Organizational Staff Research Articles

Dual Advocates in Deceased Organ Donation: The Potential for Moral Distress in Organ Procurement Organization Staff.

AbstractOrgan procurement organization (OPO) staff play an essential role in the facilitation of organ donation as they guide family members and loved ones of dying patients through the donation process. Throughout the donation process, OPO staff must assume the role of a dual advocate, considering both the interests of the donor (which often include the wishes of the donor's family) and the interests of potential recipient(s). The benefits of this role are well established; however, minimal literature exists on the ways this role can cause moral distress in OPO staff, who frequently face scenarios in which adhering to the wishes of a donor family may compromise donation potential but failing to honor donor family requests may result in further emotional burden for the family. Given the frequency with which these ethically complex situations exist during donation, OPO staff are at heightened risk for experiencing moral distress and burnout, yet they are seldom acknowledged in the existing moral distress literature. As a result, it is unclear whether the current practices available to mitigate moral distress are beneficial for this population.

The role of effective inventory management practices on organizational performance: a case of Tarkwa municipal hospital, western region, Ghana

The study aimed at investigating the role of effective inventory management practices on organisational performance; a case study of Municipal Hospital Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the inventory management practices used by organisations, to find the effect of inventory management practices on organisational performance, and to determine the challenges of implementing inventory management practices in organizations. The study adopted descriptive and causal research designs and used questionnaires as the data collection instrument. Data were collected from 200 respondents and STATA 13 analytical tool was used to perform the analysis. The results were presented using frequency tables and descriptive statistics tables. The study also used Probit regression analysis to establish the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The findings show that the stakeholders of the hospital are generally happy with the service delivery of the hospital. Thus, the results show that the hospital adopts various inventory management practices including; activity-based costing, economic order quantity, material requirement planning, materials resource planning, enterprise resource planning, distribution requirement planning, and just in time. The study concludes that effective inventory management positively affects the performance of organizations, in this case, the quality of service delivery of organizations. The study recommends organizations successfully implement an effective inventory management system. This will help reduce the risks of shortages. In addition, the concept of inventory management could be simplified for organizations in Ghana. This can be done through education or training to all staff in organizations to enlighten them on the need for effective inventory management practices for their organization’s performance.

Coping Strategies and Burnout Among Medical and Social Workers Providing Services to People with Limited Mobility

INTRODUCTION. The centerpiece of the development of occupational burnout is the individual’s ability to cope with stressful situations.
 AIM. To determine ways to cope with stress among employees of healthcare organizations and social service institutions providing services to low-mobility population groups, as well as to assess the correlations between individual coping strategies and burnout symptoms.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 81 employees of healthcare organizations (group 1) and 88 employees of a social service institution (group 2).
 We used COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory) questionnaire adapted by T.O. Gordeeva et al. to determine ways of coping with stress; Maslach Burnout Questionnaire adapted by N.E. Vodopyanova to determine symptoms of occupational burnout.
 RESULTS. Employees of a social service institution more often than the staff of healthcare organizations had high levels of coping strategies: positive reformulation and personal growth (in 80.7 % and 60.5 % respectively, p = 0.002), active coping (in 76.1 % and 58 %, p = 0.012), planning (in 76.1 % and 53.1 %, p = 0.002). At the same time group 1 representatives 2.1 times more often than group 2 representatives had high values of the integral index of occupational burnout: 50.6 % against 23.9 % (χ2 = 12.997, p 0.001).
 DISCUSSION. Ineffective coping-strategies, correlating with the levels of occupational burnout symptoms, appeared to be concentration on emotions and their active expression, mental disengagement from the problem, behavioural disengagement from the problem, and denial. Among the effective ones are active coping, planning, positive reformulation and personal growth.
 CONCLUSION. Burnout symptoms were more frequent in the surveyed sample of the healthcare workers than in the workers of social service institutions and were associated with insufficiently active use of effective ways of coping with stress.

Community-Based Organizations Leading Research Efforts: Preliminary Findings from the Chicagoland CEAL Program's COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Intention Survey.

To foster community engaged research in the communities most impacted by COVID-19, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed 21 teams of Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities (CEAL). The national CEAL initiative developed a Common Survey to investigate attitudes and behaviors to the COVID-19 vaccine and clinical trials. This article describes survey implementation at the Chicagoland CEAL Program (CCP). This community-based participatory research project was the result of a strong collaboration between academic institutions, and a community-based non-profit health equity-focused partner organization. The survey implementation was developed and refined with strong input from CHWs, participants, and staff in the partner organizations and institutions. Survey data were collected with Qualtrics, a web-based survey tool. Survey implementation resulted in data collection for 852 participants during the period 12/18/2021-02/18/2023. Excluding participants on the basis of missing data resulted in a sample of 690, 601 of which (87.10%) indicated that they had received at least one dose or intended to get vaccinated. Overall, 54 (7.83%) respondents reported that they had not received the vaccine and were not planning to. Hard to reach populations present two unique challenges in emerging infectious disease events. Reaching populations vulnerable to poor outcomes with vaccines was essential to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, learning about barriers and hesitancy toward vaccine uptake is difficult in these communities. CCP's partnership of five academic institutions, a community research center, and a community-based non-profit health equity-focused organization shows what is possible when traditional models of research and inquiry are reconsidered for community-based participatory research. Results shown here are drawn from a collaboratively designed and implemented survey, collected in person, with over 90% completion.

IPV survivors’ and service providers’ perspectives on brain injury screening/evaluation process and impact

ABSTRACT This study explores the perspectives of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and staff of brain injury (BI) screening, and the neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) process. We gathered qualitative data from 17 participants – 10 IPV survivors, at risk for a BI, who had received BI screening and a NPE and a total of 7 staff in IPV-serving organizations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for key themes using thematic analysis. Survivors were over 18 years of age; the majority were between 19 and 45 years old, unemployed, unmarried, and had children. Survivors were angry, scared, and embarrassed to learn that they might have an IPV-related BI. They were thankful to have an explanation for some of their cognitive symptoms, which disrupted their daily activities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Staff were pleased to be able to provide valuable information to their clients that could have a positive impact on their wellbeing. Overall, screening for a BI and participation in the NPE were well tolerated by IPV survivors with a possible BI. Inclusion of the perspectives of IPV survivors and support staff is an essential first step to better understanding their needs so interventions can be developed to aid their recovery.

Risk Management in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Radiopharmaceutical Preparations

Risk assessment and management during the entire production process of a radiopharmaceutical are pivotal factors in ensuring drug safety and quality. A methodology of quality risk assessment has been performed by integrating the advice reported in Eudralex, ICHQ, and ISO 9001, and its validity has been evaluated by applying it to real data collected in 21 months of activities of 18F-FDG production at Officina Farmaceutica, CNR-Pisa (Italy) to confirm whether the critical aspects that previously have been identified in the quality risk assessment were effective. The analysis of the results of the real data matched the hypotheses obtained from the model, and in particular, the most critical aspects were those related to human resources and staff organization with regard to management risk. Regarding the production process, the model of operational risk had predicted, as later confirmed by real data, that the most critical phase could be the synthesis and dispensing of the radiopharmaceuticals. So, the proposed method could be used by other similar radiopharmaceutical production sites to identify the critical phases of the production process and to act to improve performance and prevent failure in the entire cycle of radiopharmaceutical products.

Rights and responsibilities: Women leadership for health in Kyrgyzstan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to empowering countries by implementing a gender, equity, and human rights approach in the health sector. The objective of this gender and inclusion analysis is to assess potential gender disparities of health sector management in the Kyrgyz Republic. The employed mixed-method approach takes advantage of data triangulation. Besides information from the literature and policy documents available at the international and national levels, the analysis includes interviews and data from the self-assessment of health services managers in the Kyrgyz Republic. A convenience sample of 75 health managers was taken and after up to three reminders a commendable response rate of 80% was achieved which resulted the final sample size of N = 60. A factor analysis using quartimax orthogonal rotation was applied to investigate the correlation between Teaching Qualification, Digitalization, Training Usefulness, Computer Workplace, and Gender Equality. In 2021, the Kyrgyz Republic adopted a new Constitution, which provides a sound legal framework to support gender equality and promote women's empowerment. However, according to a survey, only 42.9% of the respondents felt that equal rights and opportunities were integrated into their job descriptions. Similarly, only 40.7% believed that their institutions' written documents reflected a commitment to equal rights and opportunities for both genders. Two factors were identified as influencing gender equality: (1) personal and (2) technical aspects. Regarding personal aspects, gender equality, teaching qualification, and training usefulness were found to be significant. Regarding technical aspects, the computer workplace was related. In recent years, the Kyrgyz Republic has been developing a culture of gender equality. Political will is essential to promote and make organizational change possible. It is important to create a written mid-term policy that affirms a commitment to gender equality in organizational behavior, structures, staff, and management board compositions. Healthcare institutions need to prepare strategic and operational plans that incorporate gender equality principles.

Trouble in paradise? or Ethical Dilemmas in the Accounting Management of A Religious Organization, A Case Study

This case study explores the ethical dilemmas faced by the accounting staff of a religious organization. The object of study is an important religious organization in Peru with national scope and affiliation abroad. The method is qualitative, and the ethical pattern is analyzed through the Nagel-Baud model to identify the reason or motivation of the decisions. Twelve ethical dilemmas faced by the accounting personnel in the organization are obtained. Likewise, it is established that the values of the religious organization are prioritized over the accounting ethics contained in the Peruvian Code of Ethics. Justification is obtained from the point of view of dogma and religious practice by the accounting staff. The research concludes that professional accounting ethics should be emphasized in the conduct of the professional before religious values and recommends that the accounting personnel should be external as well as the obligatory nature of the internal control area.

FORGIVENESS AND SELF-CONTROL AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL SATISFACTION IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN ANAMBRA STATE

This study examined forgiveness and self-control as predictors of marital satisfaction in colleges of Education in Anambra State. Specifically, the study determined if forgiveness and self-control can predict marital satisfaction among married academic staff of Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze. Two research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research. The population of the study comprised of nine hundred married academic staff of the college. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample three hundred (300) respondents. The questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection and it was validated by three experts in Home Economics and measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Crombach Alpha which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.87. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviations. The results of the study revealed that that self-control predicted marital satisfaction among academic staff in Federal College Education (Technical), Umunze Orumba South L.G.A. Anambra State. It is however recommended that all helping professionals such as guidance and counseling unit of the College, staff, clinical psychologists, religious bodies, government and non-governmental organizations, social personnel should use appropriate instruments to identify factors that predict marital satisfaction among couples and also endeavor to counsel couples adequately.

Harm reduction workforce, behavioral health, and service delivery in the USA: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite recent financial and policy support for harm reduction in the USA, information on the types of workers within organizations who design, implement, and actualize harm reduction services remains nascent. Little is known about how variability in the harm reduction workforce impacts referrals and linkages to other community supports. This exploratory mixed-methods study asked: (1) Who constitutes the harm reduction workforce? (2) Who provides behavioral health services within harm reduction organizations? (3) Are referral services offered and by whom? (4) Do referrals differ by type of harm reduction worker?MethodsPurposive sampling techniques were used to distribute an electronic survey to U.S.-based harm reduction organizations. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Multivariate binary logistic regression models examined the associations (a) between the odds of the referral processes at harm reduction organizations and (b) between the provision of behavioral health services and distinct types of organizational staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using a hybrid approach of inductive and thematic analysis.ResultsData from 41 states and Washington, D.C. were collected (N = 168; 48% response rate). Four primary types of workers were identified: community health/peer specialists (87%); medical/nursing staff (55%); behavioral health (49%); and others (34%). About 43% of organizations had a formal referral process; among these, only 32% had follow-up protocols. Qualitative findings highlighted the broad spectrum of behavioral health services offered and a broad behavioral health workforce heavily reliant on peers. Unadjusted results from multivariate models found that harm reduction organizations were more than 5 times more likely (95% CI [1.91, 13.38]) to have a formal referral process and 6 times more likely (95% CI [1.74, 21.52]) to have follow-up processes when behavioral health services were offered. Organizations were more than two times more likely (95% CI [1.09, 4.46]) to have a formal referral process and 2.36 (95% CI [1.11, 5.0]) times more likely to have follow-up processes for referrals when behavioral health providers were included.ConclusionsThe composition of the harm reduction workforce is occupationally diverse. Understanding the types of services offered, as well as the workforce who provides those services, offers valuable insights into staffing and service delivery needs of frontline organizations working to reduce morbidity and mortality among those who use substances. Workforce considerations within U.S.-based harm reduction organizations are increasingly important as harm reduction services continue to expand.

“What We Say Is What You See”: Portrayal by Christian Faith-Based Organizations of Female Survivors of Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Cambodia

ABSTRACT The representation of trafficking survivors in marketing, research, and other materials can have a significant impact on the stigma placed on survivors and the services they receive. This study explores the representation of trafficking for sexual exploitation by several Christian Faith-based Organizations (CFBOs) in Cambodia. Major sources of information included interviews with Christian Faith-based Organization (CFBO) leaders and staff, and a review of publicly available secondary resources (aid agency websites, reports, advertisements, and other documents). This research examines how these organizations define their beneficiaries and communicate to their supporters using concepts, words, and images rooted in the agency’s particular perspective on Christianity. The paper explores CFBO discourse in that it includes the influence of CFBO metaphors and rhetoric on their framing of trafficking and exploitation issues and responses to it, and the impact of those portrayals on how their beneficiaries are viewed by their local communities both within the wider Cambodian context as well as internationally. Results revealed a sharp contrast between how trafficking survivors define themselves (i.e., how they make sense of their own lives in relation to trafficking and sexual exploitation) and how they are defined by society, their families, and CFBOs in relation to being trafficked and in the context of receiving CFBO assistance.

Coproduction with peer support groups: A new approach to culturally responsive social services.

The disparity of access to suitable social services for people from culturally diverse backgrounds is receiving increased attention. Coproduction between service users and providers has the potential as an approach to improve the cultural responsiveness of social services. What remains unknown is how social service organizations can facilitate and support coproduction with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. This article examines how three disability support organizations in Australia worked with peer support groups run by people with disability and their families from Chinese background to improve the organizations'service provision. We collected qualitative data through observations of activities in the groups and semistructured interviews with group members and organization staff. We found that organizing peer support groups facilitated knowledge exchange between people from culturally diverse backgrounds and organizations to inform practice development. Five contributors to the knowledge exchange were as follows: (1)assigning staff responsibility for exchange and trust with the group; (2)encouraging the group to challenge practice and cultural norms; (3)identifying and supporting the capacity of peer facilitators; (4)fostering trust within the group; and (5)collaborating with other organizations. Cultural responsiveness means incorporating people's cultural preferences in support provision and addressing the negative influences of cultural norms on people.

Implementation of a Secured Scalable File Server System

This research paper proposed and developed a blueprint for a secured scalable file server system for organisations that can handle large volumes of data, accommodate numerous users with varying levels of access and permissions and adhere to all security and compliance standards of organisations. With the implementation of this secured and scalable file server system, users of all levels will be able to access, manipulate, transfer files easily devoid of any data lost, file corruption or fear of getting infested with virus when sharing using flash drives. System administrators will be able to backup files easily to forestall any unforeseen circumstances and finally the organisation’s Management will be able to have full control of all data that is used in the organisation. The proposed system is a scalable file server designed for digital file management. This secured and scalable file server system provided a secure and user-friendly interface allowing organisation's staff to efficiently store, retrieve, and share files. The proposed system at its heart, provide strong data storage capabilities that will easily meet data growing needs.

Investigating healthcare workforce recruitment and retention: a mixed-methods study protocol

IntroductionAlthough the sustainability of the health workforce has been identified as essential to achieving health and wider development objectives, challenges with securing and retaining the healthcare workforce persist. In the...

Perceptions of nursing staff and students regarding attrition: a qualitative study.

This research aims to explore the perceptions of nursing students and directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses regarding reasons for attrition amongst nursing students. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using inductive thematic analysis. The study included a purposeful sample of 12 students and 4 directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses. As reasons for attrition, the directors highlighted a lack of preparation for nursing studies and students' limited awareness of possibilities for support and learning. The students emphasized insufficient support from academic staff and poor course organization. Economic and family issues and a misunderstanding of the professional role of a nurse were cited as reasons by both directors and students. The findings provide important insight into attrition in the nursing programme. Further research is warranted, particularly in other contexts. Addressing student attrition requires a comprehensive approach that includes the provision of adequate support systems, mentorship, and resources for students.

Integrating Social Needs Screening and Resource Referral Into Standard Ambulatory Oncology Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

We previously implemented paper-based screening for health-related social resource needs (HRSN) in our gynecologic oncology clinic and found that 36% of patients who completed the screening reported HRSN. We identified two primary deficiencies with our process. First, only 52% of patients completed the screening. Second, 37% of patients with needs failed to indicate if they desired resource referral or not. Therefore, we conducted a quality improvement project to integrate screening and referral processes into the electronic medical record (EMR) and routine clinic workflow to achieve at least 90% screening compliance and 90% elicited referral preference. A multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, a health outcomes researcher, a computer programmer, project assistants, and the staff of a partner community organization designed and implemented an intervention that screened for HRSN online via the EMR patient platform or in person during visits. The primary outcome was the percentage of eligible patients who completed the HRSN screening (ie, reach). Outcomes were reviewed weekly, and feedback was provided to stakeholders monthly. Iterative changes were incorporated into five successive Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles completed from January 2021 to March 2023. Screening compliance increased from the baseline of 52% (paper-based) to 97% in PDSA 4. Completion via the online patient portal increased from 17% in prelaunch to 49% in PDSA 4. Of patients who reported needs, 100% had a documented referral preference. Compared with paper-based screening, an EMR-integrated HRSN screening and referral system significantly improved reach to patients at a gynecologic oncology clinic. Implementation efforts to expand to other ambulatory clinic settings are in process.

Resiliencia organizacional y la motivación del personal de la unidad administrativa en Sunarp, 2023

This article demonstrates the existing relationship between organizational resilience and the motivation of the staff of the administrative unit in Sunarp, 2023. The method used was hypothetical-deductive, sample 200 employees of the UAS, non-experimental design, descriptive correlational type, applying two questionnaires and using SPSS 27 for database. The results obtained show that organizational resilience is related to the motivation of the UAS staff, 2023, therefore, the result obtained tells us that there is certainty of a significance level of 0.05 since the significant correlation is demonstrated between organizational resilience and staff motivation. It was concluded that it is evident that some collaborators perform their work according to the motivation of the staff, how they feel, when they have a problem or difficulty they show it in their work performance within the UAS, 2023, some of them do not know how to deal with it, therefore, their work performance is not optimal, therefore, the result obtained indicates that there is certainty that allows us to assert a significance level of 0.05.

Sexual Behavior and Sexual Decision-Making Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations from a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment in Marion County, Indiana, October-November 2021.

From 2020 to 2021, Marion County, Indiana, USA, saw an increase in early syphilis diagnoses, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This rapid ethnographic assessment combines survey data from GBMSM with data from key informant interviews with multiple groups of stakeholders, including GBMSM, to describe how COVID-19 impacted sexual behaviors, sexual decision-making, and access to sexually transmitted disease (STD) services among GBMSM in Marion County, Indiana. A total of 62 virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 72 key respondents including health department staff, medical providers, community-based organization staff, and GBMSM were conducted from October 14 to November 22, 2021. Modifications to partner-seeking and sexual behaviors attributable to the pandemic were associated with the way in which individuals reacted to the pandemic in general. Some GBMSM adopted mitigation strategies to avoid COVID-19 when meeting sex partners, such as creating a "sex pod." Effects on mental health included increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness regarding the perceived inevitability of acquiring COVID-19. For some, the latter prompted decreased engagement in preventive measures when engaging in sexual activity. The pandemic decreased access to STD services and significantly curtailed public health outreach efforts, which may have limited access to needed STD treatment and care. Efforts focusing on ongoing public health concerns during extreme health events like COVID-19 may want to consider the many ways these events affect ancillary behaviors, such sexual decision-making and sexual behaviors. The role of mental health is key; messaging and guidance may benefit from a trauma-informed approach.

Understanding the perceived conservation benefits of shark-marine tourism in the Global South

Shark and ray populations are declining due to the expansion of both target and non-target fisheries. Shark-marine tourism (SMT) has been advocated as a conservation approach to reduce pressure on shark populations by increasing their non-consumptive value and providing a potential livelihood option. However, diversification via tourism can create complex issues relating to the environment, policy, and local well-being. Additionally, little is known about the ecological or socio-economic effectiveness of shark-based marine tourism operations. This study explores how SMT programs may contribute to shark conservation by exploring practitioner perceptions of SMT and (a) its desired outcomes, success, and factors facilitating success; (b) how those outcomes were measured; (c) its effectiveness as a conservation tool; and (d) how alternative livelihoods or social engagement programs supported positive conservation gains. Semi-structured interviews (n = 15) were conducted with tourism operators and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff. NGOs measured success through population/impact studies or economic valuations of tourism, while operators cited conservation gains or skills training as success indicators. Project effectiveness was either unmeasured or inactively pursued due to insufficient capacity or resources. Tourism effectiveness is perceived to be highly dependent upon the local contexts and increases with active stakeholder engagement. Social and human capital enhancement was viewed as an important mechanism to increase tourism’s benefits beyond species protection. This study demonstrates that conservation requires a shift from a species-focus to one that engages effectively with those reliant on elasmobranch resources. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of SMT to generate innovative opportunities for improving elasmobranch conservation.

United States Federal Employee Development in Turbulent Times: Using Job Demands-Resources Theory to Explain Changes in Perceived Performance and Turnover Intention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Under conditions of organizational turbulence, it is crucial to staff organizations with public servants who feel committed and capable of creating public value. However, managers may neglect training and development during turbulent times while they attempt to protect the technical core of the agency. This study draws on job demands-resources theory (JD-R) to understand the role of job-related training and resources on perceived work unit performance and turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), I find that workers who reported needing, but not receiving, training or resources to cope with new work roles were more likely to report a deterioration in their work unit’s performance and to report new intentions to leave their job. These effects were stronger when an employee’s demands increased over the pandemic. The findings emphasize the importance of balancing demands and resources as organizational leaders react to turbulent conditions.