Levels Of Health Care Professionals Research Articles

Health care professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing for the treatment of urinary tract infections: A systematic review.

Previous models identify knowledge and attitudes that influence prescribing behaviour. The present study focuses on antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) to describe levels of health care professionals' knowledge and attitude factors in this area and how those levels are assessed. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies assessing the identified knowledge or attitude factors influencing health care professionals' antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections up to September 2022. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted about the types of factors assessed, the levels indicated and how those levels were assessed. Data were synthesized using counts, and levels were categorized as 'poor', 'moderate', 'high' or 'very high'. Seven studies were identified, six of which relied entirely on closed-ended items. Levels of knowledge factors assessed were poor, for example, their 'knowledge of condition' and 'knowledge of task environment' were poor. Levels of the attitude factors assessed varied, for example, while health care professionals expressed moderate confidence in providing optimal patient care and appropriate attitude of fear towards the problem of antibiotic resistance, they expressed a poor attitude of complacency by giving into patient pressure to prescribe an antibiotic. Present evidence suggests that clinicians have poor levels of knowledge and varying levels of attitudes about antibiotic prescribing for UTIs. However, few studies were identified, and assessments were largely limited to closed-ended types of questions. Future studies that assess more factors and employ open-ended question types could better inform future interventions to optimize antibiotic prescribing.

Study to evaluate awareness about medication errors and impact of an educational intervention among healthcare personnel in a cancer hospital.

Medication errors (MEs) are preventable incidents that can result in harm to patients. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to be well-informed about MEs. This study aims to assess the awareness levels of HCPs and the impact of educational intervention on their understanding of MEs. Responses to a 17-question structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing the awareness of HCPs regarding fundamental aspects of MEs, ME reporting systems, and their ability to make recommendations for improving the system for handling the MEs were collected both before and after two weeks of educational intervention administration. Of a total of 114 HCPs who initially participated in the study, six dropped following the intervention. The awareness regarding the Class A questionnaire was good in most physicians (60%), nurses (60%), and pharmacists (57%) before the intervention, which improved postintervention, with physicians (80%), nurses (32%), and pharmacists (78%) demonstrating excellent awareness. The awareness level in the Class B questionnaire was also improved to excellent in most physicians (70%), pharmacists (85%), and nurses (85%) following the intervention, while it was excellent only in 50%, 35%, and 1% of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, respectively, preintervention. In the Class C questionnaire, most physicians (40%) and nurses (60%) had good awareness, while pharmacists (35%) demonstrated excellent awareness preintervention. Postintervention, most physicians (70%), nurses (77%), and pharmacists (64%) exhibited excellent awareness. Most oncology practice HCPs demonstrate a good to average level of awareness regarding MEs. Clinical pharmacists' educational interventions can significantly enhance awareness among HCPs concerning MEs.

Perception Level of Health Care Professionals on Legislation of Acts for Advanced Practice Nurses’ Roles in Korea

Perception Level of Health Care Professionals on Legislation of Acts for Advanced Practice Nurses’ Roles in Korea

Factors associated with therapeutic inertia in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus started on basal insulin

AimIn this study we aim to identify the factors associated with treatment inertia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have been recently started on basal insulin (BI). MethodsUsing UK CPRD GOLD, we identified adults with T2DM with suboptimal glycaemia (HbA1c within 12 months of BI ≥ 7% (≥53 mmol/mol)). We used multivariable Cox regression model to describe the association between patient characteristics and the time to treatment intensification. ResultsA total of 12,556 patients were analysed. Compared to individuals aged < 65 years, those aged ≥ 65 years had lower risk of treatment intensification (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.64–0.73). Other factors included being female (0.93, 0.89–0.99), longer T2DM duration (0.99, 0.98–0.99), living in the most deprived areas (0.90, 0.83–0.98), being a current smoker (0.91, 0.84–0.98), having one (0.91, 0.85–0.97) or more than one comorbidity (0.88, 0.82–0.94), and patients who were on metformin (0.71, 0.63–0.80), or 2nd generation sulphonylureas (0.85; 0.79–0.92) or DPP4 inhibitors (0.87, 0.82–0.93) compared to those who were not. ConclusionTherapeutic inertia still remains a major barrier, with multiple factors associated with delay in intensification. Interventions to overcome therapeutic inertia need to be implemented at both patient and health care professional level.

A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Skills of Telemedicine among Health Care Professionals at Tertiary Care Centre

Background: IT enabled medical services such as Telemedicine and e-health is fast developing from the recent past which supports long distance health care services. The term is often used as an umbrella term that includes tele-health, electronic medical records, e-health and other components of health information technology. Aim: To assess the knowledge, Attitude, Skills towards health care professionals. Methodology: In this descriptive cross sectional study, questionnaire‐based study among various levels of health care professionals at tertiary care centre, in ananthapuram district, Andhra Pradesh. The sample size was 177 by using convenient sampling method. The health care workers willing to fill the questionnaire were considered to have consented to the study. The same was mentioned at the start of the questionnaire. This study was carried out from December 2022 to February 2023. Results: Out of 177 health care professional’s 52% females and 48% males. Most of the subjects belongs to 25 to 30 years were 58%. Least of the subjects 3.95% has no about telemedicine application, 22.59% heard about telemedicine applications and 73.44 know about the telemedicine application. Only 33.89% are in learner stage and 29.94% are experts in email sending. Ability of Microsoft usage is 49.2 %, 31.6% and 19.4% in learner, mediocre and expert level respectively. Only 9.6% has no idea on patient management through telemedicine, 56.49% heard about patient management through telemedicine and 33.89% knew that patient management can be done through telemedicine. Conclusion: Most of the study subjects lack of knowledge and skills towards telemedicine. So, need of training programmes among health care professionals and proper guidelines by government.

Türkiye'deki Sağlık Çalışanları Arasında COVID-19 Aşı Okuryazarlığı ve Aşı Tereddütü Düzeyi, Birbirleriyle İlişkisi ve Etkileyen Etmenler: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Objective: Healthcare professionals (HP) play a role in vaccine acceptance as they influence people's decisions by sharing their personal experiences. The study was aimed to determine the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine literacy (VL) and vaccine hesitancy (VH) level among HP in Türkiye, their relationship and influencing factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional online study was applied to 1,111 HP between 15.02.2022-15.03.2022. The sociodemographic data form, COVID-19 Vaccine Literacy Scale (CVLS), and Vaccine Hesitancy Scale-long form (VHS) were used. Sociodemographic characteristics, questions about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines were considered as independent variables, while VL and VH were considered as dependent variables. Results: Of the participants, 33.8% (n=376) were physicians, 25.2% (n=280) were nurses/midwives and 41.0% (n=455) were other HP. The CVLS functional mean score of HP was 2.6±0.7 and the interactivecritical mean score was 3.0±0.6. The VHS mean score was 44.6±16.3. Being a physician (p <0.001 for functional, p=0.002 for interactive-critical) and thinking that the origin of the coronavirus is a natural source from animals (p=0.029 for functional, p<0.001 for interactive-critical) were the factors that increased VL. Being a physician (p<0.001) and having high CVLS mean scores (p<0.001 for functional and interactive-critical) were the factors that decreased the VH. There was a weak negative correlation between VL and VH levels (r=-0.223 for functional, r=-0.323 for interactive-critical) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Considering that high VL level decreased VH level, it is obvious that the knowledge level of HP about COVID-19 vaccines should be increased.

Impact of Digital Literacy Levels of Health Care Professionals on Perceived Quality of Care

Background Multiple digital technologies were used during and after the COVID-19 pandemic with an intent to improve quality of patient care. It has been seen that the perception of patients toward the use of digital solutions in clinical care varies significantly. This has also been attributed to varying levels of digital literacy among the health care professionals (HCP) involved in patient care. Objective Our paper aims to study the impact of digital literacy levels of HCPs, including hospital attendants and support staff who were involved in a clinical care team of COVID-19 patients, so that barriers toward the implementation of digital health solutions could be identified. Methods A standardized survey using responses based on Likert scale was developed, which measured the confidence levels of HCPs and their attitudes toward digital technologies. The survey consisted of questions from the Technology Acceptance Model as well as the unified theory of acceptancy and use of technology to assess the attitude of HCPs. A total of 100 Hospital attendants directly employed in patient care were enrolled in the study. They were also asked to respond to feedback received from patients on the perceived quality of care. Results Around 60% of the HCPs showed high digital literacy levels. Most respondents showed confidence in the use of technology. Moreover, around 20% of HCPs showed apprehension toward using digital solutions for direct patient care. A significant difference was found between study population with high digital literacy and perceived quality of care. Conclusions Our study found that poor digital literacy in HCPs adversely affects the safety and quality of patient care. It is important that institutions provide targeted education and training to not only doctors and nursing staff but also other support staff with low digital literacy levels and to boost their confidence in providing clinical care.

疫情防控常态化下医学院校康养专业人才培养的问题与策略研究

In order to further improve the public health emergency prevention and control mechanism and strengthen the construction of public health talent team, medical universities in China will gradually establish and improve the cultivation system of health care professionals, and provide health care professionals with more high-quality medical universities talent resources. Under the current situation, although most medical universities in China are actively preparing for the cultivation of high-quality talents for health care professionals, on the whole, there are still many problems in the cultivation mode of health care professionals in medical universities in China that need to be solved urgently. This paper elaborates on the training mode and system of health care professionals in the context of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control, aiming to clarify the system construction of health care professionals in medical universities, improve the specifications and levels of health care professionals, and further promote the healthy and orderly development of China's health care industry.

Sağlık Çalışanlarında Besin ve İlaç Etkileşimi Bilgi Düzeyi Saptamaya Yönelik Ölçek Geliştirme: Geçerlilik Ve Güvenirlik Çalışması

Objectives: Health professionals’ food-drug interaction knowledge level is related with efficiency of treatment. Given that, it’s important to measure the knowledge level. This study aims to develop a scale that can measure food-drug interaction knowledge level of health care professionals and increase awareness on this issue.Methods: A total of 200 individuals (50 from each profession: medical doctor, nurse, dietician and pharmacist) working in Ankara were selected. The scale consists of 25 items and three options for each: “True”, “False” and “I do not know”. In the evaluation, each correct answer equals to 1 (one) point, while the others (wrong and absent) equal to 0 (zero). Content validity and item analysis were conducted for the validity, and Cronbach alpha coefficient was measured. Results: Consequently, 4 items whose total correlation with the total score less than 0.15 were removed from the scale. Item difficulties in the scale vary between 0.20 and 0.96, and average item difficulty of the scale was found to be 0.61±0.18. The scale was evaluated on the basis of quarter points of 21 items. Accordingly, 25th percentile of 21 items was 5.25, 50th percentile was 10.25, and 75th percentile was 15.75. Score classification less than 5 means “low” knowledge level, between 6 and 11 “intermediate”, between 11 and 15 “good” and between 16 and 21 “very good”.Conclusions: Hereby, this scale was found to be highly valid and quite reliable to be used in order to determine the food-drug interaction knowledge levels of health care professionals.

640 Improving Junior Doctors’ Knowledge and Confidence in Assessment, Management and Referral of Burns Patients in the Emergency Department, Royal Oldham Hospital

Abstract Aim There are currently no online trust guidelines for adult burn injuries. We aim to improve ED trainee knowledge and confidence in managing burns patients by delivering focused teaching and developing accessible online resources. Method A survey circulated to junior doctors assessed their confidence in managing minor and major burns injuries. Focused teaching on burns depth, management of burns wounds and when to refer was delivered to ED trainees after completion of the survey. Online tools and resources for assessment, management and referral of burns were developed using NICE and British Burns Association Guidelines. Resources were circulated to trainees and a survey repeated to assess confidence. Results Initial surveys demonstrated 71% felt confident in assessing minor burns and 46% for major burns. When managing minor burns 68% of juniors felt confident and 43% for major burns. Only 25% were aware of referral criteria to a burns centre for major burns and 32% for minor burns. Following focused teaching sessions, clinician confidence in assessment and management of all burns improved to 100%. Awareness of referral criteria rose to 85-92% for all burn injuries. Qualitative feedback was positive amongst different levels of health care professionals for the new resources. Conclusions Burns injuries are common, yet confidence is low amongst junior doctors in their management. This was compounded by a lack of local guidance. Focused teaching and implementation of accessible online departmental guidance has improved clinician confidence and helped ensure that patients presenting with burns are managed by confident clinicians according to national guidelines.

The effect of organizational musical therapy on reducing the stress level of health care professionals in a public hospital

This study aimed at analyzing the influence of receptive organizational therapy on the levels of stress of nursing professionals in a public hospital. Concerning the methodology, the study has a quantitative approach and an explanatory nature and adopts quasi-experimental procedures. The research universe encompassed 74 nursing professionals. As a research tool, the study used the Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults. Primary results showed that, out of the 74 professionals, 20.3% ( n = 15) were classified as having no levels of stress. However, 79.7% ( n = 59) of the participants had some levels of stress. Out of these professionals, 71.6% ( n = 53) were in the second stage, known as resistance. Thirty days after the application of receptive musical therapy, the 74 professionals who took part in this experience had their levels of stress reevaluated and compared to the levels of stress from before the musical intervention with the use of the Wilcoxon test. The test results highlighted that the levels of stress during the resistance, near-exhaustion, and exhaustion stages were minimized. As a conclusion, therefore, receptive organizational musical therapy has meaningful effects on reducing stress and improving the work life quality of professionals.

A Study on the Possible Obstructions Amongst Health Care Professionals in the Management of Patients Presenting with Covid-19

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the awareness level of HCPs (Health Care Professionals) in Pakistan regarding the management of patients presenting with COVID-19. We assessed awareness levels regarding measures to control infection control as well as available professional and administrative support. We also assessed psychological factors that may act as barriers to effective management of such patients. Methodology: This study was carried out at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. The study was carried out online with the utilization of Google Form. After obtaining ethical committee approval, the online link was disseminated to health care professionals utilizing social media. Results: A total of 213 HCPs participated. The majority of the HCPs were younger than 30 years of age and most were undergoing postgraduate training. The findings displayed gaps in awareness levels regarding basic measures for infection control such as donning &amp; doffing, and understanding of procedures associated with high-risk. Compromises in job training, administrative and professional support were identified. The majority of HCPs exhibited anxiety, having symptoms associated with burnout, with logical reasons in background. Even with such hurdles existing, HCPs remained committed and willing to perform their duties to save humankind. Conclusion: HCPs in Pakistan require urgent attention for the provision of formal training regarding measures to control infection. There is need for professional as well as administrative support from scientific societies and institutions. Possible options include online teaching modules &amp; webinars. Symptoms of burnout were prevalent and may increase over time. These perspectives warrant additional support from the various committees of occupational health. Keywords: Healthcare Professionals, Measures, Support, High-Risk COVID Symptoms, Institutions, Webinar.

Physical activity in health care professionals as a means of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A STROBE compliant cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level of health care professionals, as well as the differences by sex, age, academic background, and among different health care professions.This is an cross-sectional study.Health care settings in the Valencian Community, Spain.A total of 647 health care professionals.Physical activity was assessed with the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ) that includes the assessment of work-related physical activity, transport-related physical activity, health-enhancing physical activity, muscle-strengthening physical activity, and total physical activity.93.51% of all health care professionals were physically active at work. Transport-related physical activity and health-enhancing physical activity were significantly lower in women (21.62% vs 41.86%, P < .001; and 50.19% vs 68.99%, P < .001, respectively). In addition, compliance with health-enhancing and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines were lower in older professionals (42.7% vs 61.84%, P < .001; and 47.57% vs 61.84%, P < .001, respectively). Those with higher education were more compliant with health-enhancing and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines (58.55% vs 45.69%, P = .002; and 60.24% vs 48.28%, P = .003, respectively). Moreover, 67.98% of physiotherapists performed health-enhancing physical activity and 67.54% muscle-strengthening physical activity regularly, and significant differences in all outcomes were observed compared to the rest of health care professionals (P < .05). Technicians showed lower work-related and total physical activity than nurses and nursing assistants (74.55% vs 90.37%, P = .002; and 83.64% vs 95.72%, P < .001, respectively). Additionally, nursing assistants showed higher work-related physical activity compared to nurses (97.18% vs 90.37%, P = .008).Most health care professionals showed an appropriate level of physical activity. Men performed more transport-related and health-enhancing physical activity than women. Younger professionals and those with higher education were more compliant with health-enhancing and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Physiotherapists were more physically active when compared to the rest of health care professionals.

IMPACT India: A novel approach for optimum diabetes care

India has the second largest population with diabetes mellitus in the world. Long-term, uncontrolled diabetes is associated with increased microvascular and macrovascular (commonly cardiovascular) complications and death. The large burden of uncontrolled diabetes in India could be because of lack of treatment adherence, limited access to laboratory testing, lack of physical activity, and poor dietary habits. This creates a compelling need for a greater involvement of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in improving societal awareness and regular monitoring of glycemic control, which is limited in patient outreach programs. IMPACT India, launched in November 2018, is a diabetes control program with a three-pronged approach aimed at creating an impact at the level of HCPs, society, and individuals living with diabetes. The India Diabetes Care Index (iDCI®), a quarterly aggregate index of glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), forms the backbone of IMPACT India. The program uses iDCI® to evaluate glycemic control at periodic intervals, sensitize HCPs about the glycemic control status, and optimize diabetes care by escalating pharmacotherapy including insulin whenever required. Societal awareness will be created by social media to achieve actionable awareness based on the iDCI® reports. At baseline (January 2018 to June 2018), the database (2.39 million) revealed an average glycated hemoglobin of 8.56%, FPG of 172 mg/dL, and PPG of 253 mg/dL. Also, 74% of the patients had HbA1c >7% and FPG >130 mg/dL and >83% of the patients had PPG >160 mg/dL. The IMPACT India program aims to positively impact diabetes care in India by achieving at least 1% glycated hemoglobin reduction in 1000 days.

Identifying Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Utilization of Hospice and End-of-Life Care Services

Hospice and end-of-life (HEOL) services have traditionally been underutilized, especially in rural areas. A community assessment, performed in eastern Maine, sheds light on the extent to which public and health care professional attitudes and knowledge explain HEOL service access and utilization levels. Structured surveys were distributed in the fall of 2019 targeting community residents (18 years and older) and hospice/health care professionals. Residents (n=213) displayed significant levels of ignorance concerning the purpose and availability of HEOL services. Although a range of HEOL services were rated as highly important, residents were unable to confirm their actual availability. Overall, one in every two residents did not know if particular HEOL services existed locally (ranging from a low of 27% that were unsure whether grief support services were available to 67% unaware of the presence of a community hospice house). Hospice/health professionals (n=22) were aligned in their belief that the public did not have a clear understanding of the intent of HEOL services. Interestingly, community residents lacked equivalent measures of confidence in the HEOL knowledge levels of health care professionals. Significant barriers to the timely utilization of HEOL services included: stigma/fear, lack of education as to the purpose of these services, financial barriers to access, and scarcity of selected HEOL services. For both respondent groups, the top ranking suggestions for increasing HEOL services utilization were earlier discussions between providers and patients concerning the need for such services and increased public and professional education around death and dying.

SATISFACTION ON DELIVERY CARE SERVICES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY

The improvement of quality in maternity care services is an effective strategy to reduce maternal mortality. The utilisation of the maternity services and its satisfaction indirectly measure the quality of services. This study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction with delivery care and also to identify the factors influencing the satisfaction among women on the quality of delivery care services in Sarawak. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three main zones of Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 1236 completed data were analysed. Data was collected using the validated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18, Short Form) by face to face interview. Data entry and analysis was done by SPSS version 22.0 software. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that Bidayuh ethnics were 28.6% less likely to have good satisfaction with delivery care than the other ethnic groups. The respondents were 1.806 times more likely to have the average satisfaction and 1.972 times more likely to have good satisfaction on delivery care if a doctor attended the latter. Similarly, the respondents were 2.29 times highly satisfied if the out of pocket expenses were less than MYR 91.50 (US $ 21.73) compared to 2.10 times in average satisfaction. Overall, the women were satisfied with the delivery care services. However, assessment of satisfaction with the services provided from the different level of health care professionals needs to be explored to gain a deeper understanding of maternal care.Keywords: Delivery Care, Level of satisfaction, Maternal Health Services, Sarawak.

Perceived Roles of Bhutanese Health Care Professionals in Improving Patient Safety: A Qualitative Exploratory Descriptive Study.

Patient safety is a vital component of high quality health care and all health care professionals have a responsibility for ensuring the delivery of safe care to patients. However, little is known about how Bhutanese health care professionals perceive their roles in improving patient safety. This study aimed to explore how Bhutanese health care professionals, educators, managers, and policy makers perceived their roles in improving patient safety. Undertaken as a naturalistic inquiry using a qualitative exploratory descriptive research approach, a criterion-based stratified purposive sample of 94 health care professionals and managers from the Ministry of Health, a training institute, and 3 levels of hospitals were interviewed. All interview data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis strategies. Data analysis identified 4 broad themes. Health care professionals' perceived role in safety and quality included formulating and implementing patient safety rules; management and administration of units and hospitals; patient assessment and management; and setting professional norms (including norms about peer influence and patient care/interaction). The findings revealed that Bhutanese health care professionals were aware of their roles in improving patient safety processes and practices, and providing interprofessional education or training to all levels of health care professionals could help improve communication and patient safety in the Bhutanese health care system.

It's In The Bag: Tidal Volumes in Adult and Pediatric Bag Valve Masks.

IntroductionA bag valve mask (BVM) is a life saving device used by all levels of health care professionals during resuscitative care. We focus most of our time optimizing the patient’s position, firmly securing the mask, and frequency of ventilations. However, despite our best efforts to control these factors, we may still be precipitating harm to the patient. Multiple studies have shown the tidal volumes typically delivered by the adult BVM are often higher than recommended for lung-protective ventilation protocols. In this study we measure and compare the ventilation parameters delivered by the adult and pediatric BVM ventilators.MethodsA RespiTrainer Advance® adult mannequin was used to simulate a patient. Healthcare providers were directed to manually ventilate an intubated mannequin for two minutes using adult and pediatric sized BVMs. Tidal volume, minute ventilation, peak pressure, and respiration rate was recorded.ResultsThe adult BVM provided a mean tidal volume of 807.7mL versus the pediatric BVM providing 630.7mL, both of which exceeded the upper threshold of 560mL of tidal volume necessary for lung protective ventilation of an adult male with an ideal body weight of 70kg. The adult BVM exceeded this threshold by 44.2% versus the pediatric BVM’s 12.6% with 93% of participants exceeding the maximum threshold with the adult BVM and 82.3% exceeding it with the pediatric BVM.ConclusionThe pediatric BVM in our study provided far more consistent and appropriate ventilation parameters for adult patients compared to an adult BVM, but still exceeded the upper limits of lung protective ventilation parameters. The results of this study highlight the potential dangers in using an adult BVM due to increased risk of pulmonary barotrauma. These higher tidal volumes can contribute to lung injury. This study confirms that smaller BVMs may provide safer ventilatory parameters. Future studies should focus on patient-centered outcomes with BVM.

Medical and Health Care Professionals' Sexuality Education: State of the Art and Recommendations.

Sexuality is considered an important aspect of holistic care, but research has shown that it is often not considered, as it should be, in health services. Addressing clients’ sexuality requires a multidisciplinary approach and is not the responsibility of a single professional. The literature underlines that university students or those working in hospitals and other health care facilities are not adequately prepared to meet patients’ needs regarding sexuality. The objective of this study was, therefore, to review the scientific literature addressing training courses for health professionals in sexuality between 2000 and 2020. Several studies have shown enhancement in health care professionals’ ability to deal with patients’ sexuality issues after participating in sexuality education programs, regardless of the course load and modality, even if the long-term effects have still to be proved. Health care professionals therefore require education in the area of sexuality, regardless of their discipline. According to the articles reviewed, in order to improve the performance and comfort level of health care professionals to deal with patients’ sexuality, investments in training are necessary. Further evaluations of interdisciplinary sexuality education programmes should use larger samples and explore the differences across disciplines.

Barriers to clinical trial enrollment of older adults with cancer: A systematic review.

e18130 Background: Despite the disproportionate impact of cancer on older adults, older patients are vastly underrepresented in clinical trials that set the standards for cancer treatment. To better understand the reasons for this disparity, we conducted a systematic review of studies that have specifically examined barriers and interventions to improve clinical trial enrollment of older adults with cancer. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive two-step search strategy. First, we consulted an information specialist to develop an electronic search for the following databases from inception to January 15, 2019: PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane library. Second, references of retrieved key articles were screened for relevant studies. Two authors then independently reviewed all titles and abstracts (N = 10,985) and examined studies for full text eligibility (N = 221). Inclusion criteria were: 1) original research; 2) study assessed barriers and/or interventions to enrollment in oncology clinical trials; 3) included patients ≥ 60 years with cancer. Narrative reviews and abstracts without full text were excluded. Data was extracted by independent raters and summarized using a qualitative analysis software, NVivo v12. Results: 12 observational studies examining barriers and 1 randomized intervention were included. Barriers were assessed at the patient level (N = 5 studies), healthcare professional (HCP) level (N = 5), and both patient and HCP levels (N = 2). Stringent eligibility criteria (N = 7) and oncologists’ concerns for toxicity (N = 7) were the most common barriers cited. Patient barriers included transportation (N = 6), time/burden (N = 6), and awareness (N = 6). Although caregiver barriers (N = 4) were identified, none of the studies examined caregiver perceptions. One study evaluated a physician-directed educational intervention and found no significant impact on accrual of older adults. Conclusions: Although several studies have examined the barriers to accrual of older adults with cancer, only one intervention study has attempted to address these barriers. Given the aging of the cancer population, new strategies for including older adults in cancer clinical trials are critically needed.