Role Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Critical review of self-diagnosis of mental health conditions using artificial intelligence.

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised various aspects of our lives, including mental health nursing. AI-driven tools and applications have provided a convenient and accessible means for individuals to assess their mental well-being within the confines of their homes. Nonetheless, the widespread trend of self-diagnosing mental health conditions through AI poses considerable risks. This review article examines the perils associated with relying on AI for self-diagnosis in mental health, highlighting the constraints and possible adverse outcomes that can arise from such practices. It delves into the ethical, psychological, and social implications, underscoring the vital role of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and nursing specialists, in providing professional assistance and guidance. This article aims to highlight the importance of seeking professional assistance and guidance in addressing mental health concerns, especially in the era of AI-driven self-diagnosis.

Maternal educational practice and health education as a strategy to protect children: reflecting the culture of peace

Understand the influence of maternal educational practice in promoting a culture of peace and reflect on the role of health professionals as promoters of such a culture in child health care. Qualitative study, carried out with mothers of children aged zero to 12 incomplete years. The speeches were captured through a focus group held in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu. There are weaknesses related to the maternal educational process, which can be understood as violence against children. However, another finding showed that there is a desire on the part of mothers to discipline their children without repeating painful acts they have already experienced, which is an opportunity for health education to be developed with a view to deconstructing violent disciplinary forms and promoting a culture of peace. Health professionals should incorporate strategies to promote a culture of peace into their daily care practices, valuing good treatment for children and spaces for listening to mothers and caregivers, since the maternal discourse evidenced a desire to carry out the raising children

Connected health services: Health professionals' role as seen by parents of a child with inflammatory bowel disease.

Connected health services will change the scope of health professionals' roles. It is unclear how parents of a child with inflammatory bowel disease perceive the role of health professionals in relation to these services and what their experiences and needs are. The purpose of this study is to highlight parents' experiences with this role. Furthermore, it aims to outline the fundamental needs that parents have regarding this role, in order to promote audience-specific access to these services and derive overarching action measures. Fourteen parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease from seven different clinics in Switzerland were recruited. Between August 2022 and February 2023, these parents were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a structured qualitative content analysis. Five main categories were identified, with few parents having prior experience with the role of health professionals in this area. Parents saw health professionals in the role of gatekeepers, transferers of knowledge and in a supporting function for these services. From the parents' perspective, health professionals should recognize the limitations of these services and use them as a complement to standard treatment. The role of health professionals in relation to connected health services needs to be adapted from the parents' perspective. To meet the needs of parents, health professionals must have access to these services. In addition to health professionals' personal engagement with these services, institutional and policy changes, as well as research on role development from the perspective of other stakeholders are needed.

Words and numbers: a comparative study of medical and journalism students’ descriptors of risk, numeracy and preferences for health risk communication

BackgroundGiven the complementary roles of health professionals and journalists in communicating health risks to patients and the public, there have been calls for physicians to work with journalists to improve the quality of health information received by the public. Understanding the preferences of medical and journalism students for the way in which health risks are communicated and their understanding of words used to describe risk is an important first step to inform interdisciplinary learning.MethodsMedical and journalism students (n = 203) completed an online survey where they were given qualitative descriptors of risk such as ‘a chance’, ‘probably’ and ‘unlikely’, and asked to assign a number that represents what the word means to them. Different formats of communicating risk (percentages, natural frequency and visual aids) were provided and students were asked to select and explain their preference. A thematic analysis of reasons was conducted. Numeracy and perceived mathematics ability were measured.ResultsNumbers assigned to the descriptor ‘A chance’ had the highest variability for medical students. Numbers assigned to the descriptor ‘Probably’ had the highest variability for journalism students. Using visual aids was the most popular format for risk communication for both courses (56% of medical students and 40% of journalism students). Using percentages was twice as popular with journalism students compared to medical students (36% vs. 18%). Perceived mathematics ability was lower in students with a preference for natural frequencies and in journalism students, however performance on an objective numeracy scale was similar for all three formats (percentages, natural frequency and visual aids). Reasons for choosing a preferred format included good communication, eliciting a response, or learning style.ConclusionsEducation on health risk communication for medical and journalism students should emphasize the need for qualitative descriptors of risk to be combined with the best available number. Students are already considering their role as future communicators of health risks and open to tailoring the mode of presentation to their audience. Further research is required on the design and evaluation of interdisciplinary workshops in health risk communication for medical and journalism students to maximise the opportunities for future inter-professional working.

A systematic review of literature on homicide followed by suicide and mental state of perpetrators.

Homicide followed by suicide is rare, devastating and perpetrated worldwide. It is commonly assumed that the perpetrator had a mental disorder, raising concomitant questions about prevention. Though events have been reported, there has been no previous systematic review of the mental health of perpetrators. Our aims were twofold. First, to identify whether there are recognisable subgroups of homicide-suicides in published literature and, secondly, to investigate the relationship between perpetrator mental state and aspects of the incident. We conducted a systematic review of published literature on studies of homicide followed within 24h by suicide or serious suicide attempt that included measures of perpetrator mental state. Sixty studies were identified, most from North America or Europe. Methodologically, studies were too heterogeneous for meta-analysis. They fell into three main groups: family, mass shooter, and terrorist with an additional small mixed group. There was evidence of mental illness in a minority of perpetrators; its absence in the remainder was only partially evidenced. There was no clear association between any specific mental illness and homicide-suicide type, although depression was most cited. Social role disjunction, motive, substance misuse and relevant risk or threat behaviours were themes identified across all groups. Pre-established ideology was relevant in the mass shooter and terrorism groups. Prior trauma history was notable in the terrorist group. Research data were necessarily collected post-incident and in most cases without a standardised approach, so findings must be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, they suggest at least some preventive role for mental health professionals. Those presenting to services with depression, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties and actual, or perceived, changes in social position or role would merit detailed, supportive assessment over time.

Measuring performance in allied health professional role substitution models of care: a clinician survey.

Professional role substitution models of care have emerged as a key strategy to address increasing healthcare demand. Gaining insights from those actively engaged in the process of these models' implementation and evaluation is pivotal to ensuring sustainability and further successful implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe allied-health clinicians' perceptions, practice, and experiences of healthcare performance evaluation in professional role substitution models of care. Data were collected via an online platform between 22 June - 22 July 2022 using a combination of convenience and network-based sampling of allied-health clinicians involved or interested in the implementation and evaluation of professional role substitution models of care. Clinicians answered 25 questions which consisted of demographic and targeted questions regarding performance evaluation across six domains of healthcare quality (effectiveness, safety, appropriateness, access & equity, continuity of care, and cost, efficiency, productivity & sustainability). A total of 102 clinicians accessed the survey, with 72 providing complete survey data. Eleven allied-health professions were represented, working across twelve specialities in thirteen hospital and health services. Whilst most allied-health clinicians (93-100%) supported measuring performance in each of the six healthcare quality domains, only 26-58% were measuring these domains in practice. Allied-health leadership support (62.5%), clinician drive (62.5%), consumer engagement (50%) and medical support (46%) were enablers whilst a lack of resources (human, time, financial (47%)), healthcare performance frameworks and/or policies (40%) were identified as barriers. Given the opportunity, clinicians would invest the most financial resources in digital solutions as a core strategy to improve performance evaluation. Allied-health professionals expressed strong support for principles of performance evaluation, however in practice, performance evaluation is still in its infancy in professional role substitution models of care. Organisations can implement strategies that maximise the enablers whilst addressing barriers identified to improve performance evaluation in these models of care.

Following Physician's Advice in Late Life: The Roles of Health Beliefs and Health Status.

This study aims to explore the influence of health-related locus of control beliefs such as belief in the role of health professionals in influencing patient health, cognitive functioning, and multimorbidity on adherence to physician's recommendations among older adults. A cross-sectional study involving older adults (N=684, age range = 71-100 years) living in Clearwater, Florida, reported their adherence to physician's recommendations, cognitive functioning, physical health, and health-related locus of control beliefs. Ordered Logistic regression was used. Older adults who believed that health professionals influence health and a person is likely to recover from illness because other people take good care of him/her had higher adherence to physician's recommendations. Older adults who believed that their own action affects their health had lower odds of reporting adherence by 27%. Additionally, those with cognitive impairment had lower odds of reporting adherence by 38%. Functional limitations, multimorbidity, and self-image of health were not associated with adherence. This is one of the first studies to consider the influence of locus of control beliefs on adherence of physician's recommendations among community dwelling older adults. With the exception of one item "My good health is largely a matter of good fortune", generally individuals with external locus of control had higher adherence. Our findings also underscore the policy and clinical significance of different health-related beliefs held by older adults.

Childhood vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19: an analysis based on the perception of health professionals

This article presents the results of a study on health professionals' perceptions of childhood vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19. Based on the theoretical construct of vaccine hesitancy, a qualitative study was conducted with 86 primary health care (PHC) workers in four municipalities in four Brazilian states and in the Federal District. A thematic analysis was performed and three categories were obtained: fear, misinformation about vaccines, and the role of health professionals. Fear as a reason for vaccine hesitancy has led to reflections on the Brazilian Federal Government's management of the pandemic, especially regarding governability and the consequences of the use of digital platforms on the population. Fear was related to the vaccine still being perceived as experimental; to the adverse reactions it may cause; to the lack of long-term studies; to the false perception of reduced risk of COVID-19 in children; and to the Federal Government's behavior, which creates uncertainty about the effects of the vaccine. Vaccine misinformation was related to fake news about the vaccine and its reactions; the phenomenon of infodemic and misinformation; and the lack of guidance and knowledge about vaccines. Finally, the article discusses the fundamental role of PHC workers in increasing vaccination coverage due to the trust among the population and proximity to the territories, factors that enable the reversal of fear and misinformation about vaccines. Throughout the study, authors' sought to show the convergences between the content of the themes outlined and the determinants of vaccine hesitancy and to consider possibilities for rebuilding high adherence to childhood vaccines.

An Evaluation of Quality, Reliability, and Accuracy of Vocal Health Content on TikTok

Social media plays an ever-growing part in modern life and is a frequent source of health information for patients. Singers are particularly likely to receive health information solely from fellow musicians and may experience barriers to seeking vocal healthcare. However, there have been no studies to date evaluating vocal health information on social media. Our study aimed to assess the quality, reliability, and accuracy of vocal health content on TikTok. Cross-sectional analysis. Three searches were carried out on Tiktok, using the terms "vocal health," "vocal injury," and "voice tips." The top 50 videos in each category were cataloged for extraction of data and for analysis on three discrete scales. Two independent reviewers rated each video using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN scale, and Accuracy in Digital-health Instrument (ANDI). After the removal of duplicates and unavailable content, 146 videos were analyzed. The mean (range) length was 59.8seconds (5-239), and number of views per video was 886,265 (432-36,700,000). The vast majority of videos (94.5%) were created by non-clinicians; only two videos (1.37%) were posted by otolaryngologists. The mean (SD) GQS score was 2.34 (0.75) out of a maximum of five, the DISCERN score was 0.97 (0.56) out of five, and the ANDI score was 2.85 (0.87) out of four. Video length was positively correlated with GQS and DISCERN scores, but views, likes, and shares were either not associated or negatively associated with GQS, DISCERN, and ANDI. Most videos were of low quality and reliability and moderate accuracy. Measures of popularity were either uncorrelated or negatively correlated with quality, reliability, and accuracy, suggesting that TikTok users are more likely to engage with lower-quality content online. This implies a potential role for vocal health professionals to fill a crucial gap with reliable information on social media.

Role of public health professionals in the climate and ecological crisis: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe climate and ecological emergency is the single biggest health threat facing humanity, yet it is not clear to what extent the public health workforce have been involved in work...

Impact of Anthropometric Indices of Obesity on the Risk of Incident Hypertension in Adults with Prehypertension: A Secondary Analysis of a Cohort Study

This study aimed to investigate the impact of anthropometric indices of obesity (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, waist hip ratio, and body fat percentage) on the incidence of hypertension in adults with prehypertension. A longitudinal study design using secondary data form the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study was employed. The study included 1,838 adults with prehypertension tracked every two years from 2001 to 2018. Statistical analyses, including frequency assessments, number of cases per 1,000 person-years, log-rank tests, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox's proportional hazards regression, were conducted using SPSS version 25. Over the observation period (15,783.6 person-years), 1,136 individuals developed hypertension. The incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in the obesity groups defined by BMI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.33), waist circumference (HR = 1.34), waist hip ratio (HR = 1.29), and body fat percentage (HR = 1.31) compared to the non-obese group. These findings indicate an increased risk of hypertension associated with obesity as measured by these indices. The study underscores the importance of avoiding obesity to prevent hypertension in individuals with prehypertension. Specifically, BMI, waist circumference, waist hip circumference, and body fat percentage were identified as significant risk factors for hypertension. The results suggest the need for individualized weight control interventions, emphasizing the role of health professionals in addressing the heightened hypertension risk in this population.

Behind the hidden struggles linked to invisible disabilities. Understanding their impact to increase mental health awareness for enhanced professional care

Invisible disabilities, also known as Non-Visible Disabilities (NVD), affect approximately 10 million people in France, accounting for 80% of individuals with disabilities. Despite their prevalence, these conditions—ranging from mental health disorders and chronic illnesses to neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions—are often unrecognized, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, and exclusion. This lack of recognition can create barriers to accessing support, accommodations, and equal participation in social, educational, and professional settings. This article explores the impact of invisible disabilities, shares personal testimonies, and discusses the crucial role of health professionals in supporting those affected by these hidden challenges.

Faecal incontinence in the elderly: causes and management approach

Faecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly is a common but underdiagnosed condition. It leads to social stigma and impacts patients' quality of life. The aetiology of FI is multifactorial. Assessment, diagnosis and management involve a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment encompasses a multimodal approach, ranging from lifestyle modifications, the use of certain drugs, a physiotherapeutic approach to surgical interventions in selected cases. The important role of health professionals in education, support, and personalised interventions is emphasised.

COVID: the Ongoing Pandemic with the Neurological Long Manifestations

Background. The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus initiated one of humanity’s biggest pandemics, swiftly spreading worldwide and inducing significant health issues. This virus prompted widespread changes, with initial inadequate immune response and a lack of effective drug therapies. Consequently, every organ, particularly the respiratory and nervous systems, was susceptible to infection. The Covid-19 pandemic ended in 2023, but ongoing symptoms led to the term Long Covid and chronic manifestations. Objective: The aim of this article was to describe the important role of health professionals, especially family physicians and their teams when and how to identify common neurological symptoms and clinical conditions during pandemic and post-pandemic period. Methods. A systematic review gathered data on neurological symptoms and complications in Covid-19 patients, ranging from mild, like headache, to severe, such as encephalitis and stroke. Results and Discussion. Analysis revealed a significant proportion of Covid-19 patients experiencing neurological manifestations, with about one-third exhibiting symptoms. Epidemiological data showed ongoing Long Covid symptoms alongside acute manifestations. Many of cases with Long Covid related neurological complications were presented. Common neurological manifestations included chronic fatigue, changes in smell and taste, brain fog, headaches, fibromyalgia, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Severe Covid-19 cases were more likely to exhibit neurological complications, such as ischemic brain vasculitis and thromboembolic events, associated with higher mortality rates. Neurological complications of Covid-19 are frequent and diverse, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment, coordinated by primary care physicians. In practice, it is necessary to monitor the patient’s immune status over a longer period, and coagulation disorders (D-dimer) for adequate therapy and rehabilitation. Very important is to recognize the immune response after an acute infection. Due to the epidemic occurrence of Long Covid, it is necessary to introduce the above-mentioned procedures also in case of clinical signs of Long Covid. There are several hypotheses for the causes of Long COVID symptoms, including immune disorders, persistence of the virus in various organs, and microvascular coagulation changes. Within primary healthcare as the first line of defense it is necessary to address stress caused by COVID-19, try to recognize the affected other organ systems. Conclusion: The family doctor with his communication skills can make connection with the secondary and tertiary levels and the consulting services of immunologists, microbiologists, nutritionists, pharmacist, physiatrist and infectiologist. The family medicine team plays a key role in prevention, random detection and adequate medical procedures. The main interventions at the primary level should include education, emotional support, specific nutrition interventions and lifestyle modifications.

Reducing the risks of nuclear war; the role of health professionals

According to the United Nations, the risk of nuclear weapons use is higher than at any time since the Cold War: "The Russian Federation’s recent announcement of plans to station non-strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus represents the first 'nuclear sharing' agreement made since the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entered into force in 1970." At this moment of extreme danger, we are preparing to distribute an editorial on the role of health professionals in reducing nuclear danger. We hope to time the announcement of the release of this editorial to the August 6 anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima to underline the very real danger that nuclear weapons may be used again. The editorial was co-authored by the group of journal editors and other supporters of the Nobel-prizewinning International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War listed below. All of the authors’ journals will be publishing the editorial. Having so many respected journals around the world publishing the editorial should attract political and media attention. We hope that giving health professionals a more prominent voice in this debate will encourage profound changes in the system of nuclear arms control that has resulted in the current dangerous situation that threatens the health of people and the planet.

Hospital based one-stop crisis management centre at patan academy of health sciences: New avenues for the mental health professionals

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a public health concern with high rates of mental disorders. One Stop Crisis Management Centre (OCMC) was established in 2010 in different hospitals throughout the nation for the management of gender-based violence (GBV) against women by the Government of Nepal. With establishment of OCMC throughout the nation to tackle and manage these GBV, the role of mental health professionals has been highlighted in many ways. OCMC is full of opportunities and challenges to improve mental health issues of patients with GBV as well as define and recognize the roles and responsibilities of mental health experts.

Reducing the risks of nuclear war — the role of health professionals

Reducing the risks of nuclear war — the role of health professionals

Health Professionals and Pharmacists Awareness and Attitude Towards Counterfeit Medicine.

Counterfeit medicine is not only illegal, but it is also an insidious threat and poses serious public health and safety concern. Health professionals can play an important role in campaign against counterfeit drugs by staying vigilant, reporting suspicious products and preventing the distribution of counterfeit medicine. The present study aims to assess the awareness and attitude towards counterfeit medicine among health professionals and pharmacists in Nepal. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 264 health professionals and pharmacists of Saptari, Nepal. Samples were recruited by quota sampling technique and pretested, self-administered questionnaire were used for collecting data regarding socio-demographic, knowledge and attitude on counterfeit medicine. Descriptive & inferential statistics were used to analyze the data generated. This study found that mean knowledge score of respondent was 12.11±4.3 and only 31.7% (n=39) of the respondents had good knowledge on counterfeit medicine while 44.7% (n=55) showed moderate and 23.6% (n=29) had poor knowledge levels. Nurses, paramedics and pharmacists scored statistically lower than doctors, however there was no significant difference in knowledge between nurses and pharmacists (p< 0.001). Mean attitude score was 3.82 (±0.68) and majority of respondents (85.3%) showed favorable attitude towards counterfeit medicine. Respondents having poor knowledge level had statistically significant unfavorable attitude towards counterfeit medicine Conclusions: The study highlighted the need for counterfeit medicine awareness campaigns and training to enhance the role of health professionals and pharmacists to recognize and report suspicious medicine and prevent counterfeit medicines-associated harms.

Reducing the risks of nuclear war—the role of health professionals

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Maternal Fetal Attachment: An Overview of Factors and Role of Health Professionals

Maternal fetal attachment commences early in pregnancy, which is an emotional affectionate, warm between pregnant women and her fetus. Increasing maternal fetal attachment leads to healthy eating, healthy life style and positive attitude towards fetus. All these behaviour could lead to the acceptance of maternal role and promotion of maternal health and neonatal outcome. A diverse range of factors have positive and negative impact on maternal fetal attachment.