Perspectives Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Sustaining telehealth in pediatric diabetology beyond COVID-19: How to set the tone.

In the post-COVID-19 era, telehealth experience and knowledge must be structured to deliver high-quality care. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that lends itself to being a model for telehealth diffusion, especially in the pediatric setting where the use of cloud-connected technologies is widespread. Here, we present "how to set the tone" and manage a telemedicine session according to our experiences and those reported in the literature, according to the health professional perspective. A practical workflow on how healthcare professionals can structure a virtual diabetes clinic is reported, as well as critical issues related to limits in physical examination, communication registers, relationships, and visit settings. A proactive virtual visit model could be feasible, stratifying patients according to continuous glucose monitoring metrics, and personalized interventions can be provided to each patient. Analysis of benefits and hassles due to telehealth for each patient has to be considered, as well as their personal perspective, expectations, and reported barriers, mainly related to connection issues and digital literacy.

The quality traits of artificial intelligence operations in predicting mental healthcare professionals’ perceptions: A case study in the psychotherapy division

<p>As advancements in healthcare technologies continue to emerge, the integration of AI-Technology has brought about significant transformations in various healthcare sectors. While substantial advancements have been made in applying AI to enhance physical health, its implementation in the field of mental health is still in its early stages. This descriptive study aims to address this gap by exploring the perspectives of mental health professionals (MHPs) on the acceptance and utilization of AI technology. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was utilized to assess MHPs’ attitudes and beliefs towards AI implementation in psychotherapeutic practices. The sample was compromised of 349 MHPs. The findings reveal the task characteristic (TC) domain as the most influential domain, followed by Performance expectancy (PE), Behavioural intentions (BI), Personal innovativeness in IT (PT), Social influence (SI), Effort expectancy (EE), Perceived substitution crisis (PSC), Technology characteristic (TECH), and Initial trust (IT). The study also identifies statistically significant differences in AI usage based on gender variable, with females demonstrating a higher level of AI usage in comparison to males. Furthermore, the study highlights diverse applications of AI in the field of mental health, including AI-assisted assessments (AAA), chatbots for psychotherapy support (CPS), and data analytics for personalized treatment recommendations (DAPTR). By incorporating mental healthcare professionals’ (MHPs) perspectives, this research significantly contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the acceptance and utilization of AI technology in psychotherapy. The findings offer valuable insights into MHPs’ perceptions, concerns, and perceived advantages associated with integrating AI technology within clinical settings in the field of mental health.</p>

Role of occupational therapy in person-centred dementia care: Exploring family member and clinician perceptions.

This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapy in dementia facilities using a person-centred model of care, from the perspective of family members, occupational therapists and multidisciplinary health professionals. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, and all data were evaluated using thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight family members and five multidisciplinary health professionals. Four occupational therapists practising in dementia care also provided qualitative data via an online survey. The analysis identified two key themes around perceptions of occupational therapy in person-centred dementia care. These themes were (1) the poorly defined scope of the occupational therapy role and (2) the perceived features of the occupational therapy role. While the perceptions and experiences of participants varied, the scope of this role is currently poorly defined. Occupational therapists in this setting commonly facilitate positive social interaction and present-oriented occupational engagement with residents and are also recognised as building workforce capacity with multidisciplinary colleagues. Without a clearly defined scope of practice, the role of occupational therapy in enabling health and well-being for people with dementia cannot be coherently articulated. This could lead to underutilisation of occupational therapy services, and lost opportunities for residents to experience improved health and well-being.

Adherence to Covid-19 vaccination during the pandemic: the influence of fake news.

to understand how fake news has influenced adherence to Covid-19 immunization, from the perspective of health professionals. a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study was conducted in Campo Grande - MS. Twenty nursing professionals working in vaccine rooms or managing immunobiologicals participated through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, fully transcribed, and subjected to thematic content analysis. two categories emerged in which the professionals highlighted an increase in vaccine hesitancy among the population, influenced by fake news and denialist actions, which negatively interfered with the population's trust in vaccines and in the professionals administering them. concerns about vaccine safety and denialist actions by authorities and media outlets can contribute to the phenomenon of non-vaccination. The valorization of science, the promotion of educational actions, and raising public awareness about immunization were presented as strategies to increase vaccine coverage.

Perspectives of Mental Health Professionals on Self-Diagnosis and Romanticization of Mental Illnesses

In today's interconnected world, many individuals worldwide have become susceptible to the influences of the rising trends of self-diagnosis and the romanticization of mental illnesses, primarily facilitated by online platforms. This study explored the viewpoints of mental health professionals on the trends of self-diagnosis and romanticization of mental illnesses, including concerns about the accuracy of self-diagnoses, the impact of romanticization on individuals, and potential interventions to mitigate the issues. This research narrows its focus on the first-hand experiences and insights shared by mental health professionals, precisely five (5) psychologists, and five (5) guidance counselors in General Santos City and Davao City, shedding light on how these trends significantly shape individuals' perceptions of mental health. Using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis, results from semi-structured interviews highlighted the harmful impacts of these trends. Additionally, the findings suggest a need for increased awareness and education surrounding mental health, as well as collaborative efforts to counter the negative consequences of self-diagnosis and romanticization of mental illnesses.

O CUIDAR DO ADOLESCENTE COM OBESIDADE NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: PERSPECTIVAS DE GESTORES E PROFISSIONAIS

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe and explore, from the perspective of managers and health professionals, the care offered to adolescents with obesity in the context of Primary Health Care. Method: A case study conducted in a municipality in the state of Ceará-Brazil. Data collection took place in 2022 through semi-structured interviews. The data were examined using Bardin Content Analysis. Results: The care of obese adolescents is fragmented, and each professional acts according to their own decision, as the municipality does not use protocols that subsidize the practice of care. Potentials for care were listed, the main one being the multidisciplinary team. Regarding the difficulties, the adolescent’s demand for health services was highlighted. Conclusion: It is necessary to (re) organize the care model for obese adolescents in the municipality. In addition, the study highlights the need for greater attention to adolescent obesity and causes reflections on the care provided to this adolescent.

Are All Gay Men at Risk of Developing HIV/AIDS? Why China's Mass HIV Testing Has Majorly Targeted Gay Men in the Era of Biomedicalization.

Global HIV/AIDS responses have been increasingly biomedically dominated over the past years. In line with this shifting paradigm, China has prioritized mass HIV testing as a practical approach to controlling its HIV/AIDS epidemics among at-risk populations, especially gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study analyzed why China's mass HIV testing mainly targeted gay men by understanding the perspectives of public health professionals, community-based organization (CBO) workers, and gay men. In addition, this study revealed the tensions and unintended consequences of HIV/AIDS prevention and the representation of gay men in China. The study involved fieldwork conducted in a major city in Eastern China from 2015 to 2019. Semi-structured interviews were held with participants from the three abovementioned groups (N = 25). The study identified four processes concerning why gay men are mainly targeted for HIV testing. Some public health professionals believe that being a gay man is equivalent to having HIV/AIDS risks. In addition, this study particularly noted tensions between public health professionals and gay men, including gay men-identified CBO workers, over whether mass HIV testing should target gay men or anyone who engaged in sexual risk behaviors. This study argued that a particular focus on gay men due to pursuing biomedical advances in HIV/AIDS prevention seems to have unintendedly stereotyped gay men based on the presumptions that they are at risk of developing HIV/AIDS. In addition, this study corresponded to the broader social scientific discussion concerning whether HIV/AIDS intervention should target specific sexual risk practices or sexual identity/population.

Health professionals' practices and perspectives of post-stroke coordinated discharge planning: a national survey.

Background It is best practice for stroke services to coordinate discharge care plans with primary/community care providers to ensure continuity of care. This study aimed to describe health professionals' practices in stroke discharge planning within Australia and the factors influencing whether discharge planning is coordinated between hospital and primary/community care providers. Methods A mixed-methods survey informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework was distributed nationally to stroke health professionals regarding post-stroke discharge planning practices and factors influencing coordinated discharge planning (CDP). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results Data from 42 participants working in hospital-based services were analysed. Participants reported that post-stroke CDP did not consistently occur across care providers. Three themes relating to perceived CDP needs were identified: (1) a need to improve coordination between care providers, (2) service-specific management of the discharge process, and (3) addressing the needs of the stroke survivor and family . The main perceived barriers were the socio-political context and health professionals' beliefs about capabilities . The main perceived facilitators were health professionals' social/professional role and identity, knowledge, and intentions . The organisation domain was perceived as both a barrier and facilitator to CDP. Conclusion Australian health professionals working in hospital-based services believe that CDP promotes optimal outcomes for stroke survivors, but experience implementation challenges. Efforts made by organisations to ensure workplace culture and resources support the CDP process through policies and procedures may improve practice. Tailored implementation strategies need to be designed and tested to address identified barriers.

Short-stay urgent hospital admissions of children with convulsions: A mixed methods exploratory study to inform out of hospital care pathways.

To inform interventions focused on safely reducing urgent paediatric short stay admissions (SSAs) for convulsions. Routinely acquired administrative data from hospital admissions in Scotland between 2015-2017 investigated characteristics of unscheduled SSAs (an urgent admission where admission and discharge occur on the same day) for a diagnosis of febrile and/or afebrile convulsions. Semi-structured interviews to explore perspectives of health professionals (n = 19) making referral or admission decisions about convulsions were undertaken. Interpretation of mixed methods findings was complemented by interviews with four parents with experience of unscheduled SSAs of children with convulsion. Most SSAs for convulsions present initially at hospital emergency departments (ED). In a subset of 10,588 (11%) of all cause SSAs with linked general practice data available, 72 (37%) children with a convulsion contacted both the GP and ED pre-admission. Within 30 days of discharge, 10% (n = 141) of children admitted with afebrile convulsions had been readmitted to hospital with a further convulsion. Interview data suggest that panic and anxiety, through fear that the situation is life threatening, was a primary factor driving hospital attendance and admission. Lengthy waits to speak to appropriate professionals exacerbate parental anxiety and can trigger direct attendance at ED, whereas some children with complex needs had direct access to convulsion professionals. SSAs for convulsions are different to SSAs for other conditions and our findings could inform new efficient convulsion-specific pre and post hospital pathways designed to improve family experiences and reduce admissions and readmissions.

Public and professional involvement in a systematic review investigating the impact of occupational therapy on the self-management of rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Public and health professional involvement (PHPI) is essential in healthcare research yet uncommonly integrated into systematic reviews. We incorporated and evaluated PHPI in a mixed methods review of occupational therapy for self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Public partners were living with or caring for someone with RA. Our steering group comprised two public, two professionals (one occupational therapist, one rheumatologist), and one reviewer who planned the review’s PHPI (August 2021). Involvement was evaluated from public and health professional (PHP) perspectives using a survey and workshops (August–October 2022) exploring reasons for involvement, challenges and learning opportunities. Results: Alongside the steering group, 16 public and 6 professionals were involved throughout the review. Five public refined the search strategy, with three assisting in subsequent review activities. PHPs helped interpret findings during three public ( n = 12) and one professional workshop ( n = 4). Three occupational therapists and one public co-authored (ED) publications. In evaluation, PHPs felt valued and that their involvement was well-integrated. The researchers underestimated the time required for communicating and conducting PHPI in the review. Conclusions: PHPI is worthwhile, feasible and can be integrated within a systematic review. PHP partners considered participation valuable; researchers must prioritise time to prepare and communicate PHPI activities.

Perspectives of family caregivers, health professionals, and support providers on partnership issues in adult psychiatry

Family caregivers play an essential role in the continuity of care for patients with mental health problems. However, the lack of consideration for their role and difficulties in their collaboration with health professionals impact their involvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the issues underlying the family-professional partnership. A qualitative and exploratory study is used to collect data from providers of support services, family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders, and mental health professionals. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted from October 2017 to August 2018 were analyzed to determine key issues surrounding this partnership. A total of thirty-two family caregivers, nine healthcare professionals, and eleven providers participated in the study. The central concerns related to the partnership are information, continuity of care, and the relationship between patients, family members, and professionals. The relational dimension appears to be an important element for all three groups of participants, who nevertheless point out difficulties with regard to their positioning in this tripartite relationship. In the context of the current healthcare system, the concept of partnership creates obstacles to family caregivers being able to contribute their expertise while feeling recognized by the other actors.

How can we develop a well-supported policy plan? Towards a cocreative development of a new informal care policy plan in Flanders: process and research results.

In Belgium, there is a growing awareness about the importance of informal carers to cover persons' care and support needs. In the last decades several efforts were made in order to support informal carers, reduce levels of burden and enhance quality of life. In 2016, Flanders launched the Flemish informal care policy plan 2016-2020, which was created to valorise and support informal carers in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium and in Brussels. This policy plan came to an end and an evaluation of its implementation was necessary to outline future policy priorities and actions.
 The evaluation methodology used insights from the analytic hierarchy process and was characterised by a participatory approach. Stakeholders from different stakeholder groups (i.e., informal carers, informal care organisations, organisations for persons with care and support needs and their relatives, professional care organisations, policy makers and researchers) were involved in all steps of the research process. In collaboration with the researchers, stakeholders generated knowledge, which formed the basis for the next steps of the research process. Focus groups were held with each stakeholder group, which aimed to explore the goals of a successful Flemish informal care policy. Six goals were identified by the participants, each containing around eight preconditions to achieve the identified goal. The generated input was used in an online questionnaire to evaluate the Flemish informal care policy plan 2016-2020 and define priorities for a new informal care policy plan. 
 The online questionnaire gathered data of 1,045 respondents from different stakeholder groups. Although the results show that the identified needs and priorities in the Flemish informal care policy plan 2016-2020 are still prominent, there is a discrepancy between the perspective of informal carers and the perspective of health and social care professionals. Most informal carers indicate that the various priorities of a successful informal care policy were not present in the implementation of the Flemish informal care plan 2016-2020, which was not the case for health and social care professionals. Regarding the new Flemish informal care policy plan, two objectives were prioritised by most participants in the different participant profiles: ‘recognising and acknowledging informal carers’ and 'supporting informal carers'. The selected goals for a new informal care policy plan as well as the selected preconditions within these goals show that the provision of care and support should be perceived as a process rather than a product. Furthermore, informal care should be approached as a matter that goes beyond care and wellbeing.
 Following the evaluation study, a participatory trajectory was initiated to outline future policy priorities and actions for a new informal care policy plan. Therefore, interviews with experts and policymakers were conducted, cocreation workshops with informal care organisations were held and a validation session with broader stakeholders was conducted.
 The evaluation study and participatory trajectory offered interesting insights for the creation of a sense of ownership in policy making and facilitated content development and implementation of a new informal care policy plan, taking various stakeholder perspectives into account.

“The needle is already ready to go”: communities’ and health care professionals’ perceptions of routine vaccination in Nunavik, Canada

ABSTRACT Inuit living in the northern region of Nunavik continue to experience significant health inequalities, which are rooted in colonialism that still have repercussions on their health-related perceptions and practices, including vaccination. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and determinants of routine vaccination among the Inuit of Nunavik by describing factors influencing vaccination decisions from the perspective of community members and health professionals. Semi-structured interviews focusing on the perception of vaccination and experience with vaccination and health services were conducted with 18 Inuit and 11 non-Inuit health professionals. Using the socio-ecological model, factors acting at the community and public policy (e.g. rumours and misinformation about vaccination, language barrier), organisational (e.g. complexity of the vaccination process, staff turnover, lack of specialised vaccination workers and interpreters), and intrapersonal and interpersonal (e.g. past experiences with vaccination, vaccine attitudes, social norms) levels were identified as having an impact on vaccination decisions. Improving vaccination coverage in Nunavik requires a more global reflection on how to improve and culturally adapt the health care and services offered to the Inuit population.

Pandemic preparedness from the perspective of Occupational Health professionals.

Prior to any infectious disease emergence as a public health concern, early occupational preparedness is crucial for protecting employees from novel pathogens- coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is no different. This study ascertains how occupational safety and health (OSH)/Human Resource (HR) professionals in the Republic of Ireland had managed to prepare their workplaces prior to the advent of COVID-19. As part of a larger COVID-19 workplace study, online focus groups were conducted with OSH/HR professionals. Collected data were transcribed verbatim and entered into NVivo for thematic analysis incorporating intercoder reliability testing. Fifteen focus groups were conducted with OSH/HR professionals (n = 60) from various occupational settings. Three levels of organizational preparedness were identified: 'early awareness and preparation'; 'unaware and not ready' and 'aware, but not ready'. Most organizations were aware of the COVID-19 severity, but not fully prepared for the pandemic, especially stand-alone enterprises that may not have sufficient resources to cope with an unanticipated crisis. The experiences shared by OSH professionals illustrate their agility in applying risk management and control skills to unanticipated public/occupational health crises that arise. General pandemic preparedness such as the availability of work-from-home policies, emergency scenario planning and prior experience in workplace outbreaks of infectious diseases were helpful for workplace-associated COVID-19 prevention. This is the first study conducted with OSH/HR professionals in Ireland regarding COVID-19 preparedness in workplaces, which provides valuable insights into research literature, as well as empirical experience for the preparation of future public health emergencies.

Intervention Measures for Proper Food Intake and Healthy Living amongst 5-12 Years Old Children in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined, from the perspective of health professionals, the potential benefits of intervention measures promoting proper food intake and healthy living among children aged 5 to 12 years. Survey methodology was utilized for this study. The entire health staff of the Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria, comprising 291 individuals, comprised the study population. 165 respondents constituted the study's sample. A structured questionnaire using a four-point rating scale—Very High Extent (VHE), High Extent (HE), Low Extent (LE), and Very Low Extent (VLE)—with values of 4, 3, 2, and 1 was the instrument for data collection. For data analysis pertaining to the research questions, mean and standard deviation were utilized. A mean score of 2.5 represented the decision level. Results revealed that campaigns opposing excessive cassava flakes consumption could help to reduce the risk of eye problems and cancer in children, prevent inadequate nutrient intake, decrease the likelihood of obesity, and promote healthy growth, among others. Effective campaigns against improper food intake should be spearheaded by churches, community-based groups and organizations, and conducted in collaboration with families, particularly parents.

#80 : Barriers and Enablers to a Healthy Lifestyle in Couples with Infertility: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Background and Aims: While there is a recognised role of optimising lifestyle (diet and physical activity) in the management of infertility, factors influencing the lifestyle behaviours of people with infertility are not well understood. The aim of this study was to describe the barriers and facilitators to achieving or prescribing a healthy lifestyle in the management of infertility from the perspectives of couples and health professionals. Method: Ovid MEDLINE(R), PsycINFO, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL Plus were searched for quantitative and qualitative primary studies (12[Formula: see text] September 2022) that explored barriers and enablers to lifestyle behaviours for infertility management. Data were analysed by inductive thematic analysis with themes mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model. Results: After screening 10703 citations and 82 full texts, there were 23 included studies (13 quantitative, 8 mixed-methods and 2 qualitative) with 18 studies including women with infertility, 10 men with infertility and 6 health professionals. From the perspectives of people with infertility, themes related to capability (e.g., strategies for behaviour change), opportunity (e.g., limited time, resources and money) and motivation (e.g., interplay between lifestyle and emotional state); themes mapped to 8 TDF domains. From the perspectives of health professionals, themes related to capability (e.g., identification of patients appropriate for lifestyle intervention), opportunity (e.g., time constraints and organisational factors) and motivation (e.g., professional responsibility); themes mapped to 6 TDF domains. Conclusion: Several interacting factors influence lifestyle behaviours in couples with infertility which can be targeted for optimisation of future interventions. There is a need for more qualitative research to gain insights into the perspectives of couples with infertility and health professionals for further exploration of the complex and interacting factors which shape lifestyle during the stressful journey of infertility and fertility treatment.

Dental professionals’ views on motivational interviewing for the prevention of dental caries with adolescents in central Norway

BackgroundEstablishing positive oral health behaviours during adolescence should be a key priority to improve lifelong oral health. However, changing adolescent behaviours is known to be a challenge. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a method of working with patients to activate their motivation for change and has shown promising results within the dental setting. Yet, little is known about the actual experiences and perspectives of Norwegian dental health professionals in delivering motivational interviewing as part of routine care to their young patients. The overall aim of the present study was to explore the implementation of motivational interviewing by dentists and dental hygienists, employed by the Norwegian Public Dental Service, for their adolescent patients.MethodsAs part of the larger #Care4YoungTeeth <3 project, a Norwegian Research Council funded four-year Collaborative Project to Meet Societal and Industry-related Challenges, an online survey was developed and administered to dental personnel (n = 168) in one region of Central Norway. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and two-sample tests of proportions at the 95% confidence level.ResultsA total of 98 dental personnel responded to the survey (response rate 58.3%), of which 37 were dental hygienists (response rate 72.5%) and 61 were dentists (response rate 52.1%). A greater proportion of hygienists reported implementing this intervention compared to dentists (78.4% versus 50.8%; p = 0.007). Similarly, a greater proportion of hygienists (83.8%) stated that they had received training in MI compared to dentists (65.6%; p = 0.051). About 80% of dentists and 90% of dental hygienists felt that they understood the principles of MI. However, only about 45% and 60%, respectively, felt confident in its use. Dental hygienists found MI more usable in their work (p = 0.052), to a greater extent want to use MI (p = 0.002) and found that using MI works well (p < 0.001), as compared to dentists.ConclusionsA high proportion of dental professionals working within a Norwegian public dental service have received training in MI. However, barriers to implementation for adolescent patients and differences in practice between dentists and hygienists warrant further enquiry.

Prejudices towards the Romas in Hungarian healthcare: taboos and areas to tackle inequalities

Abstract Background The Roma or Gipsy population is the largest ethnic minority both in Europe and Hungary with 10-15 years lower life expectancy and worse health indicators than majority populations. The aim of our study was to investigate a sensitive and controversial issue: the perspectives of Hungarian health professionals about the presence and impacts of prejudice towards Roma patients. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 involving 19 healthcare professionals. Qualitative methods were applied to analyse the transcripts. Results The presence and occasional manifestation of prejudices against the Romas were confirmed by the interviewees, most commonly in the form of longer waiting time, comments or other meta-communicative tools. Prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviour are less common in wards where the prevalence of disadvantaged patients (HIV-positive, homeless) is higher (e.g. infectology). Prejudice is not specifically directed at the Roma ethnic minority, but also extends to populations living in poor socio-economic conditions, or with underlying self-destructive behaviour (alcoholism, drug use). In the opinion of our interviewees, occasional prejudicial behaviour does not lead directly to sub-standard care and poorer health, but it cannot be ruled out that it may indirectly contribute to it, in case the patient does not seek medical attention due to a former negative experience within healthcare. In terms of prevention, the education of both parties and the prevention of burnout of health providers are essential tasks for the future as this latter may also enhance the manifestation of prejudices. Conclusions Our study includes the investigation of a highly sensitive and understudied area of research. Our findings may provide a better understanding of Hungarian health professionals’ views on the effects of prejudice towards the Roma patients in healthcare, as well as about the need and strategies of prevention. Key messages • Direct relationship between healthcare providers’ prejudices and the lower quality of healthcare services or the worse health status of Roma patients may be excluded. • Indirect negative effects of prejudices may occur in cases where a patient refrains from seeking care due to previous perceived or experienced discrimination.

Health professional graduate perspectives of practice education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 created a need to rapidly adapt practice education placements to minimise the impact on students’ progression to graduation. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy students at one university completed their final practice education placement between April and May 2020, during the period when health care was urgently adapting to the developing pandemic. &#x0D; Aim: This study explored the impact of this final placement on new graduates, following their employment. &#x0D; Method: 10 students took part in 3 online focus groups to share their experiences and perceptions of the impact on their preparedness for professional practice &#x0D; Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis of transcripts including: 1. Coping with uncertainty, 2. Rising to the challenge, 3. Developing skills and competence and 4. Readiness for employment in the “new world” of practice. Overall, the study demonstrates the resilience of students in response to these unusual circumstances. Strategies including peer support, demonstration of learning, and client-centredness increased confidence and the development of professional identity. &#x0D; Conclusion: Graduates identified both positive and negative experiences of placement during COVID-19, but overall felt proud that they had demonstrated resilience and developed skills relevant to their current employment as professionals.

The role of trust in the implementation and uptake of COVID-19 response measures: a qualitative study of health professionals’ experiences in Tanzania

BackgroundEven though trust is placed at the central point in ensuring proper functioning of the health systems, studies remain scant on how it affects both the implementation and uptake of COVID-19 response measures in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. This study, therefore, explored the role of trust in the implementation and uptake of recommended COVID-19 response measures including vaccines from the perspective of health professionals in Tanzania.MethodsThis cross-sectional qualitative study was implemented in four of Tanzania’s thirty-one regions. Qualitative data was collected through 26 in-depth interviews held with regional and district disease outbreak response teams, district cold chain co-ordinators and health facility in-charges. In addition, five focus group discussions and seven group interviews were conducted with healthcare workers from the lower-level health facilities. Thematic analysis was conducted and applied the trust constructs.ResultsInterpersonal trust and health system trust emerged as two major themes in the study. Interpersonal trust was reported to stem from lack of transparency that instigated fear, worries, and confusion regarding the implementation and uptake of the recommended response measures. The distrust was mainly between health professionals in health facilities and those assigned to isolation centres as well as between patients and community members. On the other hand, the health system trust was shaped by mixed feelings regarding COVID-19 vaccine national decisions, and conflicting messages from national officials, politicians and religious leaders on COVID-19 responses, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccines. Questions surrounding the short duration of clinical trials, indeterminate post-vaccination protection duration, impotence-linked beliefs, freemasonry notion and unclear vaccinated cards information are other reported contributory factors to mistrust in the health system. However, after a comprehensive health education and experience in COVID-19 vaccination administration most professionals affirmed the effectiveness of the vaccines in limiting infections and its severe consequences.ConclusionParticipants indicated limited trust at both interpersonal and health system levels aggravated by lack of transparency, unclear and conflicting messages on COVID-19 infections and response measures. Enforced transparency on pandemics alongside standardised messages from the reliable sources is crucial in enhancing trust in implementation and uptake of the recommended response measures.