends/family (48%) over the police (28%) for DV victims. Students were more proactive in reporting DV to the police. More qualified professionals (44%) believed government efforts to address DV were inadequate, while students (60%) saw room for improvement. COVID-19 worsened DV according to 61% of students and 42% of professionals. Both groups acknowledged DV inquiry as part of their job and supported hospital-based help, with students (35%) favoring dedicated services for IPV victims more than professionals (29%). Both groups lacked sufficient DV training in their curriculum (42%).: Domestic violence persists as a social menace, often seen as a private matter despite available government and non-government efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation for victims. Hospital support and healthcare professionals' training are lacking. Our study assesses the impact of DV training, urging authorities to address this critical issue.

Economic and health impact modelling of a whole genome sequencing-led intervention strategy for bacterial healthcare-associated infections for England and for the USA.

Bacterial healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a substantial source of global morbidity and mortality. The estimated cost associated with HAIs ranges from $35 to $45 billion in the USA alone. The costs and accessibility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria and the lack of sufficiently accurate, high-resolution, scalable and accessible analysis for strain identification are being addressed. Thus, it is timely to determine the economic viability and impact of routine diagnostic bacterial genomics. The aim of this study was to model the economic impact of a WGS surveillance system that proactively detects and directs interventions for nosocomial infections and outbreaks compared to the current standard of care, without WGS. Using a synthesis of published models, inputs from national statistics, and peer-reviewed articles, the economic impacts of conducting a WGS-led surveillance system addressing the 11 most common nosocomial pathogen groups in England and the USA were modelled. This was followed by a series of sensitivity analyses. England was used to establish the baseline model because of the greater availability of underpinning data, and this was then modified using USA-specific parameters where available. The model for the NHS in England shows bacterial HAIs currently cost the NHS around £3 billion. WGS-based surveillance delivery is predicted to cost £61.1 million associated with the prevention of 74 408 HAIs and 1257 deaths. The net cost saving was £478.3 million, of which £65.8 million were from directly incurred savings (antibiotics, consumables, etc.) and £412.5 million from opportunity cost savings due to re-allocation of hospital beds and healthcare professionals. The USA model indicates that the bacterial HAI care baseline costs are around $18.3 billion. WGS surveillance costs $169.2 million, and resulted in a net saving of ca.$3.2 billion, while preventing 169 260 HAIs and 4862 deaths. From a 'return on investment' perspective, the model predicts a return to the hospitals of £7.83 per £1 invested in diagnostic WGS in the UK, and US$18.74 per $1 in the USA. Sensitivity analyses show that substantial savings are retained when inputs to the model are varied within a wide range of upper and lower limits. Modelling a proactive WGS system addressing HAI pathogens shows significant improvement in morbidity and mortality while simultaneously achieving substantial savings to healthcare facilities that more than offset the cost of implementing diagnostic genomics surveillance.

The initial psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals in a children's hospital

Aims: The pandemic has had devastating effects across the world particularly on healthcare professionals. We assessed anxiety and depression with somatization to discover the psychological effects of the pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: 250 healthcare workers in a tertiary pediatric teaching hospital were asked to respond to the questionnaire between 1 and 30 June 2020 and the responses were assessed via three scales including the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS).&#x0D; Results: A total of 242 participants responded (response rate 97%); 29% of the participants reported moderate or severe anxiety while 49% reported moderate or more severe depression. There was no significant difference between the degrees of depression and moderate to severe anxiety through different professions (p= 0.480, p=0.384, respectively). Somatization was significantly lower in doctors and higher in female participants (p=0.001). Participants with chronic diseases and ones that had a dependent relative were at higher risk for anxiety and depression. &#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the healthcare workers had depression and anxiety in the beginning of the pandemic, and it was independent of gender, profession, or workplace. Healthcare professionals with chronic diseases and dependent relatives are at risk for severe depression.

Informal caregivers must open the door to information during heart surgery patients hospitalization. A qualitative study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction Despite the possibility of invasive procedures, open heart surgery is still recommended in cases of severe ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease. National health authorities recommend that health care professionals in hospital should offer informal caregivers necessary learning and support for burdensome caring duties. Follow-up of heart surgery patients after discharge from hospital can be an informal caregiver challenge. There is a lack of studies on the informal caregivers’ experiences with information from health care professionals from before and during hospitalization. Purpose This study explores the informal caregivers of heart surgery patients experiences of information and communication from health care professionals before and during hospitalization. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in informal caregivers to patients, who had undergone open heart surgery. A semi-structured interview guide was used during videotelephony (Facetime), phone or face-to-face onsite interview. The settings were university hospitals in Norway and Denmark respectively and were carried out between November 2022 – January 2023. Data analysis in NVivo software tool, following Braun and Clarke`s 6-step thematic analysis process. Results A total of 12 informal caregivers, married or partnered, two men, mean age 65 years, were interviewed two to four weeks after the patient had been discharged to home following open heart surgery. Two main themes were identified: i) lack of preoperative information and ii) responsibility to chase for in-hospital communication. Informal caregivers must invite themselves to gain access to information before admission. Informal caregivers experienced being a team with the patient before admission and then be separated in the health care system. The information and communication were targeted to the patient. Therefore, it was necessary for informal caregivers to be communicatively strong and thereby force doors open to get needed information for themselves. For some informal caregivers it was manageable while others felt lost and withdrew. Conclusion(s) Informal caregivers to patients undergoing open heart surgery want to be part of the information process before and during hospital admission. They want to be in a team with the patient, but it requires an active invitation from health care professionals.