Medical Staff Perceptions Research Articles

Abolishing age criterion to determine organ transplant recipients in Israel: A qualitative study of medical staff perceptions

IntroductionSince April 2014 the age limitation on candidates listed for organ transplantation in Israel was abolished following the recommendations of a Public Committee. In this research the new policy was examined in light of scarce medical resources and the increased rate of aging in Israel. MethodsThe opinions of twelve medical staff regarding the policy change were analyzed by a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews. ResultsInterviews with medical staff members revealed three main themes: 1. positive acceptance of the new policy; 2. concerns and problems regarding the change; and 3. the influence of the policy change on the organ transplant allocation system and patient-doctor relationships. Discussion and ConclusionsThe medical staff expressed positive views towards the new policy, based on age-free, individually determined admission to transplant waiting lists. However, some concerns were raised regarding the medical implications of this policy, thus potentially hindering its full application.

Assessing stigma: Health and social worker regard towards working with people using illicit drugs in Athens, Greece

BackgroundAfter the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and resulting economic austerity, the rise in illicit drug use engendered an increased need for people who use drugs (PWUD) to access medical care, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that perceptions of medical staff towards PWUD facilitate or act as a barrier to accessing health care. This study provides a better understanding of health and social work professionals’ perceptions by assessing stigma levels towards PWUD in Athens, Greece.MethodsThis is a mixed-method study. It calculates the stigma score for professionals (n = 60) and the stigma score associated with specific drugs based on the Medical Condition Regard Scale through a quantitative analysis of responses to a semi-structured online survey about attitudes of health and social work professionals towards PWUD. It draws on the qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with 16 service managers, providers, and health services advocates working in the charity sector to determine whether perceptions of PWUD affect writing and implementing policy and protocols for services.ResultsStigma towards PWUD exists amongst health and social work professionals in Athens. Professionals who have worked with PWUD for longer periods of time, professionals who have had specific training on working with PWUD, and professionals who feel that they have the necessary training to work with PWUD all demonstrated a higher stigma score than those reporting the opposite. Cannabis and opioids were associated with lower stigma scores while shisha had the highest level of stigma associated with it. Finally, professional environments are not conducive to alleviating stigma as the lack of training specific to stigma, the lack of professional supervision, and worker burn-out are key barriers faced by professionals in their everyday practice.ConclusionsReducing and eliminating stigma towards PWUD among health and social workers requires immediate action. Measures to be taken include: introducing training programs focused on stigma towards PWUD to healthcare providers, social workers, lawyers, police, the media; increasing professional supervision on field work for health and social workers; introducing low barrier health care and specialist units. Peers and field-focused organisations should meaningfully participate in drug and alcohol policymaking, program development, and implementation.

Perceptions of Medical Staff on COVID-19 Vaccination: A Qualitative Analysis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused almost unimaginable damage to the lives, health, and economies of many countries. Alongside health and behavioral control measures, vaccination has been considered the most successful method to control the COVID-19 epidemic. Although vaccination is an effective way to reduce and eliminate diseases, its effectiveness depends on the willingness of the population to receive the vaccine. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of medical staff on COVID-19 vaccination through qualitative content analysis. Objectives: This study aims to explore the perceptions of medical staff on COVID-19 vaccination through qualitative content analysis. Methods: A qualitative study employing a content analysis approach was conducted at Khoy city hospitals in Iran. The researchers explored the perceptions of 16 medical staff members who were among the first group to receive the vaccine in 2021 - 2022. Health staff of various ages, genders, and professions including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory staff, and radiologists were included in the research. Sampling was purposeful, and data collection utilized face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews. Data analysis followed the method of “conventional qualitative content analysis.” Results: Data analysis revealed three main categories and seven sub-categories as follows: “Conflicting feelings” (confidence or doubt, hope or worry, complications and benefits), “continuing to fight against COVID-19” (responding to social/professional responsibility, encouraging people to accept the vaccine), and “getting rid of COVID-19” (return to normal life, reduction of mortality). Conclusions: The medical staff expressed a desire to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to continue fighting the disease and eliminate it, but they also had conflicting feelings about receiving it. The perceptions of healthcare workers about healthcare issues serve as a reliable source of knowledge for the public and play a crucial role in deciding whether to accept or reject critical health interventions. Therefore, health policymakers dealing with epidemic diseases should prioritize creating scientific and psychological support for acceptance among healthcare workers, who serve as a reference for the public.

Assessment of Slaughter Slabs Waste Management on Meat, Environment and Public Health in Khartoum State

Stratified random sampling was adopted for this study to detect and interprets the impacts of three slaughter slabs’ waste on the public and environmental health. While hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) prerequisite programs (PRPs) in the investigated slaughter slabs were assessed by administering structured checklist. Verification for these PRPs by microbiological quality of meat was determined using both Aerobic Plate Count (APC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC). In addition, the assessment of the awareness of neighborhood residence pertaining public health and environmental hazards implications of the slaughter slabs waste was done by administering two semi-structured questionnaires; the first of which targeted 50 respondents of neighborhood residence and the other targeted 10 hospitals located at the vicinity of the slaughter slabs and contained questions pertaining to medical staff perceptions and medical records of cases diagnosed as public health diseases. The result revealed that the three slaughter slabs failed to attain compliance with FAO requirements. This was reflected in the higher microbial content of meat samples with mean total bacteria count (TBC) 16. 7× 10 5; 16. 6 × 105 and 13.9 × 105 in slaughter slabs A, B and C, respectively. A highly statistically significant difference was found in the TBC between the three slaughter slabs with P < 0.05. These values were higher than the standard permissible limit (1× 105). Moreover, the mean total coliform count using (MPN) in the three slabs were 263, 418 and 361 in slaughter slab A, B and C, respectively with a higher significant difference in the TCC compared to the standard permissible limit (1×102) of MPN. The results also showed that 90% of the respondents agreed that there were public and environmental hazards of slaughter slab waste to residential neighborhoods. The findings also disclosed that 100% of the investigated physicians in charge of hospitals in the vicinity of slaughter slabs confirmed that there was association between slaughter slab waste and infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal infections as well as spread of respiratory infection. It could be concluded that slaughter slabs’ waste had negatively impacted both public and environmental health of the residential neighborhoods.

The perceptions and attitudes of obstetric staff and midwives towards perinatal mental health disorders screening: a qualitative exploratory study in Shenzhen, China

BackgroundThe perinatal period is a crucial time for women, as they experience various biological, psychological, and social stressors. Due to the complexity of this vulnerable time, there is a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among pregnant women. In 2019, the Health Commission of Shenzhen initiated perinatal mental health screening programme in China. However, attitudes and perceptions of medical staff towards implementing mental health screening programme during pregnancy remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of obstetric staff and midwives towards screening for perinatal mental disorders in pregnant women, and identify their perceived needs and motivations for undertaking this task.MethodsThis is a qualitative exploratory study. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The dataset was analysed using inductive content analysis. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit 13 participants at a tertiary maternal hospital in Shenzhen from September to November, 2019.ResultsA total of 13 obstetric staff was interviewed, including two obstetricians, three midwives, and eight nurses. Four themes were identified from this study: views on perinatal mental health disorders screening, competency in identifying and supporting high-risk groups, barriers to dealing with psychological problems during pregnancy, and the support needs of medical staff in undertaking the tasks of mental health disorders screening.ConclusionMedical staff lacked sufficient knowledge and skills in perinatal psychological health and were not well prepared for the task of screening pregnant women for mental health disorders. To address this issue, medical organisations and relevant government sectors should provide training to medical staff on perinatal mental health disorders, enhance public awareness of perinatal mental health disorders, establish a model of multidisciplinary collaboration for the screening of women’s perinatal mental disorders, and provide continuous and holistic care for pregnant women.

Influence of medical humanization on patients' attribution in negative medical situations with communication as the mediator: a questionnaire study.

Patients' attribution in negative medical situations plays a vital role in reducing medical conflicts and developing high-quality healthcare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the triadic relations among patients' attribution, medical humanization and communication. Furthermore, the mediating effect of communication was tested. A cross-sectional study on the relationship between patients' attribution in negative medical situations and medical staff's humanization and communication was conducted, with 3,000 participants totally from 103 hospitals of three different levels in different regions. There were significant positive correlations among medical staff's humanization, communication and patients' attributional styles (r = 0.112-0.236, p < 0.001 for all). Medical humanization had direct predictive effects on patients' attributional style in negative medical situations (β = 0.14, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis also indicated the indirect predictive effect of medical humanization on patients' attributions through communication (β = 0.02, p < 0.01). Patients' attribution in negative medical situations is predicted by patients' perception of medical staff's humanization in healthcare and physicians' communication skills. Medical humanization not only affects patients' attributions in negative situations directly, but also influences patients' attributions via communication indirectly. The humanistic care should be included in medical education for healthcare professionals, and professional training on medical staff's humanization and communication skills is strongly needed to establish healthy and harmonious doctor-patient relationship.

Antibiotics use patterns in end-of-life cancer patients and medical staff's perception of antimicrobial stewardship programs.

While most cancer patients with end-of-life (EOL) care receive antibiotic treatments, antibiotic use should be decided appropriately considering the benefits, side effects, resistance, and cost effects. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are important for patients with EOL care, but there is limited study analyzing actual antibiotic use in EOL care and the perceptions of Korean medical staff. Electronic medical records of 149 deceased cancer patients hospitalized in the medical hospitalist units at Asan Medical Center in Seoul from May 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed. Basic information, antibiotic use, duration, and changes were investigated. We surveyed medical staff's perceptions of antibiotics in cancer patients with EOL. Of the 149 cancer patients with EOL care, 146 (98.0%) agreed with physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST). In total, 143 (95.9%) received antibiotics, 110 (76.9%) received combination antibiotic treatment, and 116 (81.1%) were given antibiotics until the day of death. In a survey of 60 medical staff, 42 (70.0%) did not know about ASP, and 24 (40.0%) thought ASP was important in EOL care. Nineteen doctors (31.7%) discussed the use or discontinuation of antibiotics with patients or caregivers when writing POLST, but only 8 patients (5.6%) stopped antibiotics after POLST. Most cancer patients with EOL care continue to receive antibiotics until just before their death. A careful approach is needed, considering the benefits and side effects of antibiotic use, and the patient's right to self-decision. It is necessary to actively improve awareness of ASP and its importance for medical staff.

Medical staff's perception of factors contributing to accelerated rehabilitation in patients with cervical spinal cord injury: A qualitative research.

To explore the factors affecting the quality of accelerated rehabilitation for patients with cervical spinal cord injury, therefore, to propose targeted improvement strategies and provide reference for promoting the quality of nursing care for accelerated rehabilitation. This descriptive qualitative inquiry followed the COREQ guidelines. From December 2020 to April 2021, 16 subjects including orthopaedic nurses, nursing management experts, orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthesiologists and physical therapists experienced in accelerated rehabilitation were selected by objective sampling method to conduct semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview content. Through analysis and summary of the interview data, the following two themes and nine sub-themes were finally extracted. Factors related to the quality of accelerated rehabilitation structure include: construction of multidisciplinary teams, thorough system guarantee and adequate staffing. Factors related to the quality of accelerated rehabilitation process include: inadequate training and assessment, lack of medical staff's awareness, incapability of the accelerated rehabilitation team members, poor multidisciplinary communication and collaboration, lack of patient's awareness, and ineffective health education. Quality of implementation of accelerated rehabilitation can be improved by maximizing the role of multidisciplinary team, establishing a flawless accelerated rehabilitation system, increasing allocation of nursing resources, enhancing knowledge of medical staff, improving their awareness of accelerated rehabilitation, establishing personalized clinical pathways of accelerated rehabilitation, increasing communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary disciplines, and improving health education of patients.

Effect of patient COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy on hospital care team perceptions.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed new challenges in patient care worldwide. Vaccinations, which have proven efficacious in lowering the COVID-19 hospital burden, are still avoided by large populations. We, therefore, hypothesized that hospital care teams would have worse perceptions regarding the characteristics and care of patients with vaccine hesitancy. To evaluate whether patient vaccine hesitancy affected the hospital care team (HCT) perceptions. We performed a prospective clinical study using structured questionnaires. We approached physicians and nurses with previous experience caring for COVID-19 patients from 11 medical centers across Israel during the fourth COVID-19 surge (September and October 2021). The participants completed a questionnaire with the following parts: (1) Sociodemographic characteristics; (2) Assessment of anger (STAXI instrument) and chronic workplace stress (Shirom-Melamed burnout measure); and (3) Three tools to assess the effect of patient vaccine hesitancy on the HCT perceptions (the difficult doctor-patient relation questionnaire, the medical staff perception of patient's responsibility questionnaire and the characterological derogation questionnaire). Results were evaluated according to each part of the questionnaire and the questionnaire as a whole. Associations between HCT perceptions and their baseline characteristics, anger or chronic workplace stress were assessed. The HCT experienced their relationship with unvaccinated patients as more difficult (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.85), perceived unvaccinated patients as responsible for their medical condition (P < 0.001, d = 1.39) and perceived vaccinated patients as having a higher character value (P < 0.001, d = 1.03). Unvaccinated patients were considered selfish (P < 0.001), less mature (P < 0.001) and less satisfying to care for (P < 0.001). The relationship with unvaccinated patients was more difficult among HCT with higher burnout (r = 0.37, n = 66, P = 0.002). No correlations with baseline characteristics were found. All three study tools showed high internal consistency (α between 0.72 and 0.845). Our results should raise awareness of the possible effects of vaccine hesitancy on HCT perceptions regarding unvaccinated patients. In order to minimize the potential negative impact on patient care, designated departments should promote specific patient-centered preparations. Further investigations should assess whether vaccine hesitancy directly affects patient quality of care.

Healthcare Workers' Knowledge and Attitude Toward Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey.

Introduction Telemedicine is the utilization of communication technologiesto provide healthcare services remotely. It has an increasingly pivotal role in enabling medical professionals to extend the provision of care to patients facing geographical barriers. The benefits of telemedicine have become more apparent during the coronavirus pandemic. To maximize its application, it is crucial to ascertain the understanding and attitudes of healthcare professionals toward its use. The aim of this study is to collect data and evaluate the current knowledge and perceptions of medical staff toward the use of telemedicine. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a global survey of 1091 healthcare workers. Data were collected through a questionnaire after an extensive literature review. Frequency, percentages, and cumulative percentages were calculated to portray the profile of the participants. Results Of the respondents, the majority had heard about (90.9%), witnessed(65.3%), or were familiar with (74.6%)how telemedicine is used in practice. Seventy-two point two percent (72.2%) were familiar with the tools that may be used in this technology. The familiarity with telemedicine was noted to be consistently higher in those with a medical degree and experience of less than five years. Furthermore, attitudes towardproviding healthcare remotely were generally positive with 80% thinking that telemedicine reduced staff workload, 80.6% reporting that it reduces the unnecessary transportation cost, and 83% believing that it saves clinicians' time. However, 20% of respondents said that telemedicine increases staff workload and 40.5% of healthcare workersbelieved telemedicine threatens information confidentiality and patient privacy. Conclusion Although telemedicine is a novel and emerging practice in many countries, it appears to have a promising contribution to healthcare services. This is particularly important during a pandemic, as it ensures effective healthcare with the maintenance of social distancing measures. Moreover, the respondents of this study showed good knowledge and positivity in their attitude towardtelemedicine.

Awareness and attitude on use of nanotechnology among dental and medical professionals in Iraq

Objective: Several products such as technological devices, pharmaceutical products, have been developed with nanotechnology applications, in medicine fields. This study aimed to assess dental and medical staff perceptions of nanotechnology in Iraq. Materials and Methods: This study was based on an online questionnaires distributed to (736) dental and medical staff in Iraq from different region and different place of work, and the method of selecting the sample was stratified random sampling. The study period was two months (June and July 2020). Result: the largest percentage was for the dental staff 76.5% did hear about nanotechnology, and about 23.5% did not, while among medical staff 54.9% answer yes, and about 45.1% answer they did not hear about nanomedicine. Regarding the uses or applications of nanomedicinee, largest percentage of the responses was may be 64.7% for the dental staff and 67.1% for medical staff. Conclusion: There is an inadequate knowledge of the dental and medical staff about nanotechnology and its applications the in Iraq in field of dentistry and medicine, and it is not effectively used in the dentistry and medical field.

Health Service Quality and Patient Communication In Medical Tourism

This study investigates the perceptions of patient communication and medical service quality in relation to the demographic and occupational characteristics of medical staff working in Alanya. A significant relationship was found between perceptions of patient communication and the field of expertise of the staff and the foreign language they speak. This indicates that, in medical tourism contexts, the patient communication perceptions of medical staff affect first-hand perceptions of health service quality. To increase health service quality and patient communication motivation, it is recommended that revenues from patients or insurance companies be distributed to all staff involved with medical tourists. Furthermore, apart from doctors and nurses, staff believe health service quality and communication are low. Therefore, it is recommended to provide in-service training for this area.

Added value of computed tomography venography in the identification of abnormities in veins of lower extremities

Objective To investigate the efficacy of direct computed tomography venography (CTV) in early and accurate detection of lower extremity venous (LEV) abnormalities. Methods Cross-sectional research was conducted in Hebei General Hospital of China. A total of 211 CTV reports of both lower extremities from January 2017 to September 2019, 75 color Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examinations, and eight intravascular angiography records of these patients over the same period were collected from the hospital. Comparisons were made for the reported number and percentage of LEV abnormalities (thrombosis, stenosis including severe stenosis, and varicosities). Chi-square test and t-test were applied to compare the rates and means, respectively. Significance level α was 0.05. Individual interviews were performed to understand the perceptions of medical staff and patients on the application of CTV, and the interview results were analyzed. Results Of the 75 cases with both CTV and DUS reports, 159 abnormalities occurring in the lower extremity deep veins (LEDV) were reported, among which 125 (79%) and 18 (11%) were reported by CTV and DUS on a single basis, respectively, whereas 16 (10%) were reported by CTV and DUS simultaneously. A statistically significant greater number of abnormalities in LEDV were identified by CTV than DUS in both males and females (χ 2 males = 78.449, χ 2 females = 27.574, χ 2 total = 104.164, p < .05). In the 211 CTV reports, among the 383 abnormalities reported in total, the common iliac vein (CIV) had the highest number of reported abnormalities (132, 34.5%), followed by the femoral vein (93, 24.3%). The ratios between LEDV abnormality and patient numbers were 1.055 and 0.688 for left and right sides in males, and 0.892 and 0.461 for left and right sides in females, respectively, with that for the left side statistically significantly higher than the right one (t male = 2.896, t female = 4.347, p < .05). The incidence of thrombosis was 10.9% (95% CI = 6.7 ∼ 15.1%). Reported abnormities in CIV by CTV were in agreement with those by intravascular angiography. The medical staff believed that CTV could guide the performance of surgeries for LEV and the patients perceived CTV acceptable. Conclusions Application of CTV for early and accurate detection of LEDV abnormalities including thrombosis has been proven to be efficient. Corresponding benefit in early intervention and reduction of severe complications of such abnormalities is of important value. CTV earned good recognition from medical staff and patients. Hence, it could be considered as part of global health assistance cooperation with developing countries to facilitate enhanced medical services.

Experiences with an addiction consultation service on care provided to hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder: a qualitative study of hospitalists, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers

Background: In response to the opioid epidemic, addiction consultation services (ACS) increasingly provide dedicated hospital-based addiction treatment to patients with substance use disorder. We assessed hospitalist and medical staff perceptions of how the presence of 2 hospitals’ ACS impacted care for hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). We inquired about ongoing challenges in caring for this patient population. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study of hospital-based providers utilizing focus groups and key informant interviews for data collection. Transcripts were analyzed using a mixed inductive-deductive approach. Emergent themes were identified through an iterative, multidisciplinary team–based process using a directed content analysis approach. Results: Hospitalists (n = 20), nurses (n = 13), social workers (n = 11), and pharmacists (n = 18) from a university hospital and a safety-net hospital in Colorado participated in focus groups or key informant interviews. In response to the availability of an ACS, hospitalists described increased confidence using methadone and buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal, which they perceived as contributing to improved patient outcomes and greater job satisfaction. Participants expressed concern about inconsistent care provided to patients with OUD that varied by the admitting team’s specialty and the physician’s background and training. Nurses and hospitalists reported frustrations with achieving adequate pain control among patients with OUD. Last, pharmacists reported practice variations when physicians dosed buprenorphine for acute pain among patients with OUD. A lack of standardized dosing led to concerns of inadequate analgesia or return to opioid use following hospital discharge. Conclusions: An ACS reportedly supports hospitalists and medical staff to best care for hospitalized patients with OUD. Notably, care provided to patients with OUD may not be uniform depending on various physician-level factors. Future work to address the concerns reported by study participants may include education for OUD treatment, early involvement of the ACS, and incorporation of buprenorphine prescribing algorithms to standardize care.

The experiences, challenges, and acceptance of e-learning as a tool for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among university medical staff.

Backgrounde-learning was underutilized in the past especially in developing countries. However, the current crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire world to rely on it for education.ObjectivesTo estimate the university medical staff perceptions, evaluate their experiences, recognize their barriers, challenges of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate factors influencing the acceptance and use of e-learning as a tool teaching within higher education.MethodsData was collected using an electronic questionnaire with a validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for exploring factors that affect the acceptance and use of e-learning as a teaching tool among medical staff members, Zagazig University, Egypt.ResultsThe majority (88%) of the staff members agreed that the technological skills of giving the online courses increase the educational value of the experience of the college staff. The rate of participant agreement on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and acceptance of e-learning was (77.1%, 76.5%, and 80.9% respectively). The highest barriers to e-learning were insufficient/ unstable internet connectivity (40%), inadequate computer labs (36%), lack of computers/ laptops (32%), and technical problems (32%). Younger age, teaching experience less than 10 years, and being a male are the most important indicators affecting e-learning acceptance.ConclusionThis study highlights the challenges and factors influencing the acceptance, and use of e-learning as a tool for teaching within higher education. Thus, it will help to develop a strategic plan for the successful implementation of e-learning and view technology as a positive step towards evolution and change.

Borderlands of reproduction: bodies, borders, and assisted reproductive technologies in Israel/Palestine

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the intersection of bodies, borders, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Israel/Palestine. By turning to Palestinian women's experiences in Israeli hospitals, the case of sperm smuggling in the West Bank, and Israeli medical staff's perception of the fertility clinic, this article examines reproductive border-crossings. Israel's fertility economy is thriving and the country is among the most liberal states worldwide regarding the regulation, implementation, and subsidization of ART. However, Israel's pronatalism is best described as selective and stratified. As a function of settler colonialism, it mainly targets Jewish citizens of Israel, which results in a politicization of Palestinian and Israeli bodies and populations. Drawing on fifty in-depth interviews with Palestinian women and medical staff in Israeli fertility clinics conducted in Israel/Palestine between 2016 and 2019, this article provides a spatial analysis of assisted reproduction, drawing out continuities between past and present technologies of power in medical space.

Risk Perception and PTSD Symptoms of Medical Staff Combating Against COVID-19: A PLS Structural Equation Model.

Medical staff were battling against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the expense of their physical and mental health, particularly at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this case, intervening PTSD of medical staff and preparing them for future outbreaks are important. Previous studies showed that perceived stress was related to the development of PTSD. Hence, in this study, the association between risk perception of medical staff and PTSD symptoms in COVID-19 and the potential links were explored. Three hundred four medical staff's exposure to COVID-19 patients, risk perception for working during COVID-19, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality were measured. Mediation analysis tested the indirect effects of anxiety and sleep quality on the relationship between risk perceptions and PTSD symptoms; 27.6% of participants were deemed as having probable PTSD diagnosis. Mediation analysis showed a significant chain-mediating effect of anxiety and sleep quality on the relationships between risk perceptions and PTSD symptoms; higher risk perceptions were related to increased anxiety, worsened sleep quality, and severe PTSD symptoms. Conclusively, medical staff have a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms after 3 months of COVID-19. Their PTSD symptoms were associated with the perceived risk level through the potential links with anxiety and sleep quality. Therefore, risk perception could be critical for our medical staff's responses to public health emergencies. It could be plausible to intervene in the perceived stress to alleviate aroused anxiety and improve sleep quality and thereby deter the development of PTSD.

Male partners and medical staff's perception on contributing factors of Family Planning (FP) in Fiji

IntroductionMale partners play an important role in Family Planning (FP) as they are directly involved in the decision making of FP with their partners. Medical staff are also involved with FP services that have a direct relation to usage of FP among the men and women. This study is aimed to explore the perception of male partners and the medical staff about factors affecting FP decision in Fiji. Materials and methodsThe qualitative study was carried out among men who were partners of the pregnant women, and medical staff at Ba Mission Hospital (BMH), Fiji in 2019. The study utilised semi-structured questionnaire to guide four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 10 male partners and 10 medical staff. Interview was audio transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultThe common themes identified from the male interviews were the opposition of male partners, religious norms and cultural beliefs, accessibility of contraception, and previous FP failure. The common themes identified from the medical staff interviews were; effectiveness of counseling, concerns on men involvement in FP, and barriers towards FP. ConclusionThis study reveals the need for better counseling, more awareness on FP for men and more involvement of men by the medical staff in FP practices.

Coronary computed tomography angiography versus invasive coronary angiography: medical staff perceptions and diagnostic interest in Gaza-Palestine.

Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The medical benefits, as well as the ethical and logistical implications, should be explored, particularly in the scarcity of medical resources. We explore the perception of medical staff toward the interest of CCTA and ICA in diagnosis CAD to maximize the utility of both procedures. A triangulated observational, analytical prospective cohort study carried out among patients suspected with CAD who underwent CCTA and ICA. The quantitative part included 381 patients (250 underwent ICA and 131 underwent CCTA). The qualitative part included a purposive sample of two radiologists, three cardiologists, and two medical imaging specialists. Low diagnostic yield of the ICA through 31.3% and 39.7% diagnosed without CAD and non-significant CAD, respectively. Risk factors such as the family history of heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes were with high frequency in the patients with significant CAD. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCTA technique was 94.74%, 94.23%, 92.31%, and 96.08% respectively. Cardiologist's perceptions focused on radiation concerns and difficulties for convincing patients to perform the CCTA procedure. Radiologists and medical imaging specialists focused on complete cooperation from the cardiologist to better preparation of patients to perform optimal CCTA procedures. Efficient diagnostic benefits of CCTA and overuse of ICA for stable CAD are documented. Clear diagnostic strategy with medical, ethical, and logistical issues should be considered when selecting the CCTA or ICA for diagnosis CAD.

Medical staff perceptions of risk communication needs for the public and comparison with the needs expressed by the public

Risk communication programs about radiation exposure should be conducted continuously and rigorously by healthcare workers in the Tohoku region in order to reduce the stress caused by radiation exposure. This study aimed to compare the perception by medical staff of the public need to the public need as defined in a previous study, as well as examine the level of perception among healthcare workers of the two concepts “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA), and Regulatory Sciences. These two concepts were expected to be the ones to impart information regarding the effect of radiation on the human body during risk communication. The results showed differences between the public perception of risks and belief of what the public risk perception was by the medical staff. In addition, only 23.5% and 16.5% medical doctors had accurate perception of ALARA and Regulatory Sciences in Japan, respectively, even after the great East Japan Earthquake., ALARA and Regulatory Sciences should be added to healthcare workers’ education curriculums to enhance their knowledge level of these concepts. From the viewpoint of laypersons, public health awareness programs conducted by the local and central governments ranked fourth and fifth respectively as sources of information. One of the reasons was that, to some extent, the attitude of the central government seemed apt to be overbearing to laypersons. Therefore, we also believe that medical doctors are expected to be intermediaries between central/local governments and laypersons.