Quality Of Healthcare Services Research Articles

Financing Universal Healthcare Coverage in Nigeria Through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund: Challenges and Potential Solutions.

This study examines the Nigerian government's efforts to provide Universal Health Care (UHC) and reduce out-of-pocket spending through the Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF) scheme. The study gathered insights into the degree of UHC accomplishment through the implementation of the BHCPF using qualitative and quantitative secondary data analysis approaches, which combined a series of interviews with Statista data. The findings show that BHCPF implementation must be better aligned with the needs of healthcare recipients, particularly at the local government level, with poor infrastructure, insufficient funding, a lack of workforce, limited medicine, low awareness, and reachability identified as key factors making the scheme inaccessible. For immediate improvement, supported by Statista data, the study recommended telemedicine to address some of the challenges of reachability/accessibility because it represents an advantageous approach, given its significant contribution to the expansion of healthcare accessibility and the mitigation of health inequities in under-resourced countries around the world. Furthermore, the Public-Private Partnership method backed by desk-based research method was deemed ideal for addressing health care infrastructure provisioning challenge. Overall, this study demonstrates, on the one hand, the difficulty in improving access to care at the local government level, given the multifaceted and complex nature of the barriers to care for low-income people; and on the other, the urgent need for more holistic collective action to improve quality healthcare services for all in Nigeria.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS ON PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION FOR ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS: IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN VIETNAM

Abstract: Digital transformation is a key driver in modern healthcare systems. In Vietnam, transitioning from paper-based to electronic health records (EHR) offers improved efficiency and quality in healthcare services. However, safeguarding personal data within EHRs is paramount due to the sensitivity of the information involved. This paper explores the existing legal framework on personal data protection for EHRs in Vietnam, identifies critical gaps, and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing legal mechanisms. The study underscores the necessity of a comprehensive law on personal data protection and the development of uniform standards and enforcement mechanisms. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the legal framework for personal data protection in electronic health records (EHRs) within the context of Vietnam's digital transformation. The aim is to identify existing gaps and propose actionable solutions to enhance data protection and foster trust in digital healthcare. Theoretical Framework: This research draws on concepts from data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant Vietnamese legal texts, including Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP. These frameworks provide a basis for analyzing the current state of personal data protection and its implications for healthcare. Method: The study adopts a qualitative approach, using document analysis and comparative methodologies. Primary sources include Vietnamese legal documents, international standards, and case studies. We incorporated insights from legal experts and healthcare practitioners to contextualize findings. Results and Discussion: The analysis reveals significant gaps in Vietnam's legal framework, including the absence of a comprehensive data protection law, inconsistent standards for EHR data processing, and insufficient sanctions for violations. Recommendations include enacting a unified law, establishing standardized practices, and enhancing public awareness. Discussion highlights the alignment of these proposals with international best practices and their potential to strengthen trust in EHR systems. Research Implications: Findings underscore the need for a robust legal framework to safeguard sensitive personal data in healthcare. Practical implications include improved regulatory consistency and greater public confidence in digital health initiatives. Originality/Value: This study contributes by providing a structured evaluation of Vietnam’s data protection mechanisms in EHRs, offering innovative solutions tailored to local challenges while incorporating global insights.

A population-level impact assessment of the National Health Mission on maternal and child health outcomes in India.

India launched the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2005 to reduce maternal and child mortality by providing equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services. Studies evaluating the impact of NHM primarily focused on the uptake of maternal and child health (MCH) services, revealing a dearth of evidence on related health outcomes. Using annual time-series data, we estimated the population-level (intention-to-treat effect) impact of the NHM on MCH outcomes such as infant mortality rate (IMR), stillbirth rate, neonatal mortality rate (NMR), and maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Our results exhibit strong consensus on the positive impact on IMR in the post-NHM period, with a significant reduction in its rate and regional inequity. Conversely, our estimates show a moderate impact on stillbirth rate and an insignificant impact on NMR and MMR. Our findings inform policy decisions for strengthening the public health system to amplify the positive gains in MCH outcomes.

The Picture of Health: Seeing the Health of the Chronically Challenged Through Van Gogh's Sunflowers as a Needed Revision of the Clinical Perspective.

This article identifies and offers a response to several problems that affect the quality of both clinical education and health care services. These matters are: that in clinical training and practice, health, as lived by patients (persons), is not properly considered, and is equated reductively with treating diseases/disorders; that health is seen through disease, and as restricted to a single model defined by an organism's meeting (or being returned to) biochemical or functional standards; that intellectual assumptions instilled in schools of Medicine and Psychology about realities pertaining to healthcare determine an understanding of chronic illness or life with chronic challenges focused on impairment and suffering, and not on the fuller experience of living with illness, disability or neuropsychological challenges that patients have as persons; that arts-based education reflects the same focus in understanding 'illness', and thus neglects giving attention to the creation of personal health states of those living with challenging or debilitating long-term conditions; that, consequently, the arts are instrumentalized to serve these predefined educational purposes, rather than allowed to inform clinical training through that which is intrinsic or more specific to them. As a way out of these limitations and as an illustration of how things could be done differently, Vincent Van Gogh's paintings of the Sunflowers are used as visual inspiration for how we could change the way we see, and construct new mental representations of 'health', 'chronic illness' or 'chronic challenges', 'patient as person' or even 'person as non-patient', 'the clinician's role' and 'the identity of clinical practice'. Relying on Van Gogh's depictions of the sunflowers as an example and a visual basis, the article shows how characteristics typical to art (transformation, alternative generation, etc.) can be transferred into the perception and conceptualisation of clinically relevant realities, and discusses the benefits of these changes for clinical practice.

Lifelong learning tendencies in primary healthcare workers: A descriptive design.

The need to update knowledge and learn continuously has emerged as a necessity in today's world, particularly to enhance the quality of healthcare services. Health workers working in primary health care centres are responsible for protecting and improving public health. Therefore, they must be inclined to lifelong learning. The requirements in this direction can only be met by increasing lifelong learning tendencies. This study aimed to determine the lifelong learning tendencies of primary healthcare workers. This is a descriptive study. The sample of the study consisted of 261 healthcare workers employed in primary healthcare centers in one province of the Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey. The study was completed with 261 individuals who agreed to participate. Data were collected through survey using a descriptive information form and the Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation test were used for data analysis. The participants' Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale mean score was 57.28±22.82. A positive significant correlation was found between lifelong learning tendency and education level, institution of employment, previous experience of lifelong learning, participation in personal and professional development training, reading books, and belief in the necessity of lifelong learning (p<0.05). The lifelong learning tendency of healthcare workers was at a good level. Accordingly, it is recommended to create professional training environments to further strengthen the lifelong learning tendencies of healthcare workers and support their participation in scientific activities.

"We use it a lot for everything": Antibioticalization and everyday life in a refugee camp in Lebanon.

Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance has accelerated global efforts to reduce antibiotic use. While antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat, especially in low-income settings, there is a scarcity of research on how people in such environments, including refugee camps, access and use antibiotics. This article explores factors that contribute to the shaping of antibiotic use in Shatila refugee camp in Lebanon. It is based on six months of fieldwork from October 2021 to April 2022 in Shatila, consisting of participant observation, semi-structured interviews and group workshops with 32 camp residents and health workers. Following the onset of the Syrian war in 2011, the number of informal pharmacies and Syrian medicines boomed in Shatila. Aiming to describe and analyze how camp residents access and use antibiotics, we address two main themes: 1) the omnipresence of antibiotics in a context of scarcity, and 2) antibiotics as a panacea - a quick-fix for everyday ailments. Antibiotic consumption patterns in Shatila are formed by a scarcity of quality healthcare services on the one hand, and an omnipresence of antibiotics on the other. We demonstrate that in this loosely regulated context, where pharmaceuticals are bought over-the-counter; there is extensive antibiotic consumption. Camp residents often self-medicate with antibiotics for a wide range of purposes, extending beyond the treatment of infections. The high consumption of antibiotics will increase the level of antimicrobial resistance and pose a risk to the camp residents by disturbing local microbiomes and the amount of resistant genes (the resistome) in the environment, thus leading to new potential health risks. Building on theories of pharmaceuticalization and social suffering, we propose the concept of "antibioticalization." This distinct form of pharmaceuticalization is characterized by the pervasive and generalized use of antibiotics, especially in contexts of healthcare and resource scarcity.

The effect of interactive learning methods and reflection on nurses’ learning in patient safety at the ICU and Emergency department

IntroductionPatient safety is vital to health care delivery and service quality. Therefore, it should be a priority in every healthcare system worldwide. As the importance of patient safety is increasingly recognized, the emphasis on training and its impact on safety competencies and quality of care has also grown. Innovation in education is essential to keep pace with the growing need to enhance patient safety through an effective education program. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the patient safety education program in Case-based Learning (CBL), lectures, and reflection on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of patient safety in the nurses of the Intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department of Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital, Yazd.MethodThe quasi-experimental study was conducted by the nurses of the intensive care unit and emergency departments of Shahid Rahnamoon Teaching Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from November 2023 to the end of April 2024, using a three-group quasi-experimental intervention design with a pre and post-test. Nurses were randomly divided into three teaching groups: lecture, case-based learning, and reflection. The knowledge, attitude, and patient safety performance questionnaires were used before and three months after the intervention.ResultsIn this study, 113 nurses were analyzed across three groups: Case-Based Learning (CBL) with 38 participants, reflection with 38 participants, and lecture with 37 participants. The mean scores for knowledge pre- and post-study in the three groups were as follows: CBL (4.81 ± 1.24 vs. 8.07 ± 1.36), reflection (4.94 ± 1.39 vs. 8.18 ± 1.44), and lecture (5.16 ± 1.42 vs. 7.75 ± 1.40). Similarly, the average scores for attitude pre- and post-study were recorded as: CBL (41.50 ± 4.89 vs. 54.68 ± 4.64), reflection (41.23 ± 6.22 vs. 49.94 ± 6.42), and lecture (41.37 ± 6.75 vs. 48.62 ± 5.64). For practice, the average scores pre- and post-study were CBL (3.44 ± 1.05 vs. 6.26 ± 1.22), reflection (3.55 ± 1.08 vs. 5.76 ± 1.58), and lecture (3.59 ± 1.06 vs. 5.13 ± 1.53). These results indicate overall knowledge, attitude, and practice improvement across all groups following the study. Before the study, there were no significant differences in knowledge (F = 0.621, p = 0.539), attitude (F = 0.018, p = 0.982), and practice (F = 0.19, p = 0.828) among the three groups. After the study, no significant difference was found in knowledge (F = 0.938, p = 0.394); however, a significant difference was observed in attitude (F = 12.13, p < 0.0001) and practice (F = 506, p = 0.005).ConclusionAccording to the study's findings, all three groups of nurses demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and performance after the intervention compared to before. However, no significant difference was observed among the three groups in the area of knowledge. Nonetheless, case-based learning significantly improved the average scores for attitudes and performance. These results indicate that patient safety training programs effectively enhance nurses' knowledge.

Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge Level Regarding Forensic Cases in The Intensive Care and Operating Room

Purpose: Forensic cases are encountered in not only emergency units but also operating rooms, and intensive care units. It is believed that increasing the level of knowledge about forensic cases in these areas will improve the quality of healthcare services. This plays an important role in fulfilling ıntensive care professional responsibilities and contributes to the legal process. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals in operating rooms and intensive care units regarding forensic cases. Material and Methods: A descriptive comparative design study was conducted, involving healthcare professionals from a university hospital in the Eastern Black Sea Region between March 17 and May 1, 2023 (n=116). Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researchers, and analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, variance analysis, and correlation analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 30.6±7.7 years, with 56% working in operating rooms and 56.9% being nurses. While 53.4% had received training on forensic cases, 82.8% had encountered such cases. Education significantly influenced both knowledge level (p=0.00) and application (p=0.02), with a moderate positive correlation between knowledge and application (r=0.541, p=0.000). Conclusion: The study highlights a lack of knowledge and practices among healthcare professionals in operating rooms and intensive care units regarding forensic cases. It recommends providing detailed and regular training on forensic events and suggests further research with a larger sample size to address this issue comprehensively.

Perceptions of primary care services among Afro-Peruvians in Lima, Peru.

The Peruvian public healthcare system is characterized by various shortcomings that adversely affect healthcare quality as perceived by the general and minority populations, including the Afro-Peruvian community. This population has demonstrated reduced healthcare access due to discrimination and differential treatment, reflecting broader societal inequities. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of Afro-Peruvian individuals regarding the treatment they receive from public primary healthcare providers in metropolitan Lima. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with Afro-Peruvian individuals recruited from Lima. They were selected based on their responses to a survey conducted in a previous study, which indicated a high or low perception of intercultural adaptation in healthcare. The interviews explored their experiences with healthcare services and their perceptions about their interactions with health providers. The qualitative analysis involved topic coding to interpret the data. We interviewed 19 Afro-Peruvians, including 15 women and 4 men, ages 26 to 70. The findings reveal that Afro-Peruvians generally experience mistreatment in the healthcare system. In their opinion, this is associated with systemic issues such as poor infrastructure, low salaries, and insufficient time allocated for patient care. Furthermore, participants perceive receiving poor quality and inefficient service not only from providers but also from the system presents difficulties in other processes, such as getting the appointment. This study highlights significant areas for improvement in the public healthcare system, specifically enhancing the quality of patient care, improving communication, and upgrading healthcare infrastructure to serve the Afro-Peruvian community better. These insights could guide the development of targeted policy recommendations and practical interventions to address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality healthcare services for minority populations.

A study on Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme Services in Ahmedabad, India

Abstract Background: India accounts for the highest burden of tuberculosis cases in the world. Patient satisfaction is a key criterion for evaluating the quality of healthcare services as satisfaction has been found to be associated with superior compliance and better outcomes. Study was planned with the objectives to assess the patient’s satisfaction regarding treatment-related services under NTEP. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Area. A total of 200 participants were included in the study from various zones of AMC. Probability-proportional-to-size sampling was done and patients seeking care at public (126; 63%) and private (74; 37%) healthcare facilities were included. Questionnaire contained questions related to general sociodemographic profile of participants and satisfaction to NTEP service for which, PSQ-18 Questionnaire was utilized. Results: Overall satisfaction to NTEP services was found to be 86%. Amongst public healthcare facilities satisfaction was found to be 86.5% whereas in private healthcare facility it was 85.1%. Compliance to TB treatment was found in 91.5% of participants. Domains such as general satisfaction, communication, time spent with doctors, and accessibility and convenience were found to be statistically significant at private facility compared with public healthcare facility. Conclusion: Statistically significant difference was found between patient satisfaction at public and private health facilities in domains of general satisfaction, communication, time spent with doctor, and accessibility and convenience. The same domains at public and private type of healthcare facilities were found to have statistically significant role in treatment compliance by study participants.

Assessment of patient satisfaction in quality of healthcare services rendered in hemodialysis department unit in Manuel v. Santiago medical center hospital in Trece Martires Cavite

This research explores the satisfaction levels of patients receiving hemodialysis services at the Manuel V. Santiago Medical Center Hospital in Trece Martires, Cavite. As renal diseases become increasingly common, understanding patient experiences can help improve service delivery in healthcare settings. This is a cross-sectional study that employs a qualitative approach to gathering feedback from patients and healthcare professionals to delineate areas for improvement and highlight successful practices. The implications of these findings for policy and future healthcare reforms will be discussed and intends to contribute to enhancing the overall patient experience in the facility.

Effects of Nurse Emigration on the Quality of Health Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Ghana

Effects of Nurse Emigration on the Quality of Health Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Ghana

Enhancing healthcare utilization and reducing preventable hospitalizations: exploring the healthcare-seeking propensity of patients with non-communicable diseases in Rural China

ObjectiveUnderstanding healthcare-seeking propensity is crucial for optimizing healthcare utilization, especially for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, given their substantial burden on healthcare systems globally. This study aims to evaluate hypertensive or diabetic patients’ healthcare-seeking propensity based on the severity of symptoms, categorizing symptoms as either major or minor. It also explores factors influencing healthcare-seeking propensity and examines whether healthcare-seeking propensity affects healthcare utilization and preventable hospitalizations.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in rural areas of Dangyang city, Hubei province, and Xishui county, Guizhou province. A sample of 780 patients, including those with hypertension, diabetes, or both, was obtained using multistage stratified cluster sampling. Healthcare-seeking propensity was evaluated using a questionnaire with two subscales for major and minor symptoms, which were analyzed separately. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors influencing healthcare-seeking propensity, while logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between healthcare-seeking propensity and healthcare utilization, as well as preventable hospitalizations.ResultsRural Chinese patients had an average healthcare-seeking propensity score of 5.43 ± 1.99 for major symptoms and 8.04 ± 1.66 for minor symptoms. Factors such as age, education level, income, accessibility to healthcare, and enrollment in family doctor services influenced healthcare-seeking propensity for both types of symptoms. Patients’ self-rated health status and the type of disease affected their healthcare-seeking propensity for major symptoms, while primary healthcare service quality solely impacted the propensity for seeking care for minor symptoms. Logistic regression demonstrated that after accounting for confounding factors, a higher propensity for seeking care for minor symptoms was associated with increased healthcare service utilization (AOR = 1.402, 95% CI: 1.259–1.562), whereas a higher propensity for major symptoms remarkably reduced preventable hospitalizations (AOR = 0.501, 95% CI: 0.428–0.587).ConclusionsRural Chinese patients exhibited different healthcare-seeking propensity depending on the type of symptoms. The healthcare-seeking propensity in the western region was lower than that in the central region, highlighting regional disparities. Seeking care for minor symptoms results in more outpatient visits, whereas addressing major symptoms reduces preventable hospitalizations. Establishing a robust network of primary healthcare facilities and emphasizing the role of family doctors can boost patients’ propensity to seek healthcare.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Advances in management of healthcare service quality: a dual approach with model development and machine learning predictions

Advances in management of healthcare service quality: a dual approach with model development and machine learning predictions

Occupational injuries, mental workload and coping strategies among the nursing workforce in the Eastern Region of Ghana: a multi-centre study

BackgroundThe nursing profession plays a crucial role in the quality of healthcare services. While nurses face occupational injury challenges globally, mental workload, which is often overlooked, plays a significant role in these injuries. Understanding nurses’ coping strategies can help develop effective interventions. The study examined the influence of mental workload on occupational injuries and coping strategies among nurses.MethodsA multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Using a stratified sampling technique, 317 nursing staff from 6 hospitals participated in the study. A researcher-developed occupational injury questionnaire, NASA Task Load Index and Brief COPE scale were used to measure occupational injury, mental workload and coping strategies among nurses. Descriptive statistics, Pearson moment-product correlations, and regression analysis were used to analyse the data at a statistical significance of 0.05.ResultsNeedle pricks, injuries from sharps, exposure to blood and other body fluids, and back pain and injury from patient handling tasks were shared among participants in the past year. The study also revealed a high level of mental workload among participants. A significant correlation was observed between mental workload and various occupational injuries. The participants adopted different coping strategies in dealing with the mental workload, with active coping and instrumental support being the most used coping strategies.ConclusionThe findings underscore the importance of addressing mental workload in nursing to reduce occupational injuries. To achieve this, nurses must be provided with appropriate coping strategies and support to minimise mental stress.ImplicationProviding accessible and effective coping strategies tailored to nurses’ needs can significantly improve their well-being and job performance. Healthcare administrators and policymakers should consider these results when designing interventions to support the nursing workforce.

Human Resource Planning at Special Growth and Development Hospital: Realizing Optimal Service

Human Resource (HR) planning in healthcare service management at the Growth and Development Special Hospital in Region X focuses on workforce development to meet future service needs. This study analyzes the implementation of BPJS-based healthcare services for child growth and development, and evaluates its long-term sustainability. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach through literature studies, observations, interviews, surveys, and documentation. The analysis focuses on internal and external factors that influence the success of healthcare services. The Growth and Development Special Hospital implements a strategy based on the McKinsey 7S model to ensure alignment of values, organizational culture, and HR management practices with the hospital's vision and mission. The servant leadership approach is applied to create a positive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Through a transparent recruitment system, needs-based competency development, and ongoing training, this hospital seeks to improve the competitiveness and quality of healthcare services for pediatric patients with growth and development disorders, while supporting government programs in reducing stunting rates and realizing Indonesia's golden generation.

Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in China (2024 edition)

Sarcopenia, an aging-related geriatric syndrome, is characterized by decreased muscle mass, declined muscle strength, and/or physical dysfunction. It is associated with significantly increased risks of falls, frailty, disability, and even death, placing a heavy burden on individuals and society. Standardized diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia are of paramount importance for clinical practice and the development of healthy aging in China. However, to date, there is a lack of evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment therapy of sarcopenia in China. Therefore, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases (Xiangya Hospital) has initiated the development of this guideline for sarcopenia, with the approval of Geriatrics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Development of this guideline adhered to the Guiding principles for development/revision of clinical practice guidelines in China (2022 version) and the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the strength of evidence. The Delphi technique was used to determine the strength of recommendations. Finally, a total of 18 evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia were formulated in response to 12 most concerned important clinical questions about sarcopenia. This guideline aims to enhance the scientific approach to sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment in China, promote the in-depth development of sarcopenia research, and ultimately improve the quality of patient-centered healthcare services.

Physicians’ perception towards continuing professional development in government teaching hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-mixed method design

BackgroundContinuing professional development has been mandatory for healthcare professionals to renew their licenses. However, there is a shortage of information regarding physicians' perceptions of continuing professional development. Therefore, it is timely to assess the perception of physicians and barriers toward continuing professional development.MethodsAn institution-based quantitative design triangulated with a qualitative research design was conducted. A total of 367 and 6 study participants were included in the quantitative and qualitative study, respectively. Simple random and purposive sampling strategies were employed to select participants for the quantitative and qualitative parts. Quantitative Data was inserted in EPI-INFO version 7 and cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences,version 25 statistical program. Binary-dependent categorical variables were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Multiple logistic regression analysis was assessed to observe the association between perception and various explanatory variables. Thematic content analysis was conducted to develop items from transcribed qualitative information.ResultThis study involved 367 participants from three government teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Being younger (20–30) had significantly higher odds of positively perceiving continuing professional development. It also showed that the department of healthcare Professionals had a statistically significant association with the perception of continuing professional development. Those working in Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology departments and healthcare professionals had significantly higher odds of perceiving continuing professional development as good. The interviews revealed that the barriers to continuing professional development are divided into Individual and health system barriers. The Individual barriers include awareness gap, Motivation Issues and Family size, whereas the health system-related barriers include recognition, infrastructure, time, place, and accessibility.Conclusion and recommendationThe study identified the department of the healthcare professional as significantly associated with perception of continuing professional development. Improving patient care collaboration and career progression influenced physicians' perception of continuing professional development. The study findings suggest the need for effective strategies to enhance physicians’ engagement in continuing professional development and improve the quality of healthcare services in Ethiopia.

Viewpoints of nurse auditors regarding the profession: aqualitative study.

This study aims to understand the experiences of Brazilian nurse auditors in the practice of their profession, exploring the importance, challenges, rewards and strategies related to the occupation. This is a qualitative descriptive study conducted with 44 nurse auditors. An online, open-ended questionnaire was used. Thematic content analysis was performed. Five themes were identified: (1) functions of a nurse auditor; (2) skills required for a nurse auditor; (3) learning to be a nurse auditor; (4) advantages of being a nurse auditor and (5) challenges faced by a nurse auditor. Also, a total of 16 subthemes were presented. The study critically examined essential aspects of auditing through the lens of nurse auditors, addressing a relevant topic. However, limitations must be acknowledged, including the use of self-report questionnaires, regional representation disparities, the scarcity of international articles on the topic and potential researcher bias. The study underscores the importance of increasingly integrating nurse auditors into the workforce while emphasizing the need to enhance the capacitation of these professionals through theoretical and practical education. It highlights the significance of educating other multidisciplinary team members about the nurse auditor's crucial role in fostering teamwork and ensuring the quality of healthcare services. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study conducted with Brazilian nurse auditors, exploring crucial aspects of auditing from the perspective of these professionals. Understanding the critical role of nurse auditors in maintaining and improving healthcare quality can enhance public trust in healthcare systems.

Automated Medical Image Processing for Lung Pneumonia Diagnosis Based on LS-SVM

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that causes pain when breathing and limits oxygen intake. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Image processing, a branch of informatics or computer science, is a field highly related to the manipulation and analysis of digital images. This study aims to design a medical image processing system as an alternative to support the diagnosis of Pneumonia in the lungs using the LS-SVM method. LS-SVM (Least Square Support Vector Machine) is a simpler and modified model of the SVM method. HoG (Histogram of Gradient) is a commonly used feature extraction method in image processing and object detection. The objective of this study is to improve the quality of healthcare services and assist in faster and more accurate clinical decision-making. The results show that lung image analysis using the LS-SVM method has a good accuracy level in the image classification process, with 2000 training data inputs processed in the preprocessing stage, consisting of 1000 Pneumonia images and 1000 normal lung images, while the testing data used consisted of 500 images, with 250 Pneumonia images and 250 normal lung images. Based on the tested data, the system achieved an accuracy of 81% for 1300 tests, proving that the LS-SVM method is effective in image processing with satisfactory results.