Hospital Services Research Articles

Symptom- and function-based trajectories of patients with dementia in hospital and community palliative care settings in the last two weeks of life: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide and many people with the condition require some level of palliative care. However, the trajectories of function and symptom burden in palliative care services at the end of life remain unclear. This study aimed to describe and compare the longitudinal trajectories of function and symptom burden among patients with dementia between hospital versus palliative community care services in the last two weeks of life.MethodsA retrospective cohort study used data from the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration. Patients with dementia who died between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020 from the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration. Four validated clinical instruments were used to collect outcomes on each individual’s function and symptom distress and severity. Multilevel models were used to estimate the differences in clinical trajectories between hospital and community-based palliative care in the last two weeks of life.ResultsPatients with dementia tended to have low levels of distress for most symptoms but increasing levels of functional impairment. There were no or only marginally significant differences in the symptom trajectories between the community and hospital groups (OR ranged from 0.57 to 1.97). Although clinical trajectories of function were relatively similar between two groups, statistically higher functional indicators were observed for people when admitted to community palliative care services (OR = 0.42 and 2.27, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that community-based palliative care services can be as effective as hospital-based care for many patients with dementia nearing the end of life. With appropriate support for families, community-based care could serve as a viable alternative to hospital-based care for some patients in the final stages of dementia.

Systematic Literature Review: Nurses' Work Hours and Workload Impact on Patient Safety Incidents

Patient safety is a key indicator in assessing the quality of healthcare services in hospitals, and nurses play a crucial role in maintaining that safety. However, long working hours and high workloads can affect nurses' performance, increasing the risk of fatigue, stress, and burnout, ultimately contributing to medical errors and decreased quality of care. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the effect of nurses' working hours and workload on hospital patient safety incidents. Patient safety is a key indicator in assessing healthcare quality, and nurses play an essential role in maintaining patient safety during daily care. However, long working hours and high workloads can affect nurses' performance, increasing the risk of fatigue, stress, and burnout, ultimately contributing to medical errors and decreased quality of care. Through the analysis of various relevant studies, this review suggests that more flexible working hour arrangements and balanced workload management can reduce the risk of patient safety incidents and improve the quality of care provided. This study also recommends that hospital human resource management to create a healthier and safer working environment for nurses and patients.

Training and Resources Related to the Administration of Sedation by Nurses During Digestive Endoscopy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The healthcare professional who performs sedation for digestive endoscopy procedures is usually the nurse. Therefore, knowledge and training on the part of the nurse is an important factor for the correct sedation of the patient and may affect, among other factors, the quality of health care and the recovery and well-being of the patient. To determine the training opportunities and resources available to the specialists involved in digestive endoscopy services in hospitals in Spain in which sedation is performed by the nursing staff. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed in the Digestive Endoscopy Service at Toledo University Hospital and nearby hospitals in central Spain. The sample consisted of 75 nurses who administer sedation in digestive endoscopic procedures. Regarding the training of nurses, the vast majority were generalist nurses, and only a small percentage obtained specialized training through ongoing training. Most had been working in the service for more than two years, and very few had previous experience in sedation, although the vast majority currently applied sedation. Life support training was also critical. There were significant differences in the availability of resources between different hospitals. The training of nurses who perform sedation in digestive endoscopy services could be improved since there is a high proportion of personnel without specific training in sedation before starting to work in the service. It is crucial to implement targeted and ongoing training programs to improve competencies in this area, as they are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Given the variability in resources and personnel training that exists between different hospitals, it seems important to establish standards at the institutional level.

Service robot performance and hospitality employees’ job loss insecurity and turnover*

Robots have gained researchers’ attention as new technologies advance in the hospitality industry. In recent years, the worldwide demand for automation has caused the idea of serving robots to raise business sustainability through technological innovations. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of service robots on employee job loss insecurity and turnover intention. A convoluted mediation and moderation mechanism among study constructs is uncovered using a quantitative process. Our results demonstrate that robot performance efficacy positively relates to robot perceived usefulness and speed of service and positively affects employees’ job loss insecurity. Robot perceived usefulness and speed of service mediate the relationship between robot performance efficacy and employees’ job loss insecurity. The study’s findings also revealed the effect of job loss insecurity on turnover intention. Psychological aspects positively mediate the relationship between job loss insecurity and turnover intention.

Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Frostbite Cases in High Altitude Region of Northern India

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the clinico-epidemiological profile of frostbite cases in high altitude region of Northern India. Study Design: This study involves a descriptive study. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken in service hospitals situated in the northernmost region of India receiving frostbite cases from December 1, 2019, to Mar 30, 2020, to assess their clinico-epidemiological profile. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed comprising demographic characteristics and clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the frostbite cases. Frostbite cases were classified based on grades of injury and were studied for any association with age, physical activity, and temperature extremes. Results: A total of 29 cases of frostbite were reported during the study period with the majority of cases being <25 years of age. All cases were reported at altitudes of above 12,000 ft. and maximum cases gave a history of direct exposure to extreme weather conditions or other predisposing factors. The most common complaint at the onset of the symptoms was discoloration of the skin followed by swelling of digits and pain with most of the cases falling under first and second grade of injury. Protective clothing and footwear were adequate during induction/de-induction/stay in extreme climate regions. Conclusions: Exposure to extreme cold climates, high altitude, personal clothing, and physical exertion plays an essential role in the occurrence of frostbite cases as well as their severity. With the rising number of cases of frostbite, understanding of multiple factors which predisposes to frostbite injury is essential.

Institutions and their failure to care: Bureaucracy and the practice of emotion

Any study of radical care needs to pay attention to the institution as a place of care. Yet, institutions have been more readily associated with failures of care than successes. We undertake close reading of the Ockenden Review of maternity services in a National Health Service hospital trust in England, concerning a large number of families that received inadequate care during pregnancy and birth, including investigations of adverse outcomes such as deaths of babies and mothers. We argue that to enable better care in the institution requires a close attention to its institutional nature, particularly its scale, bureaucratic mode and functions, and the professional identities that work within it, and the ways they shape the practice of emotion.

The Effects of Baby Calming Training Provided to Primiparous Mothers on Maternal Role Perception, Maternal Attachment, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Mothers of crying babies have difficulty adapting to their roles and problems with breastfeeding and attachment. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the baby calming training provided to primiparous mothers on maternal role perception, maternal attachment, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Methods: The study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design between March 2023 and March 2024 in the gynecology and obstetrics services of a public hospital in northeastern Turkey (Clinical Trial Number: NCT05594836). The research was conducted with a total of 84 primiparous mothers, including 41 intervention and 43 control groups, who met the inclusion criteria. The Baby Calming Training was administered face-to-face in the intervention group, utilizing a baby swaddling blanket, a sleep companion emitting white noise, and a training booklet. The control group received routine care. Data were collected through the Mother and Baby Introductory Information Form, Semantic Difference Scale-Me as a Mother, Maternal Attachment Inventory, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and Infant Sleep Activity Record. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, mixed design ANOVA analysis, Cohen's d, and 95% confidence interval (CI). This study adhered to CONSORT research guidelines. Results: Mothers in the intervention group exhibited higher mean scores on the perception of maternal role (mean ± SD: 70.37 ± 5.92, t: 8.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.347-2.375], d: 1.865, p < 0.001), maternal attachment (mean ± SD: 100.42 ± 1.52, U: 151.500, 95% CI: [0.732-0.892], d: 0.828, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding self-efficacy (mean ± SD: 64.00 ± 5.98, t: 8.109, 95% CI: [1.248-2.258], d: 1.757, p < 0.001) than the control group. It was determined that the total sleep time of the babies in the intervention group was higher, and the total crying duration was lower (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that infant soothing training for primiparous mothers enhanced maternal role perception, maternal attachment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and extended infants' sleep duration. Furthermore, infants exhibited reduced crying.

Anaesthesia healthcare workers' interactions with COVID-19-positive and -suspect patients: A multi-site observational study from Queensland, Australia.

Occupationally acquired COVID-19 is a hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). In four hospitals of the Metro North Hospitals and Health Service in Queensland, Australia, we invited HCWs to report the nature of any anaesthesia interactions with COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-suspect patients. This was to assist workforce planning in future pandemics. Data collection consisted of three phases; 1) participating HCWs recorded details of episodes of care (EOCs) with COVID-19-positive or COVID-19-suspect patients; 2) these HCWs were invited to complete a follow-up survey about their own health status regarding COVID-19 infections; 3) electronic health records were used to assess patient demographics, infectious status and outcomes. Between 21 March 2020 and 17 May 2022, 63 anaesthesia HCWs reported 90 EOCs with 67 unique patients. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of the HCWs was 40.5 years (34-46); 55% (34/62) were male, 62% (39/63) were consultants and 21% (13/63) were registrars. The median (IQR) age of patients was 39 (28-63) years. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was deemed to be appropriate by the HCWs in (86/88) 98% of the EOCs. Twenty-four HCWs (38%) responded to a follow-up survey. Of 12 HCWs who subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, only four had cared for a COVID-19-positive patient in the two weeks prior to their diagnosis. Most responding HCWs perceived they contracted COVID-19 in the community, experiencing mild illness. We found relatively low COVID-19 case numbers, high PPE use and low transmission of COVID-19 within the hospital setting.

Influence of Hospitality Services on Cultural Product Consumption

Influence of Hospitality Services on Cultural Product Consumption

СТРАТЕГІЧНЕ ПЛАНУВАННЯ ЯК ОСНОВА ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ІНДУСТРІЇ ГОСТИННОСТІ В УКРАЇНІ

The hospitality industry, which is experiencing a crisis in Ukraine, today needs transformation and greening of its own activities. The implementation of environmental responsibility of hospitality service providers is not just a condition for their competitiveness, but opens up a wide range of directions for the development of industry enterprises in future. The purpose of the research: to analyze the existing documents of medium and long-term planning at the regional level on individual examples, to determine promising directions for the formation of environmental responsibility of enterprises in the hospitality industry. The subject of the study: practical experience of planning and implementation of environmental responsibility among hospitality service providers at the regional level. Research methods: in the research process, general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge were used, namely abstraction, induction and deduction, analogy and qualitative comparison, analysis of causes and consequences. Research hypothesis: the only way to ensure environmental responsibility in the field of hospitality is a conscious attitude of regional authorities and owners of enterprises providing hospitality services to existing environmental problems. The main results of the research: the analysis of publications by domestic and foreign scientists, as well as strategic and programmatic documents of regional development in Ukraine allowed to draw conclusions about the state of social responsibility in the western and eastern regions, determining that most documents lack any measures regarding the environmental responsibility of service providers hospitality Originality and practical significance of the study: the proposed tree of goals for framework development strategy of environmental responsibility is an unified tool that can be detailed according to the stage of development and financial capacity of hospitality establishments. Conclusions: the proposals presented in the course of the study regarding the formation of environmental responsibility of hospitality service providers are appropriate according to the current situation and can be used to overcome the systemic crisis in the industry, to develop its competitiveness for attraction a new domestic and foreign consumers

Effect of disability, homelessness, and neighborhood marginalization on risk-adjustment for hospital performance measurement.

Background It is not known how disability, homelessness, or neighborhood marginalization influence risk-adjusted hospital performance measurement in a universal health care system. Methods We evaluated the effect of including these equity-related factors in risk-adjustment models for in-hospital mortality, and 7- and 30-day readmission in 28 hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We compared risk-adjustment with commonly-used clinical factors to models that also included homelessness, disability, and neighborhood indices of marginalization. We evaluated models in historical data using internal-external cross-validation. We calculated risk-standardized outcome rates for each hospital in a recent reporting period using mixed-effects logistic regression. Results The cohort included 544,805 admissions. Adjustment for disability, homelessness, and neighborhood marginalization had little impact on discrimination or calibration of risk-adjustment models. However, it influenced comparative hospital performance on risk-standardized 30-day readmission rates, resulting in 5 hospitals being reclassified between below-average, average, and above-average groups. No hospitals were reclassified for mortality and 7-day readmission. Conclusion In a system with universally insured hospital services, adjustment for disability, homelessness, and neighborhood marginalization influenced estimates of hospital performance for 30-day readmission but not 7-day readmission or in-hospital mortality. These findings can inform researchers and policymakers as they thoughtfully consider when to adjust for these factors in hospital performance measurement.

Improving Post-discharge Weight Gain Among Neonates received Kangaroo Mother Care: Two Years Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: “Kangaroo Mother Care” is an effective alternative care strategy for preterm and low birth weight babies. It also causes substantial reduction of neonatal mortality due to hypothermia. Objective: To observe the status of ongoing kangaroo mother care service in a tertiary care hospital and its outcome. Material and method: This retrospective study was carried out over the period of 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2022. Newborns who received kangaroo mother care in neonatal intensive care unit and postnatal ward of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the study period, were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 384 (97% of eligible candidates) newborn received kangaroo mother care. Kangaroo mother care was provided both in Neonatal intensive care unit (86% of total admission) and also in the postnatal ward. Mean gestational age was 32.02+2.85 weeks (28 weeks-41 weeks) and mean weight of starting KMC was 1367.48 g (730 g – 1970 g). Average age of initiating KMC was 6 days (ranging from 1 to 13 days of age). Mean duration of providing KMC was 6 hours and 50 minutes. More than two third (74.4%) patients came for follow up. During each follow up, an increasing trend was observed regarding weight gain and mean weight gain was 15.9+1.2 g/ kg/day. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care was provided to most of the eligible patients and persistent weight gain was observed among all KMC candidates after discharge.

National-scale 1-km maps of hospital travel time and hospital accessibility in China

Ensuring equitable access to health services is crucial for public welfare and social equity, and is a key objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, existing datasets often define hospital accessibility using travel time to hospitals in geographic dimension only, without considering the supply (hospital capacity) and demand (population distribution) dynamics. To overcome this limitation, we developed and validated a national-scale 1 km map of both hospital travel time and hospital accessibility in China. We used the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) model to calculate hospital accessibility, incorporating hospital capacity and service population. Various file types and statistical indicators are provided, making the dataset highly accessible for non-specialists. The dataset fills the gap in publicly available nationwide hospital accessibility data for China and can serve as a critical tool in optimizing resource allocation and developing targeted strategies to improve healthcare equity.

Application of Information Link Control in Surgical Specimen Near-Miss Events in a South China Hospital: Nonrandomized Controlled Study.

Information control is a promising approach for managing surgical specimens. However, there is limited research evidence on surgical near misses. This is particularly true in the closed loop of information control for each link. A new model of surgical specimen process management is further constructed, and a safe operating room nursing practice environment is created by intercepting specimen near-miss events through information safety barriers. In a large hospital in China, 84,289 surgical specimens collected in the conventional information specimen management mode from January to December 2021 were selected as the control group, and 99,998 surgical specimens collected in the information safety barrier control surgical specimen management mode from January to December 2022 were selected as the improvement group. The incidence of near misses, the qualified rate of pathological specimen fixation, and the average time required for specimen fixation were compared under the 2 management modes. The causes of 2 groups of near misses were analyzed and the near misses of information safety barrier control surgical specimens were studied. Under the information-based safety barrier control surgical specimen management model, the incidence of adverse events in surgical specimens was reduced, the reporting of near-miss events in surgical specimens was improved by 100%, the quality control quality management of surgical specimens was effectively improved, the pass rate of surgical pathology specimen fixation was improved, and the meantime for surgical specimen fixation was shortened, with differences considered statistically significant at P<.05. Our research has developed a new mode of managing the surgical specimen process. This mode can prevent errors in approaching specimens by implementing information security barriers, thereby enhancing the quality of specimen management, ensuring the safety of medical procedures, and improving the quality of hospital services.

POSIÇÕES NÃO-SUPINAS E AUTONOMIA MATERNA NA ASSISTÊNCIA AO PARTO POR EQUIPE DE FISIOTERAPIA EM SAÚDE DA MULHER

Introduction: Childbirth in supine positions centralizes interventions instead of maternal autonomy, physiology and biomechanics of birth which are facilitated by non-supine positions. Objective: To quantitatively describe the prevalence of maternal positioning choice and non-supine positions in childbirth through assistance conducted by a Women's health physiotherapy team. Methods: Quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional study through retrospective secondary data available on the Assistance Database of the Women's health physiotherapy service of a public maternity hospital in Salvador from 2015 to 2019. initiated after approval by the Research Ethics Committee and waiver of the informed consent form. Results: Out of the total patients assisted by a multidisciplinary team with Women’s Health physiotherapists during childbirth from 2015 to 2019, 35.1% delivered in the supine position and 61% in non-supine positions. 65.4% chose the position they give birth in and 34.3% didn’t. Conclusion: Delivery assistance by a multidisciplinary team with a physical therapist promotes deliveries in non-supine positions and maternal autonomy during childbirth.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety questionnaire for a Chilean hospital

BackgroundHospital Survey on Patient Safety version 2.0 (HSOSPS 2.0) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality enables hospitals to gather the information needed to evaluate the patient safety culture within their institution. However, version 2.0 has not been widely implemented in Chile. This study aims to customize and validate the original HSOSPS 2.0 for a Chilean hospital.MethodsTranslation and cross-cultural adaptation, content validity through a group of experts, and a pilot test with cognitive pretest were applied to 259 participants from the nursing team in 11 hospital services to study construct validity and reliability.ResultsIn the current study, a version of the questionnaire adapted to the Chilean cultural context showed excellent content validity with an index of 0.982 (S-CVI). After conducting exploratory factor analysis, a new model with 7 dimensions and 23 questions was proposed, down from the original 10 dimensions and 32 questions. This new model explains 71% of the variability. The model’s goodness of fit indicators were CFI=0.995, TLI=0.994, and RMSEA=0.048. The results of McDonald’s Omega showed high overall reliability with 0.9325.ConclusionsThis study provides a validated measurement instrument that contributes to improving patient safety conditions at the level of the hospital nursing team in highly complex establishments in Chile. However, the dimensions, such as the number of items, were reduced This questionnaire can be used in future nursing research by expanding the sample among health professionals in Chile.Relevance to clinical practiceApplying this version of the questionnaire will be highly beneficial for clinical administrators and nursing staff. It will improve their care practices and promote patient safety in public hospitals in Chile, as well as assist in enhancing nursing policies.

Waiting times spillovers in a National Health Service hospital network: a little organizational diversity can go a long way

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess if waiting times for elective surgeries within the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) are influenced by the waiting times at neighboring hospitals. Recognizing these interdependencies, and their extent, is crucial for understanding how hospital network dynamics affect healthcare delivery efficiency and patient access.MethodsWe utilized patient-level data from all elective surgeries conducted in Portuguese NHS hospitals to estimate a hospital-specific index for waiting times. This index served as the dependent variable in our analysis. We applied a spatial lag model to examine the potential strategic interactions between hospitals concerning their waiting times.ResultsOur analysis revealed a significant positive endogenous spatial dependence, indicating that waiting times in NHS hospitals are strategic complements. Furthermore, we found that NHS contracts with private not-for-profit hospitals not only reduce waiting times within these hospitals but also exert positive spillover effects on other NHS hospitals.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that diversifying the organization of the NHS hospital network, particularly through contracts with private entities for marginal patients, can significantly enhance competitive dynamics and reduce waiting times. This effect persists even when patient choice is confined to a small fraction of the patient population, highlighting a strategic avenue for policy optimization in healthcare service delivery.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Access to Health Services Among People with Mental Health Problems in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study assessed the roles of COVID-19 lockdown on access to mental health services in Nigeria. 172 patients who visited the hospital before and during the lockdown were recruited. The methods of data analyses were descriptive, correlations and binary logistic regression. The logistic regression confirmed that socioeconomics of participants predicted their likelihood to access mental health services in hospital during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants accessed treatments in traditional healing homes, home treatment centers, and place of religious worship. Policymakers need to expand the existing programs for accessible and affordable mental health services and standardized alternatives during health emergencies.

Strategic Management of Multiculturalism for Social Sustainability in Hospitality Services: The Case of Hotels in Athens

Strategic Management of Multiculturalism for Social Sustainability in Hospitality Services: The Case of Hotels in Athens

Bovine aortic arch: a potential indicator that may not serve in prenatal diagnosis - a study based on fetal anatomy, genetics, and postnatal clinical outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the structural abnormalities, genetic results, and postnatal clinical outcomes of fetuses with bovine aortic arch (Bovine Aortic Arch, BAA) to provide a basis for prenatal counseling and management.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 216 fetuses diagnosed with bovine aortic arch through prenatal ultrasound screening at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and the No.901 Hospital of the Joint Service of the People’s Liberation Army from January 2019 to February 2023. Their family history of genetic diseases, prenatal screening results, and postnatal follow-up data were collected. The fetuses were divided into an isolated BAA group (n = 192) and a non-isolated BAA group (n = 24). Chromosomal karyotyping and copy number variation (CNV) testing were conducted, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software.ResultsOf the 216 fetuses with BAA, 192 were isolated BAA (88.89%), and 24 were non-isolated BAA (11.11%). Among the isolated BAA fetuses, only 1 case (0.52%) had chromosomal karyotype and pathogenic CNV abnormalities. Among the non-isolated BAA fetuses, 4 cases (16.67%) had chromosomal or CNV abnormalities, but the overall risk was low. The postnatal outcomes of isolated BAA fetuses were good (99.48%), while 79.17% of non-isolated BAA fetuses had good postnatal outcomes.ConclusionMost BAA fetuses are isolated, with a very low incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and pathogenic CNVs, and have good postnatal outcomes. The clinical value of isolated BAA is limited, and invasive prenatal diagnosis is not recommended for low-risk populations. Prenatal screening should focus on the risk of concurrent severe structural anomalies and chromosomal abnormalities.