Opinions Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Attitudes toward herbal medicine for COVID-19 in healthcare workers: A cross-sectional observational study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected working life all over the world, and the employees with the highest risk of transmission have been those in the health sector. Since there are currently no effective treatments for COVID-19, there have been numerous attempts to find alternative treatments for both the spread of the infection and its treatment. These efforts have included the use of herbal extracts to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of contracting the infection. This study explored the attitudes of healthcare workers toward the consumption of COVID-19 herbal medicine (HM) products. This is an online, cross-sectional observational study. In total, 1335 participants were reached. It was observed that 722 (54%) of them preferred herbal treatments during the pandemic period. The attitudes of HM toward 327 (45.3%) healthcare workers and 395 (54.7%) general population participants were examined. Both groups had high rates of use of HM as a COVID-19 preventive measure (68.8 percent and 67.1 percent, respectively). While its use was higher among healthcare workers during infection (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.32-3.03), its use was higher in the non-healthcare group for post-COVID problems (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.74). The opinion of healthcare professionals was that HM was more efficient (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19-21.15). All participants' main incentive to utilize HM was family advice (n = 194, 26.9%). A total of 90 (12.4%) participants reported side effects. Vomiting-nausea were the most typical adverse effects (38.9%). The herb most frequently utilized was ginger (54%). Healthcare workers use HM at rates that are the same as those of the general population. Both its use during infections and the idea that it is effective are more common among healthcare professionals than in the general population.

Determining acceptance and perceptions of chemotherapy dose banding in an ambulatory cancer centre.

Despite the advantages of dose banding (DB) and numerous plans to adopt this practice, uptake of DB is still poor. As opinions of healthcare professionals were deemed essential in DB's acceptance, this study surveyed key stakeholders to determine the acceptance, facilitators, and barriers of DB in chemotherapy to improve its implementation. A cross-sectional study at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, involving physicians, nurses, and pharmacy staff, was conducted in February 2022. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was adapted to design a survey questionnaire to obtain the acceptance, facilitators, and barriers of DB. Additional questions on maximum acceptable dose variance and essential criteria for selecting drugs for DB were included. A total of 93 participants responded, with a mean 9.75 ± 7.37 years of clinical experience. Less than half have heard of DB while few had prior experience. Drug cost was the top selection criteria for DB, followed by toxicity, therapeutic index, frequency of use and drug wastage. Acceptance rate of DB was 41.9%, with majority agreeing to use DB in various drugs but to determine patient suitability before usage. Being greatly affected by subjective norms, having a positive outlook for DB's impacts, and no effect on toxicity significantly influenced acceptance. Prior to implementing DB at the institutional level, educational training addressing concerns over toxicity, and providing technological support can help improve acceptance. Future studies can involve patients' perspectives and more institutions for greater diversity in opinions.

Physical Restraints in a Mental Hospital Emergency Unit: Facts vs Perceptions of Healthcare Workers

IntroductionCoercion is a general term used to refer to a series of actions, ranging from involuntary treatments to forced interventions, which can be ethically, legally and clinically challenging for both professionals and service-users. Perception of healthcare professionals on restraint practices is in important factor determining the clinical outcomes.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine i) the differences between the estimates of healthcare professionals working in the Emergency Unit of Erenköy Psychiatric and Neurological Training and Research Hospital (Erenköy RSHEAH) regarding physical restraint practices and the real use and outcome values ii) the knowledge, attitudes and opinions of healthcare professionals on such procedures.MethodsThe study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional online survey. All healthcare professionals working in the Emergency Unit of Erenköy RSHEAH (with a catchment area of 5 million people) who agreed to participate in the study and who were not part of the research team were included. Sociodemographic information, information about working experience, and estimates of physical restraint practices in the last month were questioned. Attitudes and opinions towards these practices were evaluated with 5-point Likert-type questions. Ethical approval was obtained from Erenköy RSHEAH Clinical Ethics Committee (Decision No: 40, 18.07.2022).ResultsA total of 55 healthcare workers (31 trainees, 10 specialist psychiatrists, 6 nurses, 8 security personnel) participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 32±6.4 years (24-50, min-max) and 52.7% were female. The mean duration of employment in the health sector and current institution were 6.6±5.7 (1-22, min-max), and 4.1±4.1 (1-17, min-max) years, respectively. The estimated mean rate of physical restriction was 13.5±13% (2-60, min-max). However, the actual median rate was 4% (0 - 8.8% min-max) in the same month. The estimated mean duration of physical restraint was reported as 87.8±54.1 (20-300, min-max) minutes, whereas the median actual duration of physical restraint was 60 minutes. No significant relationship was found between the estimates of duration, rates and complication rates of of physical restraint and the duration of professional experience (p>0.05). A significant difference was found between professional groups in terms of restraint duration and complication rate (p<0.05), as well as their opinions regarding the appropriateness of restraint practices with the legal framework (Table 1).Image:ConclusionsIt was observed that healthcare workers had a misperception regarding the rate and duration of physical restraints, which were perceived as higher than the actual values. Thus, the restraint interventions were perceived to be more negative than they actually are. Correction of such misperceptions should become part of the continous educational processes of all professional groups.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Vaccination against COVID-19: the opinion of healthcare professionals

<h3></h3> Необходимым условием эффективности вакцинопрофилактики является формирование достаточного уровня коллективного иммунитета в обществе. Прямое влияние на степень приверженности населения к этому методу оказывает непосредственное отношение медицинских сотрудников к вакцинации. <h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Изучить отношение медицинских работников к вакцинации против COVID-19. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> Использован метод социологического опроса по авторской анкете с применением GoogleForm. В опросе приняло добровольное участие 450 медиков в возрасте от 25 до 70 лет. Исследование имело поперечный характер, проведено осенью 2021 г. <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ И ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ</h3> Большинство (86,8%) врачей и практически все (96,1%) медицинские сестры из числа опрошенных привиты против COVID-19. При изучении мотивации к вакцинопрофилактике установлена прямая средней силы статистически значимая корреляционная связь между приверженностью к вакцинации против COVID-19 и появлением чувства безопасности (<i>r</i>_xy=0,346; <i>p</i>&lt;0,05). Наиболее частые причины отказа медиков от вакцинации: страх осложнений, наличие убеждений о низкой защите от инфекции и последующем снижении иммунитета. По мнению работников здравоохранения, к наиболее действенным средствам профилактики в порядке убывания относились здоровый образ жизни, отсутствие страха заболеть, вакцинация, препараты, стимулирующие иммунитет, применение барьерных средств защиты и другие способы. <h3>ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ</h3> Проблема неоднозначного отношения медицинских работников к вакцинопрофилактике против COVID-19 действительно существует и заслуживает самого пристального внимания. Исходя из сложности и многогранности поднятого вопроса, следует отметить наличие оснований для продолжения исследований об отношении медиков к вакцинации.

Opinions of Healthcare Professionals on Hand Hygiene Use and Evaluation of Hand Hygiene Compliance Rates

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the hand hygiene habits, beliefs, and practice levels of healthcare workers. Materials and Methods: A total of 238 healthcare workers were included in this cross-sectional survey study. The first part of the questionnaire included sociodemographic data and questions about hand hygiene habits, while the second part included questions from the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale (HHBS) and Hand Hygiene Practice Inventory (HHPI). Results: Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.16±8.54 years and 147 (61.8%) of them were male. The majority of the participants were nurses/health officers (n=92, 36.8%). The rate of those who had previously participated in in-service training was 58.4%. The mean HHBS score was 79.79 and the mean HHPI score was 60.08. The mean HHBS score was higher in women than in men (p=0.003). In terms of occupational groups, the mean HHBS score of physicians (p=0.024) and the mean HHPI score of nurses/health officers (p=0.006) were higher. It was determined that the mean HHPI score of the employees working in internal clinics was higher than those working in surgical clinics (p=0.044), while there was no significant difference in terms of the mean HHBS score. The mean HHPI was higher in participants who received in-service training on hand hygiene (p=0.004). Participants who spent &lt;15 seconds on average while washing their hands had a lower mean HHPI than participants who spent a longer time washing their hands (p=0.003). Conclusion: In the study, it was found that the belief in hand hygiene was high and the practice was generally adopted. The fact that employees especially in surgical departments paid less attention to hand hygiene practice was an important problem. Increasing the frequency of in-service pieces of training to increase compliance with hand hygiene and eliminating the preventive factors will be extremely beneficial for reducing nosocomial infections.

Barriers and enablers to deprescribing in long-term care: A qualitative investigation into the opinions of healthcare professionals in Ireland.

The prevalence of polypharmacy increases with age, increasing the exposure of older adults to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Deprescribing has been shown to reduce PIMs for older residents in long-term care; however, deprescribing is not universally implemented. This study aims to identify the barriers and enablers to deprescribing in Irish long-term care facilities from the healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspective. A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews with HCPs working in long-term care (general practitioners, pharmacists and nurses). Purposive sampling with maximum variation was applied to select long-term care sites to identify HCPs, supplemented with convenience sampling of post-graduate HCPs from University College Cork. Data was thematically analysed and mapped to a framework of deprescribing barriers and enablers informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Twenty-six HCPs participated from 13 long-term care facilities. The main barriers and enablers identified mapped to five domains. Barriers included insufficient resources, lack of co-ordination between healthcare settings and negative social influences. Additional barriers exist in private settings including deprescribing awareness, commitment and the need for incentives. Deprescribing enablers included interprofessional support and patient social influence. To encourage deprescribing, potential enablers include HCP education, pharmacist role expansion and tailored deprescribing guidelines within a structured process. Interventions to support deprescribing should build on existing systems, involve stakeholders and utilise guidelines within a structured process. Any intervention must account for the nuanced barriers and enablers which exist in both public and private settings.

Quality of life and home parenteral nutrition: a survey of UK healthcare professionals' knowledge, practice and opinions.

There is increasing interest in the assessment of health-related quality of life (QoL) in the care of patients treated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN). However, it is not known whether healthcare professionals (HCPs) have embedded QoL assessment into routine clinical practice in line with current guidelines to favour a more holistic approach to HPN care. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, current practice and the opinions of HCPs regarding QoL in care of patients on HPN. An online survey was distributed via email to HCPs working with HPN patients throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Participants were identified using a mailing list for the British Intestinal Failure Alliance, a specialist group within the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. The survey was completed by 67 professionals comprising 24 dietitians, 17 nurses, 14 gastroenterologists, 6 pharmacists, 5 surgeons and 1 psychologist. Of these, 54 (80%) participants agreed that the measurement of QoL is useful. In contrast, 38 (57%) of all participants, including 27 (50%) of those participants who agreed that the measurement of QoL was useful, never measured QoL. Knowledge of QoL literature was rated as poor or very poor by 27 (40%) participants. Despite the perceived usefulness and importance of QoL assessment, very few HCPs embed it into clinical practice. Knowledge of QoL literature and QoL tools is variable, and there is significant variability in QoL practice. This is clear in terms of the frequency of QoL assessments and heterogeneity in methodology. In contrast, there was almost unanimous agreement that the complications associated with HPN contribute to poorer QoL. There is a need for specific, evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines detailing how to define and measure QoL in this patient population.

Understanding HCP views about delivering a rehabilitation programme for people living with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background People living with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can experience symptoms such as palpitation, dyspnea, fatigue and dizziness which lead to reduced physical activity levels and quality of life [1,2]. Current management of AF mainly focus on pharmacological treatments and invasive procedures, while no routine prescription of exercise or rehabilitation programme is offered. Purpose To assess the views and opinions of healthcare professionals about delivering a tailored exercise/cardiac rehabilitation programme to people living with AF, and to explore the barriers in referral to this programme. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted online between April and September 2021 for healthcare professionals who are involved in the care for adults with AF in UK. A range of professions were targeted, including general practitioners, cardiac physicians, physiotherapists and nurses. The survey comprised twelve questions designed to explore healthcare professional views about rehabilitation programmes for adults with AF, factors influencing their decision to recommend rehabilitation and barriers to the referral process. Results Overall, n=209 participants responded from a wide range of disciplines (57% female, 43% specialist arrhythmia nurses). The majority of participants agreed that a rehabilitation programme would be beneficial to support patients to perform daily activities (127, 61%), with n=123, 58% agreeing that rehabilitation programme would be beneficial in reducing breathlessness and would reduce other symptoms such as palpitation (108, 52%). Nearly all the healthcare professional (n=206/99%) suggested that a tailored programme should include information about AF (206, 99%), weight management and symptom management (n=197, 94%) aside from exercise. The factors that strongly influence their decision to refer to a rehabilitation programme included patients with low physical activity levels (n=166, 80%) and low exercise tolerance (n=157, 76%). The main barrier in referring to the programme was transportation problems (n=128, 62%) (Figure 1). The majority reported that home based programme would be the best way to deliver the programme (166, 79%) (Figure 2). Conclusions The responses indicate the enthusiasm for a programme targeting people with AF, poor activity levels was the main reason for referral. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

VP.32 Living with Pompe disease in the UK: characterising the patient journey; burden on physical and emotional quality of life; and impact of COVID-19

Pompe disease is a rare, progressive, multisystemic disease. We evaluated the burden, unmet needs and management landscape of people living with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) based on their own experiences and the opinions of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The objectives were to better understand the experiences of LOPD patients in the UK, including their diagnostic and treatment journeys; the impact of LOPD on quality of life; their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the concordance between patients' and HCPs' perceptions of living with LOPD. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 participants living with LOPD (male, n=13 [48%]; mean age, 56 years; mean age at diagnosis, 43 years). Interviews revealed that the diagnostic process was typically long and distressing, with most participants emphasising a desire for reduced times to diagnosis, referral to a specialist and treatment initiation. The most frequently reported LOPD-associated symptoms were walking difficulties (n=27, 100%) and fatigue (n=26, 96.3%). For many participants, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a period of increased anxiety and physical deterioration. In-depth qualitative interviews were also conducted with 8 HCPs (specialist nurses, n=4; metabolic consultants, n=2; cardiologist, n=1; physiotherapist, n=1): although HCPs had similar views to patients of the challenges of living with LOPD and patients' unmet needs, their responses suggested a reduced awareness of the acute emotional changes experienced by patients at different stages of the disease journey. HCPs emphasised the need to manage patients' expectations around available therapies, and that the increased use of technology in consultations and treatment was a positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from this study further characterise the challenges faced by people living with LOPD, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reimbursement practices for use of digital devices in atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias: a European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

Since digital devices are increasingly used in cardiology for assessing cardiac rhythm and detecting arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF), our aim was to evaluate the expectations and opinions of healthcare professionals in Europe on reimbursement policies for the use of digital devices (including wearables) in AF and other arrhythmias. An anonymous survey was proposed through announcements on the European Heart Rhythm Association website, social media channels, and mail newsletter. Two hundred and seventeen healthcare professionals participated in the survey: 32.7%, reported regular use of digital devices, 45.2% reported that they sometimes use these tools, 18.6% that they do not use but would like to. Only a minority (3.5%) reported a lack of trust in digital devices. The survey highlighted a general propensity to provide medical consultation for suspected AF or other arrhythmias detected by a consumer-initiated use of digital devices, even if time constraints and reimbursement availability emerged as important elements. More than 85% of respondents agreed that reimbursement should be applied for clinical use of digital devices, also in different settings such as post-stroke, post-cardioversion, post-ablation, and in patients with palpitations or syncope. Finally, 73.6% of respondents confirmed a lack of reimbursement fees in their country for physicians' consultations (tracings interpretation) related to digital devices. Digital devices, including wearables, are increasingly and widely used for assessing cardiac rhythm and detecting AF, but a definition of reimbursement policies for physicians' consultations is needed.

Analysis of current situation and attitudes on reorganization and optimization of staffing for efficient work processes management in health centers of Sarajevo Canton

Introduction: Healthcare reengineering is a powerful methodology of change that helps organizations rearrange priorities, provide cost-effective treatment, and increase the quality of patient care.Aim: To determine the attitudes and opinions of healthcare professionals according to the needs for reorganization processes, evaluation of the profession and responsibilities for performing more complex jobs and tasks. Material and methods: The study is theoretical and empirical. An exploratory method and a descriptive analytical method for research using a questionnaire instrument were used to collect secondary data. The study was conducted among 108 healthcare professionals who completed one of the studies at the Faculties of Health Studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and who are employed in the Public Healthcare Centers of Sarajevo Canton and among 6 managers of regional Healthcare Centers in Sarajevo Canton. Two original author questionnaires created on the basis of practical experience were used as a study instrument. The study was conducted in the period from September 1st to November 30th, 2019.Results: Out of the total number, 87% of respondents believe that they are fully ready to take on new, more demanding tasks within their work, and 67% of them believe that they have enough education to perform more responsible jobs. In most cases, the heads of institutions expressed a positive attitude towards taking on greater obligations and responsibilities in the work process. Only 50% of the heads of institutions state that they have a strategic plan for reorganization and optimization of staff with a degree in healthcare.Conclusion: Healthcare professionals who have completed their studies at Faculties of Health Studies can competently perform more complex and responsible jobs and tasks in health centers with additional training, which is confirmed by their managers. It is necessary to adopt a Strategic Plan for the development, reorganization and optimization of health personnel at the level of primary healthcare, which would significantly improve the quality of work.

Practices and perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals on shared decision-making in nephrology

BackgroundGiven the complexity and variety in treatment options for advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), shared decision-making (SDM) can be a challenge. SDM is needed for making decisions that best suit patients’ needs and their medical and living situations. SDM might be experienced differently by different stakeholders. This study aimed to explore clinical practice and perspectives on SDM in nephrology from three angles: observers, patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. First, in the quantitative part of the study, outpatient consultations with patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 20 ml/min) were video recorded and SDM was assessed using the OPTION5 instrument. Subsequently, in the qualitative part, patients and HCPs reflected on their own SDM behaviour during individual stimulated recall interviews which were analysed using deductive thematic content analysis.ResultsTwenty nine consultations were recorded and observed in seven hospitals. The mean SDM score was 51 (range 25–80), indicating that SDM was applied to a moderate extent. The stimulated recall interviews with patients showed that they rely on the information provision and opinion of HCPs, expect consistency and support, and desire a proactive role. They also expect to be questioned by the HCP about their SDM preferences. HCPs said they were willing to incorporate patients’ preferences in SDM, as long as there are no medical contraindications. They also prefer patients to take a prominent role in SDM. HCPs ascribe various roles to themselves in supporting patients’ decision-making.ConclusionsAlthough SDM was applied by HCPs to a moderate extent, improvement is needed, especially in helping patients get the information they need and in making sure that every patient is involved in SDM. This is even more important given the complex nature of the disease and the relatively high prevalence of limited health literacy among patients with chronic kidney disease.

Knowledge and Opinions of Healthcare Professionals about Thirdhand Smoke: A Multi-National, Cross-Sectional Study.

There is scarce evidence on the knowledge and opinions about third-hand smoke (THS) of health care professionals. The main aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and opinions of health care professionals about THS and, secondarily, to explore the factors that are associated with this knowledge. Cross-sectional study using a snowball sample of multi-national health care professionals (n = 233). Data were obtained from an exploratory, online questionnaire. The health care professionals’ knowledge and opinions on THS were described with absolute frequency and percentage. Chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests, and simple logistic regression models, were used to explore the bivariate association between the knowledge of the concept THS and sex, continent of birth, educational level, occupation, years of experience, and attitude towards smoking. Finally, a multivariable logistic regression model incorporating all the above variables was fitted. A total of 65.2% of the participants were unaware of the term THS before the study began. In the bivariate analysis, an association was found between prior knowledge of the term THS and continent of birth (p-value = 0.030) and occupation (p-value = 0.014). In the multivariable logistic regression model, a significant association was observed between prior knowledge of the concept THS and sex (p-value = 0.005), continent of birth (p-value = 0.012), and occupation (p-value = 0.001). Almost two out of three health care professionals who participated in our study did not know what THS was. Educational activities on this topic should be implemented.

Experience and opinions of healthcare professionals on COVID-19 and inactive COVID-19 Vaccine (Coronavac, developed by sinovac of china)

It is aimed to determine the opinions and experiences of healthcare professionals about COVID-19, inactive COVID-19 vaccine and the frequency of hesitation, vaccine rejection, and vaccination status, and to analyze the reasons for vaccine rejection and the contributing factors. The research is a cross-sectional study, and the universe of the study consists of all healthcare personnel (7200 people) working in hospitals. The independent variables of the questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, descriptive questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, and the COVID-19 Fear Scale. A value of p &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found that 26.2% (184) of the healthcare workers participating in the study were diagnosed with COVID-19. 53.7% of the participants reported that they provided health care for COVID-19 patients. When the vaccine preferences of the participants were questioned, 42.2% stated that they would prefer the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine, 30.1% Turkish vaccine, 22.4% German BioNTechPfizer vaccine, 1.7% American Moderna vaccine, 3.1% English Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, and 0.6% the Russian Gamaleya vaccine. When the reasons for anti-vaccine attitude were questioned, 44.2% of the participants stated that they did not think the vaccine was safe. When we compared the COVID-19 Fear Scale scores according to the characteristics of the participants, we found that individuals in the 35-44 age group got higher COVID-19 Fear Scale scores than the other groups (p&lt;0.05). When the median scores of the profession groups were compared, the median scores of nurses/midwives/paramedics were found to be higher than the other groups (p&lt;0.05). Awareness in the population can be raised and confusion can be eliminated by healthcare professionals by speaking clearly and decisively, based on experience in previous epidemics.

The study of opinions of healthcare professionals on the role and functions of pharmaceutical workers in the modern system of palliative care for children

Aim. To study opinions of healthcare professionals on the role and functions of pharmaceutical workers in the modern system of palliative care for children and identify the most important and promising areas of partnership with other providers of palliative care.Materials and methods. The sociological, statistical, quantitative expert-analytical methods were used in the study. The study was conducted during 2018-2020.Results. According to the results of the analysis of the opinions of experts –employees of specialized healthcare institutions, the average level of agreement on the role and functions of pharmaceutical specialists in providing palliative services has been determined. In addition, the directions for cooperation of pharmacy specialists with other healthcare professionals in the context of palliative services have been identified. As promising areas of partnership we have identified: providing the availability of medicines, special food, medical devices; managing potential and actual problems of pharmacotherapy; informing medical specialists, patients / caregivers about the rational use of medicines, etc.Conclusions. The palliative care providers who presented the expert group have noted the expediency and necessity of participation of pharmaceutical specialists in the work of the multidisciplinary palliative care team and focused on the importance of organizing unimpeded provision of pharmaceutical care to palliative care patients.

Treatment Decisions in Pediatric Sports Medicine: Do Personal and Professional Bias Affect Decision-Making?

Background:Personal and professional biases can affect decision-making regarding important issues in pediatric sports medicine. Gaining insight into the opinions of health care professionals who specialize in pediatric sports medicine will provide information that may be useful for directing ongoing research in this field.Hypothesis:It was hypothesized that surgeons would demonstrate bias toward early surgical intervention versus nonsurgeons. In addition, it was hypothesized that youth sports medicine professionals who were parents of a child with a previous major sports injury or concussion would be less likely to allow their child to play American tackle football or return to football after a concussion.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:An online survey was provided to the active members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society. We used both professional background information and responses to questions related to personal experiences with youth sports injuries to determine potential factors associated with underlying biases. Survey responses among subgroups were compared using the Fisher exact test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate years in practice versus opioid use.Results:Of the survey participants, 62.5% were pediatric surgeons, and 37.5% represented different nonsurgical youth sports medicine professions. Surgeons were less likely than nonsurgeons to agree to allow their child to return to football after sustaining a concussion and completing a concussion protocol (48% vs 76%, P = .013). Surgeons were more likely than nonsurgeons to agree to both elective shoulder stabilization after a first-time dislocation and elective drilling of a stable knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) before nonoperative treatment (41% vs 10%, P = .003 and 52% vs 23%, P = .013, respectively). Those who reported having a child with a concussion history were more likely to support him or her returning to football after a concussion (65% vs 33%, P = .026).Conclusion:Surgeons were more likely to favor elective shoulder-stabilization surgery after a first-time dislocation and drilling of a stable knee OCD instead of nonoperative management. Personal experience of having a child who sustained a major sports injury or concussion did not demonstrate a bias against participation in football or return to football after a concussion.

The Year of Enduring COVID-19: Typology of Attitudes Displayed by Health Care Professionals in Ukraine

Aim. Identification and construction of the typology of attitudes of health care professionals in Ukraine to the current COVID-19 situation and vaccination process. Methods. Transcripts of 49 semi-structured interviews subjected to thematic analysis constituted the subject matter of the analysis. On the basis of the categories identified within the thematic analysis process, a typology was developed, with due account of two parameters: the idea about the origin of the virus: artificial or natural, and the attitude of the informants to the policy (implementation of policy decisions) chosen by the authorities to fight the virus. Combination of these two parameters gives four standpoints—types of attitude of health care professionals to the risks associated with COVID-19. Results and conclusion. Analysis of the results has enabled to outline the problem field for assessing the risk of COVID-19, which includes three topics, as well as to point out four typical standpoints in the attitude displayed by health care professionals that are marked as “magical thinking,” “technological thinking,” “negativistic thinking,” “critical thinking.” Originality. The research was conducted during the third wave of coronavirus in Ukraine, therefore, it reflects the analysed opinions of health care professionals about the threat of COVID-19 and vaccination process. The fact that the research was performed using qualitative methods ensured focusing on subjective peculiarities of the perception of changes in the COVID-19 situation.

The Medical Science Liaison Role in Spain: A Survey About the Opinion of HealthCare Professionals.

Purpose/AimThere are limited studies addressing the knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role. The objective of this study was to determine the percentage of HCPs that know the role, and to describe their opinion about the utility of the MSL activities on their clinical practice.MethodsAn online survey was completed by 107 HCPs between June 2019 and January 2020 through three Scientific Societies. It consisted of 17 or 25 questions, depending on the answers.ResultsMost HCPs (73.8%) knew the MSL role inside the pharmaceutical industry and were able to differentiate the MSL role from others in marketing/sales departments (77.6%). Support for research projects (70.8%) and training courses (68.1%) were the most valuable activities. Participants scored the credibility of data provided by the MSL with a mean of 7.5 (out of 10), and the added value that the MSL provides to their clinical practice with a mean of 6.9. Among HCPs unfamiliar with the role (26.2%), 60% of them are interested in meeting with the local MSL.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the MSL role is well-known by HCPs, mostly Key Opinion Leaders, and they agree on the importance of working together in scientific projects on, e.g., disease awareness, medical training, or clinical trials. Given the advance of targeted therapies and the move toward personalized medicine, the MSL role will be in more demand and necessary for HCPs in the years to come.

Attitudes of health care professionals towards COVID-19 vaccine - a sequence from Turkey

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of healthcare professionals toward the COVID −19 vaccine, which has been introduced to healthcare professionals at the beginning of 2021 and give information to them on the disease and vaccine. This cross-sectional analytical study has been performed by conducting an online survey to the healthcare professionals who work at the healthcare institutions in the province of Samsun in Turkey between December 2020 and January 2021. In addition to sixteen questions about the demographic characteristics, the “Attitudes towards the COVID −19 vaccine” scale has been used. MANOVA test and Spearman rho correlation coefficient were used in analytical examinations. A total of 1426 healthcare professional have been reached. 64.3% of participants were female, 44.1% were nurse/midwife and 66.6% were public employees. Regarding the questions in the sub-dimension of positive attitude, the rate of response of “I agree/I strongly agree” was between 40.6% and 54.6%. Positive attitude mean values differ according to gender, age, institution, presence of children, smoking status, being a relative who died due to COVID −19, and profession (respectively p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p = .002, p = .019, p < .001). It has been observed that positive and negative attitudes toward COVID −19 vaccination are almost equally distributed and some demographic factors affect the attitude. The opinions of healthcare professionals on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, which are the main elements of the vaccination effort, may affect the public perception of vaccination.

Impact of macro-socioeconomic determinants on sustainable perinatal health care in Portugal: a qualitative study on the opinion of healthcare professionals and experts

BackgroundThe WHO identified the importance of macro-socioeconomic determinants and political context as interlinked key factors affecting healthcare quality and health equity. As a response to the recent economic and financial crisis, Portugal approved in 2011 the Economic Adjustment Programme (EAP) to obtain financial assistance from the Troika in order to reduce public debt. This study aims to analyse the impact of the economic crisis and the EAP on perinatal healthcare quality for very preterm (VPT) and/or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, as perceived by healthcare professionals and experts, within the health administrative regions of the two major metropolitan areas in Portugal.MethodsA qualitative approach was applied to receive an in-depth understanding and accomplish perspective variability. A purposive sampling technique was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one healthcare professionals and experts between October 2018–July 2019. Inductive thematic analysis was performed which encompassed a five-step categorization procedure. Data analysis was undertaken by utilizing Nvivo2011 software. Evolved themes were then associated with WHO’s Quality Standards on Maternal and New-born Care. A framework on the impact of macro-socioeconomic determinants on perinatal health care quality was developed.ResultsAlthough participants did not perceive the quality of perinatal care had deteriorated, the analysis of their accounts on work experience revealed that it was indeed adversely modified in all WHO Quality Standards. Health care provision was perceived as detrimental in five main areas: 1) Availability of human resources; 2) Functional referral systems; 3) Competent and motivated human resources; 4) Emotional support; and 5) Essential physical resources available. Policy reforms by the EAP resulted in reduced timeliness of care, increased waiting times, cuts in sequence and duration of consultations, and deficiencies in follow-up care for VPT/VLBW infants and their mothers. The EAP directly influenced working environment of healthcare professionals by causing stress, burnout, work absence, and brain drain.ConclusionAn interrelation between macro-socioeconomic determinants and perinatal health care quality was disclosed. The economic crisis and EAP have adversely modified equitable perinatal health care quality for VPT/VLBW infants and their mothers. Our findings underlined the negative impact of austerity policies on vulnerable populations.