Safety Program Research Articles

The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Paediatric Fontan Circulation Patients: A Prospective Intervention Study.

Background and Objectives: The Fontan procedure, a palliative surgery for univentricular heart physiology, often reduces exercise capacity and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on improving outcomes in Fontan patients to inform evidence-based care. Materials and Methods: Fontan patients aged 8-30 participated in a structured CR program for at least three months. The program included weekly aerobic and resistance training sessions with educational and nutritional guidance. Baseline and post-CR assessments included cardiac function, fitness, daily activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results: The cohort included ten Fontan patients, of whom six had a right systemic ventricle. CR significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness, as seen in VO2 max (from 27.92 ± 5.15 to 34.69 ± 1.14 mL/kg/min, p = 0.0089) and percent predicted VO2 (from 0.67 ± 0.18 to 0.90 ± 0.02, p = 0.005). VCO2 increased by +8.68 ± 8.59 mL/kg/min but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.05). Most haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters showed no significant improvement. All the SF-36 questionnaire domains showed significant HRQOL gains (p < 0.001). High adherence (85-93%), no adverse events, and reduced NT-proBNP levels supported the program's safety. Conclusions: This study's findings have important implications for the care of Fontan patients. CR significantly improved exercise capacity and HRQOL in Fontan patients across various anatomies, particularly in the right systemic ventricle. Integrating physical conditioning into standard care could reduce long-term morbidity and mortality; however, further research is needed to refine the protocols and confirm sustained benefits.

The Influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behavior is Mediated by Safety Motivation in Sugar Factory Employees

The sugar industry has complex production processes and involves various risks, including the high potential for employee accidents. To reduce this risk, the implementation of an effective work safety programme is required. This reserach aims to analyse the effect of safety leadership and safety climate on safety behaviour mediated by safety motivation in sugar factory employees. The method used is quantitative with data collection through questionnaires. The population of this study were all sugar factory employees in Indonesia, with a sample of 100 respondents selected using random sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using Path Analysis in the SEM-PLS programme. The results showed that Safety Leadership and Safety Climate positively influence the Safety Behaviour of sugar factory employees. In addition, Safety Motivation mediates the influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behaviour, which indicates that Safety Motivation can strengthen the influence of these two factors on the safety behaviour of sugar factory employees. This reserach provides important implications for sugar factory management to pay more attention to aspects of motivation and safety climate to improve safety behaviour in the workplace.

The Influence of Safety Compliance on Safety Climate with Safety Culture as a Mediator among Grab Drivers in South Jakarta

This study aims to analyze the influence of safety compliance, safety culture and safety climate among Grab drivers in South Jakarta. By gaining an in-depth understanding of these factors, it is expected that more effective safety strategies and programs can be developed to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, as well as to enhance security in future online transportation operations. The research employs a quantitative methodology with descriptive and inferential approaches. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires distributed to 98 Grab drivers in the South Jakarta area. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 3.0 software with the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results of the study indicate a significant influence of safety compliance on safety culture, as well as on safety climate. These findings confirm that good safety compliance contributes to the formation of a strong safety culture and overall enhancement of the safety climate. Additionally, it was found that safety culture has a strong positive impact on safety climate.

Implementing falls prevention patient education in hospitals - older people’s views on barriers and enablers

BackgroundWorld falls guidelines recommend that hospitalised older patients receive individualised falls prevention education, yet no studies have sought older people’s feedback on how best to deliver falls prevention education in hospitals. The objective of the study was to explore the perspectives of older people and their caregivers about barriers and enablers to implementation of a tailored hospital falls education program.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was used. Three focus groups and 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted. A purposive sample of older people who had previous hospital admissions and caregivers of older people were selected to review a co-designed patient falls education program (the revised Safe Recovery program). They provided feedback on how to implement the program in hospital settings. Data were thematically analysed taking an deductive-inductive approach.ResultsParticipants were 37 older people [female n = 24 (64.9%), age range 64 to 89 years] and nine caregivers (female n = 8). The first theme was that the Safe Recovery Program resources were of high quality, enabling strong patient engagement and increased knowledge and awareness about falls prevention in hospitals. The second theme identified practical strategies to enable program delivery in hospital wards. The key enablers identified were: timing of delivery around wellness and the patient’s mobility; tailoring messages for each older patient; key staff members being assigned to lead program delivery. Participants recommended that staff assist older patients to set appropriate behavioural goals in relation to preventing falls in hospitals. They also recommended that staff raise older patients’ confidence and motivation to take action to reduce the risk of falls. Providing resources in other languages and alternative shorter versions was recommended to enable broad dissemination.ConclusionsOlder people and their caregivers advised that implementing falls education in hospitals can be enabled by using high quality resources, delivering falls education in a timely manner and personalising the education and support to individual needs.

Perspectives on improving wound care for Aboriginal health workers in rural and remote communities in Queensland, Australia

BackgroundThe care of wounds is an ongoing issue for Indigenous people worldwide, yet culturally safe Indigenous wound care training programs for rural and remote Australian Aboriginal Health Workers are largely unavailable. The higher prevalence of chronic disease, lower socioeconomic status and poorer access to services experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared to non-Indigenous people, leads to a greater incidence of chronic wounds in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Identifying the barriers and enablers for delivering wound care will establish areas of need for facilitating the development of a specific wound care program for Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners. This paper reports the first phase of a larger project directly aligned to the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program’s objective of supporting the delivery and access to high quality, culturally appropriate health care and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This study aimed to examine experiences of Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and nurses for managing chronic wounds within rural and remote Aboriginal Medical Services in Queensland, Australia.MethodsYarning facilitated by two Aboriginal researchers among Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and nurses currently employed within four Aboriginal Medical Services located in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia.ResultsTwo themes were developed through rigorous data analysis of yarning information and responses: participants’ experiences of managing wounds and barriers and enablers to effective wound care.ConclusionsThis study contributes an insight into the experiences of Aboriginal Health Workers on the current barriers and enablers to timely treatment of chronic wounds. Results from this study indicate a significant barrier to obtaining timely and effective wound care in regional and remote settings is access to an appropriately skilled, culturally competent, and resourced health work force. A lack of education and professional development for Aboriginal Health Workers can compromise their ability to maximise patient outcomes and delay wound healing. Findings have informed the development of an evidence based, culturally competent open access chronic wound care education program for Aboriginal Health Workers.

Implementing OKR Framework in Solving Safety Culture and Safety Program Issues to Elevate Safety Performance of PT. X-Y Whilst Preserve The ESG Rating of PT.X

Implementing OKR Framework in Solving Safety Culture and Safety Program Issues to Elevate Safety Performance of PT. X-Y Whilst Preserve The ESG Rating of PT.X

Community partnership approaches to safe sleep (CPASS) program evaluation

BackgroundSudden unexpected infant death (SUID) continues to be a leading cause of death in infants in the United States (US), with significant disparities by race and socio-economic status. Infant safe sleep behaviors are associated with decreasing SUID risk, but challenges remain for families to practice these routinely. The objective of this program was to implement and evaluate a novel approach for an infant safe sleep pilot program built upon partnerships between hospitals and community-based organizations (CBOs) serving pregnant and parenting families in at-risk communities.MethodsCommunity Partnership Approaches to Safe Sleep (CPASS) was a prospectively implemented infant safe sleep program. CPASS included children’s hospitals partnered with CBOs across five US cities: Portland, OR, Little Rock AR, Chicago, IL, Birmingham, AL, and Rochester, NY. The program consisted of (1) monthly learning community calls; (2) distribution of Safe Sleep Survival Kits; and (3) surveys of sites and families regarding program outcomes. Survey measures included (1) site participation in CPASS activities; (2) recipients’ use of Safe Sleep Kits; and (3) recipients’ safe sleep knowledge and behaviors.ResultsCPASS learning community activities were consistently attended by at least two representatives (1 hospital-based, 1 CBO-based) from each site. Across the five sites, 1002 safe kits were distributed over 9 months, the majority (> 85%) to families with infants ≤ 1 month old. Among participating families, 45% reported no safe sleep location before receipt of the kit. Family adherence to nighttime safe sleep recommendations included: (1) no bedsharing (M 6.0, SD 1.8, range 0–7); (2) sleep on back (M 6.3, SD 1.7, range 0–7); and (3) sleep in a crib with no blankets/toys (M 6.0, SD 2.0, range 0–7). Site interviews described how participation in CPASS influenced safe sleep conversations and incorporated local data into counseling. Hospital-CBO relationships were strengthened with program participation.ConclusionsThe CPASS pilot program provides a new, innovative model built on hospital-community partnerships for infant safe sleep promotion in SUID-impacted communities. CPASS reached families before their infant’s peak age risk for SUID and empowered families with knowledge and resources to practice infant safe sleep. Important lessons learned included improved ways to center and communicate with families.

Quality of Care and Quality of Life: Balancing Patient Safety and Physician Burnout.

Since the publication of the Institute of Medicine's landmark report on medical errors in 2000, a large number of safety programs have been implemented in American hospitals. Concurrently, there has been a dramatic increase in the rate of burnout among physicians. Although there are many unrelated causes of burnout (eg, loss of autonomy), and multiple safety programs that are applauded by physicians (eg, The Safe Motherhood Initiative), other programs created in the name of safety improvements may be contributing to physician distress. In this piece, we review several of those programs, describe their limitations and costs to physician well-being, and discuss the manner in which they might be modified to retain their benefits while mitigating the burdens they place on physicians.

The Positive School Safety Program (PSSP) for School Officers: Implementation Processes and Outcomes.

Approximately 50% of U.S. students attend a school with a school officer. The Positive School Safety Program (PSSP) is a 16-session, manualized peer-to-peer coaching program that teaches school officers positive approaches to behavioral management (e.g., trauma-informed reinforcement strategies) to enhance interactions with students, improve school climate, and reduce school-based arrests. A convergent, mixed methods longitudinal design was used to investigate the implementation process and outcomes of the PSSP among school safety officer coaches in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) who were trained in the 2020-2021 school year. Via surveys, officer coaches (n = 25) provided quantitative data at three time points regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in utilizing positive approaches to behavioral management and trauma-informed skills, as well as their mindset toward coaching. These data were analyzed using mixed effects modeling. Perceptions of program acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were assessed post-training and analyzed descriptively. Qualitative interviews, informed by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, were conducted with coaches and untrained school officers and were analyzed via thematic analysis. Significant changes over the course of training were detected in coaches' knowledge, confidence, and their willingness to use the skills, which aligned with coaches' qualitative self-reports. Coaches agreed that the PSSP was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. School districts interested in improving school climate and reducing school-based arrests by using the PSSP, or similar peer-to-peer coaching programs, should consider how they will target identified determinants to support successful implementation in their unique contexts.

Very High Energy Solar Energetic Particle Events and Ground Level Enhancement Events: Forecasting and Alerts

AbstractA Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) event can be observed as an increase in the background of ground‐based neutron monitor observations and is often associated with an increase of &gt;500 MeV space‐based proton flux measurements. GLE events begin as very high‐energy SEP events associated with GeV protons. For such events to be detected at sea level, proton energies must exceed about 433 MeV. Since the increased flux of such particles can be a major problem to technology in space and on Earth and pose a threat for human health, developing real time warning systems is of great importance. GLE Alert++ is a product, built by the Athens Cosmic Ray Group of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, that issues alerts when a GLE event starts to register and is based on ground‐based neutron monitor observations. From the space‐based approach, the HESPERIA UMASEP‐500 product, jointly developed within the framework of the EU HORIZON2020 HESPERIA project by the Universidad de Malaga, Spain and National Observatory of Athens, Greece, provides forecasts of GLE events and &gt;500 MeV protons relying on GOES satellite Soft X‐Ray and high energy proton observations. These two products are fully integrated as federated products on the ESA SWE Portal and are provided as part of the ESA Space Safety Program Space Weather Service Network. In this paper we present how the products were built, provide examples of their outputs as seen on the ESA SWE Portal, and show how the products complement each other and how using them together can in some instances provide more information for users of these services.

Effect of Occupational Health Safety Program on Perception and Practices of Nurses Exposed to Chemotherapy Hazards

Effect of Occupational Health Safety Program on Perception and Practices of Nurses Exposed to Chemotherapy Hazards

Cost-effectiveness of the ‘Stay One Step Ahead’ Home Safety programme for the prevention of injuries among children under 5 years

BackgroundUnintentional injuries are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the under-5s, but undertaking home safety practices can reduce injury risk. Stay One Step Ahead (SOSA) is an evidence-based...

Assessment of Fire Safety Measures in On-Campus Housing Facilities

Universities, including Caleb University, offer various on-campus housing options, such as hostels and private residences. Ensuring fire safety in these facilities is paramount for the protection of students, staff, and property. This study investigates the fire safety measures in place at Caleb University's male hostel, examining both the physical infrastructure and the awareness and training of residents and staff. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a physical inspection of fire safety equipment and infrastructure with semi-structured interviews to assess the comprehensiveness of fire safety protocols and awareness programs. The findings reveal significant gaps in both the awareness and implementation of fire safety measures. Only 33% of the staff and 69% of students are aware of any fire safety programs, and 86% of the staff and 65% of the students lack knowledge of evacuation protocols. These deficiencies highlight the need for structured and mandatory fire safety training, regular drills, and clear communication of evacuation procedures. Recommendations include the development of comprehensive fire safety programs, integration of fire safety education into the curriculum, regular maintenance of fire safety equipment, and partnerships with local fire safety authorities. Implementing these measures can improve the safety and preparedness of Caleb University’s residential facilities, providing a safer living environment for all residents.

A Conceptual Framework for Analyzing Occupational Safety and Health Program Investment: Hierarchy of Controls-Based Approach

Introduction: The Frequency Rate (FR) of workplace accidents in 2019 was recorded at 3.4, meaning that for every million work hours, there were 3.4 cases of workplace accidents. In 2020, the FR increased to 3.6, and in 2021, it further rose to 3.8. Therefore, companies need to make improvements to reduce the number of work accidents by investing some resources in the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) investment program. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for analyzing the OSH investment program by considering its benefits and costs. Methods: Hierarchy of controls was used in this study to classify and identify OSH programs, OSH investment items, and OSH implementation options. The in-depth interview was also conducted by involving several experts to formulate and justify the items in the conceptual framework. Result: This study resulted in 2 main aspects, namely carefully chosen OSH experts to ensure reliable and relevant information collected and involving a detailed analysis of different data levels (3, 2, and 1) along with a breakdown of costs for each level 1 data. Conclusion: The finding of this study is a conceptual framework to help and direct companies in order to analyze the selection of OSH programs, OSH investment items, and OSH implementation options by prioritizing the hierarchy of controls.

Development of a Systems Safety Program for a Large Healthcare System

Development of a Systems Safety Program for a Large Healthcare System

Improving blacksmith safety through protective equipment education and occupational health and safety program support

Pande Besi or blacksmith craftsmen, is one of the small industries that has developed in Tabanan Regency, Bali Province. Blacksmith craftsmen are exposed to a hot, dusty, and smoky environment, posing potential hazards to occupational health and safety. They typically work on the floor with makeshift seats, adopting non-ergonomic postures that can lead to musculoskeletal complaints such as pain in the back, waist, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. The purpose of this service activity is to educate blacksmith craftsmen on the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintaining proper working postures to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. This activity involves training and mentoring, targeting 30 individuals, focusing on the use of PPE, and improving work attitudes to reduce musculoskeletal complaints and occupational diseases. Results from 30 respondents showed that before counseling and assistance, the majority of the blacksmith craftsmen's knowledge was in the sufficient category (46.67 percent). After counseling, 90 percent of the respondents' knowledge was in the good category. Regarding work attitudes, before mentoring, the highest value was less than 70 percent, while after mentoring, 93.33 percent were categorized as having a good work attitude. The impact of this activity is an increase in knowledge and improvement in the work attitudes of blacksmith craftsmen in Tabanan Regency.

Health promotion for dementia risk reduction in Indigenous populations of Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, United States of America, and Australia: Scoping review protocol.

Health promotion programs and strategies have the potential to support people to live healthier lives. Dementia, a collective name for brain disorders that impact thinking and memory, affects over 55 million people worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, so prevention is critical. Health promotion has the potential to reduce dementia by targeting the twelve potentially modifiable risk factors. A project currently being undertaken by the research team aims to strengthen the quality of clinical care and health services that specifically address dementia risk for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One of the intended strategies supporting the project's aim is the need for appropriate and safe health promotion programs and resources that support dementia risk reduction. Consequently, the aim of this scoping review is to identify and determine the quality and appropriateness of existing health promotion programs and resources aimed at dementia risk reduction developed or modified for Indigenous populations of Canada, the USA, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia that could be incorporated into the broader project. The Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews will be used to identify programs and resources focussed on dementia risk reduction for Indigenous peoples. Searches will be limited to the English language and literature published since January 2010. Databases to be searched include: CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus and Google. Data that answers the research questions will be extracted from the literature and recorded on a data charting form. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to analyse the findings of the scoping review. Dissemination of the findings through continuing community engagement, conference presentations and publications will be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the research team.

Analysis of Fill Dam Using Finite Element Method and Comparison with Monitoring Results

Nowadays, a detailed safety policy is applied for dams. These policies cover structural safety, monitoring, inspection, safe operation, and emergency plans. For high-risk dams, all these policy elements need to be included in dam safety programs. Deficiencies in embankment dams, which suffer the most damage, can be detected by visual inspection and programmed monitoring of dams. In dams, horizontal and vertical deformation, leakage, pressure, stress, loads acting on structural elements, and environmental factors are generally measured. These behaviors can be numerically modeled to determine the dam behavior. Numerical analysis methods are important for monitoring the safety of the dam. Models created with software such as Plaxis provide information about dam behavior. Although numerical analysis is very important for dams, obtaining the material parameters used in the construction of the dam needed for modeling, recording the construction stages of the dam, not taking the water level change in the dam reservoir instantaneously, and not taking the measurement records of the dam measurement instruments correctly for different reasons constitute problems and difficulties for the analyses. Within the scope of this study, İkizdere Dam in Turkey was modeled with the Plaxis finite element program; the survey and piezometer measurement data taken from the dam were evaluated by comparing with the analysis results; the difficulties and problems encountered in the modeling and analysis phase were stated, and recommendations were made on dam safety and numerical analysis. Thus, in addition to other studies, it was emphasized that it is important for dam engineers to monitor the use of numerical analysis models throughout the entire process, not only in the planning phase but also from the planning phase to the life of the dam, and to keep records of all recording intervals that will be needed in digital analysis models.

Assessment of comprehensive school safety in Vietnam: From policy to practice

Since the first School Safety Program launched by the Ministry of Education and Training in 2007, Vietnam has promoted various multi-sectoral activities to advance school safety nationwide. This study aims to identify the opportunities to advance school disaster safety by assessing policies and practices in Vietnam. A framework adapted from the ASEAN Comprehensive School Safety Framework and School Disaster Resilience Assessment is utilized to evaluate policy coverage and implementation level of school safety in Vietnam. The study systematically reviewed legal documents at national level, followed by questionnaire surveys conducted for primary schools in Da Nang City, which was selected as a pilot evaluation site owing to its vulnerability to natural disasters and extensive records of school safety practices. Results show that the most critical elements of school safety have been reflected in existing policy documents and regulations. However, the gap between policies and implementation remains due to the inadequacy of school safety viewpoint, designated roles and responsibilities, resources, and guidelines for supporting the school safety practices at the local level. The findings emphasize the importance of a national school safety framework that enables institutional and resource arrangements for better practices at the local level.

“It changed me for the better”: Feasibility, acceptability, and safety of an online program for sexual and gender minority youth to prevent alcohol use and teen dating violence

ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to describe and present implementation outcome data from an open pilot trial of the Promoting Resilient Youth with Strong Hearts and Mind (PRYSHM) Program, an online, live-facilitated, nine-session group program for dating sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) ages 15 to 18. The program, co-facilitated by two LGBTQIA2S+ adults, focuses on reducing proximal forms of minority stress and building LGBTQIA2S+ community in addition to providing evidence-based teen dating violence (TDV) and alcohol use (AU) prevention components. MethodParticipants (recruited via social media) included 18 SGMY (ages 15 to 17) from across the U.S. who completed a baseline survey and immediate post-test, as well as post-session surveys following each of the nine sessions. Sessions were recorded to monitor fidelity and facilitation skills. ResultsThe intervention was highly acceptable, and the program was perceived to be relevant and impactful, as evidenced by SGMY agreeing or strongly agreeing to items assessing these domains. Further, fidelity was 82.4% (average) across sessions, and the average attendance was 6.50 out of 9 sessions. SGMY also provided open-ended feedback used to revise the PRYSHM program for future implementation and evaluation research. ConclusionThese data provide preliminary support for PRYSHM as a feasible, acceptable, and safe prevention program and suggest that further evaluation of the program using larger samples and rigorous outcome evaluation methods is warranted.