Perspectives Of Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Simulation-based education in the Pacific Islands: educational experience, access, and perspectives of healthcare workers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends simulation-based education (SBE) to acquire skills and accelerate learning. Literature focusing on SBE in the Pacific Islands is limited. The aim of this study was to determine Pacific Island healthcare workers' experiences, perspectives, and access to SBE. This was a cross-sectional survey of Pacific Island healthcare workers. We designed an online questionnaire based on existing literature and expert consultation. The questionnaire included Likert scales, multiple-choice, multi-select and open-ended questions. Participants were healthcare workers recruited from professional networks across the region. Descriptive statistics and relative frequencies summarized data, and comparative testing included unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Free-text responses were presented to illustrate findings. Responses from 56 clinicians working in 11 Pacific Island countries were included. Fifty were medical doctors (89%), including 31 (55%) surgeons. Participants reported experience with scenario-based simulation (73%), mannequins (71%), and simulated patients (61%). Discrepancies were identified between previous simulation experience and current access for simulated patients (P = 0.002) and animal-based part-task trainers (P = 0.002). SBE was seen as beneficial for procedural skills, communication, decision-making and teamwork. Interest in further SBE was reported by most participants (96%). Barriers included equipment access (59%), clinical workload (45%) and COVID-19 restrictions (45%). Some Pacific Island healthcare workers have experience with SBE, but their ongoing access is predominantly limited to low-technology modalities. Despite challenges, there is interest in SBE initiatives. These findings may inform planning for SBE in the Pacific Islands and may be considered prior to programme implementation.

Clinical training and practice of using digital health solutions among healthcare workers in clinical settings during Hajj season.

Digital health solutions are widely used in Saudi Arabia, but training, clinical practice and challenges related to using digital health applications have not been evaluated from the perspective of healthcare workers during the Haj season in Makkah. The current study was planned to explore clinical training, practices and challenges related to the use of digital health among healthcare workers during the Haj season from June to August 2023. Of the 470 subjects, 347(73.8%) were males and 123(26.2%) were females. The overall median age was 40 years (interquartile range: 27-56 years). In the clinical practice of using digital health, 185(39.4%) of the subjects strongly agreed that digital health was useful and beneficial during transportation difficulties, and 167(35.5%) strongly agreed that digital health applications had changed their working routine during the Haj season. Negative outcome expectations were the challenge least reported by 72(15.3%) respondents.

“We need to confirm at least from two or three”: Healthcare workers’ discretion as gatekeepers in the context of the Ethiopian abortion law

IntroductionWomen’s access to legal and safe abortion is a vital means to reduce unsafe abortion, which in turn is known to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2005, Ethiopia enacted a relatively permissive abortion legislation. However, there is evidence that access to abortion care services may be challenging and controversial even if progressive abortion laws are in place. This article examines women’s access to abortion services from the perspective of healthcare workers in a rural setting in Ethiopia. Drawing on Lipsky’s theory of street-level bureaucrats, the article discusses healthcare workers’ discretion and the substantial authority they hold as gatekeepers to safe abortion services.MethodsThe study draws upon a qualitative, interpretative methodological approach, with in-depth semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers as the key method of data generation. The data was analyzed and interpreted thematically. Healthcare workers’ perspectives were examined with reference to the national abortion legislation and guidelines.ResultsThe findings reveal that healthcare workers make decisions on behalf of the women who seek abortion, and they involve parents and partners in abortion-related decision-making processes. Moreover, they assess the social context of the pregnancy such as the marital and economic statuses of the abortion-seeking women in ways that restrict women’s access to legally-endorsed abortion services.ConclusionsHealthcare workers’ practices in this rural area were found to challenge the basic provisions laid out in Ethiopia’s abortion legislation. Their negative discretion of the legislation contributes to the substantial barriers Ethiopian abortion-seeking women face in gaining access to legal abortion services, despite the presence of a progressive legal framework and guidelines.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on chemotherapy treatment in selected facilities in Kenya

Healthcare workers are better placed to recognize the drivers of the cancer health care experience by patients, an important ingredient in shaping the realization of the third pillar of the Kenya National Cancer Control Strategy. To adequately assess health systems and identify bottlenecks in cancer care, a triumvirate of factors including patient, health system, and health workforce need to be considered. For context, Kenya’s health ministry reports that 70-80% of cancer patients in Kenya are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, a pointer to a gap in the detection and linkage of cancer patients to care. With increasing cancer incidence, cancer treatment centres will experience increased patient loads and will be overwhelmed in addressing individualized patient needs. Health workers can offer information on what the cancer care situation is currently like, and lessons drawn from their experience used to create adequate health systems. An adequate health system has been fashioned as one that not only address patients' needs but also generates adequate information needed to inform the transformation of those systems in line with the goals contemplated in quality healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore (i) the perspectives of health workers on the characteristics of cancer patients seen in treatment facilities and (ii) the capacity of cancer treatment facilities in the management of cancer. A key informant approach using semi-structured interviews was carried out with sampled respondents consisting of health workers (n=12) in selected facilities who were providing outpatient chemotherapy treatment. Data analysis involved transcribing the interviews into first-person narratives and then analysed using the three-dimensional framework. Subsequently, thematic analysis was applied to generate themes. Data analysis generated three main themes: characteristics of patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, capacity of the facility to manage cancer patients, and factors that hinder effective cancer care provision. Cancer care in Kenya is impeded by poverty, staff shortages, and lack of adequate cancer care. There is a need to reorient cancer care with an emphasis on integrated cancer care delivery modalities.

Healthcare workers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to diabetes prevention programmes: a systematic review protocol.

Diabetes is a growing global health problem. International guidelines recommend identification, screening, and referral to behavioural programmes for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) can prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk, however many eligible participants are not referred to these programmes. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal to the referral and recruitment processes. This study aims to identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to DPPs from the perspective of HCWs. A "best fit" framework synthesis method will synthesise qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence on factors that affect HCWs referral and recruitment to DPPs, with the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the a priori framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched for primary studies published in English. Year of publication will be restricted to the last 26 years (1997-2023). Quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A mix of deductive coding using the TDF and inductive coding of data that does not fit the TDF will be synthesised into themes representing the whole dataset. The relationships between the final set of themes will be explored to create a new model to understand HCWs' perspectives on referral and recruitment to DPPs. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out on this conceptual model. Confidence in the synthesised findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. One author will screen, extract, appraise the literature while a second author will independently verify a 20% sample at each stage. Participation in DPPs is key for programme impact. HCWs typically identify those at risk and refer them to DPPs. Understanding HCWs' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment will inform future implementation of DPPs.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on integrated management of childhood illness in Pakistan: A phenomenological approach.

In 2019, an estimated 5.2 million deaths were reported among children less than 5years of age. At primary healthcare level, healthcare workers (HCWs) mostly rely on history and clinical findings and less on inadequate diagnostic facilities. To enhance case management skills of HCWs, World Health Organization devised an integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy in 1995, modified to distance learning IMCI in 2014. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to explore perceptions of HCWs about standard and distance IMCI. Four focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected 26 HCWs (IMCI trained) from 26 basic health units of Abbottabad district in Pakistan. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics were adopted during the inductive thematic analysis. Five themes that emerged are inexorable health seeking behaviors, IMCI being a comprehensive algorithm for consultation, a tedious protocol, scaling up protocol to specialists and private practitioners, and administrative insufficiency by the department of health. Improvement in case management skills of HCWs was reported as a result of IMCI trainings. It needs administrative support, regulations to control poly-pharmacy and provision of drugs without prescription, and a curb on political and bureaucratic interference.

Work-Life Conflict and Health Care Delivery: Perspectives of Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Healthcare workers are life savers. Their contributions to development are highly valued. However, given the nature of their job, it has become a hurdle managing paid-work and social life. Informed by the spillover and boundary theories, we examined how healthcare workers manage their paid work and their social lives leading to an influence on healthcare delivery in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. This was a quantitative study where a survey protocol was used to elicit data from 112 healthcare workers. The study found that female healthcare workers experienced work-life conflict more than their male counterparts. Both junior and senior healthcare workers experienced work-life conflict given the demands of their work. Younger healthcare workers expressed higher work-life conflict while the married juggled between these two domains because of extra responsibilities. The study concluded that paid work has interfered with the social lives of healthcare workers due to rigid work schedules, just as the lack of logistics and modern technology at the health facilities have foiled healthcare delivery. The study recommends that the Ministry of Health should resource social workers so that they can render adequate support to healthcare workers to ease work-life conflict and enhance healthcare delivery.

Measuring the Level of Job Satisfaction and Opportunities for Participation Empowerment of Health Workers in the Aseer Region

Background and Aims: This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Saudi Arabian healthcare workers in the Aseer region. Specifically, the focus was on employee satisfaction and work environment variables to contribute to the existing literature on employee well-being and organizational behavior. The study utilized variable frequencies and percentages to provide a comprehensive summary of the experiences of healthcare workers in the region. Methods: The study involved 543 participants from various healthcare institutions, including Primary Health Centers (PHCs), secondary and tertiary hospitals, and other relevant establishments. These participants completed a survey consisting of multiple-choice questions concerning employee satisfaction and the workplace. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed to discern employee perceptions by computing variable frequencies and percentages. Results: The majority of the participants were Saudi nationals (90%) with a significant representation of male respondents (67.8%). The age group between 30 and 40 years constituted the largest portion of the participants (57.6%). Among the workplaces, hospitals were the most common, employing 70.5% of the respondents. Overall, the study found positive perceptions regarding head support, appreciation, training and development opportunities, and promotional prospects. However, areas such as benefits, job description compatibility, and equipment availability exhibited room for improvement. Conclusions: The study presents valuable insights into the perspectives of healthcare workers in diverse workplaces within Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region. To enhance staff satisfaction and well-being, it is essential to focus on improving training and development opportunities, benefits, equipment availability, and cluster effectiveness. The study’s findings enable organizations to assess their current operations and make necessary changes to boost employee happiness and morale. Future research should address the identified discrepancies in employee perception and job satisfaction.

"I Wonder if my Years of Training and Expertise Will be Devalued by Machines": Concerns About the Replacement of Medical Professionals by Artificial Intelligence.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has raised concerns among healthcare professionals about the potential displacement of human medical professionals by AI technologies. However, the apprehensions and perspectives of healthcare workers regarding the potential substitution of them with AI are unknown. This qualitative research aimed to investigate healthcare workers' concerns about artificial intelligence replacing medical professionals. A descriptive and exploratory research design was employed, drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology Threat Avoidance Theory, and Sociotechnical Systems Theory as theoretical frameworks. Participants were purposively sampled from various healthcare settings, representing a diverse range of roles and backgrounds. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis. The analysis revealed seven key themes reflecting healthcare workers' concerns, including job security and economic concerns; trust and acceptance of AI; ethical and moral dilemmas; quality of patient care; workforce role redefinition and training; patient-provider relationships; healthcare policy and regulation. This research underscores the multifaceted concerns of healthcare workers regarding the increasing role of AI in healthcare. Addressing job security, fostering trust, addressing ethical dilemmas, and redefining workforce roles are crucial factors to consider in the successful integration of AI into healthcare. Healthcare policy and regulation must be developed to guide this transformation while maintaining the quality of patient care and preserving patient-provider relationships. The study findings offer insights for policymakers and healthcare institutions to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare while addressing the concerns of healthcare professionals.

Paying attention to tension: studying the perspectives of health care workers, sports club volunteers, and people with type 2 diabetes, engaged in public-civil physical activity collaboration

ABSTRACT Collaborations between public institutions and civil society organisations are popular. One such context for public-civil collaboration is rehabilitation, where health care institutions and sports clubs collaborate in supporting physical activity for people with non-communicable diseases. More specifically, our study involves health care workers, sports club volunteers, and people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), whose perspectives on physical activity might differ. The objective of this article is methodological in the sense that we aim to explore how focusing on moments of tension, arising in interactions between the different people involved, may be useful for researching perspectives on public-civil collaborations. To accomplish this goal, we describe how we conducted fieldwork during collaborative rehabilitation practices and how moments of tension manifested in the fieldnotes. Upon realising the potential significance of such moments, we identified six areas in which tension arose. Two of these areas are then used as examples to show how we moved analytically from the moments of tension identified in the fieldnotes to formulating interest/value statements (IVSs). Subsequently, we describe how these IVSs were utilised in focus group interviews to stimulate conversations by (re)creating tension. Furthermore, leaning on Habermas’ theory of communicative action, we discuss how IVSs based on moments of tension might lead to discussions around not only the views of the other parties in collaborations but also the reasons for those views, and the legitimacy of those reasons.

Risks and challenges in COVID-19 infection prevention and control in a hospital setting: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Thailand.

In hospital settings, awareness of, and responsiveness to, COVID-19 are crucial to reducing the risk of transmission among healthcare workers and protecting them from infection. Healthcare professionals can offer insights into the practicalities of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and on how the guideline aimed to ensure adherence to IPC, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), could best be delivered during the pandemic. To inform future development of such guideline, this study examined the perspectives of healthcare professionals working in a large hospital during the pandemic regarding their infection risks, the barriers or facilitators to implementing their tasks and the IPC measures to protect their safety and health and of their patients. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 hospital staff coming into contact with possible or confirmed cases of COVID-19, or were at potential risk of contracting the disease, including medical doctors, nurses, virology laboratory staff, and non-medical workers. This qualitative study was carried out as part of a knowledge, attitudes and practice survey to prevent COVID-19 transmission at Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand. We used content analysis to categorize and code transcribed interview data. Existing IPC guideline and evidence synthesis of organisational, environmental, and individual factors to IPC adherence among healthcare workers were used to guide the development of the interview questions and analysis. Factors identified as influencing the use of, and adherence to, prevention measures among healthcare workers included knowledge, perceived risk and concerns about the infection. The extent to which these factors were influential varied based on the medical procedures, among other features, that individuals were assigned to perform in the hospital setting. Beyond availability of PPE and physical safety, ease of and readiness to utilize the equipment and implement IPC measures were crucial to motivate hospital staff to follow the practice guideline. Having a ventilated outdoor space for screening and testing, and interaction through mobile technology, facilitated the performance of healthcare workers while reducing the transmission risk for staff and patients. Adequate training, demonstration of guided practices, and streamlined communications are crucial organisational and management support factors to encourage appropriate use of, and adherence to, implementation of infection prevention and control measures among healthcare workers. This finding could help inform the development of recommendations to optimise compliance with appropriate use of these measures, and to improve guidance to reduce HCW's risk of disease in hospital settings. Further study should explore the perceptions and experiences of health professionals in smaller health facilities and community-based workers during the pandemic, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Appreciative management from the perspective of healthcare workers in Estonia - a cross-sectional study

Appreciative management from the perspective of healthcare workers in Estonia - a cross-sectional study

Health care–associated Clostridioides difficile infection: Learning the perspectives of health care workers to build successful strategies

Clostridioides difficile (C difficile) is one of the most common health care-associated infections that negatively impact patient care and health care costs. This study takes a unique approach to C difficile infection (CDI) control by investigating key prevention obstacles through the perspectives of Stanford health care (SHC) frontline health care personnel. An anonymous qualitative survey was distributed at SHC, focusing on knowledge and practice of CDI prevention guidelines, as well as education, communication, and perspectives regarding CDI at SHC. 112 survey responses were analyzed. Our findings unveiled gaps in personnel's knowledge of C difficile diagnostic guidelines and revealed a need for targeted communication and guideline-focused education. Health care staff shared preferences and recommendations, with the majority recommending enhanced communication of guidelines and information as a strategy for reducing CDI rates. The findings were then used to design and propose internal recommendations for SHC to mitigate the gaps found. Many guidelines and improvement strategies are based on strong scientific and medical foundations; however, it is important to ask whether these guidelines are effectively translated into practice. Frontline health care workers hold empirical perspectives that could be key in infection control. Our findings emphasize the importance of including frontline health care personnel in infection prevention decision-making processes and the strategies presented here can be applied to mitigating infections in different health care settings.

Influenza vaccination from the perspective of health care workers at university hospitals.

The influenza vaccination rate of healthcare workers (HWs) in Poland is low. Before implementing methods for promoting influenza vaccination, it is crucial to identify attitudes towards vaccination. We aimed to examine the knowledge and attitudes towards influenza vaccination of HWs at university hospitals. Moreover, we evaluated the incentives for getting influenza vaccination among HWs. From September 2020 to October 2020, we surveyed HWs in one children's hospital and two adults' hospitals in Warsaw (Poland). We included only fully and correctly completed surveys into final analysis. A total of 950 questionnaires (85% women, 45% <40 years old, 33% physicians and 48% nurses, 56% working in a children's hospital) were evaluated. Of all HWs, 25% declared they were vaccinated and 54% planned to get vaccinated in the next season. We have analyzed attitudes towards influenza vaccination and motivations to get vaccinated. Among HWs in academic hospitals, males, people <40 years old, physicians and those working in children's hospital are more likely to get vaccinated and their attitudes towards influenza vaccination are more positive. Of those less likely to get vaccinated, people >40 years old and nurses could be effectively persuaded by free and on-site influenza vaccination. Moreover, free access to vaccination is the strongest motivator for vaccination among all HWs. The attitudes towards mandatory influenza vaccination differ sharply among HWs-while physicians are ready to accept it, nurses are not. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04569019.

Assessment of Factors Related to Reporting AEFIs and Parameters for Vaccine Safety Surveillance Improvement: Healthcare Workers Perspective in FCT, Nigeria

Assessment of Factors Related to Reporting AEFIs and Parameters for Vaccine Safety Surveillance Improvement: Healthcare Workers Perspective in FCT, Nigeria

Factors influencing the transition from paediatric to adult HIV care in the Western Cape, South Africa: perspectives of health care providers

Transitioning to adult care for HIV-infected adolescents is a critical process in determining long-term health outcomes. Poor transitioning to adult care can lead to several adverse HIV-related outcomes for adolescents living with HIV, including disruption of care, non-adherence to ART and virological failure. In this qualitative study, we explore the barriers to and facilitators of the transition to adult care among HIV-infected youth from the perspectives of health care workers and allied staff. We enrolled 24 health care workers and allied staff from two infectious diseases clinics in the Western Cape of South Africa. Participants took part in a once-off, semi-structured interview that was conducted face-to-face at the respective clinics. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. Two superordinate themes and seven subthemes emerged from the data. We found that barriers to the transition process were related to a lack of preparedness and readiness to transition at both an institutional level and at the level of the caregiver and adolescent. At the institutional level, a lack of a transition policy and limited time and resources available for the transition process were salient barriers. At the caregiver-adolescent level, adolescents’ desire for normality and caregivers’ reluctance to devolve responsibility of care to their children were important barriers to the transition process. Facilitators prepare adolescents and caregivers for transition from an early age. Our findings highlight the importance of considering both adolescent, caregiver and institutional factors when preparing for the transition process. Our findings also show that pressure on the health care system precludes the time required for this process. However, counselling for transition from an early age might be an important way to negate these issues.

Surveillance of hand hygiene practices in hospitals, its evaluation, and audit

Abstract Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to pose a significant challenge within most intensive care units. The most straightforward and impactful approach to mitigate these HAIs remains proper hand hygiene. Consequently, evaluating documented hand hygiene routines and conducting direct observations are vital in identifying deficiencies. Thus, this enables the formulation of focused approaches to reduce HAIs. Study objectives: (a) To evaluate the hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers and (b) to analyze the factors contributing to non-compliance. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Intensive Care Unit, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India. This endeavor adopted an observational approach, involving 50 healthcare workers (HCWs) for direct observation and an additional 50 for the evaluation of documented hand hygiene practices. Data collection relied upon the utilization of questionnaires and observation instruments. Results: The investigation brought to light a contrast between the perspectives of healthcare workers and their actual hand hygiene practices. The collective adherence rate stood at 67.08% (with the observation study encompassing 75 HCWs and 111 instances where hand hygiene should have been carried out, out of which only 76 were performed). Notably, physiotherapists exhibited a notably higher compliance rate at 78%, whereas nurses and residents demonstrated a compliance rate of 68%. In contrast, technicians and unit helpers displayed a lower adherence rate of 60%. Regarding reported hand hygiene compliance among HCWs, the figures exceeded 90% (derived from a questionnaire administered to 50 HCWs, some of whom may or may not have been part of the observation study). Nurses reported an impressive 98% compliance, technicians reported 81%, and other personnel reported rates ranging between 90% and 95%. Conclusion: The researcher undertook two distinct investigations involving direct observation and the other based on reported data. The findings from the observational study indicated a collective hand hygiene compliance rate of 67.08%, whereas the reported study yielded a compliance rate exceeding 90% among HCWs.

Healthcare workers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to diabetes prevention programmes: a systematic review protocol

Background: Diabetes is a growing global health problem. International guidelines recommend identification, screening, and referral to behavioural programmes for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) can prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk, however many eligible participants are not referred to these programmes. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal to the referral and recruitment processes. This study aims to identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to DPPs from the perspective of HCWs. Methods: A “best fit” framework synthesis method will synthesise qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence on factors that affect HCWs referral and recruitment to DPPs, with the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the a priori framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched for primary studies published in English. Year of publication will be restricted to the last 25 years (1997–2022). Quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A mix of deductive coding using the TDF and inductive coding of data that does not fit the TDF will be synthesised into themes representing the whole dataset. The relationships between the final set of themes will be explored to create a new model to understand HCWs’ perspectives on referral and recruitment to DPPs. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out this conceptual model. Confidence in the synthesised findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. One author will screen, extract, appraise the literature while a second author will independently verify a 20% sample at each stage. Discussion: Participation in DPPs is key for programme impact. HCWs typically identify those at risk and refer them to DPPs. Understanding HCWs’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment will inform future implementation of DPPs.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on the challenges with obstetric referrals in rural communities in Ghana: a descriptive phenomenology study

ObjectiveWe explored and document healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) perspectives on the challenges encountered during obstetric referrals.DesignThe study adopted a qualitative research approach and a descriptive phenomenology design. HCWs permanently working in...

Prerequisites, barriers and opportunities in care for Q-fever patients: a Delphi study among healthcare workers

BackgroundQ-fever is a zoonotic disease that can lead to illness, disability and death. This study aimed to provide insight into the perspectives of healthcare workers (HCWs) on prerequisites, barriers and opportunities in care for Q-fever patients.MethodsA two-round online Delphi study was conducted among 94 Dutch HCWs involved in care for Q-fever patients. The questionnaires contained questions on prerequisites for high quality, barriers and facilitators in care, knowledge of Q-fever, and optimization of care. For multiple choice, ranking and Likert scale questions, frequencies were reported, while for rating and numerical questions, the median and interquartile range (IQR) were reported.ResultsThe panel rated the care for Q-fever patients at a median score of 6/10 (IQR = 2). Sufficient knowledge of Q-fever among HCWs (36%), financial compensation of care (30%) and recognition of the disease by HCWs (26%) were considered the most important prerequisites for high quality care. A lack of knowledge was identified as the most important barrier (76%) and continuing medical education as the primary method for improving HCWs’ knowledge (76%). HCWs rated their own knowledge at a median score of 8/10 (IQR = 1) and the general knowledge of other HCWs at a 5/10 (IQR = 2). According to HCWs, a median of eight healthcare providers (IQR = 4) should be involved in the care for Q-fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) and a median of seven (IQR = 5) in chronic Q-fever care.ConclusionsTen years after the Dutch Q-fever epidemic, HCWs indicate that the long-term care for Q-fever patients leaves much room for improvement. Facilitation of reported prerequisites for high quality care, improved knowledge among HCWs, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and guidance on how to support patients could possibly improve quality of care. These prerequisites may also improve care for patients with persisting symptoms due to other infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.