Modern Health Facilities Research Articles

The John Sealy Hospital Fire Evacuation.

Advances in fire safety and building construction have made fires in modern health care facilities uncommon and easily contained. Therefore, emergent hospital evacuations resulting from an internal fire are rare. On January 4, 2017, a fire occurred at the John Sealy Hospital, part of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, resulting in emergent evacuation of the hospital building and an adjacent office and patient care building. The internal emergency response system was quickly activated, and more than 100 patients and 200 staff members were evacuated within 27 minutes with no fire- or smoke-related injuries. Obstacles encountered during the evacuation process included difficulties with communication and confirming patient count in a timely manner. This article describes the emergent hospital evacuation during the fire, summarizes the subsequent reflections of a multiagency after-action review, and issues a call to action for further research and publication on emergency patient evacuation.

THE GENESIS AND GROWTH OF MODERN HEALTH CARE FACILITY IN MIZORAM

Until 1894, scientific health care facility was by and large non-existent in Mizoram (the then Lushai Hills), an isolated hilly state in North East India. In their secluded life, the Mizos maintained their own culture and their traditional belief and practices, language, Codes of justice and morality. It was the British administration and the Christian missionaries who introduced modern health care facilities in the state. The Mizos seems to have been quite receptive to the new system as a result of Christian instruction and the efficacy of the new system of health care.This paper provides an outline of the growth of modern health care facilities in the state since its inception till the dawn of the new millennium. It is desirable that the facility increases over time and should cater to the growing needs of the people with the increase in population and modern health consciousness. It also attempts to throw light on the Mizos traditional concept of illness and afflictions and their own system of treatment so as to get a keener insight into how societys attitude towards modern health care system has changed over time.

How to Take Modern Healthcare Facilities to Rural India

COVID times has proved that modern healthcare facilities available in urban India can be carried to rural India. The way COVID has been managed, controlled and citizens have been vaccinated is a testimony to the fact that in spite of splurging population, we have been able to reach out to the healthcare needs of majority. Objective of this commentary is to study the present state of rural health, compare it with urban areas and check the feasibility of adoption of NinC’s Indian model of Innovation for improving the same. This commentary is based on Literature survey. Results have concluded that coverage of primary healthcare services, such as antenatal care, institutional deliveries and insurance coverage is very low among the rural poor population. Effective adoption of Ninc model would change the rural healthcare scenario.

How migration shapes modern contraceptive use among urban young women: Evidence from six African countries.

Internal migration is an important part of the transition to adulthood for many young people in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines how migration, in relation to marriage and parenthood, impacts modern contraceptive use and health facility visits amongst young urban women. We draw on Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) surveys conducted in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda (2019-2022). Our analysis is unique in being able to adjust for whether women wanted to get pregnant soon. Our sample includes women ages 15-24 years currently residing in urban areas (n = 6,225). We conducted logistic regression models clustered by village level identifier to explore the sequence of life events and the timing of migration in relation to current modern contraceptive use and recent health facility visit, a proxy for engagement with formal health services. The timing of migration matters more than the sequence of these life events. Young urban women who experienced both migration and a birth, regardless of the order, had increased contraceptive use and recent health facility visit, compared to women who had only experienced one event or neither. Young women who migrated in the past year had 24% lower odds of using a modern method (Odds Ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.63, 0.91), adjusting for demographic factors and adjusting for fertility preference (Wanting to get pregnant soon). Having had a birth was highly significant for health facility visit and among women who had had a birth, those who migrated in the last year had lower odds of a recent visit (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.41, 0.89). Results suggest an initially disruptive effect of migration. Our results suggest young women who recently migrated to urban areas may need additional support in accessing contraception and formal health services for themselves or their children.

Investigation of Power Quality In Health Care Facility

Modern healthcare facility has unique power system requirements as the power quality and reliability is a crucial feature to maintain the critical services such as surgical operations, intensive care units and other critical services. Healthcare facility has become dependent on the quality of electrical supply. This paper aims at assessing the level of harmonic pollution to a health care facility. The investigation focus on assessing the level of THD on this healthcare facilitates. Further discussion includes various ways of reducing harmonics in health care facilities from the study it was found that although there are numerous amount of harmonics producing equipments exist, the total harmonics distortion is still within the recommended level as advise by IEEE 519. There is also clear evidence that active filter using active harmonics conditioner play an important role to this instance.

The Role of Individualized Analytical Reports in Managing a Medical Entity

Abstract Introduction In the face of the increasing complexity of health care systems, growing competition and changing patient needs, modern health care facilities face the challenge of constantly improving management strategies and prac‑ tices. A key element of this process is the use of precise, adequate, and effective analytical tools. Purpose of the work presenting the most important analytical instruments used in the practice of hospital management, their impact on financial efficiency and their importance for the decision-making process in the context of the medical sector. Material and methods Analytical tools used to improve the management pro‑ cess of a medical entity were analyzed in terms of their effectiveness. Results When examining the impact of analytical methods on the financial sit‑ uation of medical facilities, it is important to focus on financial aspects, mainly related to the balance of costs and revenues. Public utility facilities operating within structures such as independent public health care facilities or budgetary units do not aim to generate profit. Conclusions 1. Hospital management must have tools that not only provide specific knowledge about the current situation, but also enable forecasting future trends and challenges. 2. Operational efficiency, financial profitability, and quality of services pro‑ vided are just some of the areas where advanced analytical methods can bring significant benefits. 3. The effectiveness of analytical tools is closely related to the ability to in‑ terpret and implement them in management practice.

Public Health Expenditure and Infant Mortality Rate in Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of public health expenditure on infant mortality rate in Nigeria from 2002 to 2021. To achieve the above objective, this study utilized data on infant mortality rate, total government expenditure on health and migration of doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria - doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria but working in other countries from OECD Health Statistics, 2021, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group, the United Nations Population Division and Statistical Bulletin of Nigeria’s apex bank. The study employed an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds testing procedure for data analyses. The results revealed that in the long run, total government expenditure on health, as well as migration of doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria - doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria but working in other countries have negative and insignificant relationship with infant mortality rate in Nigeria. However, in the short run, total government expenditure on health, as well as migration of doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria - doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria but working in other countries have positive and significant relationship with infant mortality rate in Nigeria. What this means is that though there has been expenditures on health sector in Nigeria by the government from 2002 to 2021, but the expenditures are low and couldn’t reduce infant mortality rate to a near-zero level in Nigeria. Also, in the short-term, the movement of doctors and nurses from Nigeria to others countries of the world, exacerbated infant mortality rate in Nigeria during the period of study. Based on the forgoing, it is recommended here that government should spend at least 15% of its annual budget on health sector as agreed by African leaders at Abuja in 2015. Government should also reduce the exodus of Nigerian doctors to other countries of the world. This, the government may be able to achieve by increasing budgetary allocation to healthcare sector, enhance doctors’ remuneration, ensure a better work environment with modern healthcare facilities together with general enhancements in basic life facilities including housing, health insurance, security, constant power supply and good roads.

Determinants of Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) Implementation at Puri Medika Hospital

Background: Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare facilities, encompassing administrative, medical, and financial components. Ensuring high-quality healthcare services hinges on the accuracy, continuity, and security of data, aligning with HIMS's mission. This quantitative research investigates the determinants influencing the implementation of HIMS at Puri Medika Hospital. Method: The research employs a dual-model approach, combining a modified HOT-Fit model with the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model (D&M model), facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of factors affecting HIMS implementation. Result: The study scrutinizes pathways involving human, organizational, technological, and net benefit factors, shedding light on their intricate interactions. The findings reveal that determinants such as information quality, system development, user satisfaction, system benefits, service quality, system quality, organizational structure, environment, and user adoption significantly impact HIMS implementation at Puri Medika Hospital. Conclusion: This research contributes valuable insights into enhancing HIMS effectiveness and healthcare service quality.

Ngala Ulam Tradition from a Socio-Religious Perspective: Study in Kampung Genten, Pasirhuni Hamlet, Laksana Village, Ibun District, Bandung Regency

The article explores the Ngala Ulam tradition, a unique cultural practice deeply rooted in socio-religious contexts. The study focuses on the Kampung Genteng, specifically in the Pasirhuni Hamlet, Laksana Village, Ibun District, Bandung Regency. This socio-religious perspective aims to unravel the intricate layers of meaning embedded in the Ngala Ulam tradition. The research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. By delving into the socio-religious aspects, the study unveils the significance of Ngala Ulam beyond its surface practices. It investigates how the tradition interweaves with local beliefs, community bonds, and spiritual elements. The tradition of treating toothaches with the Ngala Ulam method is a result of acculturation between the local community's beliefs and Islam. This is because before Islam entered Kampung Genteng Dusun Pasirhuni, the community had adhered to a hereditary belief in the methods of treating diseases. The presence of Islam did not clash with the local culture; instead, a fusion occurred, with Islam influencing it. This acculturation can be observed in the medium used in the Ngala Ulam practice, namely the use of cangkarud mulud beads produced from the muludan tradition. Additionally, acculturation is evident in the Ngala Ulam practice, incorporating Islamic chants and prayers. The Ngala Ulam tradition illustrates that community knowledge is a social product. The knowledge and beliefs in the Ngala Ulam ritual are products of the Kampung Genteng community. Although modern medical equipment and systems are known to the community, the people's beliefs in traditional, non-rational treatments remain strong. The continued high trust in the Ngala Ulam treatment is reinforced by factors such as the distance and cost associated with accessing modern healthcare facilities like Puskesmas.

Prophylactic Antibiotics for Vaginal Delivery: Benefits and Possible Harms

(N Engl J Med. 2023;388:1221–1223) Antiseptic techniques were discovered by Ignaz Semmelweis. Semmelweis was a physician in Hungary in the 1860s. His discovery wasn’t popular at the time he published his work, but it is now a standard practice in today’s modern healthcare facilities with procedures such as basic handwashing being used in everyday life outside of the hospital setting. Although this is now standard practice, maternal death is still often caused by infection. Infection during delivery is the third most leading cause of death among mothers, following hemorrhage and hypertension. It was reported that 810 individuals die during or following delivery every day from diseases that could be prevented by following simple antiseptic techniques. Ninety-four percent of these deaths occur in low and middle-income areas, such as Africa and Asia, with 10.7% of these deaths being directly related to infection or sepsis. The Global Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis Initiative was created by the WHO to reduce the overall rate of maternal mortality by the year 2030.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Africa

Traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, where access to modern healthcare facilities may be limited. This review article provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in traditional African medicine. Drawing upon a wide range of scholarly sources, ethnographic studies, and indigenous knowledge systems, the review explores the rich diversity of medicinal plants utilized by traditional healers and community members for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. The article examines the botanical diversity, therapeutic properties, preparation methods, and cultural significance of commonly used medicinal plants across different regions of Africa. Additionally, the review discusses the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, sustainable harvesting practices, and the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. By documenting and promoting the use of medicinal plants in traditional African medicine, this review contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of healthcare accessibility and affordability for diverse populations in Africa.

Anti-malarial and haematological evaluation of the ethanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of Chromolaena odorata

Malaria is a global health challenge with endemicity in sub-Saharan Africa, where there are multiple drug-resistant strains and limited access to modern health care facilities, especially in rural areas. Studies indicate that African traditional medicine could make a substantial contribution to the reduction of malaria-related deaths and achievement of universal health coverage (UHC), particularly in these regions. Thus, this study evaluated the curative antimalarial effects of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract using mouse model. Forty-five (45) albino mice weighing between 18 and 22 g were grouped into nine groups of 5 animals each. Animals in groups 2–9 were infected with the chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium berghei, while animals in groups 3–9 were subsequently treated with 10 mg/kg chloroquine, a combination of 1.4 mg/kg artemether and 8.75 mg/kg lumefantrine (Coartem), and varying concentrations of the fraction from the aqueous leaf extract of C. odorata at day 3 post-infection. The findings from this study indicate that treatment with 400 mg/kg of the ethanolic fraction of the crude extract resulted in a significant decrease in parasite load (97.6%), which was comparable to the activities of the conventional drugs chloroquine (98.6%) and Coartem (98.8%). The ethyl acetate and ethanolic fractions at 400 mg/kg also ameliorated the significant alterations in the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets of the infected animals. The high antimalarial activity displayed by the ethanolic fraction could be due to the presence of quercetin and kaempferol, as detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The findings suggest that the fractions from C. odorata could serve as an alternative source of malaria therapy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Perception and utilization of traditional birth attendants among women attending primary healthcare centres in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Despite the introduction of modern health facilities and safe motherhood initiative programs, some women still patronize TBAs, especially in developing countries which has caused a lot of havoc on the health of the mother and the child. This has triggered the interest of the researchers to assess the perception and level of utilization of traditional birth attendants among women in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. This study adopted a descriptive survey design, 126 women were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Two (2) research questions and two (2) hypotheses were formed for the study. The hypotheses were analyzed using PPMC and Chi-square respectively. The findings revealed a negative perception and a low utilization among women towards Traditional Birth Attendants services. The study further showed a positive insignificant relationship between utilization and perception of women (r = 0.130.; p=0.147> 0.05), also showed a positive significant relationship between the level of education and the utilization of traditional birth attendant with a p-value <0.05 (21, X2=.132.195, r=0.594). In conclusion, antenatal health education should be effective in raising awareness of issues surrounding the well-being of women and unborn children and the need to constantly make use of approved healthcare centers and skilled birth attendants for delivery. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that this study be replicated in other communities in Ogun State and even other parts of the country and that the federal government subsidize the price of maternity care to all pregnant women irrespective of their religion, age or economic status.

Factors influencing public and private healthcare utilisation in Uganda.

In Uganda, health care utilisation remains very low despite a number of government reforms that have been implemented in the health sector since the 1990's such as decentralization and removal of user fees in public health facilities among others. To examine the factors influencing public and private health care utilisation in Uganda. The study used cross sectional data from the Uganda National Household Survey collected between July 2016 and June 2017. Anderson's conceptual framework was used to identify explanatory variables associated with choice of health care providers and a multinomial logistic regression model was estimated. Out of the 17,912 individuals who sought care, 36% used a government facility, 60% used private facility while 4% had self- care/treatment. The results show that out of pocket health expenditure, age, level of education, marital status, residence, and type of illness significantly influenced choice of public healthcare providers. Similarly, utilisation of private healthcare providers was associated with household welfare, level of education, residence, marital status, illness days, and type of illness. The findings highlight the need for a national health insurance scheme to reduce out of pocket payments for health care and enable the poor and vulnerable patients visit the modern health facilities.

Assessment of Public Knowledge And Attitude Towards Crude Traditional Medicine Use In Bushenyi District. a Case Study of Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality

Herbal Medicine Has Been In Use Since The Ancient Times For The Management Of Various Ailments Even Before The Advent Of Science And Technology. World Over, A Large Percentage of The Population Uses Herbal Medicine For The Management Of Various Disease Conditions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, The situation Is Not Any Different. In Uganda And Bushenyi District, Nyakabirizi Division In Particular, Majority Of The Population Reported To Be Using Herbal Medicine And Having A Positive Attitude Towards The Use Herbal Medicines. This High Percentage Was Attributed To Poverty In The Area Which Limits The Population In Accessing Modern Health Facilities To Get Modern Drugs And Also The traditional Belief That Hernbal Remedies Are Always Safe. It Should Also Be Remembered That The Population Which Was Interviewed Was Both Men And Women Above 18 Years Of Age Who Were Most Likely Having Much Knowledge And Information Regarding Herbal Medicine Use. It Was Therefore Concluded That Majority Of The Population In The Study Area Use herbal Medicine For Treatment Of Different Disease Conditions And From This Use, Majority Reported To Experience The Expected Outcome.

Knowledge on Malaria and Health Seeking Behavior among the People of Belauri Municipality of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Malaria infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and 247 million cases of malaria in 2021, an increase from 245 million cases in 2020. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and health seeking behavior on malaria among the people of Belauri Municipality of Nepal. Method: A Cross-sectional descriptive study was done among randomly selected 387 households. Head of the households were the respondents for face to face interview. Pretested and validated tool was used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 used for data analysis. Percentages, frequency, bivariate and multivariate analysis has been to measure the distribution and level of association. Results: Overall knowledge about symptoms of malaria was good among 57.9% and who possessed a good understanding of malaria symptoms tended to seek treatment from modern health facilities during a malaria fever. Of these individuals, 43.8% sought treatment from public health facilities, while 32.7% sought treatment from private health facilities, resulting in a total of 76.5% seeking treatment from modern health facilities. However, the analysis found that the level of knowledge regarding malaria symptoms was not statistically significant (p=0.13) in relation to health-seeking behavior. Conclusions: For success of malaria prevention, programs should be designed to increase level of knowledge and also the translation of knowledge domain into appropriate health care seeking behavior in malaria fever.

Validation ofthe eHEALTH Literacy Scale (Eheals) With Military Service Members.

Medical readiness of individual service members (SMs) is an integral component of operational readiness. Electronic Health (eHealth) literacy, here defined as the ability to seek out, find, evaluate, and appraise, integrate, and apply what is gained in electronic environments toward solving a health problem, is a key skill to enhance individual medical readiness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified health literacy as an important social determinant of health. The Internet enables individuals to access information virtually anywhere, at any place, any time, which is especially beneficial for SMs who serve around the globe, often isolated from modern health care facilities. This study examined the utility of the eHealth literacy scale (eHeals) as a potentially valuable tool to assist commanders and medical teams for assessing the health literacy of SMs. The main objective of our study was to examine the validity of the three-factor eHEALS measure for an active duty sample, using confirmatory factorial analysis. Our findings support the validity of the eHEALS measure of electronic health literacy among military SMs, potentially identifying a means of measuring SMs' health literacy, and a target for intervention to increase medical readiness, well-being, and overall quality of life for individual SMs. The study highlights a brief 6-item assessment tool that can quickly and efficiently be added to the current validated health and well-being measures for military personnel. This brief assessment can provide a measure of knowledge, skills, and confidence regarding ehealth information leading to better-informed health care decisions in the military context. These findings are especially relevant given the military's current emphasis on modernization and the need to put people first in order to build the overall team and improve unit effectiveness.

Traditional health services utilization in rural Indonesia: does socioeconomic status matter?

The presence of traditional health services (THS) is expected by governments to fill the lack of modern health facilities available in rural areas. Also, the proportion of poor people in rural areas has been increasing more rapidly than it has in urban areas. The present study analyzed the socioeconomic status and THS utilization in rural Indonesia. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey. The study analyzed 357 556 adults (age ≥15 years), examining age, gender, marital status, education, and occupation as control factors, in addition to socioeconomic status (SES; with five divisions from 'lowest' to 'highest') and THS utilization. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the data. The results show that those with lower SES were 1.111 times more likely to utilize THS than those with the lowest SES (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.111; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.085-1.137). Those with middle SES were 1.113 times more likely than those with the lowest SES to utilize THS (AOR 1.113; 95%CI 1.086-1.140). Meanwhile, those with a higher SES are 1.166 times more likely than those with the lowest SES to use THS in rural Indonesia (AOR 1.166; 95%CI 1.139-1.194). Those with the highest SES were 1.166 times more likely than those with the lowest SES to use THS in rural Indonesia (AOR 1.166; 95%CI 1.134-1.200). The study concluded that SES status relates to THS utilization in rural Indonesia. All SES levels are more likely than those with the lowest SES to utilize the THS in rural Indonesia. The results indicate that although all SES levels can receive it, the lowest SES group rarely accesses THS.

Bioactive compound profile of propolis product from Beekeeping (Meliponiculture) in Turi Yogyakarta Indonesia

Medicinal bio-products have been used all over the world for the treatment and prevention of various ailments, particularly in developing countries where infectious diseases are endemic and modern health facilities and services are inadequate. There is growing evidence in the correlation of the bio-chemical constituents found in medicinal bio-products with their pharmacological activities. One source of natural bioproduct medicine is propolis from the stingless bee. The objective of this research was to analyze the composition of bioactive compunds found in the methanolic extract of raw propolis from the stingless bee farmed in the meliponiculture practice in Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The raw propolis sample was extracted with methanol by using the soxhlet extractor and the obtained crude methanolic extract was then analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The qualitative analyses of the methanolic crude extract using the GC-MS showed that the profile of the propolis’ chromatogram has different types of high and low molecular weight compounds consisting of 26 bioactive compounds which can be categorized in 3 (three) different groups: terpenoids, phenolic, and steroids. Most of the bioactive compounds are found to be biologically important. Futher research is still needed to further analyze the presence of other various bioactive compounds and to confirm and isolate their individual bio-chemical constituents for treatment of various ailment and the bioprospecting of potential antimicrobial drugs.

How to improve regulatory practices for refurbished medical devices.

Modern health-care facilities rely on medical devices and equipment. However, keeping up with the development of new technology is unfeasible for many health facilities, especially in low-resource settings. Thus, the demand for refurbished medical devices is increasing worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Refurbished medical devices are restored devices that are rebuilt to meet safety and performance requirements comparable to their condition when new, without changing the intended use of the original device. While new medical devices are controlled by well-established and stringent safety and quality regulations, a great variation in the regulations of refurbished medical devices exists across countries. Here we discuss the different regulations and practices specific to refurbished medical devices in countries of major markets. We also explore the opportunities and challenges for expanding the refurbished medical device market. Finally, we suggest that regulatory guidelines pertaining to the import, sale, labelling and use of a refurbished medical product are needed, and authorities should implement these guidelines to ensure a high quality and safety standard of refurbished devices.