Healthcare Managers Research Articles

The Role of Healthcare Managers in Ensuring Patient Safety and Satisfaction during Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Radiation therapy is a complicated treatment technique that calls for meticulous coordination, strict adherence to safety procedures, and care that is concentrated on the patient. Managers in the healthcare industry play an essential role in supervising and improving these various facets of care delivery. This systematic analysis aims to evaluate the significant role that healthcare managers play in ensuring patient safety and satisfaction during radiation therapy for patients in Saudi Arabia who have lung cancer. The research analyzes the existing literature in order to identify the unique roles, problems, and tactics that healthcare managers in Saudi Arabia apply in order to improve patient safety and satisfaction during radiation therapy for patients with lung cancer. The findings of this research contribute to improving the quality of care provided to lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in Saudi Arabia, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

Evaluating the implementation fidelity of basic emergency obstetrics and neonatal care services in Beyeda District, Northwest Ethiopia: a case study evaluation.

Worldwide, nearly 830 women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth daily. Ninety-nine per cent of these maternal deaths take place in low and middle-income countries. Basic Emergency Obstetric Care (BEmONC) is one method of reducing maternal mortality related to pregnancy and childbirth complications. However, the status of its implementation fidelity has not been investigated. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the implementation fidelity of BEmONC services in Beyeda District, Northwest Ethiopia. A single case study design with mixed method was employed from June 01 to July 30, 2022. 415 client exit interviews, 14 key informants' interviews and 423 retrospective document reviews were conducted. Adherence, participant responsiveness and quality of delivery dimensions from Carroll's conceptual framework, with a total of 21 indicators were used in this evaluation. The overall implementation fidelity status of BEmONC service was judged based on the pre-seated judgmental criteria as; low, medium, and high fidelity. The overall degree of implementation fidelity of the BEmONC services was 74.5%. Moreover, the implementation fidelity status of adherence, quality of delivery, and participant responsiveness dimensions were 74.7%, 77.2%, and 71.5% respectively. Uterotonic drugs were not administered as per the recommended protocol. Participants' engagement towards the neonatal resuscitation service delivery was inadequate. Likewise, healthcare providers' respect for the clients was not sufficient. Furthermore, women aged >30 years, being government employed and ANC visits four and above were variables positively associated with the quality of delivery of BEmONC services. The overall implementation fidelity of the BEmONC services was judged as implemented in medium fidelity. Moreover, the adherence, participant responsiveness and quality of delivery dimensions were found to be implemented in medium fidelity. Therefore, public health sectors at all levels should strive to enhance the implementation fidelity of BEmONC services. Moreover, healthcare providers should adhere to the BEmONC implementation protocol guideline during service delivery. Healthcare managers should facilitate a continuous awareness creation for mothers regarding the merit of neonatal resuscitation for neonatal complications. Furthermore, healthcare providers should give due respect to mothers while delivering the services.

Fighting fear: the buffering of well-being-HRM on the effects of nurses’ fear of COVID-19 on job stress and patient care

PurposePre-pandemic research demonstrated the challenges of the nursing workforce and the provision of quality of patient care. Such challenges have been significantly intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, not least in the workplace and fear of staff catching and transmitting COVID-19. We draw on conservation of resources (COR) theory to examine the impact of the fear of COVID-19 on nurses and the role of well-being-HRM (WBHRM) in negating the fear of COVID-19 and its impact on job stress and perceived quality of patient care.Design/methodology/approachWe collected data from 260 nurses (treating COVID-19 patients) employed in US hospitals across two-waves. Data were analyzed using mediated regression and moderated mediation.FindingsThe results indicated that when nurses report higher levels of fear of COVID-19, this translates into higher levels of nursing job stress. This, in turn, reduces nurses’ perceptions of quality of patient care they can provide. As previous research has found, decreased perceptions of quality of patient care is a significant factor driving intentions to leave the profession. The results demonstrated that WBHRM practices buffer the negative impact of fear of COVID-19 on job stress, and in turn, the perceived quality of patient care.Originality/valueOur paper contributes to new knowledge for healthcare managers on WBHRM bundles and their efficacy in buffering the effects of fear on job stress and quality of patient care. We contribute new knowledge on fear at work and how to manage employees’ fear through WBHRM practices.

How to Stop Worrying About What Other People Think of You at Work

This article discusses the negative impacts of worrying excessively about others' perceptions at work and provides strategies for overcoming people-pleasing tendencies through cultivating self-awareness, acceptance, and focusing on valuable outputs rather than impressions management or competitive comparisons. Constantly seeking approval and validation can be mentally and emotionally draining as well as hinder productivity and creativity, as research shows this stems from a lack of self-worth conditioned from childhood, particularly for women socialized to prioritize others. The article recommends developing self-awareness of intrinsic values and communication techniques like learning to say no comfortably, speaking concisely with purpose, and welcoming feedback graciously. Real-world case studies across industries illustrate applying these, such as a nonprofit director focusing meetings on solutions rather than disclaimers, a healthcare account manager prioritizing metrics over expectations, and an engineering lead openly discussing decisions while welcoming different perspectives. Overcoming ingrained people-pleasing allows professionals to feel empowered contributing their best work through self-development and outcome-driven mindsets.

An innovative patient clustering method using data envelopment Analysis–Discriminant analysis and artificial neural networks: A case study in healthcare systems

A major lesson healthcare managers learned from the COVID-19 outbreak is the need for more effective patient classification and medical resource allocation for future pandemics. In their view, hospitalization mortality could be greatly reduced if more effective systems for patient classification were in place before the outbreak to evaluate and assign treatment facilities. This study presents a scalable patient clustering approach using a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to cluster patients for appropriate treatment allocation. The patients’ membership is forecasted using Data Envelopment Analysis–Discriminant Analysis (DEA-DA). The objectives of this research are to develop a flexible framework that healthcare systems can adopt to cluster patients based on specific testing criteria from medical records and to assign them to suitable medical centers with appropriate treatment resources. This method aims to enhance healthcare system efficiency by ensuring patients with severe illnesses receive care at well-equipped centers, while those with milder symptoms are directed to other suitable facilities. The approach is scalable and adaptable to any type of widespread illness and aims to increase recovery rates and decrease mortality rates, as confirmed by the case study results.

헬스케어 공급망 리스크 주요 이슈 분석: 뉴스기사를 중심으로

This study investigates the major risk issues and their causes in healthcare supply chains, using network analysis and qualitative analysis of news media publications, and then proposes response and operational strategies for managing healthcare supply chain risks. We divided our study into two time periods for a comparative analysis of key risk issues in different degrees of environmental uncertainty. The year 2020 marked the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first period of our analysis is four years covering 2016-2019, prior to COVID-19 disruptions. The second period is also four years during 2020-2023 when the full force of COVID-19 disruptions affected healthcare supply chains. The keywords used to collect news media publications were “healthcare,” “healthcare industry,” “healthcare services,” “hospital,” “health center,” and “medicine.” The results of the study indicated that the major risks experienced in healthcare supply chains were due to the following factors: the type of patients who needed healthcare services, care services provided (lab tests, treatment, prescriptions, etc.), care service methods used (surgery, utilization of medical devices), and examination and diagnostics (clinical kits, etc.). While these factors were identified as possible causes of risk in the healthcare supply chains involving procurement of supplies and raw materials, these risks tend to intensify in the increased disruption period (year 2020-2023). Managing these risk issues in the disruptive periods contributes significantly not only to the performance of healthcare organizations but also to the well-being of the society at large. This study offers theoretical implications in that it analyzes the causes of risks in the healthcare supply chains and provides a basis for a comparative analysis of the relationships of risk factors in healthcare supply chains during a normal environment and a very disruptive environment. From a practical perspective, this study suggests effective countermeasures for managing healthcare supply chain risks with examples that can be used as a guideline by healthcare executives, managers, and policy-makers of healthcare services.

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults Living With and Beyond Cancer

Abstract Importance: Occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in addressing the impairments, occupational performance, and participation needs of adults living with and beyond cancer. Objective: These Practice Guidelines aim to assist occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers in applying evidence and expert opinion to occupational therapy practice across the cancer continuum of care, including identifying gaps in care. Key focus areas include psychosocial function, fatigue, cognition, pain, sleep, and physical activity. These guidelines can serve as a reference for policymakers, health care professionals, health care managers, regulators, third-party payers, and managed care organizations to manage, reimburse, and set policy. Method: We examined, synthesized, and integrated the results of systematic reviews, supporting literature, and expert opinion to develop and provide clinical recommendations for practice in the care of adults living with and beyond cancer. Results: Sixteen systematic reviews with moderate to strong strength of evidence published between 2019 and 2022 served as the foundation for these Practice Guidelines. Conclusions and Recommendations: To support symptom management for adults living with and beyond cancer, occupational therapy practitioners can consider using psychosocial interventions for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic growth, and overall psychological distress. Practitioners can consider using physical activity interventions for cancer-related fatigue, cognitive performance, and sleep. Practitioners could also consider using interventions for cognition, pain management, and self-management for the improvement of cancer-related symptoms. Plain-Language Summary: These Practice Guidelines provide strong and moderate levels of evidence for occupational therapy practitioners to support adults living with and beyond cancer. They provide specific guidance for addressing pain, cancer-related fatigue, cancer-related cognitive impairments, psychosocial well-being, sleep, and physical activity. The guidelines also include case examples and an infographic to support occupational therapy practitioners in integrating evidence to support interventions in cancer care, and they highlight gaps and expert opinions in practice for continued clinically relevant research.

Identifying the Components of Organizational Culture in Hospital Environments: A Qualitative Study

Background: Weak organizational culture is one of the main factors of inefficiency in hospitals. Identifying the type of organizational culture of hospitals is an important step in increasing productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the components of organizational culture. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd in 1400. The statistical population included the nurses of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd. The sampling method used in this study was purposive and snowball sampling. To collect data, semi-structured interviews were used. The content analysis method was used to analyze the texts using MAXQDA version 10 software. Results: In this study, 13 experts were interviewed. The results of the data analysis showed that the 11 main components of organizational culture at Yazd University of Medical Sciences are rational, ideological, agreement and participation, hierarchical, constructive, passive, work and open culture, club, stronghold, flexible, Learner, and value orientation. Conclusion: The identified components of organizational culture can help healthcare managers and policymakers to improve service quality, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment of employees, improve organizational performance, and increase patient satisfaction.

Financial management, efficiency, and care quality: A systematic review in the context of Health 4.0.

This article investigates the intersection between innovation, Health 4.0, and financial management in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and quality of care. The study aims to analyze how financial management processes in healthcare relate to Health 4.0 and enhance care quality. It begins with a thorough theoretical grounding, proposing a framework that connects Health 4.0 with financial management practices. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities in the financial management of Health 4.0. The results highlight selected articles on responsible innovation, Health 4.0 technologies, investments in health, hospital efficiency, performance forecasting, and high-cost patient management. These articles were clustered into "Data Analysis and Machine Learning in Healthcare" and "Health Management and Sustainability," providing a categorized understanding of the topics. The study reveals that Health 4.0 offers significant opportunities for process efficiency and cost reduction without compromising service quality. It highlights strategic advantages in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges by optimizing processes, improving financial projections, and incorporating advanced technologies efficiently. The successful implementation of Health 4.0 can lead to substantial improvements in service quality, adding value to patients and driving local economic development. This article offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and managers, emphasizing the transformative potential of Health 4.0 and outlining strategies for its effective implementation. The clustering of articles provides a clearer understanding of current research in Health 4.0, contributing significantly to the field and guiding future research directions.

Investigation of emergency department abandonment rates using machine learning algorithms in a single centre study

A critical problem that Emergency Departments (EDs) must address is overcrowding, as it causes extended waiting times and increased patient dissatisfaction, both of which are immediately linked to a greater number of patients who leave the ED early, without any evaluation by a healthcare provider (Leave Without Being Seen, LWBS). This has an impact on the hospital in terms of missing income from lost opportunities to offer treatment and, in general, of negative outcomes from the ED process. Consequently, healthcare managers must be able to forecast and control patients who leave the ED without being evaluated in advance. This study is a retrospective analysis of patients registered at the ED of the “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona” University Hospital of Salerno (Italy) during the years 2014–2021. The goal was firstly to analyze factors that lead to patients abandoning the ED without being examined, taking into account the features related to patient characteristics such as age, gender, arrival mode, triage color, day of week of arrival, time of arrival, waiting time for take-over and year. These factors were used as process measures to perform a correlation analysis with the LWBS status. Then, Machine Learning (ML) techniques are exploited to develop and compare several LWBS prediction algorithms, with the purpose of providing a useful support model for the administration and management of EDs in the healthcare institutions. During the examined period, 688,870 patients were registered and 39188 (5.68%) left without being seen. Of the total LWBS patients, 59.6% were male and 40.4% were female. Moreover, from the statistical analysis emerged that the parameter that most influence the abandonment rate is the waiting time for take-over. The final ML classification model achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.97, indicating high performance in estimating LWBS for the years considered in this study. Various patient and ED process characteristics are related to patients who LWBS. The possibility of predicting LWBS rates in advance could be a valid tool quickly identifying and addressing “bottlenecks” in the hospital organization, thereby improving efficiency.

Implementation of the ARIMA model for prediction of economic variables: evidence from the health sector in Brazil

In recent decades, quantitative models for forecasting economic crises have garnered significant interest from researchers, policymakers, and public and private institutions. Identifying the most appropriate models for predicting economic time series behaviors during crises is a pressing challenge. Effective techniques can be instrumental in forestalling financial irregularities, thus empowering institutions to deploy remedial actions and swiftly minimizing further economic setbacks. Contemporary literature introduces various forecasting models, such as the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. Recognized for its statistical alignment with numerous linear models, the ARIMA model has demonstrated its efficacy across various domains. This paper delves into applying the ARIMA model to predict five critical economic time series that substantially influenced Brazil’s public and private healthcare sectors throughout the economic crisis between 2000 and 2020. These time series encompassed the variables (i) the gross domestic product—GDP, (ii) the Extended National Consumer Price Index—IPCA, (iii) the unemployment rate, (iv) the total number of health plan beneficiaries, and (v) total number of individual health plan beneficiaries. Importantly, this study provides a comprehensive outline of the ARIMA implementation process, underscoring that precise forecasting is pivotal for managers aiming to curtail financial anomalies and avert resource shortages. The findings highlight the ARIMA model’s (1, 0, 2), (2, 2, 1), (0, 1, 2), (1, 1, 2), and (2, 2, 1) viability in accurately forecasting health-related time series, exceeding 95% accuracy for economic variables analyzed. These results have significant practical implications for healthcare managers and decision-makers. By offering accurate forecasts of critical economic metrics, such as the unemployment rate and the transition of beneficiaries between public and private health systems during economic downturns, this research provides valuable insights for strategic planning within the healthcare sector.

How is social support defined, categorized and measured in studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses: A scoping review.

To summarize current literature on the definition, categorization and measurement of social support in studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses. A scoping review. A literature search of four databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Web of Science) was employed to map the evidence between January 2012 and April 2023 on the definition, categorization and measurement of social support in studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in hospital settings. This review adopted Arksey and O'Malley's framework for conducting scoping reviews. Data extraction was reported using PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines and articles synthesized using a descriptive approach. Fifteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Social support was distinctly defined in only two studies. Four main categories of social support identified were Co-worker, Supervisor, Family and Overall support. Eight tools were found to measure social support, and the most used tool was the Job Content Questionnaire. The review identified that social support is often not explicitly defined. Furthermore, social support can be categorized and measured in different ways, using diverse tools. This variation may affect the understanding of social support and the approaches in measuring and providing social support in the workplace. Studies should clearly define the social support category evaluated, to facilitate comparisons between studies of nurses with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Healthcare managers should obtain feedback from nurses to ensure that the category of social support provided matches that which the nurse requires to ensure it helps the nurse from an organizational perspective. Healthy social relationships should be encouraged among nurses to promote nurses' well-being and by extension patient care. There was no patient or public involvement.

Institutional influences on healthcare service innovation: Lessons from German rehabilitation clinics.

In view of the growing need for rehabilitation worldwide due to demographic changes and health trends, healthcare organizations are facing increasing pressure to innovate. This study focuses on the institutional dynamics shaping service innovation in orthopedic rehabilitation settings in Germany. Using Scott's framework of institutional pillars and carriers, we conduct a multiple case study analysis. Based on interviews with physicians and managers from six different clinics, conducted in two rounds and supplemented by secondary data analysis, we investigate the influence of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive institutions on healthcare service innovation. By distinguishing between the various institutional barriers and facilitators, our research provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners and managers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to effectively navigate and utilize the institutional environment.

Digital national waiting time information system - View of Finnish public oral healthcare managers

ObjectivesThe study evaluated the digital national waiting time information system from the point of view of oral healthcare managers in Finland in 2021. The information system (IS) was implemented in 2014, primarily to monitor waiting times in public healthcare. The system reported the information on realised waiting times on the Internet. MethodsWe gathered the data using a cross-sectional survey. Evaluating the system was based on a modified IS success model with the dimensions of information quality, system quality, individual impact and organisational impact. We used convenience sampling when including in the study managers working in public primary oral healthcare in the spring of 2021. ResultsThe managers (n = 97) perceived it as easy to access the waiting time information on one website, but they evaluated the information as low quality. The information on realised waiting times supported them in the management of current waiting times to a minor degree. The managers associated the information inaccuracy in the national system with dental nurses’ poor data entry in electronic patient ISs in oral healthcare organisations. The inaccuracy meant that waiting time monitoring data was not valid. ConclusionsOur modified IS success model was sufficient to ascertain that poor information quality likely influenced the effectiveness of managers in information-driven waiting time management. Information must be relevant and accurate to promote the success of ISs. Further research is required to explore how to improve the design of national ISs from the point of view of different stakeholders in healthcare.

The relationship between hospital patient safety culture and performance on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services value-based purchasing metrics.

Despite the intense policy focus on reducing health-care-associated conditions, adverse events in health care settings persist. Therefore, evaluating patient safety efforts and related health policy initiatives remains critical. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between hospital patient safety culture and hospital performance on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) metrics. A pooled cross-sectional study design was used utilizing three secondary datasets from 2018 and 2021: the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, the American Hospital Association annual survey, and the Hospital Compare data from CMS. We used two multivariable linear regression models to examine the relationship between organizational patient safety culture and hospital performance. The dependent variables included the overall CMS total performance score (TPS) and the four individual TPS domain scores. Hospital patient safety culture, the independent variable, was operationalized using two measures from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: (a) the domain score of overall perceptions of patient safety and (b) the patient safety grade. We observed positive and significant associations between hospital patient safety culture and a hospital's overall TPS and the "patient and community engagement" and "safety" domains. Findings suggest that building a strong patient safety culture has the potential to lead health care organizations to achieve high performance on HVBP metrics. Our findings have important policy implications for both the future of CMS HVBP as a motivator of patient safety and how health care managers integrate culture change into programs to meet external quality metrics.

Perceived organizational support and its impact on nurses’ intention to stay in Vietnam: Psychological well-being and organizational commitment as mediators

Background & Aim: Post the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an observable escalation in the propensity of nurses to resign from their positions, which exerts substantial pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Perceived Organizational Support has been acknowledged as a pivotal factor in the retention of nursing personnel after the pandemic. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the intricate interplay between Perceived Organizational Support, Psychological Well-being, Organizational Commitment, and Nurses’ Intention to Stay in Vietnamese healthcare. Methods & Materials: This study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative design using a structured questionnaire to collect data from diverse professionals in Vietnam through an online platform. Data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM on a robust dataset of 302 valid observations. A hybrid sampling method combining convenience and snowball techniques was employed. The questionnaire was disseminated via Google Forms during March and April 2024, allowing for an insightful examination of the research phenomena within Vietnam's unique sociocultural context. Results: The study showed a significant positive impact of Perceived Organizational Support on Psychological Well-being, Organizational Commitment, and Nurses’ Intention to Stay. Perceived Organizational Support directly affects Nurses’ Intention to Stay, and Psychological Well-being emerges as a strong determinant of Nurses’ Intention to Stay and a mediator between Perceived Organizational Support and Nurses’ Intention to Stay. Conclusion: Healthcare managers play a key role in promoting Nurses’ Intention to Stay by increasing Organizational Support, promoting Psychological Well-being, and enhancing Organizational Commitment. These strategies are critical to maintaining stability within the healthcare organization, addressing nursing turnover, and maintaining a resilient workforce.

Prevalence, contributing factors and consequences of workplace bullying against nurse managers

Background/Aims Research has indicated a high prevalence of bullying among nurses, but there has been limited research into bullying among nurse managers. This study aimed to identify prevalence and consequences of workplace bullying, as well as the environmental factors that can contribute to this behaviour, towards nurse managers. Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 135 nurse managers. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire, including a workplace bullying scale, authentic leadership scale, workplace culture scale, workplace justice scale, workplace trust scale, job demand and control scales, job satisfaction scale and stress scale. Items were scored using 5-point Likert scales. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 15, with Spearman's rho correlation and logistic regression analyses performed to identify relationships between variables. Results Participants reported a high prevalence of workplace bullying from staff nurses, leaders and other colleagues (64.7%). Factors that contributed to this behaviour included ineffective leadership, high workload, low job control, injustice, distrust in the organisation and weak organisational culture. Stress and dissatisfaction were identified as consequences of bullying. Conclusions High rates of bullying against nurse managers may lead to adverse consequences, including stress and job dissatisfaction. Healthcare managers and leaders need to target environmental factors that could reduce the incidence of workplace bullying, such as strong authentic leadership, organizational culture and job demand.

Impact of School Nurse on Managing Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes with Technological Devices Support: A Systematic Review.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a disease that primarily occurs in pediatric populations. A school nurse (SN) can provide valuable support in the school setting for minors affected by this condition. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of nursing care provided to adolescents and children with T1D using technological devices in school. Qualitative and quantitative outcomes considered in the included studies were collected and discussed. A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases and reported thought the PRISMA guidelines. Eleven studies were included. The results showed that SNs need to enhance both their skills and organization to effectively manage young patients with T1D using technology. The response of both the pediatric population and their caregivers to the disease management by a SN has been positive. The management of chronic diseases is one of the most urgent public health issues, especially for Western healthcare systems. Proper management of patients with T1D at the school level is definitely an aspect that policymakers and healthcare managers should consider to improve the quality of life of this extremely vulnerable population, particularly those using technological management T1D.

User Needs and Factors Associated With the Acceptability of Audiovisual Feedback Devices for Chest Compression Monitoring in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

The use of audiovisual feedback devices to guide the quality of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation has increased in recent years. Audiovisual feedback devices can be classified as integrated (eg, Zoll AED Plus defibrillator) or standalone (eg, CPRmeter). This study aimed to explore users' needs and factors affecting the acceptability of audiovisual feedback devices. Semistructured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in lifesaving activities. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was used as a theoretical framework for the study. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model has four constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating factors. Ten themes were identified under the four constructs. The performance expectancy constructs include three themes: perceived usefulness, outcome expectation, and applicability in diverse situations. The effort expectancy construct encompasses two themes: user-friendliness and complexity. The social influence construct has two themes: social and organizational factors. Lastly, the facilitating factors construct includes three themes: staff competence, perceived cost, and compatibility of devices. Exploring the needs and factors influencing the acceptability of audiovisual feedback devices used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation will inform healthcare providers, managers, manufacturers, and procurers on how to improve the efficiency and use of these devices.

Symposium 2: Networked Learning for Life-Long Learning in Swedish Health Care

A healthy work environment in health care requires that staff feel in control and are provided with self-development opportunities, information and adequate resources, all of which lead to job satisfaction. Lifelong learning for health care staff has received increasing attention as a step towards an attractive workplace and safer care. However, people in working life demand conditions that enable them to participate in educational activities. The aim of this paper is to describe experiences of creating and distributing short, flexible and networked courses in higher education, for health care personnel’s lifelong learning. Following research questions are included: what challenges have been identified by higher education staff when creating flexible courses for lifelong learning based on networked learning? and what, in the course design, was essential for the students networked learning? The project was built on the assumption that knowledge is empowering for staff and patients, and that organizational learning and behaviour is central for quality. The sociocultural theory of learning, which claims that all humans are willing and able to learn, and that people learn when they realize that the knowledge is relevant and important to them, has inspired. One pilot course was developed, and this paper focuses on the preliminary findings for the course “Peer learning”. E-mail, memos and notes were used as data and examined with thematic analysis. The findings showed four themes that answered the aim: identifying courses in collaboration; recruiting and maintaining the participants; learning activities in the course design and improving the course. It was important to have flexibility along with some structure in the course. The three components in networked learning contributed to learning and motivation during the course: relationship between educators, gatekeepers and students, the technology in the digital classroom, and a collaborative engagement. It seems successful working together and networking between the two organizations (university and health care) for a common purpose. The conclusion focuses further on the importance of building a robust network as well as bringing new ideas and needs for lifelong learning from the health care to the university. Further data collection is needed to get additional and deeper insights of health care managers along with workforce experiences and wishes for lifelong learning.