NHS Workers Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Women's Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccinations: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has globally disrupted immunisation practices, impacting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women (PW), who harbour concerns about future children's immunisations. This study aimed to assess the pandemic's impact on PW's attitudes towards childhood vaccinations. During three consecutive flu seasons from October 2019 to January 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a large Italian teaching hospital using a questionnaire. The chi-square test was performed to compare each season. Across the 2019-2020 to 2021-2022 seasons, course attendance by PW surged from 105 to 340. Significant shifts in vaccination intentions were noted, including a 7.5% decrease in measles vaccination intent (p = 0.02) and a 10% decrease in that of pertussis (p = 0.004) from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021. While perceived contagion risk decreased, disease severity perceptions increased, with few significant differences. A statistically significant reduction was noted in the proportion of participants suspecting economic motives behind NHS workers' promotion of childhood vaccinations. Furthermore, the pandemic period saw an increase in the perceived utility of non-institutional websites and the advice of physicians outside the NHS. These findings will help develop evidence-based, tailored interventions and communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure optimal vaccination coverage among children born during and after the pandemic.

Negotiating the postvention situation: A grounded theory of NHS staff experiences when supporting their coworkers following a colleague’s suicide

Suicide is a leading cause of death. NHS workers, especially female nurses, have heightened vulnerability. Being impacted by a colleague’s suicide can lead to increased suicidality. Postvention refers to support following a suicide. We investigated current, available postvention for NHS workers following a colleague’s suicide and the experiences of staff who deliver it (“supporters”). Twenty-two supporters were interviewed, and data were analyzed using classic grounded theory. The theory of negotiating postvention situations was developed. Supporters must negotiate enabling and disabling elements that form a “postvention situation” and impact behaviors and postvention efficacy. Postvention delivery is emotionally burdensome. Supporters need support, which they do not always receive. Postvention can lead to learning, which can better inform future postvention. The extent to which NHS workers can effectively support colleagues will depend on their postvention situation. As such, work must be done to enable supporters to offer effective postvention in the future. Suicide; postvention; healthcare workers; grounded theory

First RCN strike in over 100 years imminent

Journal of Prescribing PracticeVol. 4, No. 12 EditorialFirst RCN strike in over 100 years imminentDeborah RobertsonDeborah RobertsonConsultant EditorSearch for more papers by this authorDeborah RobertsonPublished Online:7 Dec 2022https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2022.4.12.515AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Collins R. Nurses' strike: The young NHS workers who voted yes. 2022. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-63542551 (accessed 22 November 2022) Google ScholarCampbell D. Nurses' strike could delay surgery for up to 3m people in England. 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/11/nhs-nurses-strike-surgery-could-be-delayed (accessed 22 November 2022) Google ScholarUniversity and College Union. Biggest ever university strikes set to hit UK campuses over pay, conditions & pensions. 2022. https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/12609/Biggest-ever-university-strikes-set-to-hit-UK-campuses-over-pay-conditions--pensions (accessed 22 November 2022) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 December 2022Volume 4Issue 12ISSN (print): 2631-8385ISSN (online): 2631-8393 Metrics History Published online 7 December 2022 Published in print 2 December 2022 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Brexit and the NHS: voting behaviour and views on the impact of leaving the EU

This paper examines three aspects of Brexit with regards to the NHS. First, we consider the influence of views regarding one of the most contentious issues in the referendum campaign: Vote Leave’s claim that the ‘savings’ from EU membership could alternatively be used to provide additional funding for the NHS. We find that views about NHS underfunding had a relatively small, but statistically significant, effect on leave voting even after controlling for a range of socio-demographic and economic variables. However, the magnitude of this effect is reduced and becomes insignificant when health-related and cultural controls are added. Second, we examine how NHS workers voted relative to others in employment, and find that a relatively high proportion was actually leave voters. Finally, we analyse whether individuals thought that Brexit would have a positive or negative impact on the NHS, as well as the reason or reasons for their view. We find that supporters of the Conservative party were by far the most likely to think that Brexit would be good for the NHS.

Mandatory vaccination: is it ethical?

Mandatory – or compulsory – vaccinations are controversial, with some arguing that individuals should have the right to assert their personal decisions without state interference. The recent decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for frontline NHS workers in England, as well as those working in social care, has thrown the idea into the spotlight.

Negotiating the new normal: flexible working

British Journal of MidwiferyVol. 29, No. 10 EditorialNegotiating the new normal: flexible workingSuzannah AllkinsSuzannah AllkinsEditorSearch for more papers by this authorSuzannah AllkinsPublished Online:9 Oct 2021https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2021.29.10.545AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Carers UK. Quarter of a million NHS workers juggle job with caring unpaid for loved one. 2019. https://bit.ly/3oklWsC (accessed 29 September 2021) Google ScholarCarers UK. One in three NHS England employees juggle job with caring unpaid for a loved one. 2021. https://bit.ly/3CTRVnt (accessed 29 September 2021) Google ScholarNHS Staff Council. Flexible working in the NHS. 2021. https://bit.ly/39R0Fyi (accessed 29 September 2021) Google ScholarRoyal College of Midwives, Maternity Action. Flexible working RCM guidance paper. 2021. https://bit.ly/3kW6Mru (accessed 29 September 2021) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 October 2021Volume 29Issue 10ISSN (print): 0969-4900ISSN (online): 2052-4307 Metrics History Published online 9 October 2021 Published in print 2 October 2021 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Risks of COVID-19 by occupation in NHS workers in England

ObjectiveTo quantify occupational risks of COVID-19 among healthcare staff during the first wave (9 March 2020–31 July 2020) of the pandemic in England.MethodsWe used pseudonymised data on 902 813 individuals...

Doctors Strike During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Doctors Strike During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Reducing stress and promoting well-being in healthcare workers using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life

Background/ObjectiveHealthcare workers play a critical role in the health of a nation, yet rates of healthcare worker stress are disproportionately high. We evaluated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life (MBCT-L), could reduce stress in healthcare workers and target a range of secondary outcomes. Method: This is the first parallel randomised controlled trial of MBCT-L. Participants were NHS workers, who were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either MBCT-L or wait-list. The primary outcome was self-reported stress at post-intervention. Secondary variables were well-being, depression, anxiety, and work-related outcomes. Mixed regressions were used. Mindfulness and self/other-compassion were explored as potential mechanisms of effects on stress and wellbeing. Results: We assigned 234 participants to MBCT-L (n = 115) or to wait-list (n = 119). 168 (72%) participants completed the primary outcome and of those who started the MBCT-L 73.40% (n = 69) attended the majority of the sessions. MBCT-L ameliorated stress compared with controls (B = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.63‒3.56; d = -0.72; p < .0001). Effects were also found for well-being, depression and anxiety, but not for work-related outcomes. Mindfulness and self-compassion mediated effects on stress and wellbeing. Conclusions: MBCT-L could be an effective and acceptable part of a wider healthcare workers well-being and mental health strategy.

Biopolitics in the Time of Coronavirus

The article focuses on emergence of panoply of genres of quarantine noticed by author Joshua Clover in a blog post and mentions notion of biopolitics mentioned by philosopher Michael Foucault Topics discussed include concept of biopolitics to address the coronavirus pandemic, issue for political decision-making to be addressed by the government and city disciplinarization with inhabitants during plague pandemic

Vaccination adjuvated against hepatitis B in Spanish National Healthcare System (SNS) workers typed as non-responders to conventional vaccines

SummaryTrial Design: An interventional, phase 4, single group assignment, without masking (open label), preventive clinical trial was carried out in health workers with biological risk in their tasks, who have been filed as non-responders to conventional vaccination against Hepatitis B. Methods67 health workers with biological risk in their tasks, who have been filed as non-responders to conventional vaccination against Hepatitis B, were enrolled in the Clinical Trial. All participants were from 18 years up to 64 years old. Inclusion Criteria: NHS workers -including university students doing their internships in health centres dependent on the National Health System (inclusion of students is regulated and limited by specific instructions on labour prevention in each autonomous community)- classified as non-responders. The criteria defining them as non-responders to the conventional hepatitis B vaccine is anti HBsAb titers < 10 mUI/ml following the application of six doses of conventional vaccine at 20 μg doses (two complete guidelines). The objective of this study was to provide Health workers-staff with an additional protection tool against hepatitis B infection, and to evaluate the efficacy of the adjuvanted vaccine in healthy non-responders to conventional hepatitis B vaccine. The primary outcome was the measurement of antibody antiHBs before the first Fendrix® dose and a month after the administration of each dose. Other outcome was collection of adverse effects during administration and all those that could be related to the vaccine and that occur within 30 days after each dose. In this study, only one group was assigned. There was no randomization or masking. ResultsThe participants were recruited between April 13, 2018 and October 31, 2019. 67 participants were enrolled in the Clinical Trial and included the analyses. The primary immunisation consists of 4 separate 0.5 ml doses of Fendrix®, administered at the following schedule: 1 month, 2 months and 6 months from the date of the first dose. Once the positivity was reached in any of the doses, the participant finished the study and was not given the following doses. 68.66% (46 out 67) had a positive response to first dose of Fendrix®. 57.14% (12 out 21) had a positive response to second dose of Fendrix®. 22.22% (2 out 9) had a positive response to third dose of Fendrix and 42.96% (3 out 7) had a positive response to last dose of Fendrix®. Overall, 94.02% (64 out 67) of participants had a positive response to Fendrix®. No serious adverse event occurred. ConclusionsThe use of Fendrix®, is a viable vaccine alternative for NHS workers classified as “non-responders”. Revaccination of healthy non-responders with Fendrix®, resulted in very high proportions of responders without adverse events.Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Spanish National Trial Register (REEC), ClinicalTrials.gov and inclusion has been stopped (identifier NCT03410953; EudraCT-number 2016-004991-23).Funding: GRS 1360/A/16: Call for aid for the financing of research projects in biomedicine, health management and socio-health care to be developed in the centres of the Regional Health Management of Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon. In addition, this work has been supported by the Spanish Platform for Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), funded by the Subdirectorate General for Research Evaluation and Promotion of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), through the project PT13/0002/0039 and project PT17/0017/0023 integrated in the State Plan for R&D&I 2013–2016 and co-financed by and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Strategies to assist care staff in providing optimum care to patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

British Journal of Healthcare AssistantsVol. 14, No. 11 Health MattersStrategies to assist care staff in providing optimum care to patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemicAlan GlasperAlan GlasperEmeritus Professor of Nursing, University of SouthamptonSearch for more papers by this authorAlan GlasperPublished Online:12 Dec 2020https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2020.14.11.563AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Birchley E. Coronavirus: daughter of nurse who died after contracting COVID-19 warns second wave ‘is very real’. 2020. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-daughter-of-nurse-who-died-after-contracting-covid-19-warns-second-wave-is-very-real-12115819 (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarBritish Association of Perinatal Medicine. BAPM publishes guidance on cot capacity. 2019. https://www.bapm.org/posts/145-bapm-publishes-guidance-on-cot-capacity (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarHonigsbaum M. ‘Nurses fell like ninepins’: death and bravery in the 1918 flu pandemic. 5 Apr 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/05/nurses-fell-like-ninepins-death-and-bravery-in-the-1918-flu-pandemic (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarKieft RA, de Brouwer BB, Francke AL, Delnoij DMJ. How nurses and their work environment affect patient experiences of the quality of care: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2014 Jun 13;14:249. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-14-249 Crossref, Google ScholarLintern S. Coronavirus: Deaths of hundreds of frontline NHS and care workers to be investigated. 11 August 2020. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-nhs-deaths-healthcare-workers-covid-care-doctors-nurses-a9665386.html (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarMcVicar A. Workplace stress in nursing: a literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2003 Dec;44(6):633–642. doi: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0309-2402.2003.02853.x Crossref, Google ScholarNational Audit Office. The NHS nursing workforce. 2020. https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-NHS-nursing-workforce.pdf (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Staffing levels. 2020. https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/search?ps=50&q=staffing+levels (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarNeill D. Nursing workload and the changing health care environment: a review of the literature. Administrative Issues Journal. 2011;1(2):132–143 Crossref, Google ScholarRoyal College of Nursing. Staffing levels. 2020. https://www.rcn.org.uk/get-help/rcn-advice/staffing-levels (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarUnison. Our members. 2020. https://www.unison.org.uk/about/our-organisation/our-members/ (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarWest M, Bailey S, Williams E. The courage of compassion: supporting nurses and midwives to deliver high-quality care. 2020. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/courage-compassion-supporting-nurses-midwives (accessed 10 November 2020) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 December 2020Volume 14Issue 11ISSN (print): 1753-1586ISSN (online): 2052-4420 Metrics History Published online 12 December 2020 Published in print 2 December 2020 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Famous photographer salutes NHS workers: NHS England

Famous photographer salutes NHS workers: NHS England

Sixty seconds on . . . the clap.

Ah ha, got you! No, I’m talking about the weekly “clap for our carers” that has seen the public standing on their doorsteps each Thursday for the past 10 weeks, clapping in support of NHS and frontline workers. Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas is the woman credited with launching the initiative. She was inspired by people in other countries showing their gratitude for key workers through mass applause.1 There has been. …

Rising to the challenge of COVID-19

Journal of Prescribing PracticeVol. 2, No. 5 EditorialFree AccessRising to the challenge of COVID-19Tom AllawayTom AllawayEditorSearch for more papers by this authorTom AllawayPublished Online:12 May 2020https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2020.2.5.213AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Tom AllawayIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am humbled by the stories I am hearing from the frontline about you, our healthcare workers. From talking to many of the journal's regular contributors who are working day-to-day to help the public in their roles, I can only begin to comprehend the sacrifice you are making.Of course, the news is largely consumed with news of the pandemic, and it can be an overwhelming experience watching every day. As the number of deaths continues to grow, I think it is important to consider how many lives have also been saved. Whether progress is being made quickly enough is questionable; the UK government today (29 April 2020) announced the virus testing is now being extended to millions more, including any of those who can't work from home, all care home residents and staff and those over 65 (BBC News, 2020). No 10 aims to hit its target of 100 000 tests per-day by tomorrow, with just over 43 000 taking place as of Monday – by the time this issue is published, we will know whether this target was reached. One statistic indicating that the measures in place may be working is the number of people in hospital with illnesses related to COVID-19 has fallen from a peak of 21 000 on April 13 to 15 796 on April 27 (Giles, 2020). There is continued concern about the government's failings to provide the necessary PPE to healthcare workers, which will undoubtedly continue to be an invaluable resource that should be considered an unquestionable necessity at such a time. Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, told BBC News (2020b) ‘we have been moving heaven and earth’ to get sufficient PPE to the frontline in a ‘mammoth effort’. We shall see if these promises are met.Yesterday, like many others around the country, I partook in the one-minute silence to remember the healthcare and key workers we have lost thus far during the pandemic. Andrea Sutcliffe, the chief executive and registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said: ‘our tribute in silence…is as important as the noisy cheering for the NHS, social care and key workers on a Thursday evening’.As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases sits at 161 145 and 21 678 deaths (Worldometer, 2020). This figure is going to rise, but I have faith your continued perseverance against the virus will win out. If there is one thing I have learnt from being the editor of this journal over the past five months, it is that the NMP community will continue to rise to the challenges faced – your resilience and determination should never be underestimated.Here at the Journal of Prescribing Practice, I'm doing my best to stay on top of the many Rapid Guidelines that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are publishing to guide prescribing for conditions that put patients in the ‘at-risk’ category. Some of these can be found in our Updates page (p214) this week. Elsewhere, our regular contributor Ruth Paterson examines the continued guidance and treatment on those presenting to hospital with suspected severe COVID-10 infection (p220).Once again: take care, stay safe, and thank you. References BBC News. Coronavirus: Testing opens for millions more people in England. 2020a. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52466814 (accessed 29 April 2020) Google ScholarBBC News. Coronavirus: PM ‘focused on PPE delivery’ on return to work. 2020b. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52455778 (accessed 29 April 2020) Google ScholarGiles, G. How close is the UK to easing the coronavirus lockdown. 2020. https://www.ft.com/content/d0dc03f2-eafa-497e-a982-c10b147605ed (accessed 29 April 2020) Google ScholarWorldometer. Coronavirus. 2020. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/uk/ (accessed 29 April 2020) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 May 2020Volume 2Issue 5ISSN (print): 2631-8385ISSN (online): 2631-8393 Metrics History Published online 12 May 2020 Published in print 2 May 2020 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

COVID‐19: diabetes and death. A call to action

<scp>COVID</scp>‐19: diabetes and death. A call to action

Women empowering women

Seventy-seven per cent of NHS workers are female, yet only 37% are in senior positions.1 Women have represented the majority of medical school cohorts for over a decade, but this is not translating into increased numbers of women in consultant or leadership roles. Women comprise only 36% of consultants, 13% of surgeons and 25% of medical directors.1–3 Gender balance at the top leads to effective financial and quality performance, and there is clear evidence the culture of any organisation is connected to the behaviours of the board and senior leaders.4 Women bring unique qualities that …

Eric Robert Beck: cofounder of the Doctors Award Redistribution Scheme and major contributor to medical education

In 1983, after a pay award to doctors that was far greater than that for non-medical NHS workers, Eric Beck was the senior author of a letter in the Times...

Freedom to speak up – the role of freedom to speak up guardians and the National Guardian’s Office in England

Following the events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, Sir Robert Francis was commissioned to undertake a public inquiry. During this process, from speaking to NHS workers and from the evidence submitted to the inquiry, he found that staff had tried to speak up about their concerns, but that they had been ignored, or victimised as a result. This experience was not confined to Mid Staffordshire and a further report, Freedom to speak up, was commissioned. Freedom to speak up made two recommendations, which were accepted by all NHS organisations and the Department of Health. The report included principles and actions about the culture and practice in the NHS, the appointment of freedom to speak up guardians in NHS trusts and foundation trusts and a national guardian to lead this network, undertake case reviews and provide support and challenge to the system. In this article, I will describe the work of freedom to speak up guardians and the National Guardian's Office, the impact of these on workers in NHS trusts and other organisations, and the next steps in the journey to make speaking up business as usual.

District nurses must guard against inappropriately accessing patient records.

Two NHS workers were recently disciplined after inappropriately accessing the records of the singer Ed Sheeran who had required treatment for a fractured wrist and elbow after falling from his bicycle ( Embury-Dennis 2018 ). The increasingly common use of electronic records across the NHS now allows nurses, including district nurses, to access a large archive of patient information that was much more difficult to obtain when records were manually held paper records. There have been several instances where curiosity and, occasionally, more malicious reasons have led district nurses and others to access those records and read the notes of high profile patients or persons known to them. In this article Richard Griffith cautions that district nurses who access and read the record of a person who is not in their care is in breach of both their duty of confidence and the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation 2016/679 EU ).