Skills Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Charting a course: Use of Electronic Health Records in skills‐based pharmacy education

AbstractIntroductionCompetent navigation of an electronic health record (EHR) has become a critical skill for health professionals, and pharmacists need to be adept in EHR utilization given the extent of EHR involvement in routine medication management. Limited data exists related to current approaches to teaching EHR skills in pre‐Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (pre‐APPE) pharmacy curricula.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe activities, utilization, and barriers to implementation of teaching EHRs (tEHRs) into pharmacy curricula in skills‐based courses.MethodsFaculty members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Skills‐Based Education and Assessment Collaborative (BTAA‐SBEAC) were surveyed. The questionnaire included open‐ended questions related to tEHR type, curriculum placement, and current use of tEHRs, as well as barriers to incorporation of tEHRs in the curriculum. Inductive content analysis was used to evaluate qualitative responses.ResultsA representative from all 10 colleges within the BTAA responded. Most programs focused on EHR teaching in the second and third years of the curriculum. All respondents reported having access to a tEHR for internal case building. The tEHR was used by all institutions to allow students to practice in gathering patient information as the first step in the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process. Other activities commonly performed using the tEHR included patient care documentation, medication order verification, prescription processing, and medication reconciliation. Faculty time and cost were barriers identified for successful tEHR implementation.ConclusionMultiple skills are taught through the utilization of a tEHR among the colleges within the BTAA. These activities vary between institutions, and barriers exist that limit expansion and consistent integration across a skills‐based curriculum. Recognition of EHR utilization as an essential pharmacy skill can allow for development of formalized learning outcomes, leading to better support and integration throughout skills‐based courses.

Impact of teaching modality on soft skill development: Oral health literacy awareness skills assessed using standardized patient experiences.

Health literacy awareness is a crucial skill for health professionals, yet training may be lacking. Didactic lectures may improve health literacy awareness in future health professionals, however, compressed curricula may lead educators to consider the incorporation of eLearning into the delivery of health literacy education. E-modules have been shown to engage learners, yet little is known about their effectiveness in instilling behavioral change in learners' clinical communication skills. This study aimed to shed light on the impact of learning modality on dental students' ability to learn and translate soft skills into clinical settings. An e-module on health literacy awareness was created by the researchers with an equivalent lecture developed. Fifty-six dental students were randomly assigned to a control or intervention cohort (lecture or e-module) and all cohorts participated in standardized patient experiences to be assessed in a simulated but authentic patient care scenario. Pre- and post-intervention scores, simulation scores, and learner reflections were compared. Fifty-six students participated in the study. Post-intervention health literacy awareness knowledge increased for both intervention cohorts. In clinical simulation, intervention cohorts scored significantly higher on nearly all variables, with the lecture cohort scoring consistently better than e-learners. Both lecture and e-learning are effective learning modalities for promoting health literacy awareness, but dental students learning the subject via lecture may translate certain newly acquired soft skills more effectively in clinical scenarios.

Uses of simulation during COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Abstract Background: Some experts have made suggestions on how to use simulation during the pandemic, and simulation activities were carried out observing COVID-19 restrictions to improve technical and non-technical skills in health professionals. A number of papers have been published detailing the use of simulation during this period, but it is not clear for this reason, through a retrospective literature review, we analyzed studies published during the pandemic period to assess how simulation was used during this historical period. Methods: Retrospective literature review. Results: The search generated 11,375 records. After removing duplicates, 5431 studies were screened. Of the 643 eligible full-texts, 221 were excluded. A total of 422 articles met the inclusion criteria. Half of the 422 included studies were carried out specifically for COVID-19 (211), while 152 (36%) were performed during the pandemic but for other reasons. Analysis showed that simulation was used during the pandemic, with clear educational and research objectives. Most of the included studies dealt with COVID-19, focusing on high-acuity and critical scenarios but also including technical and non-technical skills. Conclusion: The experience gained with both “COVID-related” and “During COVID” studies could be applied to other settings in case of urgent training needed in case of disasters and to tailor simulation courses to retain technical skills.

Macrodominios de competencias en telesalud de los profesionales del área de la salud

In response to the increasing worldwide implementation of telehealth with the intent of closing the gaps in access to health, the World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the importance of defining competencies for health professionals in this field. This article presents the results of a literature review that identifies telehealth competency domains that strengthen the skills of health professionals. The results were analysed by categorizing the competency domains systematically into macrodomains that encompasskeyaspectsoftelehealthpractice; suchas applicability, remote clinical care, communication, networking, management, professionalism, information technologies, and ethical and legal aspects. These findings, supported by WHO recommendations, provide a solid basis for designing telehealth training programs and can be adapted to local contexts, facilitating the development of policies and strategies to improve the quality and accessibility of health care in remote or underserved settings.

“It's a big conversation”: Views of service personnel on systemic barriers to preventing smoking relapse among pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – A qualitative study

BackgroundProviding smoking cessation care has not successfully prevented women who quit smoking during pregnancy from relapsing due to multi-level barriers. AimThis paper explores systemic barriers to providing smoking cessation care, focusing on relapse prevention among pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (hereafter Aboriginal). MethodsTwenty-six interviews were conducted between October 2020 and July 2021 with health professionals, health promotion workers and managers working in Aboriginal smoking cessation across six Australian states and territories. Data were thematically analysed. FindingsThemes emerging from the data included: (a) limited time, competing priorities and shortage of health professionals; (b) a need for more knowledge and skills for health professionals; (c) influences of funding allocations and models of smoking cessation care; (d) lack of relevance of anti-tobacco messages to pregnancy and postpartum relapse; and (e) ways forward. Several barriers emerged from policies influencing access to resources and approaches to smoking cessation care for Aboriginal women. Individual-level maternal smoking cessation care provision was often under-resourced and time-constrained to adequately meet Aboriginal women's needs. Identified needs for health professionals included more time, knowledge and skills, better cultural awareness for non-Indigenous health professionals, and salient anti-tobacco messages for pregnant women related to long-term cessation. ConclusionTo drive smoking cessation in pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal women, we recommend adequately reimbursing midwives and Aboriginal Health Workers/Professionals to allow them to provide intensive support, build confidence in Quitline, continue health professionals’ capacity-building and allocate consistent funding to initiatives that have been efficacious with Aboriginal women.

Implementation of the use of active methodologies used by preceptors of the pain outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora: Experience report

Introduction: The Multiprofessional Pain Outpatient Clinic (AMD) was created at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (HU-UFJF) to offer an integrated and interprofessional approach to the treatment of chronic pain, in line with the Multiprofessional Residency in Adult Health. To face the complex demands of AMD and promote more engaged and meaningful learning, the need arose to use Active Methodologies (AM) in the teaching-learning process of residents. Objective: To report the creation of a preceptorship plan for the implementation of active methodologies in the teaching-learning process of AMD, with the objective of developing critical, communication and teamwork skills in health professionals and promoting more effective and integrated care for patients with chronic pain. Experience Report: The study adopted the format of an experience report and took place at AMD, involving an interprofessional team composed of residents and preceptors. Several active methodologies were used, such as case studies, problem-based learning, interprofessional teaching, experiential learning, among others. The implementation of active methodologies in AMD demonstrated significant potentialities, including improvements in resident performance, development of communication and teamwork skills, favoring interdisciplinary practices, and academia-service integration. A more active and engaged participation of students in the discussions of clinical cases was observed, resulting in a deeper understanding of the clinical concepts presented. Conclusion: Active methodologies represent an effective strategy to promote learning and professional development in AMD, contributing to a more integrated and efficient care for patients with chronic pain. The study highlights the importance of continuous training of health professionals and the search for innovative practices in the context of chronic pain.

Translation and Validation of Digital Competence Indicators in Greek for Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

it is widely accepted that living in the digital transformation era, the need to develop and update new professional skills and tools in health sectors is crucially important. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the reliability and validity of the Digital Competence Indicators tool in assessing the digital skills of Greek health professionals. in this cross-sectional study, 494 health professionals, including doctors (175) and registered nurses (319) working in four Greek hospitals were recruited and willingly participated using a convenience-sampling method. The original framework of Digital Competence Indicators was translated from English to Greek based on guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires. The validity of the tool was explored using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the fit of the model using inductive techniques. The instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's Omega coefficients. the reliability was estimated at 0.826 (Cronbach's-α) and 0.850 (McDonald's Omega-ω). The indicators of CFA were all calculated within an ideal range of acceptance. Specifically, the CFA comparative fit index produced the following adjustment indices: x2/df = 1.152 (p = 0.037), CFI = 0.997, Lewis index (TLI) = 0.966, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.018. The present study demonstrated that the Digital Competence Indicator instrument has high reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity and, therefore, it is suitable for measuring digital skills of health professionals.

Does an allied health transdisciplinary stroke assessment save time, improve quality of care, and save costs? Results of a pre-/post- clinical study

Purpose: Demand for stroke services is increasing. To save time and costs, stroke care could be reorganised using a transdisciplinary assessment model embracing overlapping allied health professional skills. The study compares transdisciplinary assessment to discipline-specific allied health assessment on an acute stroke unit, by evaluating assessment time, quality of care, and cost implications. Method: The pre-/post- clinical study used non-randomised groups and 3-month follow-up after hospital admission. Patients with confirmed/suspected stroke received usual discipline-specific allied health assessment (pre-implementation phase) or the novel transdisciplinary assessment (post-implementation phase). Staff/student assessment times (primary outcome) and medical record data (secondary outcomes) were collected. Time differences were estimated using multivariable linear regression controlling for confounding factors. Cost minimisation and sensitivity analyses estimated change in hospital resource use. Findings: When the transdisciplinary assessment was used ( N = 116), compared to usual assessment ( N = 63), the average time saving was 37.6 min (95% CI −47.5, −27.7; p < 0.001) for staff and 62.2 min (95% CI −74.1, −50.3; p < 0.001) for students. The median number of allied health occasions of service reduced from 8 (interquartile range 4–23) to 5 (interquartile range 3–10; p = 0.011). There were no statistically significant or clinically important changes in patient safety, outcomes or stroke guideline adherence. Improved efficiency was associated with an estimated cost saving of $379.45 per patient (probabilistic 95% CI −487.15, −271.48). Discussion and conclusion: Transdisciplinary stroke assessment has potential for reorganising allied health services to save assessment time and reduce healthcare costs. The transdisciplinary stroke assessment could be considered for implementation in other stroke services.

The Role And Importance Of The Use Of Sımulatıon In Mıdwıfery Educatıon

HHaving an important place in medical education in today's technology age, the practice of simulation has become an indispensable element of midwifery education. Simulation education today is widely applied in many cases such as in obstetrics as evaluation of cervical dilatation, amniocentesis, delivery, breech delivery and management of shoulder dystocia, umbilical cord prolapse, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, first care of the newborn, and maternal cardiac arrest. The simulation application has become an important educational strategy which aims to reveal the health skills with a multidisciplinary approach by creating the real conditions of a situation without taking the possible risks to be encountered, and by providing the person with the experience of that situation in the virtual or artificial environment. The simulation application helps to increase the knowledge and skills of health professionals in the field of obstetrics in order to improve maternal and newborn health and reduce morbidity and mortality rates. The simulation application enables midwifery education to become more comprehensive, resulting in improved patient care and increased patient safety and supports the development of midwifery skills by facilitating students' learning abilities in the intersection of theory and practice. Contrary to traditional methods in education, the application of simulation enables midwifery students to graduate as individuals who act with the approach of a multidisciplinary team, and who are equipped, competent in their field have high self-confidence. The aim of this review is to examine the relevant literature and to reveal the role and importance of the use of simulation in midwifery education.

Health literacy competency requirements for health professionals: a Delphi consensus study in Taiwan

BackgroundCumulative evidence supports the importance of health literacy in determining the quality of healthcare delivery and outcomes. To enhance health literacy competencies among professionals and alleviate healthcare barriers owing to patients’ inadequate health literacy, evidence-based health literacy competency guidelines are needed for the development of health professionals’ training curricula. The aim of this study was to validate and refine a set of health literacy competencies, including knowledge, attitude, and skills of health professionals, and to prioritize the importance of health literacy practices among healthcare professionals.MethodsWe employed a consensus-building approach that utilized a modified three-round Delphi process conducted in 2017. An online Delphi panel was assembled, comprising 20 Taiwanese health literacy experts from diverse fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, language, and communication. A set of health literacy competencies previously identified and validated by an international panel of health literacy experts was cross-culturally translated.ResultsAfter three rounds of ratings and modifications, a consensus agreement was reached on 42 of 62 health literacy competencies, including 12 of 24 knowledge items, 9 of 11 attitude items, and 21 of 27 skill items. Of the 32 health literacy practices, “avoidance using medical jargon,” “speaking slowly and clearly with patients,” and “using analogies and examples” were deemed most important by the panelists.ConclusionsThe Delphi panel’s consensus helped to identify a set of core health literacy competencies that could serve as measurable learning objectives to guide the development of a health literacy curriculum for health professionals. The prioritized health literacy practices can be employed as indicators of health literacy competencies that health professionals should learn and routinely use in clinical settings.

Perceptions and experiences of health professionals when supporting adults with stroke to engage in physical activity

Background Understanding health professional perceptions and experiences when supporting post-stroke physical activity may assist with development of strategies targeting low physical activity observed in this group. The aims of this study were to explore health professionals’ perceptions and experiences of post-stroke physical activity, the barriers they experience and potential facilitators when supporting people with stroke to be active. Methods Ten focus groups were conducted with 57 health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, exercise physiologists, psychologists and sports scientists) and allied health students. Data were analysed via inductive thematic analysis. Results Health professionals were reluctant to recommend moderate intensity physical activity. Barriers included: (1) post-stroke barriers being varied and individual; (2) resources being under pressure and (3) physical activity goals falling through the cracks. Suggested facilitators included: (1) clearly defined roles, processes and environments which encourage activity; (2) funding for more staff; (3) improving health professional skills and confidence and (4) using internal motivation and social supports after stroke. Conclusions Post-stroke physical activity is a complex goal. Varied and individual barriers require tailored solutions. Health professionals report insufficient time, resources and skills to address these individual barriers as well as limited pathways to access physical activity support. Resource-efficient interventions and care models that allow routine strategies targeting post-stroke physical activity are required.

“Nurses and health professionals facing female genital mutilation: a qualitative study “

BackgroundTransnational migratory movements make Spain a country with a very diverse population, including women and girls from countries where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced. Given this reality, we set out to carry out a qualitative study to identify the knowledge, attitudes and skills of health professionals regarding FGM.MethodQualitative study with a content analysis approach. Forty-seven health professionals with the profiles of Nursing, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Midwifery and Gynecology and Obstetrics were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. The qualitative content analysis approach was used for data analysis. The study was conducted in the years 2019 and 2022.ResultsAlthough most professionals are aware of the current legislation on FGM in Spain, only a few of them are aware of the existence of the FGM prevention protocol in Castilla-La Mancha. This lack of knowledge together with the perception that FGM belongs to the private sphere of women, contributes to the loss of opportunities to identify and prevent FGM.ConclusionHealth professionals’ training, especially midwives and pediatricians, is essential to the identification and action against Female Genital Mutilation.

Characteristics and communication skills of health professionals in implementing provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) for Indonesian pregnant women

Background: HIV testing for pregnant women is an important test during pregnancy. HIV testing for pregnant women is a way to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the characteristics and communication skills of health professionals while conducting provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) for pregnant women. Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted at 23 public health centres with 80 health professionals who conduct PITC. The data was analysed using the Chi-Square test. Results: There was a correlation between the characteristics and communication skills of respondents. Relationships were observed between respondents trained on PITC and communication with patients during PITC sessions (p=0.002); work experience and non-verbal communication skills (p=0.047), and type of profession of respondents and non-verbal communication skills (p=0.029). Conclusions: Communication skills had a relationship with experienced training on PITC, work experience, and type of profession. Increasing the communication skill of health professionals through work experience and training or education to improve the ability of health professionals in PITC services.

The communication satisfaction of patients by health care professionals and its implications

Introduction: The effectiveness of an organization depends on the communication relationships that develop in its environment. The structure of the organization or its design influences the behavior and the performance of the people who work in it. The purpose of this project is to highlight in a clear and comprehensive way the importance of effective communication which is essential to the quality, productivity and competitiveness of a modern organization. Methodology: “Qualitative research” by statistical analysis was considered appropriate, as through qualitative research dimensions of human behavior, such as perceptions, values, attitudes, beliefs and experiences of respondents, are investigated and interpreted. The population group from which information about the research project was derived consists of hospitalized patients or hospital health care applicants, with a sample of 140 Likert-scale questionnaires. The SPSS IBM Statistics 24 program was used as a research tool for the statistical analysis of the data. Conclusions: The communication satisfaction was investigated based on the fact that health is a social good and this, in itself, increases the demands and expectations of the user-recipient of the services provided by the health care system. The quality in hospitals is not just a matter of a specific process or of a part of the hospital, nor is it connected only to a person’s duties. It is obvious that there are serious communication problems in clinical practice, while the interpersonal skills of health professionals determine the patients’ satisfaction in a large scale.

Identifying and prioritising future interventions with stakeholders to improve paediatric urgent care pathways in Scotland, UK: a mixed-methods study

ObjectivesTo identify and prioritise interventions, from the perspectives of parents and health professionals, which may be alternatives to current unscheduled paediatric urgent care pathways.DesignFLAMINGO (FLow of AdMissions in chIldren and...

Qualitative evaluation of the life experiences of spouses of prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

This study was conducted to qualitatively evaluate the life experiences of women whose spouses had been receiving androgen deprivation therapy. The purposive sample of the research, in which a descriptive phenomenological design was used, consisted of 15 women. The data were evaluated according to Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis steps. The views of the participants were classified into 7 themes: loss and grief, physical difficulties, socioeconomic difficulties, psychological difficulties, relational changes, strengths, and benefits. It was determined that women whose husbands had been receiving ADT experienced grief responses and physical, socioeconomic, and psychological difficulties. Psychological difficulties were found to include care burden, hospital stress, sexuality, and burnout. It was observed that the patients and their spouses experienced some positive and negative relational changes. Satisfaction with health services and resilience were facilitating factors for female spouses to adapt to the treatment process. It was determined that during the adaptation to the disease and treatment process, the participants had some needs such as family support, economic support, reduction of negative representations in the media, and enhancement of communication skills of health professionals. Moreover, they were found to have some benefits related to post-traumatic growth. Uro-oncology nurses can develop services intended to improve the well-being of the wives of men receiving ADT and use the knowledge and experience of uro-oncology nursing for the benefit of both patients and caregivers.

Emotional Intelligence for Health Professionals

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for health professionals because it determines how they interact with their patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Health professionals with high levels of emotional intelligence are better able to communicate effectively, build rapport with their patients and colleagues, manage stress more efficiently, and adapt to changing situations with greater ease. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, emotional intelligence will become an increasingly important skill for health professionals to master.

Mentoring in research: development of competencies for health professionals

BackgroundMentoring programmes in health research are beneficial for both mentors and mentees and are essential for the development of the next generation of research leaders. This study describes the self-assessment of research skills in health professionals participating in a research mentoring programme and determines the correlation between the participants’ self-assessment of research skills and professional characteristics. MethodThis was a quasi-experimental, time-series study conducted in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Thirty-five health professionals holding a master’s or PhD degree were included. The participants answered a survey in which they self-assessed their research skills distributed into eight domains, with one group responding before training and another group responding after training. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05).ResultsThose who received training scored better in research skills related to two domains: critical analysis of the literature and identification of appropriate research methods (p = 0.0245).ConclusionTrained professionals performed better in the domains of critical thinking and knowledge and management of steps in the research process.

Continuing education with a holistic approach to the Brazilian LGBT+ population through use of the m-health App

AimThis article aims to discuss the development of a continuing education course for health care professionals to provide competent healthcare assistance to the Brazilian LGBT+ population and the implementation of this course using a m-Health solution. BackgroundThere is a scarcity of continuing education courses in the Brazilian context that update provides evidenced-informed education to ensure health care professional competence in the delivery of health care to LGBT+ individuals. MethodsBased on Bloom's taxonomy, with a main focus on the cognitive domain, the course "Ally: A Holistic Approach to the LGBT+ Individual'' was developed in five months. This was based on the Nurse's Health Education for LGBT Seniors (HEALE), the Curriculum Implementation and Institutional Climate manual, Changes to Improve Healthcare for LGBT People, Gender Nonconforming or Born with DSD" and the National Comprehensive Health Policy for LGBT+ People, among others. ResultsComprising six modules: i) human sexuality; ii) equitable care and appropriate terminology; iii) public health policy for the LGBT+ population; iv) cultural skills for health professionals; v) aging and health care for the LGBT+ population; and vi) mental health of LGBT+ people. Content validity indexing was established using an expert panel and was Ally was supported by a m-Health Solution called “Over the Rainbow'' and totals of 60 h of education. ConclusionsThis m-Health solution and continuing education course for health professionals can be an opportunity to change health professionals’ practice to offer more equitable health care for the LGBT+ population.

Leaving a Legacy: Allied Health Professionals' Perceptions of Fertility Preservation and Posthumous Reproduction for Adolescent and Young Adults with a Poor Cancer Prognosis.

Purpose: To explore Allied Health Professionals' (AHPs) experiences with and perceptions of posthumous assisted reproduction (PAR) among adolescent and young adults (AYA, ages 15-39) with a poor cancer prognosis. Methods: We conducted a qualitative analysis of video-based 90-minute focus groups (FGs) of AHPs who participated in the Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility (ECHO) training program from May to August 2021. Moderator-facilitated discussions were guided by topics related to experiences around discussions and utilization of PAR among AYA with a poor cancer prognosis. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparison method. Results: Forty-three AHPs participated in one of seven FGs. Three themes emerged: (1) PAR as palliative care: preserving patient's legacy for their partner, siblings, and parents; (2) ethical and legal considerations for balancing patient's time-sensitive needs; and (3) barriers AHPs encounter navigating complex dynamics of care in this population. Subthemes included an emphasis on patient autonomy, a multidisciplinary approach to counseling, early initiation of fertility discussions continuing over time, documenting reproductive desires, and concerns for family and offspring after patient death. Conclusions: AHPs desired timely conversations on reproductive legacy and family planning. In the absence of institutional policies, training, and resources, AHPs emphasized feeling ill-equipped to navigate the complex dynamics between patients, families, and colleagues. The development of transparent institutional policies, implementation of multidisciplinary care teams, and oversight with ethics committees may improve the provision of reproductive health care and/or end-of-life care for AYA with a poor cancer prognosis and their families.