Practice Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Health profession students’ perceptions of ChatGPT in healthcare and education: insights from a mixed-methods study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of health profession students regarding ChatGPT use and the potential impact of integrating ChatGPT in healthcare and education.BackgroundArtificial Intelligence is increasingly utilized in medical education and clinical profession training. However, since its introduction, ChatGPT remains relatively unexplored in terms of health profession students' acceptance of its use in education and practice.DesignThis study employed a mixed-methods approach, using a web-based survey.MethodsThe study involved a convenience sample recruited through various methods, including Faculty of Medicine announcements, social media, and snowball sampling, during the second semester (March to June 2023). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions and three open-ended questions. The final sample comprised 217 undergraduate health profession students, including 73 (33.6%) nursing students, 65 (30.0%) medical students, and 79 (36.4%) occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy students.ResultsAmong the surveyed students, 86.2% were familiar with ChatGPT, with generally positive perceptions as reflected by a mean score of 4.04 (SD = 0.62) on a scale of 1 to 5. Positive feedback was particularly noted with respect to ChatGPT's role in information retrieval and summarization. The qualitative data revealed three main themes: experiences with ChatGPT, its impact on the quality of healthcare, and its integration into the curriculum. The findings highlight benefits such as serving as a convenient tool for accessing information, reducing human errors, and fostering innovative learning approaches. However, they also underscore areas of concern, including ethical considerations, challenges in fostering critical thinking, and issues related to verification. The absence of significant differences between the different fields of study indicates consistent perceptions across nursing, medicine, and other health profession students.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the necessity for continuous refinement to enhance ChatGPT's accuracy, reliability, and alignment with the diverse educational needs of health professions. These insights not only deepen our understanding of student perceptions of ChatGPT in healthcare education but also have significant implications for the future integration of AI in health profession practice. The study emphasizes the importance of a careful balance between leveraging the benefits of AI tools and addressing ethical and pedagogical concerns.

Integration of personal psychedelic experiences into clinical practice: A phenomenological study in mental health professionals

AbstractBackgroundWhile psychedelic substances are extensively studied through the lens of various academic disciplines, their impact on the therapeutic practice of mental health professionals is yet to be explored. This firsthand experience is deemed crucial for effectively assisting patients in the process of integrating a psychedelic experience.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of psychedelic integration among mental health professionals, focusing on understanding how transformation and insights influence their clinical work.MethodsUtilizing a phenomenological methodology, interviews with eight mental health professionals with substantial first-person experience with psychedelics were conducted.ResultsOur findings indicate a potential, enduring, positive impact of psychedelic meta-integration on the practice of mental health clinicians. The data analysis yielded a multi-faceted model encompassing key aspects of human life including interpersonal and emotional development, relationship with death and nature, concepts of love, meaning, and spirituality, along with elements pertinent to therapeutic work. This comprehensive model integrates these diverse dimensions, offering a holistic understanding of the impact of psychedelics on both personal and professional realms.ConclusionsThe findings of this study lend support to the notion that health professionals involved in clinical work encompassing psychedelic integration should themselves have undergone induced altered states of consciousness, not only for a better empathetic understanding. This might be also predicated on the intrinsic positive transformative effects on their human capacities and as therapists. This dual benefit underscores the importance of personal experience in the effective facilitation of psychedelic integration in clinical settings.

Blocked paths, unequal trajectories: Examining the career outcomes of health professions graduates by race, gender, and place of education.

Despite the need for more - and more diverse - health professionals to meet the U.S.' growing healthcare needs, qualitative research suggests that many health professions school graduates (HPGs) are tracked away from pursuing a health professions career. To what extent do HPGs' career trajectories vary across race, gender, and place of education (i.e., whether one received their health professions education in the U.S. or abroad)? Drawing on the National Survey of College Graduates, I identify that among 5,966 HPGs (medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, and podiatry school graduates), foreign-educated HPGs are less likely than U.S.-educated HPGs to become health professionals in the U.S. However, not all foreign-educated HPGs experience equal degrees of disadvantage; racially minoritized foreign-educated HPGs - and most strikingly, Asian foreign-educated men and women HPGs - demonstrate the lowest likelihoods of matriculating to a health professions career. Moreover, structural barriers, including initial U.S. visa status, significantly disadvantage foreign-educated HPGs on their path towards becoming practicing health professionals. Together, results suggest that the stunted career trajectories of foreign-educated HPGs might further stall the diversification of the health professions and limit the potential of immigrant HPGs to draw on their unique human capital post-migration. Findings both improve understanding of the contributors to the U.S. health professional shortage and advance sociological knowledge around how the health professions serve as key sites in the reproduction of inequality across axes of race, gender, and place of education.

Examining the Relationship Between Burnout and Specific Self-Care Practices in Mental Health Professionals in Pakistan

This study is based on burnout and self-care practices of mental health professionals. Mental health professionals are working in an environment where they provide one-sided care, in which they have to give empathy, compassion, and care without getting it in return from the clients. This one-way connection requires lots of energy and effort, increasing the risk of stress and burnout, resulting in disturbed emotional and physical health. A mental health professional’s disturbed health can lead to compromised client therapy outcomes. Subsequently, self-care is considered to be an essential tool to minimize negative consequences, and it increases positive outcomes and improves quality of life. The objective of the study is to assess the relationship between burnout and six domains of self-care (physical self-care, psychological, emotional, spiritual, workplace, and balance). It is a cross-sectional, survey design research. Participants included in the study are practicing mental health professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Around 385 participants were included in the study from all over Pakistan. Results of the study indicate a significant relationship between burnout and self-care.

Health professionals contacting patients' relatives directly about genetic risk (with patient consent): current clinical practice and perspectives.

Genetic testing can provide risk information to individuals and their blood relatives. Cascade testing uptake by at-risk relatives is <50%, with suboptimal family communication a key barrier to risk notification. The practice of health professionals (HPs) directly contacting relatives (with patient consent) to assist with risk notification has significant international support, but little is known about the practices and views of HPs in Australia. We surveyed Australian clinical genetics and laboratory services (public and private) which offer genetic testing of relevance to relatives, about current practices and views. Of 104 services invited, 78 responded to our online survey (75.0% response rate; clinical n = 59/81; laboratory n = 19/23). Most clinical services (83.3%) agreed it would be beneficial to contact at-risk relatives directly. However, the majority (80.4%) do not routinely contact relatives directly, with inadequate resources (80.0%) and privacy concerns (62.2%) cited as primary reasons. If direct contact methods were used, most clinical services (65.4%) prefer a letter which includes specific information about the genetic condition. Most clinical (86.5%) and laboratory (88.2%) services saw benefit in the development of a national clinical guideline for HPs regarding direct contact. This study confirms that most clinical genetics services would see benefits to being able to assist patients by contacting relatives directly about their potential genetic risk. Our findings highlight the need for a national clinical guideline clarifying HPs' legal and privacy obligations, and provide an opportunity for clinical services to reconsider their allocation of resources to prioritise assisting patients with risk notification.

Methodological report of a cross-sectional survey of abortion-related knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst health professionals in Britain, strategies adopted and lessons learned: evidence from the SACHA Study

BackgroundMost surveys examining health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices around abortion have used convenience samples and have targeted doctors. Our goal in the SACHA Study, drawing on evidence-based strategies to maximise response rates, was to achieve a representative sample of a wider range of health professionals, working in general practice, maternity services, pharmacies, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinics and specialist abortion services in Britain, to explore the knowledge, attitudes and experience of abortion care and views on future models of delivery.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of midwives, doctors, nurses and pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales was undertaken between November, 2021 and July, 2022. We used a stratified cluster sampling approach to select a random sample of sites and all eligible staff within those services were asked to respond to the survey. Evidence-based strategies to maximise completion rates were adopted, including postal delivery of the one-page questionnaire with personal letter of invitation and a stamped address envelope for return, inclusion of an unconditional voucher and follow-up.ResultsOverall, 147 of the 314 (46.8%) health service sites randomly selected took part in the survey. Reasons for non-participation included local Research and Development (R&D) Department non-response, lack of resources or insufficient time to support or approve the study, lack of interest in or perceived relevance of the topic and insufficient capacity to take part, exacerbated by work demands during the COVID epidemic. Of the 1370 questionnaires sent to eligible identified participants within these services, 771 were completed and returned (56.3%). At the service level the highest proportion of returns was from SRH clinics (81.0%) and the lowest from general practice (32.4%). In relation to profession, returns were highest amongst midwives (69.6%) and lowest amongst pharmacists (36.5%).ConclusionsObtaining information about health professional knowledge, attitudes and practices is key to guide service development and policy and to identify gaps in training and service provision in abortion. Despite our attempts to gain a representative sample of health professionals, the challenges we experienced limited the representativeness of the sample, despite the use of an evidence-based strategy.

Barriers and enablers for implementation of clinical practice guidelines in maternity and neonatal settings: A rapid review.

Maternity and neonatal services are rapidly changing in Australia because of evolving needs of the community and patient population. Clinical practice guidelines focused on early interventions and prevention strategies can decrease risk for preventable negative health outcomes in this population. However, despite the existence of several clinical practice guidelines, their translation into practice remains problematic for healthcare services. To identify barriers and enablers for the implementation and adoption of clinical practice guidelines in maternal and neonatal settings. A rapid review was conducted according to Cochrane and World Health Organization guidelines. Systematic reviews, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies related to clinical guidelines in maternal and neonatal settings published in English Language between 2010 and 2023 meeting study eligibility criteria were identified using PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Forty-eight studies originating from 35 countries were reviewed, representing practice guidelines associated with maternal and neonatal care. Identified barriers and enablers aligned to five main themes related to the contextual level of impact: (i) healthcare system and systemic factors, (ii) patient and population, (iii) guidelines and standards, (iv) organisational capacity, and (v) health professional practice. Findings from this review shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with introducing clinical practice guidelines in maternal and neonatal care settings. Implementation of guidelines into practice is complex, with different factors affecting their adoption and their use within healthcare settings. Addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in maternal and neonatal care demands a comprehensive and collaborative strategy. Successful adoption of guidelines requires the involvement of stakeholders at all levels, supported by ongoing evaluation, feedback, and dedication to evidence-based practices.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing polypharmacy management frameworks: a theory based qualitative exploration of key stakeholders.

Inappropriate polypharmacy arises through many factors including deficiencies in prescribing processes. Most research has focused on solutions at the clinician/patient levels with less at the organisational level. To explore key stakeholder identified barriers and facilitators to implementation of an organisational level polypharmacy management framework. Qualitative data were collected within the Ministry of Health in Oman. Key stakeholders were purposively sampled encompassing senior representatives of pharmacy, medicine, and nursing directors; healthcare policymakers; patient safety leaders; and academic leaders. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed informed by a recent scoping review and underpinned by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews, which continued until data saturation, were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Framework Approach. Thirteen key stakeholders were interviewed, with representation of each target group. Facilitators largely mapped to the CFIR domain of inner setting (i.e., aspects of stakeholder awareness, the electronic health system and national leadership), intervention characteristic (evidence gaps), characteristics of individuals (stakeholders and champions) and process (change strategy). Barriers also largely mapped to the inner setting (policy absence, communication and health professional practice) and outer setting (resource needs). This study has illuminated the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of an organisational level polypharmacy management framework. Further work is required to translate these themes into an actionable plan to implement the framework. Particular attention is required for aspects of the CFIR domain of inner setting (i.e., the internal context within which implementation occurs) as most barriers mapped to this domain.

Made for or Made by? A Qualitative Investigation into the Diverse Practices and Roles of Medical Congress Participants.

Medical congresses play a pivotal role in the continuing medical education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly in light of the rapid advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Notwithstanding, little is known about the internal dynamics of such events and how they contribute to the learning processes in communities of health professional practice. This study aims to uncover and elucidate what motivates HCPs to participate in medical congresses and how they experience their participation through a qualitative study. Attending six in-person medical congresses in Western Europe in 2023, we collected data through a combination of ethnographic methods including 69 in-situ interviews, 17 in-depth interviews, and extensive participant observations. We analyzed the role of the physical environment, participant motivation, interdisciplinarity, and participant diversity for medical congress attendance, ultimately identifying four types of congress participants: Explorers, Newcomers, Drivers, and Updaters, each characterized by unique patterns of professional experience and engagement within the professional communities. Our findings elucidate the complex motivational landscape of medical congress participants, where the desire for learning is routinely complemented by the pursuit of peer recognition. Our insights and the qualitative typology of medical congress participants introduced have the potential to optimize continuous medical education and shape the structure of future medical congresses by shedding light on the evolving needs of HCPs in diverse medical fields.

Social prescribing initiatives connecting general practice patients with community-based physical activity: A scoping review with expert interviews.

The World Health Organization states that physical inactivity is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for disability and mortality in Europe. Social prescribing holds promise as a possible solution by connecting patients from general practice to community-based physical activity. Although research within social prescribing exists, the process of connecting general practice patients to community-based physical activity is not well investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarise and synthesise knowledge on social prescribing provided by health professionals in general practice towards community-based physical activity. A systematic search for literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportsDiscus and other sources was conducted to identify initiatives connecting general practice to community-based physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with subject-specific national experts. Finally, preliminary findings from the literature and the interviews were used in a co-creation process with experts to synthesise and finalise the results of a thematic analysis across data sources. Based on 19 records, five expert interviews and subsequent co-creation, we identified three themes: (a) barriers and facilitators, (b) organisational perspectives and (c) value-based considerations. This review illuminates the complex nature of social prescribing programmes that connect general practice patients to community-based physical activity in Denmark. It also presents practical and fundamental considerations when applying social prescribing across different settings.

Ways to improve the system of prevention and treatment of environmental diseases

International experience, as well as many Russian research works, prove the necessity to concentrate efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers on development of healthcare technologies for diagnosis, prevention and treatment (including health resort treatment and rehabilitation) of so-called environmental diseases caused by unhealthy environments and adverse environmental factors (physical, chemical, biological, social ones). This paper proposes the integration of research areas in environmental medicine into profiles of various research specialties (Occupational Medicine, Ecology, etc.). It is also proposed to transform the healthcare specialty of Doctor of Occupational Medicine into Doctor of Environmental Medicine. Finding ways to improve the system of prevention and treatment of environmental diseases, discussing the issues of further integration of environmental medicine, public health, ecology, occupational medicine, restorative medicine and other biomedical, preventive and clinical disciplines may improve the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases caused by adverse effects of environmental factors, as well as contribute to the development of preventive strategies. The methods of epidemiologic (including prenosologic) diagnostics based on the assessment of functional reserves of the body should play a key role in scientific research with the implementation of its results in the practice of health professionals of various profiles, including environmental occupational pathologists, in order to improve clinical diagnostics and develop personalized treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients exposed to adverse environmental factors.

Barriers and Facilitators Affecting Access to Health Care for People With Syphilis: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Syphilis is a systemic, preventable, and curable infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Despite being treatable, syphilis continues to have a high incidence, with a resurgence observed even in countries with strong health surveillance systems. This highlights the need to understand the various strategies used globally to improve access to care for individuals with syphilis. This scoping review aims to identify and map the barriers and facilitators affecting access to health care for people with syphilis. This scoping review will follow the methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search will be conducted across several databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, LILACS (Virtual Health Library), and CINAHL (EBSCO). In addition, sources of unpublished studies or gray literature will be explored. Studies focusing on access to health care for individuals with syphilis will be included, regardless of geographic location, country, or language. Two independent reviewers will assess the results, and data will be extracted using a tool specifically developed for this review. The extracted quantitative data will be presented in tables and analyzed using descending hierarchical classification, represented by a class dendrogram. Barriers and facilitators will be categorized into dimensions of access. Database searching began in October 2024. Full-text screening and review are expected to be completed in December 2024. Data extraction and analysis are expected to be completed by February 2025, and the final report will be completed in March 2025. The findings of this scoping review, guided by this protocol, will elucidate the main barriers and facilitators that affect access to syphilis treatment. This study may contribute to the practices of health professionals, managers, and the academic community, and provide relevant information for the population. Open Science Framework Registries osf.io/kpsab; https://osf.io/kpsab. PRR1-10.2196/63561.

The Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) Supplementation on Clinical Manifestations and Inflammatory Parameters in Individuals with Sjögren's Syndrome: A Literature Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes and can lead to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 5-10% of cases after 10 years. Clinical trials have shown that the oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to have a beneficial effect on Sjögren's syndrome. This literature review provides an overview of the effects of PUFA supplementation on clinical manifestations and inflammatory parameters in Sjögren's syndrome. We conducted a literature review using the PubMed, Biomed Central, and Cochrane Library electronic databases and using search terms "Sjögren" AND "omega-3"; and "omega-6" AND "fatty acids" AND "oil". This literature review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized clinical trials in humans with or without a control group using the oral administration of PUFA. From 26 articles found in the databases, a total of 6 articles were included. Of these six trials, five trials showed an effect on clinical manifestations and three trials on inflammatory parameters. Most of the studies did not show a significant effect on the parameters analyzed. One study showed a significant improvement in dry keratoconjunctivitis compared to the control group. The results suggest that PUFAs may improve inflammatory parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. This literature review supports the idea that the oral administration of PUFA may possess a potential effect on clinical manifestations. However, due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of clinical trial methodology, further investigations should be employed. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of PUFAs on clinical biomarkers in Sjögren's syndrome may clarify their importance in clinical practice for health professionals.

‘We are changed yet the same…we can make a difference’: using a critical, creative, collaborative inquiry process to understand and develop professional artistry in nursing

ABSTRACT Professional practice in health and social care is embodied by the practitioners concerned, embedded in practice contexts and creative in nature. It is therefore complex to investigate, understand and develop. Current health and social care contexts can present practitioners with increasingly constraining circumstances and spaces that can feel closed instead of open to exploration and development of practice. The collaborative, critical and creative inquiry methodology presented here was developed among nurses practising in such challenging circumstances. It enables nurses and other health and social care practitioners to reveal, explore and develop their embodied practices, systematically and collaboratively, amid busy daily practice situations. However ‘small’ the space they are in, the process described here can help practitioners to enlarge their space for becoming. The iterative cycle and the use of participatory arts help illuminate otherwise hidden and difficult to articulate aspects of practice, enable the involvement of stakeholders in coming to new understandings and lead to an expanded view of professional practice and its potential for transformation. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to present the methodology, methods and lessons learned during the doctoral study in which this approach was developed. Second, to reveal the professional artistry of facilitating this space for becoming and of supporting professionals to reveal their own and others’ professional artistry. Lastly, to offer inspiration and a guide for others considering similar participative inquiry work and to encourage debate and critique of the approach taken.

The effect of health literacy course on the level of health literacy in medical students

Abstract Health literacy (HL) concerns not only individuals but also health systems and health professionals. Most of the literature on HL has focused on patient factors, with little emphasis on the communication skills and practices of health professionals. Training is needed at all levels to understand the concept of HL and its impact on health inequalities. This study is an intervention study. Data were collected from 29 students taking the third year elective course at the Faculty of Medicine through an online survey. The survey consists of 40 questions aimed at assessing the demographic characteristics of the participants, the TSOY-32 Scale and some factors affecting HL. During the training period, role-play scenarios were played to teach the importance of HL, sample videos were watched to evaluate physician-patient communication, and case studies were conducted. The mean pre-test TSOY-32 scale score of the participants was 32.8±5.8. The mean post-test TSOY-32 scale score was 36.4±7.1. There was a significant difference between pretest and posttest groups in terms of TSOY-32 scale score (p = 0.033). Health professionals often overestimate patients’ HL levels and do not have sufficient competence to effectively manage limited HL. These gaps need to be addressed through the curricula of medical schools and specialties. Key messages • Training on health literacy improves medical students’ communication skills, bridging gaps in patient care. • Addressing health literacy in medical training enhances patient-doctor communication, vital for quality care.

9.Q. Round table: Strengthening public health law for public health professionals

Abstract Law is a tool that public health experts can use to improve population health. Generally, law offers a range of opportunities: it can encourage healthy and safe behaviours; it can change and shape the physical and social environments; influence the social determinants of health, as well as structure the public health system. Law can also compel or restrict, and legal systems can provide accountability and oversight. ‘Public health law’ stands at the intersection of public health and law, and offers a range of powerful tools for improving health (Burris et al, 2018). While public health law is an important field for public health professionals, there is a lack of knowledge about this field, and a lack of interaction between public health professionals and law professionals. There is also a need to understand the ways law might challenge public health goals. For example, law can be used to promote goals which do not improve public health, or public health concerns can be sidelined, and law can be a tool for challenging specific public health interventions. The focus of this roundtable will be on identifying and building necessary capacities for using law by public health professionals. End-goal is to identify new initiatives to consolidate and to strengthen public health law as an important field for public health professionals. To achieve these aims, we have set three practical steps for the roundtable to embark on: 1) strengthening collaboration; 2) identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities; and 3) starting new initiatives: 1) Strengthening the collaboration and building new partnerships: we bring together experts from law and public health to identify the gaps and opportunities when it comes to implementing law by public health professionals. The roundtable will foster new collaborations and partnerships between law and public health professionals. 2) Identifying gaps and opportunities: there is a need to identify deficiencies in health policy research and how to use scientific legal research methods to overcome these problems. Relatedly, to share experiences and best practices when it comes to teaching public health law. Opportunities include the transdisciplinary model and legal epidemiology; a focus on the commercial determinants; and applying a human rights lens. Panelists - in an interaction with the audience - will identify key opportunities and discuss ways to implement them. 3) Starting new initiatives: panelists will be asked to concretize existing initiatives and discuss with the audience how they can be integrated in the field, based on our new partnerships. New collaborations will be identified. This may vary from building a new network, applying for a joint research grant or for strengthening or complementing existing teaching modules. Altogether, this roundtable aims to strengthen our understanding of existing efforts and of the various ways in which public health expertise can be integrated in better law making. Key messages • Drafting of sound laws that improve health is a joint practice of various professionals, including legal and public health professionals. • We need to strengthen existing capacities and build new ones for using law by public health professionals. Speakers/Panelists Timo Clemens Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands Regien Biesma UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands Edward Kirton-Darling University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Scott Burris Temple University, Philadelphia, USA Dominique Mollet Joint Research Council EU, Ispra, Italy

A Good Practice for Learning with Public Health Professionals Globally: Humphrey Fellowship Program

Abstract Background International collaborations are valuable yet often undervalued assets that enhance the quality of public health education and bolster the development of the public health workforce. Objectives The Humphrey Fellowship Program, part of the Fulbright Exchange Program, facilitates mid-career professionals’ visits to US-based host universities for an academic year. Fellows engage in a semi-structured fellowship period to achieve self-defined goals, emphasizing professional development, expanded experience, and intercultural exchange. This study advocates for the program’s contribution to enhancing public health education. Results Currently, two universities host fellows in public health. Over decades, fellows have engaged with faculty and professionals, participated in classes and meetings, visited institutions for development purposes, and completed US-based affiliations, contributing significantly to their own and the public health workforce’s advancement. This interaction-based learning approach aids in navigating social and ethical challenges by fostering a deeper understanding of public and global health issues across countries. Conclusions The Humphrey Fellowship Program in public health stands as a commendable model. Similar initiatives could be beneficially replicated in the European region, leveraging local and global successes to strengthen ties with public health education institutions, student communities, and beyond. Key messages • Programs that facilitate international interactions can enhance public health professionals’ understanding of global perspectives. • The Humphrey Fellowship Program in the US stands as a commendable practice for mid-career public health professionals, contributing significant value to the education at host universities.

Preparedness for Practice of Health Professionals in Papua New Guinea: a Cross-sectional Survey of Nurses and Community Health Workers.

Preparedness for Practice of Health Professionals in Papua New Guinea: a Cross-sectional Survey of Nurses and Community Health Workers.

The Use of Mobile Health Care Among Medical Professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing Region: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

The emergence and integration of mobile health care technology have fundamentally transformed the health care industry, providing unprecedented opportunities to improve health care services and professional practice. Despite its immense potential, the adoption of mobile health care technology among health care professionals remains uneven, particularly in resource-limited regions. This study aims to explore the use and influencing factors of mobile health care among health care professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China and make recommendations. Convenience sampling was used in a cross-sectional study conducted from November 8 to November 14, 2023, to survey frontline clinical health care professionals at 5 district-level secondary public hospitals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. A web-based questionnaire was used to investigate the use of mobile health care and its influencing factors among the participants. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were used in the study. A total of 550 valid questionnaires were completed. Among the surveyed health care professionals, only 18.7% (103/550) used mobile health care, with a satisfaction rate of only 50.5% (52/103). Around 81.3% (447/550) did not use any form of mobile health care. The age group of 30-39 years was found to be a significant factor influencing the use of mobile health care by health care professionals (P=.03). The main reasons for not using mobile health care among health care professionals were lack of appropriate technical training and support (266/447, 59.5%), lack of suitable management-specific apps (204/447, 45.6%), and concerns about increased workload (180/447, 40.3%). There were significant differences in the single-factor analysis of the reasons for the nonuse of mobile health care among health care professionals from different specialties (P=.04). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age was the only significant factor influencing the use of mobile health care by health care professionals (P=.04). The utilization rate of mobile health care among health care professionals in the Sichuan-Chongqing region is low. Age is a significant factor that influences whether health care professionals use mobile health care. Providing appropriate technical training and support may help improve the enthusiasm of health care professionals in using mobile health care.

Ill persons and capable workers: Constructing work ability in return-to-work negotiations after sickness absence.

In return-to-work (RTW) negotiations after sickness absence, the work ability of an individual employee becomes a shared interest for the multiple stakeholders representing both the healthcare sector and working life. In practice, the employee, employer and occupational health professionals need to reach a shared understanding of the employee's work ability to enable shared decision-making concerning the plans for sustainable RTW. Drawing on 14 video-recorded RTW negotiations, we used conversation analysis-informed membership categorization analysis to examine how the participants of RTW negotiations discuss the work ability of an employee to pursue a shared understanding of the situation. Work ability was constructed in a very situational way, using illness categories to both explain the work ability of the employee and argue for or against their ability or inability to work. Our study contributes to research on RTW by introducing a new perspective to work ability. We show how work ability is realized during RTW negotiations through interaction, and how participants leverage their cultural understanding of illness and capability when negotiating work ability. We also demonstrate how membership categorization analysis can reveal the situational and consequential aspects of illness and work ability categories.